With winter’s arrival, it’s time to prepare your equipment for the colder temperatures. Keeping machinery and equipment running smoothly will help make winter fly by. Check out the tips below.
- Check Fluids – Coolant levels should be at a level to work for expected temperatures. Top off oil and fuel tanks to prevent condensation. Fuel may have to be changed to a winter version if available.
- Batteries – Keep batteries fully charged if possible, or else disconnect them all together if not needed to prevent a leak.
- Clean – Wipe down and dust off machinery to remove plant debris and dirt. This will help reduce rusting, and keep pests away. Touch-ups such as waxing or painting, and degreasing are also helpful to keep machinery in good condition.
- Repairs – Now is the best time to go back and check over equipment to see if repairs are needed.
Sources:
Edwards, Ann Marie. “Machinery Matters: Post-harvest Winterizing.” Iowa Farmer Today
Scott, Jessie. “6 Steps to Winterize Equipment.” Agriculture.com