It’s important to clean, service and winterize your equipment before off-season storage. This helps to ensure minimal downtime next year and maximize your equipment’s lifetime. Don’t wait until the last minute – you’ll thank yourself come spring when you’re ready to go. Follow these tips for successful storage this winter.
Contact Your Nearest United Ag & Turf
United Ag & Turf’s Tips for Success
- First, consult your owner’s manual for recommendations on preparing your equipment for storage.
- Clean your machine thoroughly, removing all grass, clippings, dirt and debris buildup to reduce rust, corrosion and potential issues with rodents. A hose, pressure washer and even a scraper may be necessary to reach every crevice. Use caution: remove blades and wear safety protection such as glasses and gloves throughout this process.
- Run all equipment for at least five minutes to dry all components such as belts. After shutting off equipment, double-check that the exterior is dry to eliminate unwanted moisture. Apply a light coat of engine oil on all pivot and wear points.
- Check for worn or loose parts such as belts, hoses, blades and bolts. Replace or tighten as needed. Check for leaks and connection or hydraulic issues.
- Make any necessary repairs diagnosed upon inspection.
- Check for scratches and chips on metal decks and housing. Scrape, clean and repair with paint or wax to prevent rust.
- Check all fluids and filters. Take this opportunity to give your equipment a tune-up: change oil and filter, clean and replace air filter, remove spark plugs and grease their cylinders with clean engine oil. Reinstall spark plugs, but leave the wires unconnected.
- Check tires for wear, damage and proper pressure for storage.
- Lubricate all moving parts and check grease points.
- Stabilize the fuel to eliminate water condensation that causes rust, clogs and corrosion from sitting. This can be easily done by adding a fuel stabilizer or conditioner to absorb water and stop the breakdown of the fuel. If you use a stabilizer year-round, simply fill up the tank to minimize the amount of air in the tank.
- Remove the battery, clean the posts, charge and store it in a cool, dry place where it won’t freeze.
- Choose the best storage location for your equipment. If possible, eliminate exposure to weather, prolonged sun, water and rodents. Leave in a covered area and cover with a tarp. Place mothballs near the engine and under the mower deck to deter rodent nests and wiring damage. Your machine still has gas and oil in it – don’t store it near a heat source or a potential source of ignition.
- Double-check all inspection points before storing equipment, and rest easy knowing it’ll be ready for next season.
We’ll Take Care of It!
If you can’t find the time, don’t let winter service slip through the cracks. Your local United Ag & Turf will be happy to help. Click here to schedule service today.
