Its OKAY! Tips for storing equipment outside.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 มิ.ย. 2024
- Some customers are mortified when they hear us say that it can be ok to store equipment outside. After keeping equipment outside for two years, it is time to see how the equipment weathered, and what can be done to ensure your equipment lasts.
00:00 - It is OKAY!
00:46 - Paint Fading
02:08 - Regular Greasing
02:54 - Transmission Fluid
04:26 - Prevent Mice and Rodent Damage
05:12 - Hydraulic Hose Covers
05:55 - Good Quality Hardware
06:40 - Lubrication
07:19 - Keep Equipment Off the Ground
07:56 - Hydraulic Fittings and Cylinders
09:12 - Winterize
09:51 -
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My biggest piece of advice for storing equipment outside is that if you cover it with a tarp, leave the bottom up off the ground so it can breathe. If you keep the tarp on the ground, it will trap moisture. The wet dirt, sand, gravel, and stone will keep the inside of the tarp wet for a long time, and that moisture will rust like crazy.
I stored a tractor outside for over 20 years. As a farmer in Oklahoma, I was always too broke to think of affording a building, but I needed the tractor to keep the operation going. Bought the tractor nearly new. In the 20 years it sat out, the biggest toll I have seen taken is the weathering of anything made of plastic. The interior pieces of plastic in the cab have become quite brittle. When I was replacing the steering wheel tilt cylinder, the dashboard (made of plastic) kept cracking and breaking on me. Most of the screwholes broke, so there isn't much holding the dash together. Tires also got pretty bad, and I had to replace them after 15 years. Most of the hydraulic hoses and fuel hoses have been replaced due to dry rot and rust. The paint is okay, it doesn't have a shine to it, and wax takes off the top layer, but it's not really faded. Mechanically, the outdoors has had virtually no affect on it. As long as you want it to run and you don't need a beauty queen, you'll be fine to store outdoors. It's the harsh reality of being a farmer; you need an expensive machine, but then you can't afford anything else.
At my Uncles ranch they leave the engine hood open a little to keep the rodents away. Supposedly, the rodents are afraid of getting snatched up by hawks. Anyway worth a try. Thanks for the great video.
If it's left uncovered/in the sun i'd recommend a seat cover for longer term storage. Great video! People ask this all the time and it's seriously fine, they're tractors! they're designed to be outside.
The best advice I have to prevent rodents is to get a shipping container. You could fit that LX in a small 20 footer with plenty of room to spare. Be sure to add some vents. Mothballs is probably your next best option. Use a lot!
*Keep on tractoring!*
I wrap my exposed cylinders on my outside stored loader with a product called Denso Tape (infused with petroleum) to keep them from rusting. Works great. We need a Go Fund Me to get Neil a pole barn.
I have found the mice will go in to your air intake and nest in the filter housing. They will chew the filler for their nest. I used metal door screen and installed it over the opening with a tye rap. No more issues
Agree with the idea of antifreeze in the tank but it should be motor home antifreeze so it’s easier to clean in the spring and not toxic if spilled on the ground.
I store my equipment in my pole barn but the mice and ground squirrels still get indoors. I've found that raising the hood/engine cover and taking off the engine side panels allows light in and deters the animals from setting up shop. They like dark cozy places and light makes them feel vulnerable or so I've heard. If a seat can be folded up I also leave it up. I try to remember to put gloves, rags and other chewables up and out of reach. The squirrels are much worse than the mice. Their nests are bigger and they stockpile nuts into any small crevice. I had a small pilot house boat covered with a tarp and stored outside one winter and I was cleaning up nut hulls for months. They got in by climbing the lines that held the tarp down, so try not to give them any climbing help indoors or out.
A cheap car port is a very feasible way to give shelter to your tractor and implements. These are easily assembled and movable.
Park the tractor inside the car port and put the implements on skids.
A few things I do:
- Any kind of wire mesh or screen, zip-tied, or even RTV'd to the air intake tube, to prevent mice intrusion into the air filter
- Petroleum applied heavily to battery terminals & posts, to prevent rust. This works great in vehicles, too.
