A Guide to Farm Equipment Winterization

Though winter temperatures in southeastern Texas never get particularly frigid, you might still be ready to put your farm equipment into storage for an extended period of time. However, you can't simply park your vehicles and call it a day. It's important to go through the steps of farm equipment winterization. This helps ensure storage doesn't take its toll on your farm equipment and that they'll be ready to go come spring.

We've created the following beginner's guide to farm equipment winterization to help you through the process. If you want more advice or need help with the process, visit the experts at Cliff Jones Mahindra Tractor. We have a parts replacement and service department and can help you with whatever you need. Our dealership is located in Sealy, Texas, and we also serve those in Houston and Victoria.

1. Read the Owner's Manual

Before you start your farm equipment winterization process, you will want to glance over the owner's manuals. This will provide specific suggestions on products to use and what tasks you'll need to tackle.

2. Tend to the Engine

A great place to start is checking the engine. Are the fuel tank cap and vent working well? Does the fuel filter need to be replaced? Are your oil and filter due for a change? You'll also want to look for signs of water or sediment in the fuel since this can suggest a problem.

3. Check the Coolant

The next step in farm equipment winterization is to look over the coolant reservoir and hoses for signs of leakage. Check that the coolant is filled to the cap. Coolant is crucial as it helps prevent corrosion, inhibits cavitation, and adds lubrication. Consult your owner's manual to see if you need to replace any of the fluids.

4. Tend to the Battery

A critical part of farm equipment winterization is getting the battery ready for storage. Start by clearing away any dirt from the battery posts with some baking soda and a small brush. This step helps give the cables and posts a clean point of contact.

When your farm equipment won't be used for a long period of time, you will want to hook up the battery to a battery tender or trickle charger. This keeps the battery ready to go when spring arrives.

5. Check the Tires

The chillier weather can affect your farm equipment's tires. It most often causes a loss of air pressure. You will want to regularly check the air pressure of your tires and adjust as needed. Simply use a tire pressure gauge and measure it against the manufacturer's recommendations.

While you are checking the tire air pressure, you might as well inspect the tires. See if the tread is experiencing even wear. If the tires wear out faster than they should or one side is more worn down than the other, this can suggest a problem. You will also want to look for any foreign objects stuck in the tread. Once your tires are taken care of, you are finished with your farm equipment winterization process!

We hope you found this beginner's guide to farm equipment winterization helpful. If you need help, our service and parts replacement department can get your farm equipment ready for storage. We also sell a range of farm equipment if you are looking to buy. Whatever you need, you'll find with us. We proudly serve those in Victoria and Houston, TX, so stop by and visit us today.