Do I Need to Store My Equipment Inside?

[@davidbalvin8112]

As one who has farmed for nearly 70 years I will say this, machinery stored inside will look nice for a lot longer. Will it be worth the expense of a storage building? Maybe for a tractor and possibly a combine, but as they keep getting bigger they keep getting traded up and you will have to build bigger machine sheds. Most other equipment wears out or becomes obsolete before weather damages it to any extent. Keeping it inside is more a matter of pride and tax write offs.

[@Dave-fo1cb]

Exactly

[@yotajeff68]

I wish that dealers would store new equipment inside. The only industry where you can sell rusty and faded stuff as new.

[@TelescopeJunky]

Especially tractors, can't tell you how many times I received a tractor delivery and sent it back because it was way to rusty, especially around the axles and ROPs. Sigh...

[@TelescopeJunky]

@@BobsOutdoorActivities yep have had to replace a few seats before after delivery because birds love to peck at it while outside and put little holes in it. I never notice the holes until after delivery and it always takes a 6-8 weeks to get the replacement. 😣

[@doomman700]

Yea like car dealers

[@benjaminallen2370]

Boats and motorcycles similar. Need to show off the merch to drivers-by I guess. Stinks to buy new machine and baby it knowing first year of life was raw.

[@jeffreyyeater1780]

Yes absolutely . when you spend 30 grand it should be brand spankin clean and perfect.

[@DIYMyWay]

I agree with you, Mike. I keep my tractor and all implements under roof, either in my shop building or under the shed off the back of it. Everything is kept off the bare ground too. Thanks for sharing your know-how once again!

[@kevinbrookhart1050]

I unintentionally did an experiment with my antique tractors. I have one that was stored tightly under a tarp in central PA for 4 years and I opened it up this summer to find it had rusted plenty more than my other tractors with no tarps. I keep mine in the shade of the woods so theres minimal sun to attack the paint and tires and then I have these heavy rubber tarps that the wind can rarely blow off, draped over the engine and trans to keep the rain off but have enough airflow around the tractor for it to dry out when it needs to. That’s the best way I’ve found if stuff has to be outside. As far as implements, the less grease fittings and moving parts, the better it’ll be outside, and for anything stored outside, at least give it a thorough greasing before storage and again before using the next year. Better yet grease it a few times over the winter to help push that water through so the water doesn’t freeze and potentially crack something in a joint on your machine.

[@brucewiley5252]

Anything with moving parts is stored inside. So the only thing I have outside is a box blade. It is on a wood pallet covered with a tarp.

[@benjaminbriggs6754]

Here in the Pacific Northwest I have to change my gear oil on gearboxes even though I keep it in my barn if it ain't on the tractor

[@swh797]

I have put new decks on several brush hogs over the years. I finally built a building and put them in. The decks last a lot longer if they are kept clean and stored in an enclosed shed with a floor. Moisture from the ground does a deck in quicker than rain.

[@colestroud8300]

I bought a brand new 2020 Massey at the first of the year. I try to keep it in the shed most of the time. Aside from a set of pallet forks and a grapple, all of my implements are at least 20 years old, and outside. If it has a PTO shaft, it comes off and goes inside. If it has hydraulic cylinders, they are always left retracted. Growing up around, and working on farms, the only things that went under a cover were tractors, combines, balers, and drills.

[@christophergallagher531]

Is a barn ever big enough? Naturally, I ran out of room. A few things sit out. One thing that seems to help, is keeping stuff well off the ground. Basically as high as a three point will go. In the past, I put up mowers with freshly sharpened blades. Nay no more. That thin sharp edge would be compromised by spring. On of my go to products is motor cycle chain lube. It is made not to sling off, and is waxy. On the old farm, we used ' burnt oil' (used crankcase oil) as a coating. The sun kills as much as any thing else. Growing pains here. Yup, down size the house and extend the barn! Thanks for your content. Chris

[@patthesoundguy]

They key is airflow. Tarps can hold condensation and it can actually rain under a tarp with the right conditions and the moisture can just stay on everything.

[@txhookey5608]

When I was a teenager back in the 80s, I worked for the local school district mowing in the summer and weekends. We had a IH, Ford, and JD tractor with two brush hogs and one mott flail. Everything was kept outside for years if not decades. We did do maintenance and wire wheel off rust every once and a while (probably didn't need to but we had the hand grinder out to sharpen the brush hogs, flail rarely needed it). Most of our failures were caused by misuse or parts colliding with foreign objects. They were used frequently all year long. In the winter we would spread gravel, flatten out erosion and wear areas, aerate the football and practice fields, spread fertilizer, and any other tractor related projects. Also worked on a dairy ranch during the same time. They had two tractors stored outside. Never had any issues but we did hose down everything after cleaning out the milking area and holding pen outside of the milking barn. Cow urine and poop are very corrosive. Most good fertilizers are.