- Retracting all cylinders, where practical and/or possible
I coat my tractor and attachments/implements with Fluid Film on most of the metal surfaces. Just avoid spraying areas you touch the most. Also helps prevent rust that's already there from spreading further. The rain and snow does not wash it off. Easy enough to pressure wash off if you don't spray it on real thick. Haven't had any issues when sprayed on painted surfaces either.
Fluid Film everything.
Absolutely! I have been buying it for years by the 5 gallon bucket from NAPA. Great stuff, well worth the time and effort to apply it
Me too, especially all those nuts and bolts. 10yrs latter and you will be able to get them off when you need to work on it.
I purchased a rubber snake off of amazon and it made a huge difference. I basically put it up under the hood and tied it in place with a piece of fishing line so it looked real. It has stopped both mice and squirrels.
Very timely video, Neil. Just yesterday my neighbor suggested storing my excavator with all the cylinders drawn in. I was waiting to see if Messicks agreed!
Thanks Neil, my Kubota mechanic also offered up using petroleum jelly to rub on exposed pistons as a way to protect them from rust during outside storage. Seems to work so far. Appreciate the time you spend and the high content level!
You can also use wheel bearing grease.
I purchased a cheap carport tent from Harbor Freight to store my tractor in the yard. Flail mower and brush hog; during the winter is on a skid under a tarp with air flow. box blade is on the tractor during the winder it just barely fits in the HF tent.
I use the tomcat brand rodent repellent spray. It’s natural peppermint and garlic oils. I keep mine indoors, but it seems to keep evidence of mouse activity away.
Let me recommend a follow up video for you Neil. Maybe walk through your parts department and recommend things you stock for outdoor stored equipment. Hopefully your parts guys stock a line up of WD40 Specialist products. The spray and stay gel lube is excellent for the chrome hydraulic rams! They also have silicone dry lube. Maybe your parts guys stock covers for tractors? Heavy duty tarps? Hopefully you're dealer sells the fabric socks for over hydraulic lines. Spray lubricants also go a long way for pto shafts stored outside! Maybe one of your best parts guys could give a short talk but would probably be camera shy. Thank you for the video!
Great video Neil.👍🏻 Biggest problems I've experienced leaving equipment outside is moisture trapped in steel structure tubing. Round and square tubing can fill, freeze and bloon out or even bust 🤯 Make sure your equipment has weep holes on all vertical members and make sure there kept clean! Examples I've witness with this problem= loader buckets, ladder racks on trucks, dipper booms on excavators and backhoes and the vertical structural support on such machines. Word from the wise 🤔clear your weep holes or you maybe weeping later 😢
Glad you pointed out replacing your transmission/hydraulic fluid at the first 50 hours and not doing like all the people on the tractor forums and using a shop vac to hold the fluid in and replace the filters only.
Oil is cheap compared to your investment in the tractor. And lots of contaminants get cleaned out during that initial break-in.
I also do like you and replace all my fluids in my tractors and RTV annually.
As far as mice control, I've had good luck leaving bars of Irish Springs soap in stored equipment and RV trailer. Don't find mouse urine or feces after I do that.
I use Irish spring sport too. Works great!
Great tips, Neil. We always look forward to your informative videos. I mostly keep our equipment inside - but occasionally something does sit out if we're in the middle of a project.
I keep all my hoses Sprayed with Silicone. It helps protect the rubber from dry rotting.
Anything with a gearbox or engine goes in the barn.
Dry lube keeps mice from eating hoses and electrical as well.
Great ideas. Thanks! 😀
Great video! And perfect timing as I'm trying to clear out some space in my barn.
It's been 110+ and a little bit of sun. My equipment is under shade shelter.
My cat likes to spend the day, and sometimes nights, hanging around under the same shelter so mice are not a problem.
How unfortunate that Kubota doesn't use a high grade automotive paints on their tractors.
pretty sure they have a contract with a water color paint company. straight trash.
You get what you pay for…. How do you think they are cheaper. Gotta cut costs somewhere.
There isn’t anything “cheaper” about a Kubota
I have owned several Kubotas, zero turn mowers, subcompact tractors, tractors all have been excellent equipment, except paint quality which has been disappointing on every single one including attachments ! My next tractor will be a New Holland. The blue paint seems to last much better!
@@steveshelby2465 So let me get this straight… every piece of Kubota equipment you have owned has been excellent, but you’re going to change to New Holland because the blue paint will last longer? Not to suggest New Holland equipment isn’t decent quality, but hard to imagine someone would switch brands due to paint.
