Planting season leaves no room for downtime. A tractor that breaks down mid-field, or an irrigation pump that fails right when you need it most, can cost you days you don’t have. Running through a few basic checks before the season starts is the cheapest insurance you can buy.
Engine Oil and Filters
Old or contaminated oil is one of the most common causes of avoidable engine wear. Check the oil level and colour, and replace the oil and filter if it’s been more than one season since the last change. Clean air filters matter just as much — a clogged filter starves the engine and increases fuel consumption.
Tyres and Tracks
Uneven wear, low pressure, or visible cracking all reduce traction exactly when you need it most — during planting on soft or wet ground. Check pressure against the manufacturer’s recommendation for the terrain you’ll be working, not just a general figure.
Hydraulic Lines and Fittings
Inspect hoses for cracking, bulging, or leaks around fittings. A slow leak that seems minor in the yard can fail completely under load in the field. Replace anything showing wear now rather than waiting for it to fail during a planting window.
Battery and Electrical Connections
Corroded terminals and weak batteries are a leading cause of no-start situations. Clean the terminals, check the charge, and test the battery under load if it’s more than two seasons old.
Irrigation Equipment
If your planting plan depends on irrigation, test pumps, lines, and sprinklers before you need them, not after. Run water through the system and check for blockages, leaks, and uneven pressure across the field.
None of these checks take more than an afternoon, but skipping them is how a manageable maintenance job turns into a week of lost planting time. If any of these checks turn up something you’re not equipped to fix in-house, our service team can get it sorted before your planting window closes — reach out and we’ll schedule it around your timeline.