Cover tractor or ????

Little Billy · Jul 26, 2014

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Leaving my 4400 gas outside due to tranny problems.....

While trying to decide on fix, have run it occasionally to keep battery up, etc.

Last couple times starting, getting wet plugs and misfires and this is
'possibly' due to condensation in tank/carb/etc.

I'm presently covering the whole tractor with a tarp when parked,
and am wondering if covering it is causing / adding to the moisture,...

OR, just a normal thing from sitting outside?

Tarp? or no tarp?

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Royse · Jul 26, 2014

I would cover it, but make sure air can get up through and around it.
When you run it, run it enough to get it good and warm, not just 10 minutes.
It can be difficult to get them up to temp without using them.
Obviously difficult to use one with tranny problems.

Ecnerwal · Jul 27, 2014

Ideally tarp it as close to being a "just the size of the tractor shed" rather than "a big tarp over everything" as possible. Keep rain off but let air flow through. A small tarp that does not reach the ground, supported above the tractor as much as can be easily arranged.

I'm seriously contemplating adding places to mount conduit hoops to my tractors to support covers over them (like their own tiny greenhouse/canopy) if I don't manage to throw up something bigger for them to live under.

s19438 · Jul 27, 2014

I have covered my machines with canvas tarps for years with no problems. like the others said, air flow is a key.

David G · Jul 27, 2014

It is better on the tractor to pull the battery than running it for a few minutes to keep battery charged. You will get a lot of condensation in the oil and excess carbon in the combustion chambers.

Little Billy · Jul 27, 2014

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OK, tarp it is.....loose, and covers from seat to front of hood.

At the moment, havta run it to check tranny pressures, etc.,
until splitting is done (or not, depending on decision)

Previous owner had it under one of those picnic style canopies,
and I eyed one of those portable garages, but alas, the guy sold it
before I could get there..... Oh well.......

,

NoNewParts · Jul 27, 2014

like the guys said, a small tarp just making a 'hat' for the tractor to shed rain is all you need.
If your tarp is big enough, at the rear, tying it across the tops of the rear tires will keep the sun off em. That ol Sun does more damage to the tires than the rain does to the rest of the tractor.

Royse · Jul 27, 2014

"That ol Sun does more damage to the tires than the rain does to the rest of the tractor."

I tend to agree. At least damage that cannot be sanded out and fixed relatively cheaply.
Or oil/fluids that can be changed readily. Tires are pricey!
Now, if you let the fluids fill with water and freeze, cracking housings, that's another story.
I know one person who has been kicking himself for that exact exercise in stupidity.
Not saying who though.

FordManiac · Jul 27, 2014

vs a tarp I would purchase a car cover made of breathable fabric. They are 90% water proof but will breath better than a tarp and cut the sun. As others mentioned I would still make sure air goes under it well. Don't buy the cheapest one either. You will need to spend $70 bucks for a decent one.

Cover tractor or ????

Little Billy

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Royse

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Ecnerwal

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s19438

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David G

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Little Billy

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NoNewParts

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Royse

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FordManiac

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