The invention of the tractor changed the face of farming forever. Tractors handle heavier loads and bigger projects in far less time with less manpower. Unfortunately, tractors are not perfect. Sometimes tractors frustratingly break down. Use the following steps to figure out why your tractor will not start so you can fix it fast and get back to work.
1. Check the Fuel
First off, make sure you did not simply run out of fuel. Do not worry if you did, it happens to everyone at some point. If you have a sufficient amount of fuel, then check for leaks, buildup, or blockages in the fuel system. If you still do not see anything wrong, then it is possible the problem is inside the system itself. You may have vapor or air inside your diesel fuel that is causing it not to burn correctly and making it so your engine does not start. If you encounter this problem frequently, consider getting a fuel air separation system using AirDog parts to avoid this issue in the future.
2. Consider the Temperature
Diesel engines do not like to start when it is cold outside, so store your tractor in a heated or enclosed area such as a garage or barn during the winter months to help with this. You should also invest in oil made specifically for wintertime use. Another temperature factor with tractors is overheating. Often these issues stem from the radiator so make sure to inspect it for excessive dirt or any damage and clean and repair it as necessary. Also, make sure you have plenty of coolant and a functioning cooling fan and water pump. Finally, make sure the engine thermometer is not giving off false readings and causing your engine not to start.
3. Look to the Battery
If the fuel system looks good and the temperature checks out, then your problem may be the battery instead. When you try to start your tractor do you hear any clicks or simply silence? If you do, then try to see if the lights will come on. If the lights will not come on then you probably have a dead battery. Look for any signs of fluid coming out of your battery or enlarged areas in the case, these indicate that the battery will need to be replaced. If the battery looks okay, then make sure you clean and dry the positive and negative terminals before attaching cables and giving it a jump.
Tractors can make farming life so much easier and better but they can also cause some serious headaches. Troubleshoot your tractor with these tips and keep it chugging along.
