How to Keep Your Tractor and Mower Cool in Northwest Summers

Summer heat and dust in Northwest Oregon can strain your tractor and mower, but simple maintenance keeps them running smoothly. With over 20 years maintaining our own land in Astoria, we at Ag-Bag Forage Solutions share proven tips to help your equipment beat the heat. Here’s how to care for your machines on properties like yours in the Pacific Northwest.

Mower Maintenance: Ensure Air-Cooled Engines Stay Cool

Air-cooled mower engines need clear airflow to stay cool in Northwest Oregon’s warm, dry summers. As temperatures rise, dry grass clippings can clog filters and housings, sapping power. Follow these steps to keep your mower running smoothly all season.

Clean the Air Filter

A dirty air filter overworks your engine, reducing efficiency. Check it weekly during summer, remove it, and shake out loose dirt. Replace it if it’s too dirty to clean.

Clear the Blower Housing

Grass and dust can clog cooling fins. Use a leaf blower or compressed air to clear debris, ensuring the engine is off and cool. This quick task prevents heat buildup.

Use the Right Oil

Choose SAE 30 or 10W-30 oil with an API SJ rating or higher, as specified in your manual. The wrong oil degrades in summer heat, risking engine damage.

Tractor Maintenance: Prevent Radiator Overheating

Tractors in our region face dust and chaff that clog radiators, raising temperatures. Regular checks keep your tractor reliable. Here’s what we recommend to keep your tractor running cool in the summer heat.

Check Air Filters

Inspect engine air filters every 50 hours or weekly in dusty Northwest Oregon conditions, cleaning or replacing as needed. For cab tractors, check cabin filters too—clogged ones can weaken A/C cooling in the cab

Clear Radiators and A/C Condensers

Use compressed air or a Radiator Genie wand to blow debris from the radiator’s back to front. This prevents overheating during hot summer days. Always wear eye protection.

Pro Tip: Park on level ground and keep a fire extinguisher nearby—dry summers and hot equipment can spark risks.

Step-by-Step DIY Summer Maintenance Guide

Follow this simple plan to maintain your equipment, based on our years of experience:

1. Prepare Your Equipment: Park on a flat surface, turn off the machine, and let it cool.
2. Clean Air Filters: Remove the filter, shake out dirt, and replace if too dirty. Secure it back in place.
3. Clear Mower Blower Housing: Blast grass and dust from cooling fins with a leaf blower.
4. Clean Tractor Radiator/Condenser: Use compressed air or a Radiator Genie to clear debris from back to front.

Warning Signs and When to Call Us

Equipment issues can escalate fast in summer heat. Watch for these red flags:

• Mower: Power loss, rough idling, or black smoke.
• Tractor: Rising temperature gauge, reduced performance, or unusual noises.
• Both: Burning smells or steam—stop immediately.

If your equipment struggles, our team is here. We use the same machines on our own properties and can diagnose issues fast. Schedule a service appointment or call us at (503) 325-2970 for a service check.

Let’s keep your property shining all summer!