“When you're getting your tractor ready for the season,” said Stansbury, “the best thing to do is make sure your oil changes are up to date—engine oil, fuel filters, and air filters too.”
He emphasized that modern fuel systems can’t tolerate dirty filters the way older machines could, making routine replacements critical.
Beyond fluids and filters, a simple walk-around inspection can go a long way. “Check for oil leaks, watch for fault codes on the display, and make sure nothing looks off before you head into harvest,” he said.
According to Stansbury, forming a good relationship with your dealer can help extend the life of your equipment.
AG Revolution offers what they call a PM 360 inspection—a comprehensive, once-a-year check that evaluates everything from belts and bearings to chopper knives and gearboxes. “We rate repairs based on urgency,” he explained. “And we even tie in parts discounts so growers can plan and save.”
Even without dealer help, simple habits make a difference.
“Neglecting oil changes or skipping grease points wears down bushings and joints—and once that damage reaches the framework, repairs get expensive.”
Good maintenance includes listening to what your equipment is telling you.
“Vibrations, strange noises, black streaks on pulleys—those are all signs something might be off,” said Stansbury. “If something feels different in the cab, don’t ignore it. Stop, take a look, and address it before it becomes a bigger issue.”
He also recommended taking photos of fault codes that appear on your monitor. “Even if they come and go, send them to your dealer. It might be nothing—or it might be the start of a bigger problem.”
While under-maintaining is a common issue, Stansbury warned there is such a thing as going too far the other way—especially with grease.
“Over-greasing a variator can lead to belt slippage, and in some cases, the belt gets so soaked with grease that it has to be replaced,” he said. “Same goes for sealed bearings—if you blow out the seal, that bearing is on borrowed time.”
His recommendation? Follow the operator’s manual and perform a deep inspection once a year, paired with regular daily checks during the season.
When it comes to scheduling that maintenance, Stansbury says engine hours are a better guide than the calendar.
“Every piece of equipment is different. Some filters and oils need to be changed after 500 hours, others less frequently,” he said. “If you’re halfway through harvest and approaching a key interval, it’s better to stop and do the maintenance than push it off.”
Buying used? Maintenance matters even more.
“Your annual repair costs will likely be higher,” he admitted, “but a well-maintained used machine can still give you years of reliable service.”
He recommended doing an oil analysis or third-party inspection before you buy. “Look at the operator’s manual, understand where that machine is in its lifecycle, and make a list of what needs fixing now versus later.”
Stansbury was clear about one thing: it’s not about selling services; it’s about supporting farmers.
“We don’t expect growers to bring everything to us,” he said. “If they just want a phone call or help over text, we’re happy to support them however we can. Every farm is different—we try to meet growers where they’re at.”
Whether you're running the latest model or a trusted older machine, consistent maintenance—done right—will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
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