
By most equipment owners’ standards, Gulf Coast winters are pretty mild — but that doesn’t mean your tractor is off the hook. Cooler weather, increased moisture, and a slower pace of work make winter the perfect time to take care of equipment maintenance before spring demands ramp back up. Use Shoppa’s John Deere’s checklist to keep your John Deere compact tractor in top shape through the off-season.
The most essential part of equipment ownership is keeping your engine and fluids well-maintained. This will dramatically reduce your downtime and extend the life of your equipment.
Winter cold fronts can catch you off guard — and if you’re not ready, they can drain your battery. Check for any corrosion on your battery’s terminals and clean if necessary. Test your charge. If it’s struggling to hold a charge, it’s time to replace your battery.
Texas conditions like dust, pollen, and other debris can clog your air filter and add unnecessary strain to your engine. Clean or replace your filter to improve fuel efficiency and extend your engine’s life.
Grease all zerk fittings. If you’re unsure where to find them, refer to your owner’s manual. Lubricate all pivot points, attachment linkages, and 3-point hitch components. Moving parts that aren’t well-greased tend to wear and fail sooner.
Winter is a great time to schedule a service appointment before the spring rush fills our service bays! Contact your local Shoppa’s John Deere for everything from routine maintenance to full repairs and rebuilds. Don’t wait until a spring breakdown to discover a maintenance issue.
Shoppa’s John Deere services the greater Houston area from Beaumont, Liberty, and The Woodlands all the way to Victoria and greater Austin. Give us a call!