Iseki TU165 seasonal maintenance: winterizing and spring checkup
Iseki TU165 seasonal maintenance: winterizing and spring checkup
Are you about to store your Iseki TU165 for a while, or is the first spring service coming up? In this final article of the series, we'll outline how to get your tractor safely through winter and which checks you shouldn't skip in spring.
Suitable for the entire series: Iseki Landhope TU145, TU155, TU165 and TU175 (2WD and 4WD versions).
Winterizing the Iseki TU165
Before frost sets in or you store the tractor for a longer period, it's best to go through the points below.
- Check the coolant (LLC). The cooling system has a capacity of 5.5 liters. Make sure the LLC coolant offers sufficient frost protection for the temperatures you expect — especially with long-term outdoor storage.
- Take care of the battery. The standard battery is type 46B24R (old designation: NS60). During longer storage, it's advisable to disconnect the battery so it doesn't slowly drain due to parasitic current. Before disconnecting, also check the battery's fluid level.
- Use the right diesel grade during severe frost. The factory manual specifies diesel JIS #2 for normal conditions, but recommends JIS #3 during severe frost. This prevents problems with diesel solidifying (paraffin flocculation) at low temperatures.
- Check all grease points. Grease the steering shaft/kingpin, center pivot (2WD), and the clutch and brake pedal pivot points thoroughly once more before the tractor sits idle for a while, to prevent rust seizure.
- Avoid a half-full fuel tank during storage. A full tank reduces condensation in the tank, which in turn prevents water accumulation in the fuel.
Iseki TU165 spring checkup before first use
Has the tractor been sitting idle for a while? Then go through this checklist before you start working again.
| Check point | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Fluid levels | Engine oil (2.7L), transmission/hydraulic oil (12L, shared system), coolant (5.5L) and fuel — see our engine oil & fluidsblog for all capacities |
| Battery | Connected, charged, terminals clean and greased |
| Fan/alternator belt | Check tension — a loose belt may show extra play after standing idle due to rubber hardening |
| Tires | Check tire pressure, tires may have lost some air after standing idle |
| Filters | Check the air filter, fuel filter and oil filter, especially if it's been a while since the previous seasonal service — see our filtersblog |
Then start the tractor following the normal procedure: preheating based on the outside temperature and sufficient idle warm-up before putting it under load. See our operation & startingblog for the exact preheating and warm-up times. Especially after a long storage period, it's extra important not to give it full throttle right away: the oil needs to flow properly through the system again, and on this tractor, that system is also your hydraulic supply.
Iseki TU165: ready for the new season
With this checklist and a bit of attention at the start and end of the season, you'll get many more years out of an old, sturdy Iseki TU145, TU155, TU165 or TU175. Still unsure about buying a used one? Read our Iseki TU165 buying guide. Want to further structure your maintenance? Check out our Iseki TU165 maintenance schedule with all intervals and adjustment values.
For the spring service, the complete filter set Iseki TU Landhope (€28.50) is a handy starting point. Belt hardened or cracked after winter? Replace the V-belt/fan belt (€16.50) before driving again.
