7 Tips to get your tractor ready for winter

[@raymikes1234]

I like using a battery tender to keep that battery topped off and ready to go, and I think it extends the life of your battery too

[@eddiebaughman2809]

I use one on all of my batteries. I totally agree with you

[@BG-vq9fd]

Good reminder

[@flszen]

ProjectFarm should check the UDT/UDT2 cold flow rate

[@MessicksEquip]

I could do this.

[@jackarnold9461]

Another good video, Neil - as usual. I live in eastern Ontario, so winter prep is definitely on the agenda. Before buying my B2601, I had a Deere model 855. I did not want to install a block heater, but I found a magnetic heater that I could slap on the oil pan, the night before I knew I would want to fire up the beast for some snow removal. It worked just fine, and I've kept it, even though my Kubota has a block heater. This gives a double whammy of heat to the engine that really helps it start when I need it on a cold morning. One bonus is that, with that heater on the oil pan, I don't need to go to a lighter grade of engine oil in the cold.

[@iowafox2206]

I add a battery tender to my batteries here in Iowa. I also have a magnetic block heater I stick on my garden tractor that helps push my snow. Great video!

[@johnmessinajr.2591]

Great video Neil. I basically do everything in the fall except changing engine oil and fuel filter. I want them done fresh in the spring. I also grease my mower and sharpen the blades in the fall. Thanks for the tips!

[@tonytango6676]

Note that RV antifreeze is better because it is much more environmentally friendly if you spill any.

[@dennmillsch]

When he was expelling the anti-freeze from his attachment I was imagining 1000s of people complaining about the environmental impact. Ethylene glycol anti-freeze would probably be a bad choice.

[@waynetanguay6640]

Surprised you didn't mention to check your coolant.

[@JCWren]

Yah, that one immediately jumped out at me too.

[@jaygatliff6527]

You forgot to mention check the front axle oil, I hate rebuilding those. I check every one that comes in our shop no matter what it came in for.

[@thomaswillemin9181]

Love all your videos and so glad this does not apply to my Tractor in Sunny Pepeekeo, Hawaii!

[@brianhillis3701]

Thanks just reminded me to check the hand held and backpack sprayers.

[@user-zw7sl9ou6q]

Yup, battery tenders are a must IMO, leave it on there whenever tractor is not in use ,I have batteries lasting many many years using one

[@RobertBrothersJr-dc7nr]

Great tips Neil. I live on the Canadian border in upstate New York and it gets really cold here. This is my first winter with my Kubota MX5400 in did get a block heater. I hope it starts this winter. Thanks for a great video.

[@danhunik7949]

I live in Northern Canada and your advice is pretty spot on. My Kuboto B2601 came from the dealer with a block heater. After October 1st most places that have diesel switch over to winter diesel which already has all the cold weather adatives in it.

[@bradjenkins932]

Check freezing point of antifreeze.

[@markridley-vw9xh]

I like the brush guard.

[@bladewiper]

I wish they made a "block heater" for the transmission on hst machines. I am sure it would help shorten the warm up time.

[@tedbastwock3810]

Nice tips, thanks Neil

[@kennethfeld6639]

I live in South Carolina - I have a pad I put on my seat on the morning when it gets chilly - :) sorry - notsorry Stay safe this winter

[@TheNovaNorm]

Now that's funny, right there!

[@dennmillsch]

@@TheNovaNorm funny, especially for Northerners who think South Carolinians have no clue about the meaning of the word "chilly"

[@user-nq6sg2hb5n]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family !

[@danielclapp636]

Your weather is about like central Maine weather. A couple weeks ago we had 79 degrees on Saturday and 3 inches of snow on Monday.

[@MrGoodtime1301]

I feel like you missed a big point by not talking about the engine coolant on the tractor. If the strength of that coolant has diminished, it has the potential to freeze inside the engine and cause major problems. I personally use a refractometer to check the strength of the coolant in all my machines, it is an rather inexpensive and accurate tool.

[@adamgrebenc9705]

What about cleaning that thing?

[@jefffunkhouser2773]

I have the same battery in my Kubota l5740 got new in 2012 in August and still starting gd and I had it dead two times

[@stealyourfacenj]

Neil, what part number are the ROPS anti-rattle bolts with handles? I have searched high and low and finally just settled in on metric bolts with a lock nut to keep them from backing out. I checked what seems like EVERYWHERE to find the right thread and pitch with a handle to no avail... Great video as always too!

[@MessicksEquip]

Order the ones off the BX. I have them on mine, they still need a nut to keep from backing out.

[@chrisgramstorff996]

Also a battery tender

[@johnhanchar3332]

I've got an MX5200 HST that will sit unused in an unheated barn in upstate NY from after hunting season in late November until the next Spring when we return from the closed hunting camp. I was considering removing the battery and keeping in my home so it won't be subjected to freezing temps in the barn. Any reason to or not to do this? Also, should i jack up the tractor and put it on blocks to keep the weight off the tires over the long winter? Appreciate any input..

[@williegardner9290]

First off Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Now on to the question, I have 45+ acres of wooded land. I need to clear a road back to the 4 acre area I plan for a house and food plot. Ai am looking at getting a KX-075-5 0r a Yanmar VIO-55 may VIO- 80 which one would be better? I know the Kubota stuff have used them before. I am looking at price and power, never did anything with Yanmar, My friend who has a construction business uses them and will not change said they are the best. Looking for outside info, I am also planning to do the clearing myself, I am retired from the business so know how to do it and want to.

[@MessicksEquip]

We hardly see yanmar here in the USA. I'd defer to the better dealership.

[@D2500R]

My dealer said to run 15W-40 year round. This doesn't seem right to me. They said Massey themselves told them to tell their customers that.

[@davidfrye1921]

What brand of diesel fuel additive?

[@mark_Hershey]

Let me ask you, your dealership ever have new equipment that goes unsold for years? Looking at a tractor that’s been on dealer lot for 1.5 years. Discount of course but curious of any issues from sitting all that time.

[@MessicksEquip]

Happens. Usually those pieces have a 'story'. Biggest thing to watch is UV damage on paint and plastics.

[@tillman40]

8) move to Florida

[@Ionz2]

Can you compare a cat 299 and a kubota skid steer both with tracks

[@henrymorgan3982]

For 80 bucks, I would have at least would expect it to have some kind of cover. Great idea though.

[@calebthompson9631]

As a professional mechanic, the term "freeze plug" is a pet peeve of mine. They are more accurately called "core plugs", as their purpose is to fill the holes the factory uses to access the core of a casting for machining. Show me an engine that was saved from freezing by the "freeze plugs" popping out! Good video otherwise!

[@je1279]

Did you add the fuel water separator, or is that something the LX3310 includes that the LX2610 does not?

[@MessicksEquip]

Included.

[@WeSRT4]

What winter?

[@RobertBrown-cz9qz]

How many hrs do you average on your equipment yearly

[@MessicksEquip]

50-60 on my personal tractor. I do often bring other machines home for big jobs.

[@brianhancock2624]

What implement do you use for snow removal?

[@MessicksEquip]

Pull forward snow blower, adding a push box for light snows.

[@justindavis1546]

Move south where it doesn't freeze for the winter.