DIY tractor maintenance: Keep your TYM tractor running strong in 2025
How To
September 2, 2025
One of the greatest advantages of owning a TYM tractor is how simple it is to keep in top condition. We make this easier with useful guides and resources to empower you to use your tractor to its full potential. With regular do-it-yourself maintenance, you can extend the life of your machine, reduce downtime, and save on repair costs. This DIY tractor maintenance guide builds on your owner’s manual and highlights practical tractor maintenance steps every operator should follow to get the most out of their machine.

 

DAILY SAFETY & PREP

Start every maintenance task with basic safety checks to protect yourself and keep your tractor safe and in top working condition.

  • Cool the engine: Never work on a hot tractor. Burns from hot components and fluids are a common hazard.
  • Use protective gear & waste bins: Industrial-grade, lidded bins help you dispose of oils and coolants responsibly.
  • Detach or lower attachments: Always disconnect attachments before servicing.
  • Complete your daily checklist: If possible, use a rust-protective spray on exposed metal components to protect them from moisture. 


ENGINE AND COOLING SYSTEM

Routine engine and cooling system checks protect against overheating and keep your tractor running smoothly.

Check and change coolant

  • Ensure coolant reaches the filter inlet, and top up if low.
  • Drain old coolant by opening the radiator cap and drain cock.
  • Flush the radiator with clean water and close the drain cock.
  • Refill to the prescribed level. Start the engine, idle for 5 minutes, then shut off and top off once cooled.
  • In cold climates, use antifreeze to prevent engine damage.

Pro Tip: A clogged radiator screen can cause overheating, so be sure to clean it regularly.

Engine oil

  • Use the dipstick to confirm oil is between min/max marks.
  • To change the engine oil: remove drain plug, fully drain, and refill via filler hole.
  • Always allow hot oil to cool before handling.
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TRANSMISSION AND AXLE FLUIDS

Checking and changing transmission and axle fluids prevents wear, overheating, and costly drivetrain damage.

  • Transmission fluid: Check through the sight glass. If fluid looks contaminated, drain fully and refill with the manufacturer-approved oil.
  • Axle oil: Like the engine oil, measure the axle oil with the dipstick. Drain from both sides of the casing for a complete change.

Reminder: Switching brands or viscosity? Be sure to drain the oil completely to avoid fluid incompatibility.

 

FILTERS

Replacing filters regularly keeps your tractor’s systems clean and ensures maximum efficiency.

  • HST oil filter: Replace with a fresh cartridge, lightly oiling the O-ring before installation.
  • Transmission strainer: Remove, clean with diesel fuel, and reinstall.
  • Engine oil filter: Replace as above; run engine briefly to ensure no warning lights remain.

 

FUEL SYSTEM CARE

Keeping your fuel system clean is vital to protect the engine and maintain consistent performance.

  • Use only low-sulfur or ultra-low-sulfur fuel.
  • Drain and replace fuel if contaminated by dust, sand, or water.
  • After fuel outages or filter replacements, bleed the system: loosen bleed screw, run engine until a steady flow appears, then reseal.
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AIR CLEANER MAINTENANCE

A clean air filter ensures your tractor’s engine gets the airflow it needs for efficient combustion. Never operate your tractor without a proper air filter installed.

  • Remove dust by hand and wipe impurities or moisture with a dry rag.
  • Use compressed air from the inside out. Never bang filters on hard surfaces to clean.
  • Replace after five cleanings (or sooner if it appears damaged).

 

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Your tractor’s electrical system powers everything from ignition to lights, making regular inspections critical for safe and reliable operation.

Battery

  • Inspect the battery for corrosion and charge if idle more than two weeks.
  • Always charge in a ventilated space; hydrogen gas is flammable.

Wiring & Fuse Box

  • Replace worn sheaths with insulated tape.
  • Swap blown fuses with the correct rated capacity only.

Lights & Bulbs

  • If a bulb fails, check the fuse first. Replace bulbs with identical capacity.


GREASING MOVING PARTS

Regular greasing keeps your tractor’s moving parts operating smoothly, reduces wear, and extends the overall lifespan of your machine.

  • Apply grease before working in wet fields to prevent rust.
  • Don’t forget hidden points like the brake arm—remove rubber caps to access.


BELTS, HOSES, AND TIRES

Checking these rubber-based parts is essential to prevent unexpected breakdowns, ensure safe operation, and maintain peak performance in the field.

  • Check fan belt tension regularly; a 22-lb force should deviate no more than 0.6 in.
  • Inspect hoses for leaks or cracks and tighten clamps.
  • Maintain correct tire pressure for turf, agricultural, or industrial tires.

 

AIR CLEANER MAINTENANCE

A clean air filter ensures your tractor’s engine gets the airflow it needs for efficient combustion. Never operate your tractor without a proper air filter installed.

  • Remove dust by hand and wipe impurities or moisture with a dry rag.
  • Use compressed air from the inside out. Never bang filters on hard surfaces to clean.
  • Replace after five cleanings (or sooner if it appears damaged).

 

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Your tractor’s electrical system powers everything from ignition to lights, making regular inspections critical for safe and reliable operation.

Battery

  • Inspect the battery for corrosion and charge if idle more than two weeks.
  • Always charge in a ventilated space; hydrogen gas is flammable.

Wiring & Fuse Box

  • Replace worn sheaths with insulated tape.
  • Swap blown fuses with the correct rated capacity only.

Lights & Bulbs

  • If a bulb fails, check the fuse first. Replace bulbs with identical capacity.


GREASING MOVING PARTS

Regular greasing keeps your tractor’s moving parts operating smoothly, reduces wear, and extends the overall lifespan of your machine.

  • Apply grease before working in wet fields to prevent rust.
  • Don’t forget hidden points like the brake arm—remove rubber caps to access.


BELTS, HOSES, AND TIRES

Checking these rubber-based parts is essential to prevent unexpected breakdowns, ensure safe operation, and maintain peak performance in the field.

  • Check the fan belt tension regularly; a 10 kg force should not cause the belt to deviate more than 15 mm.
  • Inspect hoses for leaks or cracks and tighten clamps.
  • Maintain correct tire pressure for turf, agricultural, or industrial tires.
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WHEN TO CALL YOUR TYM DEALER

Even with regular DIY maintenance, certain issues are best handled by professionals. Contact a TYM dealer near you if you notice any of the following during your inspections:

  • Warning lights or alerts appear.
  • Coolant freezes or radiator fins are damaged.
  • Rubber parts like hoses are more than 2 years old.
  • Fans, hoses, and belts are damaged or loose.
  • Tires are worn or need re-treading.
  • Electrical systems or wires haven’t been inspected by a professional in over a year.

 

DIY maintenance empowers TYM owners to keep their tractors in excellent condition year-round. By following this step-by-step routine, you’ll extend equipment life, maximize performance, and avoid costly downtime. For additional support and resources, visit the Maintenance section of the TYM website.