For wiring, to protect from rodents, I believe it's a Honda brand of wire wrap that's impregnated with capsaicin (the hot part of a hot pepper). Honda used the wrap (uses still?) to correct an issue with soy-based plastics they used to jacket some of their cars' wiring. The soy-plastic attracted mice, so the wrap was used as a deterrent versus replacing the wiring harness. That's my recollection, so if I'm off or heard incorrectly, then someone else can correct. But the Honda wrap can be bought online. Not cheap, but it works.
I think Neil needs a pole building to store all his stuff😃
All the funds spent @ new dealership structure. 👌🔔
Great to see you camping with the Vanagon again! Love that old V dub with the new heart. Thanks for sharing!
Not sure why.. but this is the best TH-cam channel.
Rodents.... get an outside cat. They work great. Plus, they are fun to have around.
I have 3, they bring the mice from the woods to my house!
Nice One Neil we used to leave the BX 2350 loader and finishing mower out side Thanks again
Great advice.
For rodents I’ve found two things that got them out of my machines. Keep them parked away from tall vegetation, and (for heaven’s sake!) don’t put a tarp over them!!! Running them regularly keeps the vermin away also
Keep the seat tipped forward! My tractor has been outside for 18 years and the seat hasn't got a crack or rip because I keep it tipped forward when not in use.
The lawn mowers and sub compact utility tractors will usually tip. But, a full size tractor will not normally tip.
I had a problem with squirrels chewing into my attic. I soaked cotton balls with fox urine and put them in a plastic container with holes in it so it doesn't dissipate too fast. It's been over a year and I haven't seen any squirrels on my roof since.
One tip is spraying wd40 on any and all bare metal surfaces. It's readily available, fairly cheap and can slow down rust and corrosion.
Had to store my Kubota tractor and auxiliary backhoe outside for a few years. After retracting all cylinders I coated the exposed rods with grease (wiped it off when back in use). Also recycled a discarded pool liner to cover both the tractor and the backhoe.
1 Teaspoon of peppermint essential oil to 8 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Spray around engine compartment, under and around cab. I also like to take clean rags/old clothes and soak them with the repellent. I place these around the inside of engine compartments and under plastic moldings/panels. I live in the woods and have great success preventing them getting in equipment/cars.
Great idea!
4% peppermint oil, 1% cinnamon oil, 95% distilled water. Distilled water shouldn't leave a water mark. The oils will remain after the water evaporates. I wouldn't spray it on anything that gets hot like the engine.
I do exactly the same thing with my Kubota and it works great. And as a bonus, your machine smells like Christmas!
Great information. A tip I use on my rotary mower and finish mower is during the winter months and the rainy season I cover the gear boxes with a heavy trash bag and secure it with twine. This really helps with the moisture in the gear oil.
Upgraded tip, get a 5 gallon bucket and cut it so it slides right over the gearbox.
I had used my tractor for logging and found that damp foliage damp areas were extremely hard on it. The dampness and rain just caused issues. Al of my equipment is open to elements. The best thing I found was to keep up off the ground on boards. the ground just eats away at the steel. The other was a roof cover to keep direct sun and rain off the tractor. The gravel area than can dry out quickly. Keeps the dampness out of the machine. This has helped with my maintenance issues. The good tubes of grease really go a long way to keep things running well. I have found a difference in the grease. I never like when the greases seem like cake and sandpaper. I have really gotten to see my machine stored at different areas. I found the rain and sun to be the worst followed by never really being able to dry the machine out. The constant maintenance is the key. Thanks for another very informative video. I always seem to be looking for great lubricants. Your shop has been very helpful. The grease has aways been a gray area for me. Do you have any recommendations for different applications. What greases may be the best for different situations. Would it be possible for you to do a video on some products that you have to offer. I would like to know more about the spray for the hydraulic cylinders. I did not realize you had this to offer. Thanks again for the great service and parts you offer.