[@circuitbreaker9001]

I have found that there is now covers that are breathable I use them to cover my snow blowers and wood chipper. They also sit on pallets.

[@johnhiggs325]

It’s best to allow good airflow around your equipment. I would recommend atleast putting all of your equipment under a lean-to to reduce UV degradation and direct rain/snow exposer, but avoid tarping always. A bit of surface rust on ground breaking equipment is perfectly fine. Don’t leave it in the dirt, though. If you notice pitting rust, clean it up, and shoot a coat of your favorite hydrophobic “oil” on before long term storage.

[@timziegler9358]

Buying expensive farm equipment and then leaving it outside does not make sense! Purchasing cost is one thing; storage costs are another. Mike you do a fine job bringing up the issues facing most of us. Best wishes.

[@PaulMSabol]

I spray my outdoor equipment with LPS 3 Premier Rust Inhibitor, it last 1 to 2 years depending on use. Works great.

[@MrBrittvideo]

"That's not good. I have a horse!" 🤣🤣🤣 Love your channel Mike!

[@carls9684]

Mike, love your videos! Having spent time working my uncles' farms as a kid, none of them stored their equipment inside. As for the tractor, those were all in the barn. I have a JD 4044r and keep it at my sister's property as I developed my property. I have been parking it under the trees at her place this summer and found that's not a great idea as fall approaches. They have Black Walnut trees, and those things drop big green bombs (Black Walnuts). I plan to keep it out from under the trees. I do tarp, but its only until I get my pole barn done. My goal is to build a big enough pole barn to store my implements, have a workshop, and have room for a golf simulator.

[@jasonbabcock2742]

brush hog, finish mower , blade, scoop, two bottom up on blocks/bricks/timbers in an open lean to. Keep the debris off the top of the finish mower and brush hog. There is still rust on unpainted surfaces but it keeps them usable year to year here in Nebraska.

[@SethKrieger]

A few years ago I covered my brand new tractor with a tarp. Within 3 weeks a bunch of squirrels had moved in and chewed up the wiring harness. I am convinced that covering it made it even MORE attractive to the critters than it would have been had I left it uncovered. When it came back from the repair shop, I moved it into my garage. The following summer I had a steel pole barn installed and have kept the tractor and my implements in that ever since. In addition, when I am not using the tractor I leave the hood open and in the colder months also remove the engine compartment side panels (very easy on my JD 2038R) to make it less appealing to the squirrels. I intentionally did not close in the sides or ends of the pole barn, for the same reason. The roof keeps the sun and rain off the equipment, but it is definitely not a warm, cozy refuge for rodents. About 100 feet away is our 10x20 storage shed, which IS enclosed and has all sorts of wild life that calls it home.

[@frankcadillac9151]

Mike I have 7 old tractors and not one sits out in the weather. A tractor worth owning needs a roof over it. No plastic covers they just hold the moisture like a green house. The rubber membrane they use on roofs is good doesn't seem to sweat and won't blow off. A building should ether be insulated or open to free air movement. Stuff will sweat in a tight uninsulated building.

[@crazyuncleduke8012]

Everything depend on where you live. In New England where I'm originally from we kept everything in a barn. After living in Texas for over 35 years everything stays outside year round including my tractors. The only damage I've had is to the tractor seat vinyl from staying outside in the summer heat. That in itself is much cheaper and easier to replace than building a barn to store equipment in. :-)

[@wardo17]

We keep everything inside but if I needed to store anything outside, i would build a lean-to to keep the sun, rain and snow off of any piece of equipment. It doesn't need to be fancy or expensive.

[@russellrogers3260]

I would suggest grease for the bearings. The disc will clean up but could get the bearings to be locked up. We would paint ( primer grey) the plow blades and such even with storing inside ( probably overkill). I agree tarps draw moisture

[@jimputnam2044]

If it must be outside do not cover tightly with tarp or plastic, will rust and sweat faster that just left out in the elements. put up poles and hang tarp, leave air space.

[@bobcole9274]

May be wrong but I always mix used oil from the tractor with a little deisel, brush it on plows disc and especially sickle bars. set out sometimes but indoors or 3 sided shed when possible. Bob

[@camperjack2620]

Moisture coming up from the ground is slowed way down by a layer of 2 inch crushed rock. Asphalt or concrete is better, of course. Preventing sun damage and rain or snow important too. A pole barn will save you lots of tractor tires and other rubber parts. A barn good enough to work in means you can remove dirt and weeds, clean rust, do oil changes, grease, apply OSPHO right over rust, prime and top coat those rusty spots with a brush, charge batteries with conditioner chargers, check your filters, all on rainy days or when it's either snowing or too hot to work out in the sun. Customize your equipment with safety items, a cab to protect the operator from rollover or lightning. Put lights on, check your fan belts, follow all the owner maintenance stuff in the owner manual for each machine. Then when it's time to go, you should be all ready to just fire it up and ride it without issues! I didn't mention things like Seafoam, fuel preserver, tire pressure, parking all tires on boards even on concrete inside, sweeping the floor and cleaning all the tools before you put them back in the toolbox. Take really good care of your stuff and you will be out working when your neighbor is having the computer replaced on his two year old brand new supercool paperweight. Good luck to you all, God bless you and be nice to the teenagers working for you.

