As winter weather approaches, proper maintenance of your farm equipment is not just a matter of routine but a crucial step to ensure a smooth operation.
Here are essential tips to keep your machines in top-notch condition during the winter and prepare them for use in the spring.
Stock Up On Farm Equipment Spare Parts And Supplies
Be sure to replenish your inventory of replacement parts so that you won’t have to get out in the cold whenever mechanical issues appear.
Before placing your farm equipment in storage, look for any issues or broken parts. Immediately taking care of the machine’s maintenance service sets the stage for farmers to be well-prepared when spring arrives. This will also prevent further issues such as equipment malfunction and deterioration from developing during the cold months.
Consider having your equipment professionally inspected, too! Getting ahead on farm equipment repair will save you time during planting.
Remove debris from your farm equipment
Clean all of the dust and grime from your combine harvester, planters, tillers, and other agricultural machinery.
Removing all the remnants of dirt, grain, seed, or other foreign objects is also important to minimize the risk of attracting rodents and other pests. You can use farm tools such as air compressors and pressure washers to save time and ensure every little space is cleaned.
Don’t forget to check the manuals for proper removal of parts to avoid unwanted damage, and to properly reassemble the parts.
Double-check the fluid levels on your farm equipment
Before moving your equipment into storage, make sure to check the oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid levels.
Replenish the antifreeze to ensure that your machine remains protected from the frigid conditions. This proactive measure not only safeguards your machinery from potential issues during winter but also contributes to the longevity and optimal performance of your valuable all-year-round.
Keeping tanks full minimizes water accumulation, thereby reducing the risk of internal corrosion.
Inspect your farm equipment electronics and wires
According to Stack Exchange, electronic parts of machines, including those on agricultural equipment, are typically more delicate than mechanical systems because they rely on intricate circuits and sensors that are susceptible to extreme temperatures.
Keep these systems cool, clean, and dry. Ensure the tightness of electrical wirings.
Tasks such as replacing LED lights, spark plugs, and similar items can also be more conveniently addressed during the winter months when there is available downtime.
Protect the moving parts of your farm equipment from the cold
Cold temperatures can cause moving parts to stiffen and become vulnerable to corrosion or rust. Coat all moving components with winter-grade lubricants to ensure they continue to operate smoothly and will be in prime condition for spring.
Pay special attention to the bearings, axles, hinges, and other linkages on your farm equipment. Bearing grease should be inspected for ideal amount and cleanliness before operations for Spring recommence.
Regular inspections of these vital parts will also boost the machine’s resale value in the future. Who knows? Someone might be searching for farm equipment near them.
Where to get repair parts and tools for your farm equipment
Or maybe you’re the one google-ing “Farm supplies near me”?
Well, no need to look further because RangeLine can deliver maintenance parts wherever you are in the US!
As one of the leading players in the agricultural equipment and replacement parts, we value attention to detail, focus on quality service, and dedicate ourselves to customer satisfaction.
From disc blades to small hardware components, RangeLine Group shines through in providing quality products that meet the evolving needs of farmers all over the country.
While winter maintenance on farm equipment may seem extensive, costly and time-consuming, following them will result in decreased downtime in planting preparations and other farm operations.
This, in turn, saves valuable time and contributes to improved yields, ultimately laying the groundwork for a remarkable start come Spring.
Are you ready to get your farm equipment to its peak condition? Click https://www.rangelinegroup.com/ to find out more.