Must-Have Parts to Keep on Hand During Harvest Season

When harvest season hits, uptime is everything. Whether you're hauling grain from the field, supporting local farms with late-night deliveries, or running long hours across the valley, even the smallest parts failure can bring productivity to a halt.

Smart fleets and independent operators know that preparation isn’t just about fuel and manpower it’s about keeping the right parts on hand to avoid costly downtime during the busiest time of year.

Here’s a guide to the must-have truck and trailer parts every operator should stock before and during harvest season.

Harvest season puts intense demands on equipment. Trucks are often pushed to their limits, operating for long hours in dusty, dirty, and high-heat conditions. Local parts supply can become strained, especially in rural areas or during supply chain bottlenecks.

Having a core inventory of high-failure or quick-turn parts ensures your operation stays mobile even when the unexpected happens.

Brake system issues are one of the most common causes of roadside service calls during harvest. Dust, debris, and extended heat cycles all put stress on air brake components.

Keep these on hand:

Pro tip: Consider replacing dryer cartridges before harvest begins, especially if you operate in humid or variable climates.

Early mornings and late nights are a given during harvest. Trailer lighting issues are common, especially with exposed wiring and dust exposure.

Recommended spares:

Inspect your harnesses ahead of time and test all lighting before putting equipment into full seasonal service.

Harvest conditions kick up plenty of dust and debris. Air, fuel, and oil filters clog faster than normal and should be changed more frequently.

Stock these consumables:

Pro tip: Carry at least one full filter set per truck in your fleet, especially if you're running newer aftertreatment systems.

Hot weather and stop-and-go conditions can push belts and hoses past their limits. A cracked serpentine belt or split coolant hose can leave you stranded with a hot load.

Essentials to carry:

Perform a visual check for dry rot or cracking ahead of the season and replace preventatively if in doubt.

Loose gravel roads and off-highway fields increase wear on suspension systems. Even a worn shock absorber can impact load handling and ride quality.

Keep in inventory:

Trailer ride height issues are especially common during heavy haul cycles and can contribute to premature tire wear or driveline problems.

If you’re running multiple trailers or switching between ag-specific haulers and general freight, don’t overlook basic wear parts.

Handy spares include:

Pro tip: Install new wheel seals before the season starts to prevent grease leaks during high-heat operation.

While full tire inventory isn’t always feasible, having spares or retreads for known weak spots can save time.

Suggestions:

If you don’t have room for tires, at least keep a relationship with your preferred tire service provider or mobile tech.

You don’t need to run a full-service shop to stay prepared. Think of parts stocking as harvest insurance: the right investment today can save thousands in lost loads or idle driver hours tomorrow.

TEC Equipment stocks a full range of truck and trailer parts at our dealership locations, and our teams are ready to help you plan for the season. But more importantly, we’re here to keep you on the road because during harvest, every hour counts. Check out our parts specials to save while you stock up.

Our parts experts are standing by to help you build a harvest-season stock list tailored to your equipment.