[@dyannevans9179]

I built pole barn and put some of my implement in there an some went into barn . You can put a tarp on Them, but do take and put them on some boards . Keep then off the ground . Now keep in mind on in the south weather not to bad. Ron

[@jerrybeck8812]

I try to keep most things inside especially tractors and mowing equipment. I remember as a farm kid putting a grease and used oil mix on the disc blades, shovels, and mole boards of the plow. Then dad had an idea of using aluminum paint, like for shed roofs, and cutting it with a little diesel. It was quicker and lasted pretty good. We didn’t have a big enough shed for all the implements so we had to protect it.

[@meinthewild]

I want a machine shed that can be seen from the space shuttle!!! 🤣🤣🤣💖💖

[@DLTJR1959]

We farmed and my father sold tractors and implements for a living. When I was a boy we had a "tractor shed". We kept the tractors in it along with the combine, drill, bailer, and grain truck. Everything else was outside. Another farmer acquaintance kept everything outside. That always bothered me. Never liked seeing a tractor outside with a can over the muffler. Never liked seeing his combine out either. It is personal preference but most farmers around here shed everything except implements. To me it is a waste of shed space to put a box blade in a shed, but if that is what you want to do OK by me.

[@Apollodog2]

The tractor and finish mower are always kept in the shed I built for them. The 2 bottom plow and scraper blade live outside in the elements ... which hasn't seemed to bother them for the last 25 years.

[@Theywaswrong]

I know a family that inherited a 1967 Chevy Impala two door fastback. When their dad passed away, they went to the chevy which had been stored outside with tarps covering the whole car. The rust underneath was not good..but worse was that the roof had collected so much condensation that it had rusted and collapsed in the middle. I dont know but the car to me is a total loss, just to much rust on the undercarriage and the whole roof would have to be cut off. Also the interior was ruined because of moisture intrusion. What a shame. The old man thought he was protecting a car he had bought new in '67 and kept for decades.

[@markstevens1729]

Even if the machinery won’t melt, I like things to last, and covered storage is one way to do that.

[@tommyburt6207]

I enjoy your channel. I have 2 tractors. I keep both under a lean to with the bush hogs attached as the bush hog is what I use the most. I want to keep the bush hog decks and gearboxes out of the elements. I also keep my grapple attached and under the lean to. My disc, 2 blade plow, box blade, 30” scoup, pallet fork, boom pole, and rake are outside. I figure they are built for storage outside. I do not cover the implements.

[@jerva245]

Mike, your video is so timely. It's like you read my mind. !! The only part of my new Mahindra subcompact tractor I'm worried about is my control panel. Im worried about water getting behind the seal on the dashboard and ruining the gauges.

[@scootersl]

dad used to put grease from the grease gun on the plow moleboards (northern MN)

[@robertoswalt319]

My thoughts are that a tarp should be loose enough to allow good circulation. You don't want to trap moisture under it as it will allow rust to attack sheet metal. You will also want to be careful about wasps etc, no matter where you store the equipment. Storing it in a confined area might keep you from seeing a wasp nest under the seat or by the brakes and result in a lot of stings.

[@Last-Varangian]

We have always left nearly all our ground engaging equipment outside year round. The key is to get it up off the actual earth. We use old pallets and think they are best for this use. We only tarp heavily mechanized pieces like our baler. Tractors, on the other hand, stay in barns or at least lean-to sheds, out of the direct weather, or are tarped if nothing else. The tarps are tied down pretty good, but left open on the bottom for airflow. The bush hog is pretty much on a dedicated tractor, so by default it goes under the tractor shed, but is the part left towards the opening. We just spray WD40 on any bare metal before winter storage, and on various things that we just feel better about having sprayed, but other than that, that's it. Every spring, all equipment gets lubed and greased, oil changed and so forth, before being used for the new season. My dad has kept 9 tractors and all their equipment this way for decades, I followed suite with my 4 tractors and equipment, and so has my brother with his 4 tractors and equipment. Never had any problems, but we do use everything every year, and dad always said if it sits longer than a year without moving, it's not good for it and time to consider selling it.

