Six winter care tips for your tractors

Jan 02, 2024

With the arrival of winter, it’s crucial to prepare your tractor for the cold months ahead. Whether you’re using it for snow removal or regular farm tasks, proper winter care ensures your tractor starts and operates safely in sub-zero temperatures.

Small Farm Canada offers six steps to shield your tractor from winter woes:

Optimal Parking: The first step is to park your tractor in the warmest possible place. A heated garage is ideal, but if that’s not available, choose an open, sunny location facing east. This helps keep the tractor relatively warm through solar radiation.
Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance is key. Warm up the engine for 5-10 minutes before starting chores or tasks to prevent wear and tear. Regularly inspect rubber parts like hoses and belts, as they are prone to cold damage. Check the tires for corrosion and maintain the correct air pressure.
Appropriate Fuel and Oil: Using winter-appropriate fuel and engine oil is essential. In cold temperatures, diesel fuel can gel and clog filters. Winter fuel and oil keep the engine’s moving parts well-lubricated, even in extreme cold. Always consult your tractor’s manual to choose the right products.

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Video: Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Join Certified Crop Advisor George Lubberts for this Prairie Certified Crop Advisor (Prairie CCA) field update from Enchant, Alberta. In this 12th video of the series, George takes us into a seed canola field where the male rows have been removed and the female plants are filling pods. This video was taken in the third week of August 2025.

George discusses the early signs of sclerotinia stem rot, explaining how infection begins in the stem, impacts pod development, and leads to premature ripening. He also shares insights on lygus bug management, including timing of spray applications to minimize feeding damage and maintain seed size and quality.

With cool, damp summer conditions, George notes that while disease pressure is present, overall field health remains good. The crop is just beginning to show early seed colour change, signaling progress toward maturity.

Topics Covered:

•Sclerotinia stem rot identification and impact

•Managing lygus bugs in seed canola

•Crop stage and seed colour change observations

•Timing insecticide sprays for optimal protection

•Insights from a CCA field perspective in southern Alberta