How to check oil levels in tractors and farm machines is not quite as simple as pulling out the dipstick and seeing how much is wet with oil.
Accurately checking the oil level of an engine requires a few preliminary steps to ensure you don’t take an incorrect reading. Too much or too little oil can damage an engine.
Accurate Oil Level Readings
Here are the five steps required to know how to check oil in an engine accurately.
1. Park the machine on a level surface
This is important—don’t accept “pretty level” or “kind of level.” The machine should be parked on a level surface, like a garage floor. If the machine isn’t level, oil can pool toward or away from the dipstick, making it appear as though there’s too much or too little oil in the engine, even if that’s not the case.
2. Make sure the engine is cold
If the engine hasn’t been running for a while, great, you’re ready to check the oil level. If the engine has been running (maybe you started it in order to park the machine on a level surface), let it cool for 10-15 minutes before checking the oil. This will allow oil to gather again in the oil pan and give an accurate reading. Plus, it’s safer for you to work on a cold engine than a hot engine (no need to risk burning yourself).
3. Remove and clean the dipstick
Think about it—if oil can pool toward or away from the dipstick when the machine isn’t level, then even when you’ve parked the machine on a level surface, there may be residual oil clinging to the dipstick above the true oil line. When you remove the dipstick, this residual oil can give a false reading and suggest there’s more oil in the engine than there actually is. Therefore, you should remove the dipstick and wipe away any oil before reinserting it to take an accurate measurement.
4. Make sure the dipstick is fully inserted
The dipstick must be fully inserted to secure an accurate reading. Assuming your dipstick screws on and off, you should consult your machine’s instruction manual to determine whether the oil should be checked with the dipstick screwed on tightly or simply inserted into place without screwing. If you aren’t required to screw down the dipstick, it’s helpful to insert the dipstick and then turn it counterclockwise until it settles down with a pop.
5. Check the oil level
If you’ve completed the first four steps, you can now remove the dipstick and check to see where the oil level is positioned. Hopefully, it’s between the “add” and “full” marks, which means you’re good to go. If the oil level is below the “add” mark, you’ll need to add some oil. Be careful not to raise the oil level beyond the “full” mark. If you’re unsure how much to add, proceed slowly and repeatedly check the level with the dipstick. Or, if the oil appears dark or dirty, perhaps it’s time to drain the oil and start fresh with the amount recommended in the machine’s instruction manual.
Congratulations! You have accurately checked the oil level in your engine.
Summary: How to Check Oil
Knowing how to check oil in tractors and farm machinery is essential for engine health and performance. It’s not just about pulling the dipstick—accurate readings require a level surface, a cool engine, a clean dipstick, and proper technique. By following these five simple steps, you can ensure your engine oil is at the right level and avoid costly damage. Whether you’re maintaining a compact tractor or a larger farm machine, understanding how to check oil the right way keeps your equipment running smoothly and efficiently.
This article about how to check oil levels in farm machines was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
