Winter is coming, and with that comes some challenges for those of us who have equipment outside. It's challenging to keep things running smoothly when it's cold out there. This blog post will go over some simple ways to prepare your farming equipment for the winter months.
1. Drain the Fuel
This is a no-brainer, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Drain your tanks, hoses, and filters before storing your equipment for the winter. Remember that if you are using ethanol-blended fuel, you will need to run some stabilizer through your engine to prevent corrosion. Older equipment with carburetors usually can handle ethanol-blended fuel, but newer equipment will need an additive to prevent damage.
2. Check Tire Pressure
Do this regularly throughout the year but check your tire pressure before you hide away your equipment for the winter. This way, it will be easier to start them up in spring. The recommended psi can vary by the tire. Check your owner's manual or ask the local equipment dealer to help you if you are unsure of how to go about agricultural repair.
If you keep the recommended tire pressure during the winter months, it's also essential to make sure your tires stay inflated throughout the cold weather. Check the psi every month and add air if necessary. You might want to check the pressure more frequently if you live in a climate where temperatures fluctuate during the winter months.
3. Clean
Clean your equipment before you hide it away for winter. All this dust and dirt will be sitting on top of the metal all winter long, so it might as well be removed by now. We recommend using a degreaser and a scrub brush to get the job done.
4. Inspect
You've checked your tire pressure, you've drained the fuel, and you have given everything a good clean - now it's time for an inspection. Look things over one last time to make sure nothing is leaking or damaged. If there are any issues, take care of them immediately to prevent further damage.
5. Coverup
Protect your investment with some good, sturdy covers. It's not worth it having to make expensive repairs in the spring if you can take a few minutes now and keep things covered up properly until next year. If any loose parts or pieces might fall off during movement, make sure they are secure before you cover up your equipment.
6. Put Away
Now that everything is covered, drained, cleaned, and inspected - it's time to put the equipment in storage for the winter. If at all possible, find a dry outbuilding to keep things safe from water damage. A nice shed with proper flooring will keep your equipment in top condition all winter long, and a good cover will keep them safe from the snow and ice.
7. Clean your car
You can't drive your car to the equipment dealer's shop - but you should probably wash it before the winter is over because there are still some things that need to be done. You might not have time for a good clean before the snow falls, so make sure you take care of any cleaning once the snow melts away after a snowstorm is a perfect time to give your car a good scrub down.
Conclusion
The best thing you can do to prepare your equipment for the winter is to make sure everything is checked over before it's tucked away. If you can, investing in a proper shed or garage will be worth it. Keeping your car clean throughout winter will help ensure it's in good condition after the season has ended. Most importantly - have fun in the snow.