I keep most of my implements outside; I tried tarps but they just didn't work well as the 3point hitch receiver and various points wear through the tarp super fast. What I do now is get big BBQ covers (I like the Costco ones and end of season on sale) and they seem to last for a long time on the edges and have some weight to stay down. Even fits the large 3p snowblower. I will also use some pool noodles cut up on sharper edges to extend the length of the cover. One way to keep the wind from flapping the cover and wearing on the paint, cheap spring clamps do the job as well as pieces of 2x6 or 2x8 to keep the cover down then some bricks around the bottom. When the tractor has to stay outside, I bought a specifically cut cover for the BX.
The only good rodent repellents I've ever had luck with is, ferrel cats and spicy based repellents. Toyota used to make a cayenne pepper based tape wrap. That worked okay, but was time consuming.
I store my brushog outside; I keep the blade access hole/port covered with a 3 inch diameter 90lb magnet you can buy at any hardware store.. I keep it centered over the hole with a mason jar lid screwed on the bottom of the magnet threw the center hole on the magnet. I does a great job keeping water out and stays out while in use.
Thank You! I am irrationally concerned about storing equipment outside, but just don't have the space inside... especially for attachments.
Ps. I just had a barn shed built to store my two tractors. Packed gravel first then caulked and installed skirt to prevent mice entering from below.
My BX25 had plastic bonnet/hood and guards which don't fair well with UV rays, causing them to become brittle, rear guard was my major problem as it would continually crack and allow the lights to hit the tyre. up graded to B26.
yeah i use a carport type cover and dont have any issues with it. uv rays are the main issue where i live
You can also smear a light coating of grease on the Chrome Rod keeps it from rusting is a good long-term tip.
One trick for preventing mice in tractor engines is to put peperment oil around the engine or tractor. Mice hate the smell, another is to use cinnamon sticks. They find it repugnent. I also use tarps on my implements stored outdoors.
A lot of great comments here. RE Rodents; All our cars, lawn machines, etc are outside. I truly wish I could afford a garage, but my neighbors deal with rodents annually despite their garages. I find the vermin are not much of an issue until late October through early December. Then they're an incredible nuisance! That's when I break open the peppermint stuff and keep tabs on my bucket trap, which works fabulously. I found that an important habit for discouraging "the initial move-in" is to leave hoods/engine covers open after use to cool down asap. I also leave the seat off my motorcycle all winter. Anything that can act as a tent for them should be lifted off if possible, or the entry point should be plugged (tapered wood exhaust plugs, etc). I recently had to replace an 18" fuel line on my 2022 Tacoma. THAT was upsetting. I wrapped the $90 replacement with metallic ducting tape.
Irish spring works for me for keeping the vermin out.
303 surface protectant is good for hoses and seats peppermint extract and dryer sheets helps for mice
Pine Sol, a large bottle, pour it on the ground in a full circle around the equipment, repeat once a month all winter, has worked for my 2 series tractor and RV for three years now, no mice.
The higher percentage of pine oil, the better. Sometimes the store brands are better than name brands - read the label :)
I just switched from peppermint oil to pine sol due to the price difference. So far it has worked well. I had no luck with dryer sheets.
Spraying jalapeño juice on wiring will help with rodents. Used to do this with corvettes that got stored for many months on end. I believe it’s an old NASA trick if I recall correctly
4:40 Barn Owl nesting boxes! Help the environment and your gear
@rotaryenginepete
A battery disconnect would help prevent theft for equipment left outdoors. The only disadvantage to Kubota orange is you can't miss it lol
Any manual transmission make sure your gear shift boots are in good condition or it will let water directly into the transmission. Make sure any vertical exhaust is covered in some way. I really don't like to leave tractors sit outside because I have worked on tractors that have been and the rust damage can be very frustrating and time consuming
I use a tarp just on the cab and engine area and spray it down with rat spray every 30 days from Tractor Supply, works great.
I use slitted pool noodles to cushion sharp edges before tarping.
Get a wool buffing pad for air or angle grinder to buff off the rust on cylinders
Have a 1980s international harvester 584 that has lived its life outside and in a hayfield. The paint is no longer red more or a brown or burgundy the paint has faded so much but it doesn't have rust which is all I care about. Especially living in maine with cold winters and snow and road salt, vehicles might not fade but they definitely rust. I can deal with faded paint as long as it holds up.
