Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind: Tips for Storing and Maintaining Ag Equipment
After a busy harvest season, it can be tempting to “set and forget” equipment. However, taking the time to properly store and maintain equipment during the winter months is crucial to a breakdown-free next planting or harvest season.
“Each piece of equipment is a huge asset,” said Pat McCaulley, aftersales and product support manager at Ziegler Ag Equipment. “They’re a tool for everyone’s livelihood, so we want to make sure they’re ready to be used the next time they’re called upon.”
Winter equipment storage
Planters or combines may only be used a few weeks out of the year, but being out of sight doesn’t mean they should be out of mind, especially if the equipment will be stored at under 50 degrees Fahrenheit. When storing equipment for the winter, consider the following:
- Read the operation and maintenance manual (OMM). “A lot of people groan when they hear that,” said McCaulley. “But it’s there for a reason and is chock-full of valuable information.”
- Maintain enough space between equipment. If something like a flat tire happens, the affected equipment will have room to lean without hitting any other machinery.
- Check tire pressure. Tires should be fully inflated to prevent an under-inflated tire from coming down on the bead of the rim and causing significant damage.
- Check diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) levels and fuel levels. Leave room for the DEF to expand by not filling the tank up all the way. “DEF freezes at 32 degrees,” said McCaulley. “If it freezes when it’s completely full, you’ll likely end up cracking the tank.” Fuel, on the other hand, can and should be filled up all the way.
- Change fluids. Changing out fluids before putting equipment away allows you to start the next season fresh and ready to go. Changing oil early also gets ahead of any pricing changes that might occur in the new year.
- Make sure equipment is clean (and dry). “Water cracks mountains,” emphasized McCaulley. “I’m a firm believer in not putting water to something that I can’t absolutely make sure is dry before I park it in the shed.” If you can’t ensure water won’t freeze, just blow the machine off with a blower or an air compressor.
- Make sure battery compartments are accessible. “I’ve seen instances where the skid loader’s been parked against the back of the shed, so they can’t get the door open to charge the battery,” said McCaulley.
- Put cylinders all the way down in the lowest position, if applicable. Avoid letting any items drop on their own.
- Remove water bottles, pop cans, etc. from the cab. Below-freezing temperatures can cause these to explode, leaving you with a mess to clean up when it’s time to pull the equipment back out.
- Remove controllers, GPS antennas and other technology that may be sensitive to extreme cold. Label them and store them somewhere warm, such as a heated shed, shop or house.
The off-season is also a great time to evaluate and repair equipment so it’s ready to go when the next season rolls around. Keep a running list of needed maintenance during the season to have it looked at during off months. A dealership can also perform a preventive maintenance inspection (PMI) to proactively identify any potential issues before they become a bigger problem. Ziegler Ag offers the largest inspection discounts on harvest equipment from December 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024.
Winter equipment maintenance
Some pieces of equipment may be used all year round and require different maintenance in the winter weather to run smoothly. If you’re running pieces of equipment through snowy conditions, consider the following:
- Consider lower viscosity oils. Operating temperature ranges can allow for a lighter grade oil to be used, making it much easier to start and maintain engines in colder months.
- Don’t let the engine idle. Depending on the machine, letting the engine idle in the winter can cause more harm than good. “Starting up the engine then going back inside for a cup of coffee and letting it warm up on its own is really bad for newer equipment,” cautioned McCaulley. “There are ranges of this, but we’re talking about anything from the last 10 to 15 years.” No matter if the engine runs on fuel or diesel, letting it idle can cause increased wear, as well as increased fuel consumption.
- Grease the machines. “Even though nobody wants to when they’re all bundled up with overalls and thick gloves, greasing the machines doesn’t take a lot of time,” advised McCaulley. “A few minutes a week to do the maintenance can prevent a major failure.”
- Invest in a battery tender. Battery tenders help to maintain the condition of a battery during cold weather and can prevent battery failure.
Properly storing and maintaining equipment during the winter months will increase uptime for the next season and even boost the trade-in value of each machine.
Whether you’re storing equipment for the season, working through the winter or simply looking for advice on a piece of equipment, it’s important to build a relationship with your local dealer. Dealers can provide you with more tailored winterizing or machinery maintenance advice. Contact your local dealer for a PMI this winter season or with any concerns or opportunities to learn more about your equipment.
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