posted
on Friday, January 16, 2026
in
Dealer News
Spring planting season in Texas doesn't wait for anyone. Whether you're putting corn in the ground in the Panhandle or prepping fields for cotton in South Texas, your equipment needs to be ready before that first pass. A breakdown during planting can cost you days of critical growing time and thousands of dollars in lost productivity.
At Tellus Equipment Solutions, we've seen what happens when farmers skip pre-season maintenance. Don't let that be you this year. Let’s take a look at some simple preventative maintenance tasks that you can take before the Texas planting season.
Schedule Pre-Season Service
Why Pre-Season Equipment Service Matters for Texas Farmers
Texas planting windows are tight. Missing your ideal planting dates can reduce yields significantly, and nothing derails a planting schedule faster than equipment that won't start or breaks down mid-field.
Pre-season service catches problems before they become expensive emergencies. A worn belt that costs a couple of hundred dollars to replace in January can cause a $5,000 repair bill if it snaps during planting and damages other components. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Essential Service Tasks to Complete Before Planting
Getting your tractors, planters, and implements ready for spring requires attention to several key areas. We recommend addressing these tasks six to eight weeks before you hit the fields to ensure there’s plenty of time to catch a major issue and schedule a repair.
Engine oil and filter change: Fresh oil protects your engine during long days of continuous operation.
Hydraulic system inspection: Check fluid levels, inspect hoses for cracks or bulges, and replace any worn components as needed.
Air filter replacement: Texas dust clogs filters faster than you'd expect, and restricted airflow hurts performance and fuel economy.
Coolant system flush: Verify coolant levels and condition to prevent overheating during those first warm spring days.
Battery testing: Cold winter nights take a toll on batteries, and a dead battery on planting day is preventable with a little proactive planning.
Belt and hose inspection: Look for cracking, fraying, or glazing that indicates replacement is needed.
Planter and Implement Preparation
Your tractor might run perfectly, but a neglected planter can still ruin your season. Walk through your planting equipment with the same attention you give your tractor.
Inspect seed meters for wear and verify proper clearances. Clean residue from disk openers and gauge wheels. Check tire pressure on every wheel because uneven pressure causes inconsistent planting depth. Verify that all hydraulic cylinders operate smoothly and look for leaks at connection points.
Calibrate your planter according to the seed variety and population rates you're targeting this season. A few hours of calibration now will prevent the frustration that comes with replanting fields later.
Schedule Your Service Appointment Early
The weeks leading up to planting season are the busiest time for equipment service departments across Texas. Waiting until March to schedule maintenance means you're competing with every other farmer who had the same idea. Book your pre-season service in January or early February to guarantee your equipment is ready when you need it.
Tellus Equipment Solutions offers comprehensive pre-season inspection packages that cover all critical systems on your John Deere equipment. Our technicians know what to look for and can identify potential problems before they leave you stranded in the field.
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Get Your Equipment Ready at Tellus Equipment Solutions
Spring planting success starts with prepared equipment. Our service teams across Texas are ready to help you complete pre-season maintenance and get your John Deere tractors, planters, and implements field-ready.
Visit one of our 25+ convenient Texas locations to discuss your service needs. We stock genuine John Deere parts and provide the expert service that keeps Texas farmers productive season after season.
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