I use pallets to keep attachments off the ground. And drop in bed liners, that I get for free. To cover my tractor and attachments with gear boxes
My plan is to get the floor finished in 1/2 my shop and get all my wood working tools situated, then the other 1/2 my shop will house all my tractor attachments/implements....shelving will be key in that, but I have room to do so...everything is pretty much outside right now as I'm working on getting stuff ready for the floor, and don't care to have to keep moving attachments/implements and tools around LOL.
I make frames using 1.5" PVC pipe, cover with brown tarps. Sides are open for ventilation, no condensation. Lightweight, easy to lift over implements. Inexpensive. And brown is not obnoxious like blue tarps.
doesn't the first strong gust of wind blow it away?
@@billdarling2629 no problem. Use at least 1in schedule 40 pvc. I have all 4 sides with pipe for frame touching ground. Upright and cross pieces as needed to support tarp. Sides are open. Wish I could attach picture.
Rodents chew wires for 2 main reasons: They have to chew to keep their teeth at correct length and due to environmental laws, wires now have soy in the coatings to help them biodegrade faster which as Neil said, makes them appealing. I live in the country and have had to repair wiring on all my vehicles and equipment at one time or another. Air filter housings/boxes are another item to check frequently for nests. I've heard people having success with cayenne pepper spray but I haven't tried it myself. My main line of defense is putting bucket traps next to vehicles/equipment that don't move frequently and it seems to be working.
I've heard WD-40 and 0000 steel wool help safely remove rust from chrome hydraulic cylinder rods.
After I clean stuff I don't have room inside for, I coat it with used motor oil thinned with kerosene and spray it on the equipment with an undercoating gun. It protects from rust, and moisture. After that, I park the machine in its spot, and cover with a tarp, letting the bottom of the tarp tied up off the ground so air can move. It is not a shed, but its better than nothing.
I've run out of room and now must store some equipment outside. So, should I store the BX tractor in a garage, or the attachments? I need a huge hangar.
My new L3902, loader and Backhoe, are all stored in my garage. The 60” finishing mower is kept outside on my gravel parking area under an ATV canvass, and the box blade non covered. I would not keep the expensive equipment outside unprotected.
First of all, Neil, those shoes……
Regarding covers, everyone knows how sucky blue tarps are. See if you can find an outdoor advertising company who will sell you old, removed billboard material. Yes, it has words and pictures on it but it’s thick and durable and lasts infinitely longer than tarps.
I didn't notice the crocks. Now I'm not sure how much I respect Neil 🙂
Just came in from an hour of tractor work in Crocs. 😊
There are also several online billboard vinyl dealers for those who don’t have anything local. The backsides can be black, white, or blue if you don’t want the billboard graphics shown.
@@SharonRepici They’re quite heavy, any idea what shipping costs are?
Mice hate peppermint oil. Can make a mixture spray bottle and wipe plastics/wires you have access to.
Neil, do you have any specific suggestions for rust preventative spray products?
The autotranslate was on: "Neil from Essex here." I didn't know you were British, Neil!
What do think about tarpping equipment like the back hoe? Wondering if that would trap moisture and actually be bad for the hoe.
My work rarely stores Ag equipment inside. Mainly if that vehicle has a GPS antenna on top to prevent theft.
Deutz and JCB both have storage check list. Deutz is roughly every 3 months, and JCB monthly.
The lists are similar, you have to check tire's, battery, fluids, and move/operate the machine, and have the AC running for 10 min or so.
But storing outside did cause some rust, like a 5070D Keyline where the hydraulic block started to rust.
Personally, we have our tractor at our house together with a rear container in case we need something to transport stuff with, which is really the main thing our Renault does now.
And because it doesn't reach the hours to get to the service interval hours, I'll be replacing the filters, axle and motor oil yearly, and the trani/hydraulic oil every other year at that's about 60 litters.
Keep your tractor covered. Dads old Ford 3000 sat out for 30 years without problem. M tractor from 2003 sat out for 3 years and needed lots of ELECTRICAL things fixed. Keep the modern stuff dry if you plan on keeping it running
Mix peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle. Shake well before spraying! Protect your tires as best as possible from sunlight, as premature dry rot or cracking can be a great expense! No need to purchase tires before they are worn down!