[@605pilot]

I store my tractor, backhoe, brush hog, and all the other implements in a 36’ X 48’ barn with a cement floor. Like Mike says, the tractor is the most expensive thing that I own on the ranch so I take really good care of it.

[@eugenedennis2897]

I store implements indoors up to the capacity I have - after that they must sit outdoors. I wish all of them were indoors, but it is not practical for me due to space limitations. The tractors and implements with PTO drives all go indoors and the ones like box blade and disc that have no PTO drive go outdoors. This is probably a regional issue, but as you suggested I would NEVER cover the outdoors pieces with a tarp. I have done so in the past for periods of time and learned that they collect moisture and rust faster but also the coverings make them more of a target for rodents (especially pack rats) and other critters to build nests on and in them turn them into a toilet stop and chew toys!

[@dukeman7595]

100% right.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

I just found your channel and you have a lot of great content. Not sure how I didn’t find it sooner because I’m always watching tractor related videos Most of my equipment is in my shed but I’ve actually had the tiller outside and the box blade inside which seems really obvious that that should be switched but somehow I never thought of it I recently started my own channel so I appreciate the effort that goes into making these videos

[@MyClutteredGarage]

I tarp my wood chipper although I’d rather store it under a roof. I think the tarp breathes a little and is definitely better than just leaving it out in the elements. My tractor stays in a shed. Thanks for sharing. -Ed

[@thepeople980]

Inside or covered? I built a lean to against barn with open walls to keep implements underroof like box grader, rake, bush-hog, grapple, post auger, etc. Not much if any rain/snow gets to the equipment and the items are off the ground on wooden skids. Seems to work for me and better than leaving it out in the weather elements. Also frees up the barn for work shop.

[@jimmyhorton1504]

If it has a gear box or hydraulic cylinder, I keep inside always. Blades, plows, rakes,ect are outside part of the time.

[@comlbbeau]

Inside or out, a heavy implement will benefit from being supported by a structure like 4"x4"'s, particularly if you don't utilize a Quick Hitch. It's much easier to "scotch'' it an inch or so with a pry bar trying to get those pesky lift arms to line up.

[@fredricksiegmund627]

I have used both grease and high gloss spray paint on my plow. Both work fine, but I prefer the spray paint if I have it. It is easier to use.

[@duggiestone]

Obviously better to keep everything inside if you can. Tractor and anything with a gearbox is a must. On discs and plows I spray paint the moldboard or discs after use when they're shiny. If they can't be covered, keep them off the ground, everything greased, and no tarp. I think tarping it actually encourages more rust.

[@RoanJS]

If it takes Fuel, Oil, and has hydraulic hoses it worth getting them inside. We worry more about freeze and heat.

[@ipwee]

Boy howdy. small house. Huge shop. Also, As a car restorer.I always store my cars, tractors, and equitment under cover. Heck anything over 500 bucks goes indoors. Luckily, I have the space.

[@DavidWilsonsays]

A tarp over a tractor provides excellent protection from the elements for the mice while they eat all the electric wires, belts, & rubber hoses.

[@andrewt248]

You don't think there's mice inside a shed/barn?

[@jadesumsion]

I did this with my new kubota l2501. The wind kicked up and beat the tarp against my tractor. The paint has rubbed off. I hate tarps on tractors.

[@homesteadpilgrim]

Great advice! I keep my L2501 in my garage (thanks to my wife for giving up her parking spot!). I'll take your advice on the rotary cutter PTO shaft and the bucket on the gear box. Thanks!

[@subwarpspeed]

Also this summer I got a round baler and needs to store it inside. Problem is that it's hard to park it. First time I put a old wheel on the manual pallet fork and jacked the drawbar point on the rim and could move it. But after some experimentation I managed to back it in with the tractor. The trick is that even though I have a 2wd tractor I need to use the steering brakes to swing around in as short space as possible to get it right.

[@NoSQLKnowHow]

If you have to keep outside, make sure it is possible to have airflow under the tarp. No airflow is when things rust more.

[@NSEasternShoreChemist]

I store things with moving parts (finish mower, winch, and the tractor itself) under a roof. The grader blade, weight box, snow plow, and firewood hauling box stay outside, on top of either wooden blocks or pallets, as appropriate. I spray floor wax on the snowplow blade so the snow doesn't stick to it; I also clean off the underside of the finish mower and wax it to keep it from rusting. Blowing grass clippings off the top of the deck helps a lot too! Yes plastic bags can cause sweating, and yes, keeping heavy implements on pallets makes them MUCH easier to put on! I can drag my large mower around decently well on a pallet, but once it falls onto the ground, I can't move it at all.

