Preparing for Kansas' Unpredictable Winter: Equipment Winterization Checklist
The unpredictable weather patterns of Kansas in the wintertime can make it difficult for farmers to know what’s ahead. One day it's a breezy 50 degrees, the next an ice storm shuts down half the state. This unpredictability makes proper equipment winterization essential, not optional. A few hours of preventive maintenance now saves weeks of downtime and thousands in repair costs come spring. This guide covers exactly what to do to protect your machinery through even the harshest Midwest winter.
Equipment Winterization Checklist
1. Clean and Inspect All Machinery
Before you get to work, it’s essential to get rid of all the dirt and grime that’s accumulated over the year. Power wash every piece of equipment to remove crop residue, mud, and debris. Focus on moisture-trapping areas: wheel wells, undercarriage, PTO points, and hydraulic cylinder rods. Dried mud and plant material hold moisture against metal all winter, causing rust and corrosion.
Inspect for:
- Oil or hydraulic fluid leaks
- Rust spots or bare metal exposure
- Cracked hoses and belts
- Worn or damaged tires
- Loose bolts and fasteners
- Rodent damage to wiring
Be sure to document any issues for repair before or after storage.
2. Fluids and Fuel System Care
Cold Kansas winters are particularly hard on fluids, making this one of the most critical winterization steps.
Engine Oil: Change your oil and filters before storage. Used oil contains acids that corrode internal components during storage. New, fresh oil can provide better protection.
Coolant: Check engine coolant to ensure it’s at the manufacturer’s recommended level. If coolant is over two years old or tests weak, flush and refill with fresh antifreeze.
Fuel System:
- Seasonal storage (3-6 months): Fill tanks completely, add fuel stabilizer, run engine 10-15 minutes to circulate treated fuel
- Extended storage (6+ months): Drain tanks and run engines dry to prevent gumming
3. Battery Maintenance
Cold weather can severely drain your battery, leading to battery failure — the #1 reason equipment won't start after winter.
Your protocol:
- Fully charge all batteries before storage
- Clean terminals with wire brush, apply protector spray
- Remove batteries and store indoors
- Use trickle chargers on batteries left in equipment
4. Tires, Tracks, and Undercarriage
Tires can take a hit in the winter months as well. Cold weather tends to reduce tire pressure, leaving your equipment vulnerable to flats when left idle for an extended period.
Tires:
- Check and adjust pressure to specs
- Consider over-inflating by 5-10 PSI to compensate
- Place equipment on blocks to prevent flat-spotting, or move it every 4-6 weeks
Tracks:
- Clean mud and debris from tracks, rollers, and sprockets
- Grease tensioners and idler wheels
- Adjust track tension to specs
Pro Tip: Apply rubber protectant to exposed components to prevent cracking.
5. Lubrication and Corrosion Protection
Proper lubrication protects moving parts from corrosion and ensures smooth operation come spring.
Work your way systematically around each piece of equipment with a grease gun, hitting every zerk fitting you can find:
- Three-point hitch pivots
- PTO drivelines and u-joints
- Loader arms and bucket pivots
- Steering linkages
- All implement hinge points
6. Storage Preparation
Where and how you store equipment dramatically impacts its condition after winter. Indoor storage is always ideal (barns, machine sheds, garages) however, if that’s not an option, take these precautions when storing your equipment outdoors.
Outdoor storage:
- Park on gravel or concrete, never bare soil
- Use heavy-duty waterproof covers with ventilation
- Secure covers properly against Kansas wind
- Park on slight inclines to shed water
- Cover exhaust outlets to prevent water and pest entry
Pro Tip: Place rodent deterrent in cabs, crack windows slightly for ventilation (if covered), and remove loose items.
7. Regular Winter Checks
Winterization isn't a "one and done" process. Plan to check on stored equipment monthly throughout winter.
Monthly inspections:
- Check for rodent activity
- Look for new leaks or rust
- Verify covers remain secure
- Monitor battery charge levels
Optional: On days above freezing, run engines for 15 minutes to circulate fluids. Only do this if you can reach full operating temperature — short runs cause condensation damage.
Equipment-Specific Tips
Tractors: Test block heaters, check glow plugs (diesel), replace cabin air filters, and verify heater operation.
Combines: Deep clean all chaff and crop residue, clean headers thoroughly, inspect knife sections, and clear grain tanks completely.
Hay Equipment: Remove all twine/netwrap from balers, clean mower blades and apply oil, grease all tine bars and rotating components.
Hay Equipment: Remove all twine/netwrap from balers, clean mower blades and apply oil, grease all tine bars and rotating components.
Sprayers: Flush tanks and lines completely, run antifreeze through pump system, remove and store nozzles separately.
Kansas-Specific Considerations
Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Frequent temperature swings damage seals, batteries, and paint. Use stronger antifreeze protection than you think necessary.
Ice Storms: Invest in quality covers and indoor storage. Never chip ice off equipment; let it melt naturally to avoid paint damage.
Wind: Secure covers exceptionally well. Block or weight lightweight implements to prevent wind damage.
Humidity Swings: Extreme variations promote condensation in fuel tanks and enclosed spaces. Keep tanks full and ensure proper ventilation.
Kansas winters demand preparation. The hours you invest in proper winterization can save you time and money in the spring. Reach out to our experts at American Implement for more tips on how to maintain your equipment throughout the colder months.
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