For a farmer, a tractor is as essential as the land, crops, and list of daily chores required to keep operations going. So, when a mechanical problem makes tractor repairs necessary, it can interfere with your schedule and responsibilities. To help minimize downtime, discover below some common tractor issues and possible solutions for each.

A Guide to Tractor Problems & Repairs

1. Deteriorating Performance

A slowdown in performance or response times often signals problems with the fuel system. When there are issues with the components that deliver gas to the engine, the tractor can experience low fuel pressure or difficulties controlling fuel levels, either of which will slow performance. 

This is a problem that should be checked out by a tractor repair professional to ensure the source of the malfunction is fully addressed and doesn't present issues in the future.

2. Dead Battery

Tractors, like cars, depend on batteries to run. When you turn the tractor on, the ignition device sends a signal to the battery, when then converts chemical energy to electrical energy and transmits the needed power to the engine. But tractors are typically driven far less often than cars, and when a battery isn't used regularly, it loses its charge. The result is a tractor that won't start. 

Fortunately, you can usually remedy this issue by recharging the battery for 12 to 24 hours, depending on its size. If you need to use the tractor right away, a quick solution would be to jump the battery with a cable, as you would with a car.

3. Bad Spark Plugs

Spark plugs, as their name implies, create sparks that ignite the air-fuel mixture needed to start the engine. When spark plugs go bad, they cannot create the needed spark, and you'll have trouble starting your tractor. Lowered fuel consumption and slowdowns in performance are also signs of bad spark plugs. 

The vehicle should be parked until the engine is cool. Next, the spark plug wire and coil-on plugs are removed. A new spark plug will be put in before reinstalling the wire or ignition coils. A tractor repair professional can quickly take care of this for you.

When you need tractor repairs for any of the above problems, visit Ernst Irrigation. Since 1873, they have been serving the St. Paul, OR, region. In addition to tractor sales and repairs, they provide irrigation equipment, water treatment systems, and pump services. Call (503) 633-1111 or visit them online to request a quote.