Winterizing Your Agricultural Equipment

Spring is around the corner, but it’s never too early to learn some tricks for handling winter. Your agricultural equipment is especially vulnerable to cold weather and precipitation, so winterizing it and storing it properly is vital. We here at Boehm Tractor Sales know you’ve got a lot on your plate, so we’ve put together some easy tips for keeping your equipment safe over the winter. If you want to know more, or you want to see the agricultural equipment we have for sale, contact our stone in Shiner, Texas, today!

Clean Machine

The first step here is to clean your equipment thoroughly. Caked-on dirt, mud, and debris can damage your equipment over time, and if it’s going to be sitting still for a long time, that’s especially likely. Use mild detergents like car-wash soap for exteriors, but make sure to keep it and water away from mechanical or electrical components. After it’s clean and dry, lubricate all grease points.

Basic Maintenance

Next, you want to make sure equipment goes into storage in the best condition possible. Unattended-to issues can worsen if they’re allowed to sit for the winter. If your equipment has an engine, make sure all the fluids are in good condition and either stabilize them or drain them entirely. Your owner’s manual will have more specifics on that front. 

Any batteries should be removed and hooked to a trickle charger to avoid losing their charge completely. All tires should be inspected for signs of wear or damage, like cracks, tears, bald patches, and embedded debris. If you discover any larger maintenance problems, take your machine to a trained specialist before storing it away.

Cover And Store

Now that everything is in good shape, it’s time to pack the equipment away! Ideally, you’ll be able to store all your equipment and machines in an indoor shelter like a barn or garage. Make sure the door has a lock to discourage theft. This will keep your equipment safe from the elements, pests, and folks with sticky hands, alike!

For those without sufficient indoor space, outdoor storage can work fine for the less delicate equipment. Make sure it has some shelter from the sky, like a roof or a tight-fitting, waterproof cover. Covers shouldn’t be plastic, since these reduce air circulation and can cause water buildup and corrosion, but canvas covers should work just fine.

Your farm relies on the machines and equipment you use, so make sure to take good care of them and keep them in good working order! We hope this guide helps you to do just that. If you have any questions, or you want to browse our inventory, contact us at Boehm Tractor Sales. We proudly serve the people of Shiner, Seguin, and Austin, Texas—let us serve you today!