How to store tractor tyres and prepare for winter

A tractor may sit for weeks over winter or off-season. Small mistakes in this period make tyres age and crack without being used. Rubber is degraded by sunlight, ozone, heat and constant load on one spot.

When the tractor stands for a long time

• Park it in a covered, cool and dry place if possible.
• Keep pressure at the maker’s value; it drops slowly over time, so check monthly.
• If possible, put the tractor on blocks to unload the tyres; otherwise move it a few metres now and then so the tyres don’t always rest on the same spot.
• Clean off oil, diesel, fertiliser and chemicals, which soften and crack rubber.
• Keep tyres out of direct sun; cover them if parked outside.

Water-ballasted tyres

If water was added for ballast, it can freeze in cold regions and damage tyre and rim. Ballast water without antifreeze should be checked or drained before winter. See the tractor weight and ballast guide.

Storing spare tyres

• Tyres without rims should stand upright and be turned a quarter turn monthly.
• Mounted tyres can be stacked flat or hung.
• Keep them away from ozone sources such as electric motors, welders and compressors.
• The floor should be dry; don’t place tyres on bare soil.

Start-of-season check

Before running the tractor again, measure all four pressures, look for cracks, bulges or cuts on the sidewalls and check valve caps. If you find deep sidewall cracks, see when to replace a tractor tyre.