How To Wash Your Tractor

Whether used for farm work or on a construction site, tractors tend to encounter a lot of dirt and dust. That’s why keeping a tractor clean can be very difficult. However, regular tractor cleanings can help prevent long-term corrosion as well as help keep dirt out of the engine. This guide from K.C. Nielsen can help you get better at cleaning your tractor. 

1. Remove Debris

Washing your tractor will be easier if you first remove big debris like leaves, mud, grass, and twigs. Luckily, all it usually takes to get rid of these debris is a pass over using a normal leaf blower. Pay extra attention to removing debris from the undercarriage, since this area tends to be the most difficult to keep clean. 

2. Rinse & Wash Exterior

While hand washing a tractor can be time consuming, it’s also the best way to ensure that your tractor gets the most thorough possible cleaning. Start by wiping down your tractor with a bucket of soapy water and a sponge. Be sure to rinse as you go to avoid soap build-up. A scrub brush can be used to make cleaning the nooks and crannies easier, while a large automotive brush can be used to get the tractor’s tires clean. 

Washing your tractor using a pressure washer will result in a faster though less thorough cleaning process. Be sure to clean top to bottom so that soiled water doesn’t drip down onto areas that you’ve already cleaned. Pressure washer jets can be very powerful so be careful when spraying around delicate components like mirrors and sensors. You’ll also need to be careful not to accidentally get any water in your tractor’s engine. 

3. Dry and Apply Wax

Next, either allow your tractor to air dry or use an air compressor/leaf blower to dry it. Once your tractor has fully dried, apply a protective wax coating and buff it out until you’re satisfied. 

4. Wipe Down Interior

Keeping the inside of your tractor clean is just as important as keeping the outside clean. Wipe down the controls and seating so that no trace or dirt or mud remains. If you need to clean your tractor’s floodboards, use a shop vacuum. 

Shop our inventory of tractors at K.C. Nielsen Ltd. We operate 11 locations throughout the northwest Iowa area. We’re proud to serve communities like Humboldt and Fort Dodge, Iowa. We also offer parts, servicing, and financing. We hope to see you online or in-person!