[@FromSteelToWood]

Using a tarp when storing over grass or gravel is going to trap moisture coming from the ground. More moisture is coming from the ground than actually from the rain. If storing over concrete or pavement, the tarp may be protecting against the sun. Then it will not be detrimental in regards to the moisture. The rain itself does not rust steel. Adding minerals will help rust, like dirt on steel will make it rust. Bare and clean steel will take very long before it rusts under normal rain. That is my experience. Thanks Mike!

[@AutumnOaksFarm]

WOOT I am glad to here I am not the only one. ;) Machine shed seen from space. ;) So on the other point my disk is outside the disk does clean up when you use it I am in Northern Missouri. I would prefer mine indoors. I am more concerned about disk bearings if you can grease them keep them greased. I bought an old wheeled disk and if you keep them outside you will want to protect the tires from rot.

[@BBLandServices]

I take my pto shaft off and then just set a bucket over the gear box that has plenty of ventilation around the bottom. Keeps the rain and snow off but don’t hold humidity moisture.

[@Theywaswrong]

My tractor stays under an 18x21 carport along with my 16ft trailer. On my trailer is a finish mower and a 5ft brush cutter. I dont have a shop building but at least this keeps the tractor out of the sun and rain when not in use as well as my wood floor trailer and cutters. I do miss my shop buildings before I moved and down sized but this is better than a tarp I think.

[@davebarnessr.5805]

I keep my 6 ft finish mower outside because I don’t have inside storage space for it. It’s supported by 4 wheels that keep it elevated and it’s parked on gravel and I also have a tarp over the entire deck that covers the gearbox as well, while I have some bungee cords that keep the tarp in place when it’s windy, I’m careful to keep it loose fitting so moisture is not trapped and while I do not remove the PTO shaft, I have it supported by a safety chain that keep it off the ground and in a position where rain won’t enter, and I hose it down with WD40 as well. . While I don’t have an enclosed building for my Tractor, I do keep it parked under a metal carport structure so it’s not in the rain or sun. While it won’t keep a washed Tractor clean all winter because of wind blown rain and the dust the winds bring, it does stay in pretty good shape and has worked pretty well these 4 yrs of ownership. A quick wash and she looks like new again and yes I do wash my Tractor and if all the conditions are right with a slow schedule and good weather you might actually find me waxing the dang thing, don’t laugh!!

[@fhuber7507]

If you cover with a tarp, you need to have 2 openings so you get airflow, or you'll get trapped moisture under the tarp. This is why people who use boat covers that are form fit to the boat end up with rotted out boats. . I tarp my boats with openings at front and back. You are more trying to prevent sun damage and debris collection than you are trying to keep it from getting rained on. Rain will drain out and /or evaporate if you do not trap the moisture. . Keep the debris off. Encourage airflow so it will dry out. . And ANY water in the oil is REALLY bad for the lower bearing and seal in that gearbox. Change that oil. . Debris traps moisture. Get rid of debris. Then all you need is something to protect it from debris. . A disc will shed surface rust in about 50 ft going through the field. Heavy rust will pit the surface adding drag (load on the tractor) and it CAN eventually rust through. Its steel. The 16 inch armor plate on the USS Texas rusted through. . MM1 USN, Nuclear Power. Understanding machinery and rust was my job.

[@Dan-oz4qb]

Obviously inside or at least under a lean to is best but not everyone has that much covered space. Something all steel like a box blade will be fine for many years outside. I'd lube the pivot points on things like a blade though. I've seen many seized up after a few years outside without use.

[@brokefarmerjohn2422]

I own 5 tractors, 2 bottom plow, box blade, 7ft bush hog and everything is shedded. If I can’t shed it I sell it. If I had big implements like disks and stuff and they were heavy enough 2 men couldn’t steal with a pickup truck, I might consider storing it outside. I have family that farm 600 acres, all their tractors, combines are shedded, as well as planter and as many trucks as they can fit in the shed but tillage equipment usually sit outside. Those get painted as needed so they don’t rust real bad. I don’t bother with tarps, they just determinate by UV light and fall apart. They do trap moisture also. I had to store a 2005 cabbed JD 4320 tractor outside for about 3 months one time and I was always worried about a kid shooting the tractor with a BB gun and breaking glass or popping a tire. It never did happen but would have been a real bad day. I noticed just in 3 months the loader got a lot rustier, the axles started to show some rust and the tires looked more faded by the time I got it shedded. I sold it about a year after that, guy who bought it painted all those areas up real nice. When I ask myself, should I buy another tractor? I limit myself to how much shed space, I don’t like things sitting outside which just invites problems.

