Fixing Your Tractor When It Won't Start And Other Troubleshooting Tips

Mar. 24 2021 Maintenance By West Hills Tractor

Your tractor won't start, the performance is suddenly compromised, the fuel pressure is low: these are a few common problems that plague those in the agricultural industry. You rely on your tractor to maintain your farm, so it's crucial to know how to handle troubleshooting when problems arise.

We've created the following guide to fixing your tractor when it won't start, finding out what’s causing compromised performance, and other helpful DIY tips. 

If you have any questions or want to shop tractors for sale in Tennessee, chat with the experts at West Hills Tractor. Our dealership is located in Jonesborough, Tennessee, and we also serve those in Johnson City and Greeneville.

Fixing Your Tractor When It Won't Start

This can be an incredibly aggravating situation. In many cases, the culprit is the battery. When your tractor sits unused for a week or two, the battery drains and eventually dies. The solution? Charge up the battery (and try not to let it drain again in the future).

It's also important to glance over the battery’s posts and cables. These can get built up material deposits and suffer wear, which reduce their ability to function. Try to regularly inspect and clean these to keep the battery running well.

If after these steps your tractor still won't start, you may need to reach out for professional help.

Fixing Your Tractor When It's Performance Is Compromised

Maybe the problem isn't that you need to fix your tractor when it won't start. Maybe the tractor has no issue starting, but it's performance is drastically off. There are a few possible causes.

The Spark Plugs

The engine's spark plugs get worn down and damaged over time due to use. A faulty spark plug can cause hard starts, low fuel consumption, and reduced performance. Spark plugs can be one of the first things you check when your tractor performance is off.

It's also important to check the tractor's operation manual to see how often you should be replacing the spark plugs as part of your preventative maintenance routine. This can help prevent faulty spark plugs.

The Carburetor

The carburetor is essential for blending air and fuel for the engine. When it gets clogged, your tractor's performance will be sacrificed. Be sure to check this early on. A carburetor left clogged for too long will need expensive repairs.

The Fuel System

If you notice your tractor's performance is slowly deteriorating, the likely cause is the fuel system. When things go wrong in the fuel system, it often results in a low fuel pressure that compromises the overall performance. Both your tractor and any implements are affected.

The fuel control lever is another common cause. When it gets jammed, fuel has a harder time making it to the engine. Try spraying some lubricant and seeing if that does the trick. If not, schedule a service department appointment.

Fixing Tractor Implements That Lost Effectiveness

Sometimes, the problem isn't your tractor. Sometimes, it's the tractor attachments and implements. Usually, the issue is dull blades.

The blades on tractor implements wear down due to use. When they become too dull, they won't be able to perform at their optimized level. Simply sharpen the blades to restore their effectiveness. This is usually needed twice a year.

We hope you found this guide to tractor troubleshooting helpful! For more advice or to shop tractors for sale in Tennessee, reach out to friendly staff at West Hills Tractor. We are happy to help with anything we can, from replacing broken tractor parts to discussing our financing options. You'll find us in Jonesborough, Tennessee. We also proudly serve those in Greeneville and Johnson City, Tennessee.