As the days grow colder in towns like Botkins, OH, or Bloomington, IN, we know it’s only a matter of time before winter sets in. Getting your farm ready for winter is important and makes getting started in the spring that much simpler. Check out the following tips to get your farm and equipment ready for the winter season.
Being caught unprepared in the cold is not only frustrating but also potentially very dangerous. If a winter storms rolls through and leaves you and your family stuck in your home, you need to be ready to deal with that scenario. Discussing these types of scenarios with your family every year can be very helpful as it allows you to be ready if something does occur. Additionally, it is recommended to have an emergency supply kit with items such as clean water, food, a battery-powered radio, and a first aid kit. If you have a generator (another of our recommendations), it should be tested to ensure it is functioning properly before an incident occurs.
Daily vehicles need some winter prep to maintain good working condition.
If you have animals on your farm you also need to make sure they’re content and safe for the winter.
Once the heavy snow sets in, it’s difficult to address some aspects of your property so it’s better to do it sooner than later.
As you’ll be spending a lot of your time indoors in the cold months, it’s important to make sure that your home is ready for this time of year.
Leaving your tractor exposed to the elements can cause irreparable damage. A dry, temperature-stable structure is the ideal location to store your tractor. Tractor covers can also aid in protection, but it is best to avoid plastic covers, as the restricted air circulation can trap moisture and lead to other machinery issues over time.
Give your tractor a thorough cleaning and a visual inspection. If you find any damage or other concerns, take the time to address those issues now. Correcting issues now will better prepare the tractor for immediate use next season.
Before storing, clean and inspect your tractor’s engine area. This inspection should include a review of the engine oil and all filters. If oil and any filters require replacements, do so. Changing oil removes any contaminants present and introduces new oil additives to protect your engine. Allow the tractor to run for a few moments, until it reaches operating temperatures, to circulate the fresh oil.
Untreated fuel left in the tank for an extended amount of time begins to break down, eventually clogging the small holes that fuel needs to pass through. If you are using bio-diesel, drain the fuel and add regular diesel, then allow your engine to run for a period of time to circulate the fuel.
Leaving your battery in the cold for the winter can lead to a dead battery in your tractor next season. After ensuring your current battery is fully charged, disconnect it and find a dry, cool location for its storage. If your battery will be stored for an extended period of time, consider installing a maintenance charger (strongly recommended).
Lubricate all fittings and paint, and apply protectant on all exposed metal parts.
Consult your manual - The documentation provided with your combine should outline details such as storage recommendations as well as maintenance guidelines. Following these best practices will ensure the ideal preparation for your combine’s long-term storage.
Give your combine a full inspection prior to storage. If any damage occurred this year, take the time to address those issues now. Making repairs and cleaning your combine now will better prepare the combine for immediate use next season.
Filling up your combine’s fuel tank prior to storage can save you a great deal of future hassle. As the weather changes, if there is empty space in the tank it is possible for condensation to form. If water builds up and gets into other parts of your fuel system you could be facing potentially expensive repairs in the future. Keeping your fuel tank full in the offseason helps avoid this scenario.
Leaving your battery in the cold for the winter can lead to finding a dead battery in your combine next season. After making sure your current battery is fully charged, disconnect it and find a dry, cool spot for its storage location.
Following these suggestions will help ensure your combine’s lifespan isn’t cut short by the adverse conditions of the winter months. If you have other questions regarding your combine or any other equipment contact the experts at Koenig Equipment today!
Koenig Equipment is ready to take care of all your parts and service needs all year round! Call your nearest Koenig store or schedule service online today.