[@m16ty]

I've seen disc blades sit in the ground and rust though. I wouldn't go to the trouble of greasing the blades though, just put something under it to keep the blades out of the dirt. As far as plows go, surface rust doesn't hurt them too bad either, it will shine up soon enough when you start using it. Some people paint the moldboards' with some cheap paint after use, and that works pretty good too. As soon as you start using it the paint will come off. Tarps are awful. They are hard to tie down, slap against your equipment during the wind, and do create a "greenhouse" effect where they trap mositure under them and no way to dry out. You are almost better with nothing at all. As far as tractors go, my Granddad used to say "if you can't afford to build a shed to park your tractor in, you can't afford the tractor". I think Granddad was right.

[@subwarpspeed]

I try to store things inside. For the old small stable I've converted to storing firewood in big bags made for that purpose. Bought a manual pallet fork and move them around on pallets. So that's the number one suggestion that if you have a concrete floor, or even a wooden floor, where the tractor can't drive you may be able to put thing on pallets and move them around. In the other part with old wooden barn and think wooden floor I would say don't forget the vertical space. I have some trailers stored vertically. Must admit though that the system is cumbersome and I plan to change it, when I get a bit more space ;-) Now I use chainblock hoist. It's nice that things move slowly and controlled. Plan to use the tractor and pallet fork to tilt it up, then just move foward to the level floor.

[@redclover51]

Diesel and a portion of used oil sprayed on disk blades works for a few months outside.

[@wendellkenisonjr9273]

I agree equipment should be in side when not used, keeps water out of bearings

[@matthostetler5422]

Deere makes "plow paint" it essentially never "dries" and is almost instantly wiped off when used and returns to the slick smooth surface of bare steel. Cheap spray paint works just as good.

[@chuckm482]

What I've done for outside storage is put any implements on a pallet, douse (and I MEAN douse) the implement with WD40, then loosely cover it with a light tarp surrounding it with a few rocks to keep it from uncovering. In the Spring or when you're ready to use it, just remove the tarp, wash and rinse the implement and it will look like you just bought it. I also do that with the underside side the tractor. It's a 2020 tractor that still looks like they just delivered it to me. I buy WD40 by the gallon. It has really works for me! :)

[@garrytalley8009]

I think implements could be kept under a carport or lean to as good as inside. One problem I have with outside at all is theft. I prefer to keep my implements in the barn because they aren't cheap and things get stolen. Stealing farm equipment is something that does go on in a pretty big way in some places. In my area a guy even stole a new tractor from a dealer and was caught on camera but never caught afterwards. I do believe if outside you would be fine as you suggested as well keeping things off the ground and covered with a breathable cover as one of the other suggestions below.

[@ArnieD17]

Lots of new tractors have plastic instead of metal hoods etc. Would guess because plastic tends to dislike the sun but doesn't rust would guess they would benefit from being covered when outside.

[@woofyw.2703]

Wouldn't it be better to grease the pto shaft like normal so and slide it back and forth a few times to coat the splines with grease to keep the water out ? Then it would be ready for the first be use of the season . Still storing it inside of course .

[@geraldgarrison3928]

I plan to take extra effort to keep my tractor and hydraulics equipped implements under cover and add shelter when I can.

[@Elmobeaver]

I use a couple of those portable storage "tarp like" buildings for my rotary cutter and my tiller. Seems to work pretty well. Just have to remember to place them somewhere that the wind can't destroy them. As for a box blade, I keep them outside and just mist them down with WD-40 occasionally. Mike, I really like your videos.

[@chucklynch8397]

My comment is regarding rust on a plow and disc. Once a plow or disk is used on soil, the rust will get scraped off and the metal will be shiny. When stored outside, the metal will rust. So, every single time you use the plow or the disc, you are removing several mils of metal. If you use the plow or disc regularly, they will wear noticeably. I don't worry too much about the disc but I do block it up on off the ground. After using the bottom plow, I paint the shiny moldboards, shares and shins with a light coat of black spray paint. It works wonders.

[@OShackHennessy]

We live outside and our tractor is in the house. It looks as good as the day we bought it.

[@peterabban7271]

Uncle Mike Thank you for sharing I enjoyed videos

[@Super1200custom]

Use the disc and plow will shine up just from dirt I put used oil I mine after use to cover the surface

[@kenmorford6156]

All farm equipment is built with the idea it is going to be sitting outside, If it has tires on the ground and your parking it in the dirt put boards or pieces of sheet metal under the tires, loosely cover with a tarp if you want but in a fashion that air can circulate around it, when putting it away for the winter grease and lube everything, it keeps the moisture out. Recommend not storing under trees as the sap and foliage that comes off the trees will effect the paint. A small disc or plow set in blocks or what ever you have that will keep it off the ground and allow water to drain away from it.

