Your Tractor's Cooling System Needs Attention, Too

You rely on your tractor to do the heavy work around your farm or construction site, so you must make sure its engine doesn't overheat. You likely work your tractor for long periods in a wide range of temperatures, so you need to make sure that your cooling system and antifreeze are in good working order.

Here is more information about tractor cooling systems, how you can tell if you have a problem, and how these problems are fixed.

Tractor Cooling System

Your tractor's cooling system is very similar to most other combustion engine cooling systems, including the one found in your passenger car or truck. While cooling systems vary between older and newer vehicles in terms of complexity, they all have the same basic design. Here is a list of common components in most tractor cooling systems.

Radiator

Most radiators are designed with a core and cooling fins, just like automotive radiators. Radiators are usually located in front of the tractor to get the most out of the air flow to help keep the coolant temperatures down.

Water Pump

Modern tractors use a water pump to push water and coolant through the engine. However, some older models may skip this method and simply use an outgoing and ingoing hose directly to and from the radiator.

Hoses

As mentioned above, hoses direct the coolant to and from the radiator and the engine and consist of at least a large upper or lower radiator hose. You may have additional, smaller hoses if your tractor has certain accessories.

Thermostat

The thermostat keeps the radiator fluid from flowing to the engine until the coolant already inside the engine has reached a certain temperature. Then, the thermostat opens and lets the cooler fluid in the radiator flow through. This helps the tractor's engine warm up efficiently.

Coolant

Most modern tractors use either full coolant or a mixture of coolant and water. Many tractors use a very specific type of coolant designed for your tractor's engine that may not be mixed with anything else.

Fans

Newer tractors have fans located in front of the radiator to assist with airflow and cooling when the outside airflow is lacking, such as when you idle.

Tractor Cooling System Failure

Cooling system failure eventually leads to long-term engine damage if you continue to run your tractor's engine. Here are two signs that you have a problem in the cooling system so that you can take precautions.

Your Tractor's Engine Overheats

Some modern tractors shut down when the engine's temperature gets high for any reason. Other models, especially older models, have a temperature gauge to give you an idea of when your engine runs too hot, but you have to shut down manually. If your tractor engine overheats, you might have a plugged or dirty radiator, stuck thermostat, or a broken fan.

Your Tractor Leaks Coolant

Some coolant loss may be normal for some very old, antique tractor models. However, most modern tractors should not use up any coolant. If you find that you need to add more coolant often, then you likely have a leak in the hoses, radiator, or in your engine's head gasket.

Tractor Cooling System Repair

The repairs you need depend on the cause of the problem. A thorough check-up is needed to find any leaks, a stuck thermostat, or blown head gaskets. For instance, if the symptom of your problem is a high engine temperature, then you could either have a stuck thermostat or a few different radiator problems.

Whether you have a brand new tractor, or an old classic, Kell Radiator Service can help you repair your cooling cooling system. We work with all kinds of equipment, including heavy duty and industrial equipment like tractors, and we even do upgrades. Contact us to see if we can help you with all of your vehicles' cooling system maintenance and repair.