Concerning mice, don't park where they have cover (tall grass, low branches on pine trees/shrubs, firewood piles) or food (acorns, grubs). Problem is, anywhere something is sitting on the ground (like logs, tractor attachments, etc.) grubs will be under it and that will be food and cover for mice. So you have to be proactive and set poison in outdoor stations. Get the type commercial businesses use - both mice and rats can use them, there is space for plenty of poison, and there is a brick in them so cats and raccoons can't get to them and turn them over. The type I have is Bell Labs Protecta Evo Express. They cost around $20 on Zoro.
Other than in the shade, I open the hood and any other cover. Rats don't make nests in the open they like hidden enclosed spaces. I also tilt the seat up if I can, don't need a rattlesnake under it or rain on top of it.
You can wax your tractor hood and fenders. Do not park on grass, it is better to put a rubber mat or have a concrete pad to park on. There is a rubber protectant sold at RAM dealers, DO NOT use armor all on hoses. Plastic pallets are great for storing 3-point attachments. There is a clear plastic spray you can buy at craft stores to protect labels.
Great tips! Definitely going to put some of them into action.
I highly recommend using Griots 3 in 1 Ceramic spray on painted surfaces a couple of times a year. It does attract dust a bit, but it’s very easy to apply and will help protect against UV rays and makes equipment easier to clean, too.
For that cylinder, I’d gently remove the rust mechanically; you’ll ruin the seals quickly with a rusty cylinder.
What kind of dry lube spray do you use?
For the rodents. I have used battery terminal sealer. The parts stores have some pretty sticky smelly red stuff. I spray it on rodent damage that I repair on vehicles and never see them return. The more fumes and the stickier the better.
Always flip the seat over. Sun *really* gets after the vinyl seat covering.
I don't have a tractor, but when I do I will at least have a car port or lean-to for it. The implements. I would use bearing grease to cover chrome hydraulic shafts and any where exposed raw metal is. Grease maybe messy, but will will stick to parts for a while and preserve areas well. Great video Neal!
An all metal car port is not that expensive. Especially compared to the cost of the tractor and implements. They are available in different sizes and work way better than tarps or trees for protection.
says someone who doesn't live in heavy snow country (but I otherwise agree, assuming the car port is secured to the ground)
What is the dry lube you use on the chains?
A cover and large tarp, ventilated, will go a long way in deterring weathering.
The real workhorse in Neil’s fleet is seen in the background at 3:50. 😂
On my b2601 my arm rests get kinda ruff and grubby and the glue fails on the seat pan for the seat cussion after storing outside.
Those hydraulic rods on the backhoe with the rust spots are more then likely going to cause a seal failure. Tractors are pretty expensive - I'd find a way to get it under cover as soon as I could. I have two tractors and a mini-ex and when not in use, I leave the hoods/covers open in the pole barn to minimize mouse houses. Apparently, they don't like it when light is let in with open spaces.
Regarding rodents. In my house I use devices that plug into a wall outlet. It produces a sound to deter mice but cannot be hears by humans. Seems to work pretty good. Don't know if they make something that works out side. Don't know how you would initiate the power source. Would be nice if they did.
i noticed when i parked my tractor in a place that got reflected and direct sun it was very hard on it, i park in under a tree now
Inside and climate controlled is always better, but outside can be just fine. I agree the sun and moisture are the biggest issues. Shading vulnerable hoses / paint, even parking items where they'll see shade most of the day is an improvement over the course of years. But also parking on as dry a surface as possible that drains well and has good airflow. Tarps can be good for keeping the sun off, but if you really wrap stuff up you can make moisture problems worse and invite rodents.
You don't need to store equipment in a climate controlled building 🙄. These are tractors not a sports car. At best just stick them in a shed. What do you think we do with our equipment on the commercial side? We stick it in a shed. It's meant to work, not sit around and look pretty.
My dad keeps his Kubota outside, for 23 years. It's not in bad shape at all
I would hit that cylinder with some Emory cloth 420 or better, ground red pepper helps if you have a problem spot with mice but be mindful where the engine will blow iit
Take a can of Pam cooking spray and spray the inside behind cab plastic , starter , alternator, engine, trans wires and dump cayenne pepper in your hand and blow the pepper over everything that you want to keep mice away from.
Among the hardest things on equipment can be LACK of use and just letting it sit around parked for weeks and weeks.