The Complete Tractor Maintenance Guide
From compact utility tractors to sub-compact garden tractors, regular maintenance keeps your tractor ready for every season. This guide covers popular models from John Deere, Kubota, Massey Ferguson, New Holland, Mahindra, and Kioti. We include engine oil and filter changes, diesel fuel filter and water separator service, hydraulic fluid and filter changes, PTO maintenance, three-point hitch inspection, front axle and steering, tire pressure and ballast, air filter service, coolant system care, and seasonal storage prep. Select your usage intensity below: daily farm use requires shorter intervals than occasional property maintenance.
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Intervals Based on Manufacturer Recommendations
These intervals are compiled from John Deere, Kubota, and other tractor manufacturer service manuals. Heavy use and dusty conditions require shorter intervals. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual for model-specific requirements. For personalized reminders, download LookOver free on iOS and Android.
| Service Task | Pre-Use Every use | 50 Hours Regular | 100 Hours Service | 250 Hours Major | 500 Hours Deep service | Annual Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Check engine oil level | - | - | - | - | - | |
Check coolant level | - | - | - | - | - | |
Check hydraulic fluid level | - | - | - | - | - | |
Visual walk-around inspection | - | - | - | - | - | |
Check tire pressure | - | - | - | - | - | |
Grease fittings | - | - | - | - | - | |
Change engine oil and filter | - | - | ||||
Drain fuel/water separator | - | - | ||||
Check air filter | - | - | - | |||
Inspect belts | - | - | - | - | ||
Check battery | - | - | - | |||
Replace fuel filter | - | - | - | |||
Change hydraulic filter | - | - | - | |||
Inspect PTO | - | - | - | |||
Check front axle oil | - | - | - | - | ||
Inspect brake adjustment | - | - | - | |||
Grease all fittings | - | - | ||||
Change hydraulic fluid | - | - | - | - | ||
Replace air filter (outer) | - | - | - | - | ||
Inspect coolant hoses | - | - | - | - | ||
Check valve clearance | - | - | - | - | ||
Inspect steering linkage | - | - | - | - | ||
Service transmission | - | - | - | - | ||
Flush coolant | - | - | - | - | - | |
Replace air filter (inner) | - | - | - | - | - | |
Replace hydraulic fluid | - | - | - | - | - | |
Inspect injection system | - | - | - | - | - | |
Check alternator and starter | - | - | - | - | - | |
Inspect three-point hitch | - | - | - | - | - | |
Seasonal storage prep | - | - | - | - | - | |
Full fluid analysis | - | - | - | - | - | |
Grease all points | - | - | - | - | - | |
Inspect tires and ballast | - | - | - | - | - | |
Winterize if needed | - | - | - | - | - |
Track Your Tractor Service
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Engine Service
Diesel engines are built to last thousands of hours, but only with clean oil, clean fuel, clean air, and proper coolant maintenance.
Hydraulic System
The hydraulic system powers your loader, three-point hitch, steering, and implements. Contaminated fluid is the number one cause of hydraulic failures.
Log Every Fluid Change
Build a complete service history for your tractor. Know exactly what fluid was used and when.
PTO & Drivetrain
The power take-off and drivetrain transfer engine power to your implements and wheels. Proper care prevents costly failures in the field.
Tires, Ballast & Chassis
Proper tire pressure, correct ballast, and sound chassis components keep your tractor stable and efficient in the field.
Seasonal Storage & Prep
Proper storage prep prevents corrosion, fuel system problems, and battery failure during the off-season.
Winter Storage Prep
- Fill fuel tank and add diesel-rated stabilizer
- Change engine oil and filter before storage. Used oil contains acids
- Check coolant strength to at least -34°F (-37°C)
- Disconnect battery or connect a maintenance tender
- Grease all fittings to prevent moisture intrusion
Spring Start-Up
- Check all fluid levels before first start
- Inspect belts and hoses for winter cracking
- Charge and test battery. Replace if weak
- Run engine at idle for 5 minutes before loading
- Test PTO, hydraulics, and brakes before heading to the field
Mid-Season Checkup
- Check hour meter and compare to service schedule
- Inspect air filter. Summer dust accumulates fast
- Top off hydraulic fluid after heavy loader use
- Re-torque wheel lug nuts after first 50 hours on new tires
- Inspect implement PTO driveline guards and U-joints
Long-Term Storage
- Park on a hard, level surface or blocks to prevent flat spots
- Cover exhaust and air intake to prevent rodent nesting
- Store implements detached with cylinder rods retracted and coated
- Place moisture absorbers in the cab if enclosed
- Record final hour meter reading and last service date
Go Deeper
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