Buying a purana (used) tractor is a practical choice for many farmers who want strong performance without the high price of a brand-new model. A well-maintained used tractor can easily serve you for many years, delivering reliable power for ploughing, hauling, sowing, and other day-to-day agricultural tasks. However, the key to getting the best value out of a purana tractor is simple: proper care and smart maintenance.

If you’re wondering how to increase the lifespan of your used tractor and keep it running smoothly season after season, this guide is for you. Below are proven, easy-to-follow, farmer-friendly tips that truly make a difference.

1. Start with a Thorough Inspection and Basic Servicing

Once the purana tractor becomes yours, don’t rely solely on the seller’s claims about maintenance. Begin by inspecting the tractor from top to bottom.

Things you should check immediately:

• Engine oil and hydraulic oil levels
• Condition of air, oil, and fuel filters
• Battery terminals and wiring
• Tyre cuts, cracks, and pressure
• Fuel lines for leakage
• Grease points and joints
• Brake and clutch responsiveness

After inspection, get a complete servicing done—especially if you don’t know when it was last serviced. Changing the oil and filters right away gives your tractor a fresh start and reduces strain on internal components.

2. Follow a Regular Maintenance Schedule

Consistency is the secret to long tractor life. Instead of waiting for a problem, adopt a preventive maintenance routine.

A simple schedule to follow:

Every 50 hours

• Check air filter
• Inspect engine oil level
• Grease essential joints

Every 100–150 hours

• Change engine oil
• Replace diesel filter if dirty
• Check gearbox and steering oil

Every 300 hours

• Replace hydraulic oil
• Clean fuel tank
• Check clutch plate wear

Every year

• Full tractor inspection
• Battery check-up
• Tyre rotation or replacement (if needed)

Regular maintenance keeps the tractor running smoothly, reduces breakdowns, and increases engine lifespan.

3. Warm Up the Engine Before Heavy Use

A purana tractor might take slightly longer to reach optimal working temperature. Cold starts can stress the engine, especially in winter.

So, always:

• Start the tractor and let it idle for 2–3 minutes.
• Allow the oil to circulate.
• Check for abnormal sounds or smoke before starting work.

A warmed engine performs better, consumes less fuel, and suffers less wear.

4. Avoid Overloading Your Tractor

Every tractor—whether new or used—has its limits. Overloading puts pressure on the clutch, gearbox, hydraulic system, and engine. With a purana tractor, these components may already have normal age-related wear.

Avoid:

• Pulling extra-heavy trolleys
• Using oversized implements
• Running heavy machinery at full throttle constantly
• Working at high RPM continuously

Choose implements based on:

• Tractor HP
• PTO HP
• Hydraulics lifting capacity

By operating within these limits, you prevent breakdowns and extend your tractor’s operational life.

5. Keep Tyres in Good Condition

Tyres directly influence performance, stability, and even fuel efficiency. Old tractors often come with partly worn tyres, so tyre care becomes extremely important.

To protect your tyres:

• Maintain recommended PSI (usually 18–22 PSI for back tyres, 30–36 PSI for front—varies by model)
• Check for sidewall damage, cuts, or punctures
• Avoid working on sharp stones
• Replace tyres if cracks are deep

Good tyres mean smoother rides, better traction, and less stress on the axle and engine.

6. Use Only Clean Fuel and Quality Lubricants

Impure fuel causes injector clogging, smoke problems, low power, and higher maintenance costs. Used tractors are more sensitive to fuel quality.

Best practices:

• Purchase diesel from trusted pumps
• Keep the fuel tank clean
• Drain water from the sediment bowl regularly
• Use tractor-grade engine oil from known brands
• Avoid mixing old and new oil

High-quality oil and fuel keep internal parts healthy and increase engine life.

7. Grease Moving Parts Regularly

A tractor has many joints and components that require proper lubrication to avoid friction and wear. A purana tractor especially needs frequent greasing because older parts tend to wear faster.

Key areas to grease:

• Steering joints
• Linkage points
• Bearings
• Brake and clutch linkages
• Tyre rod ends

Greasing once every 10–15 days—or before heavy fieldwork—reduces wear and keeps the tractor feeling smooth and responsive.

8. Drive With Care and Avoid Rough Handling

How you operate your tractor has a large impact on its lifespan.

Good driving habits include:

• Avoiding sudden gear changes
• Not forcing the gear lever
• Holding the clutch properly instead of half-pressing
• Not keeping your foot resting on the brake pedal
• Running the tractor at optimal RPM (not too high or low)

Safe driving prevents gearbox and clutch wear—two of the costliest repairs in used tractors.

9. Store Your Tractor Properly

Exposure to sunlight, rain, and dust can damage a tractor faster than you think. Rust, faded paint, cracked tyres, and electrical issues are common in tractors kept outdoors.

To protect your tractor:

• Park it in a shed
• If not available, use a strong waterproof cover
• Don’t park in muddy areas
• Disconnect the battery during long inactivity
• Keep the tractor clean and dry

Proper storage prevents corrosion, paint fading, and water damage to internal parts.

10. Keep Essential Spare Parts Handy

Purana tractors may require more frequent small repairs. Keeping basic spare parts saves time and prevents work delays.

Useful things to keep:

• Diesel and oil filters
• Air filter
• Fan belt
• Fuses
• Grease and engine oil
• Bulbs
• Tools for small repairs

Being prepared keeps your tractor functional even during urgent fieldwork seasons.

11. Get Your Tractor Checked by a Professional Mechanic

Even if you take good care, a professional eye is always helpful. Mechanics can identify issues you may overlook.

Get a check-up when:

• Power seems low
• Engine overheats
• Unusual vibrations occur
• Implements aren’t working smoothly
• Tractor makes unusual noises

A mechanic’s intervention at the right time can prevent major failures.

Final Thoughts

Improving the lifespan of your purana tractor is not difficult—it simply requires consistent care and responsible handling. By following the tips above—regular servicing, using clean fuel, avoiding overload, greasing joints, and storing the tractor properly—you can enjoy years of dependable performance from your machine.

A well-maintained tractor is more than a vehicle—it’s a long-term investment that supports you through every farming season. Treat it well, and it will continue to work just as hard as you do.