[@4x4Moses]

Most of my attachments are stored outside. Everything (except the rotary cutter) sits on 6x6 treated post cut-offs. My rotary cutter rests on two steel pipes that are coated with grease. This makes moving the cutter much easier (to attach to the tractor). My tractor lives under a dedicated pole barn. My brother-in-law (professional farmer) leaves all of his equipment (and SEVEN tractors) out in the elements.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

I too have a wife and daughter and built a horse barn. My daughter has since moved on and the horses have been sold. So I have recently had the opportunity to convert my old horse barn into my dream shop. I have a few videos on that if your interested. As for equipment: I keep both of my tractors inside with whatever implements happen to be on them at the time. My grapple and tiller are always stored inside. Everything else has to go outside. Disc, cultivator, plow, middle buster, box blade, rake, aerator, brush hog, back forks, front forks, hitch and bucket. I keep the disc and a few other things off the ground on pallets but some stuff sits right on the asphalt. Thanks for the video!

[@petehutzel3778]

Storing anything (machines, firewood, grain) under tarps in humid conditions is just trapping the moisture inside. I have made that mistake many times. One way to use a tarp in humid conditions is to make the tarp into a tent. Put up some poles and ropes higher than what you want to protect and stretch the tarp over the ropes. Build in lots of overhang but leave the sides open for ventilation. If it snows, this will all fail; I have watched some snowstorms bring down my tents! On moldboard plows, discs, tillers and similar tools, I am in the camp which not only stores them indoors, I want them on blocks to keep them out of contact with the dirt floor or concrete. If the indoors is unheated and the climate has humidity, grease all the shares, moldboards and discs. Or the modern way, instead of grease, get some spray cans of cheap paint. I often use the cheapest cans of spray oil I can find in the supermarket. I HATE rust!

[@iqvoice]

Tarp a tractor only if you don't plan to use it all winter. The tarp turns into a frozen impenetrable shell after the first snow. I've owned a 30HP yanmar tractor for 10 years. The first year I kept it in my garage, the last nine years its been outside. It rusted more the first year inside then it did 9 years sitting outside. (Bad enough rust that I was able to have parts warranty replaced.) So nine years of living outside has faded the paint, but no other harm has come to it. I always leave the seat tilted up so I have a dry place to sit. ALSO: I keep a riding lawnmower in a shed. Both tractors attract mouse nests and wasps nests. If anything, the indoor lawnmower has it worse.

[@jamieshields9521]

This is most interesting vid because everyone lives in different climates which have different options, well done Mike👍 Been from Australia but inland in hot n cold environment I would cover tarp as may cause paint to sweat but does stop dust n dirt find hard places. We store all our farm equipment in sheds or hay shed but as Mike said tractor is piece then I would stored seeder n hay baler as these have fine moving parts which be expensive n have seen too many worn equipment of these pieces been let outside. Disc, tillage equipment can be left outside but take off hydraulic hoses with ram n store in shed. Brush hog or slasher we call it, I say put in the shed. I have seen rust form around gearbox n gearbox break off. One tip spray seeder boxes, spreaders especially stop corrosion even if they stored in sheds.

[@ralphpezda6523]

Right about the 7:00 mark you state that "milky oil," i.e. oil with a "little water in it" might not cause problems. Water + oil = a very fine acid. It's not a good idea to have acid in a gear box. Changing oil is cheap.

[@mattcanfield6384]

Tarps sweat and make things worse, keep good oil in your gearboxes, paint your plows and like Mike said disc shine themselves up when used and last forever

[@fhuber7507]

Its not the tarp... its the trapped air by not setting the tarp up to allow airflow.

[@MLJenkins]

@@fhuber7507 Very true. I bought one of those cheap tarp "sheds" to put over my BH. It can breathe and stays off the backhoe. Before I used a tarp and it was always holding water and keeping things moist because it was always too close to the equipment. Totally agree, tarps are fine, just keep them where they can get airflow underneath to dry.

[@stephenseiwert9672]

I'm like you. Store everything inside if you can. When you can't then get it off the ground and I cover it up with a tarp and don't make it so tight that it doesn't get air circulation. On a tractor you also want to put a can over the exhaust pipe to prevent rain from getting in.

[@ericgebhart5775]

If you can’t put your tractor inside. I wouldn’t park it in the woods. Sun cant get to it as good to dry it off. Just my thinking. I’m going to spray fluid film on my few attachments that sit out. I heard it works well. Gonna soon try it. Thank you.

[@libertyfractional]

Look into RV covers. Unlike tarps, they breathe. Prices are reasonable.

[@robhespe6922]

I use naval jelly for all my rust removal. I do not tarp any implements that remain outside, makes a nice home for all the rodents. Mice love to chew all the hoses. I use Fresh Cab rodent repellent, to me it has a lilac smell which mice hate I’ve been told all around my outside implements.

