Farm equipment must withstand a lot of heavy use, and occasionally components break or wear out. For instance, a failed tractor starter could result in a machine sitting idly in the barn instead of out in the fields. Below are some of the most common reasons a tractor won't start.

How to Tell When the Tractor Won't Start

1. Are You Out of Fuel?

If the tractor engine whines when you turn the key but won't move, you might simply be out of fuel. Check the gas gauge, and if you can't tell whether the tank is dry, add a gallon or so and try the switch again.

2. Is the Spark System Working?

Another common problem is when the electrical system doesn’t send a spark to the igniter. To test this, remove a plug wire from the spark plug and hold it less than an inch from the metal of the engine block. If it's working, a spark should arc from the wire to the metal block. If it's not, the problem could be with the wires or the battery.

3. Is the Starter Bad?

The starter is supposed to turn over the engine when you use the ignition key. If you turn the key and hear an unpleasant grinding noise or only a single click, the problem could be a bad starter.

4. Is the Battery Dead?

If you cannot get any of the electrical devices—driving lights, work lights, etc.—on the tractor to come on, the battery is dead. A jump start may help, but if the battery is completely discharged, it may require an hour or two attached to a charger to get the engine to turn over.

5. Is the Alternator Bad?

If the battery continues to die after recharging, you could have a bad alternator. This device is a small generator—turned by the running engine—that keeps the tractor battery fully charged. If the alternator fails, the battery will keep discharging and prevent the tractor from starting.

When a tractor won't start, the problem is often the starter, the battery, or the alternator. For expert repairs, contact Eubanks Auto Electric in De Kalb, TX. They've been serving Bowie County since 1954 and specialize in repairs to tractors, forklifts, industrial equipment, and heavy-duty vehicles. Visit their website or call (903) 667-2081 to schedule repairs for a tractor starter or alternator.