[@jh9855]

My first tractor was a John Deere 3350. I owned it for 12 years. Had 1,000 hours on it and I kept it inside a garage the entire time. When I traded it in for a Kubota B2650 HDSC, the Deere looked great. I kept it clean, did regular maintenance. It was a nice machine. I think keeping it under cover helped a lot as the paint and plastic was not faded. The biggest issue I see with machines is people do not use them. An engine not used does more damage than an engine that is used with regular maintenance.

[@robpond9628]

Tillage equipment spray with amber undercoating oil every fall

[@glendonmorgan7253]

plows do not need to be stored inside. our disks my great grandfather bought in the 50s or 60s never once sat in the barn and they worked just fine (replaced hoses only) when we sold it in 2010. Pulling them through the dirt shines the plowshare up like fresh metal. Surface rust on both can be ignored as long as the implement gets used occasionally (once a yearish).

[@turbodiesel4709]

Some heavy grease smeared on with a paintbrush does wonders on any tillage equipment (especially moldboard plows) that get drug in the ground. Makes 'em pull a lot easier at the beginning of the season too!

[@ntsysop1]

All my "stuff" is stored inside. UV light can lower the life and looks of the hoses and paint. That being said, I have seen farmers leave their implements out in the weather for years at a time. It may not look new, but it still works.

[@wildbill23c]

I don't have a tractor so I don't have that problem LOL. However, all my tools and equipment get stored at least under a roof. My lawn tractor is stored on one side of my wood shed, my snow blower is sitting under a lean to, push mower, roto-tiller, trimmer, blower, etc. sit in a shed out back. If you have the room store your stuff out of the weather....if you don't have room, make room. Your equipment will last longer and have less maintenance issues that come from stuff being stored outside in the weather. Seems most farmers here in Idaho just leave their equipment wherever they used it last, which 99.9% of the time they just leave it in whatever field they worked last, course then comes spring and they wonder why none of their tractors start, but hey they get paid enough to go buy that nice fancy equipment so obviously they have the money to fix the issues caused by leaving stuff out in the weather. My aunt has been storing her 72 Ford Mustang under a tarp, yep that was a terrible idea, it has done a great job of destroying the paint due to the heat plus the tarp rubbing against the paint when the wind is blowing, plus the dust that gets kicked up, I figure in another couple years it'll be stripped down good enough to repaint a different color than that awful green color.

[@sofakinggood5829]

For the same reason avgas grill with a cover outside will rust faster. Condensation and lack of air flow. I'm ok with a tarp flying over my tractor or implement it I can't get it in the big she'd.

[@nickeckemoff7631]

I wouldn’t tarp anything. Moisture rises from ground and would get trapped. If you can’t keep it inside, raise it off ground using a pallet in a shady spot though some sun to help dry. Some stuff like buckets, grapple, box blade, and etc gets all beat up working so I don’t think it matters if it sits outside…it will wear out from usage before rust. But yea definitely keep tractor inside for lots of reasons.

[@Insayshabull]

voice of experience ... rotary cutters have a hole to remove nuts that hold the blades on ... the stump jumper is an inverted pan that will hold water ... the blade nuts are inside that jumper pan ... water will seep down to the blades and rust will form ... believe me, you don't want stuck blades ... as soon as you engage pto you will shake, rattle and roll from the imbalance

[@robertjackson9601]

Mike, you made my day, downsize house, machine shed you can see from the space station. Lol.

[@mikeoptopt618]

sink 4 poles and put a roof on, nothing fancy for the tractor. over time the electrical and computers on these new tractors will be a pain in the @!# if left out in the elements.

[@bobd.]

I think if you have to store your tractor outside putting a tarp over it creates a nice cozy shelter for field mice and other critters. I don't know anything about tillage but your comment about greasing plow blades may protect the blade but when you put that plow to work all the grease will be scrubbed off and end up in the soil. The same soil you're planning to grow something in. Now maybe a little grease won't kill somebody or harm your crop, maybe it will, I don't know but why take the chance. As a consumer it would concern me to know that my potatoes or carrots were grown in soil contaminated with grease. I am probably being paranoid but that was my first thought when you talked about doing this. I can't afford an equipment shed to house my two tractors, dual axle dump trailer, and all the 3pt attachments I have, so I went with a less expensive alternative, I had two 20x20 carports erected side by side. Options I got at the time of purchase were to raise the roof by 2 feet over the standard height so I could be sure my tractor with the ROPS in place would fit underneath. I also get six 4 foot long screw anchors installed on each carport to keep the wind from taking them away. After 10 years they are both still standing. My equipment stays out of the weather and sun for the most part and well ventilated since the sides are all open. These 2 carports cost me $1100 each installed. I think it was money well spent. Found this comparison of various rust inhibitors. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYnPmaCYq8l-eNE

[@kdegraa]

Keep it dry, out of the sun with good airflow.