Winter Equipment Maintenance

Winter is when equipment gets fixed or forgotten. A few hours in the shop now saves a breakdown in the first week of spring.

Key points

Clean first, then inspect everything.
Use only the fluids and intervals in your manual.
Maintain batteries and follow fuel storage guidance.
Support raised equipment with proper stands.
Book dealer service early for winter repairs.

What should you do first when equipment comes in for winter?

Clean it. Wash off mud, manure and plant matter, since wet debris holds moisture and rusts metal. Let the machine dry, then walk around it with a light and look for leaks, cracks, loose bolts, worn tires and damaged hoses. Write down what you find.

Park on a flat, firm surface, set the brake and remove the key before you start any inspection. If a machine runs on a rough or wet site during the season, check underneath for packed mud, wire wrapped around axles and damaged shields. These are easy to miss and costly to ignore.

How do you check fluids and filters?

Check engine oil, coolant, hydraulic and transmission fluid levels, and the condition of each. Use only the fluids the operator's manual specifies, and follow its intervals for changes and filters. Do not guess the type or the amount. If coolant needs attention, the manual covers the specified mix for your engine.

If a fluid looks milky, smells burnt or contains metal, stop and have the dealer service department or a qualified mechanic look at it. Check the air filter housing and the radiator screen for dust, chaff and rodent nests. Mice often settle in air boxes, wiring and seat cushions during winter, so keep traps or bait out of reach of children and pets and follow label directions.

Engine oil and filter
Coolant level and condition
Hydraulic and transmission fluid
Air filter and fuel filter
Grease points on loader, hitch and steering

What about fuel and batteries?

Fuel left in a tank over winter can pick up moisture or degrade. Ask your fuel supplier and check the manual for storage guidance, and keep tanks fuller to cut condensation if the manual agrees. Do not use additives not approved by the manufacturer.

Batteries lose charge in the cold. Disconnect or maintain them per the manual, keep terminals clean and store them off a bare concrete floor if your manual advises. Batteries can release hydrogen gas while charging, so work in a ventilated area, away from flames and sparks, with eye protection. Check tire condition and pressure with the figure for your model from the operator's manual, and park tires off wet or oily ground where possible. For diesel engines, ask the dealer about cold-weather starting and what fuel suits your winter conditions.

How do you grease and protect attachments?

Grease all fittings, then check pins, bushings and hitch parts for wear. Touch up bare metal with paint, and coat moving parts with a light protectant if the manufacturer suggests it. Store attachments off the ground on blocks, with PTO shafts supported and covers on.

Lower loaders and implements so hydraulic cylinders are not left extended and exposed to rust. Check the manual for the manufacturer's storage advice. Take photos of worn or cracked parts so you can order replacements or ask the dealer for advice. Keep a list of parts and tools to buy so spring does not start with a trip to the store.

How do you work safely in the winter shop?

Block and support raised equipment with stands rated for the load, never with a jack alone. Keep a fire extinguisher in the shop and ventilate when running engines. Never check hydraulic leaks with your hand, because high-pressure fluid can penetrate skin. Use cardboard and stay clear, and see a mechanic for pressurized leaks.

Keep floors clear of tripping hazards and use good light. Heaters in a shop are a fire risk. Keep them clear of fuel, rags and dust, and follow the manufacturer's rules and local fire code. Never run an engine in a closed building, since exhaust contains carbon monoxide.

What winter jobs belong to the dealer service department?

Brake work, steering problems, fuel injection, hydraulic pump or valve trouble, charging system faults and structural cracks need qualified people. Winter is also when service departments have more openings. Booking early gets your machine back before spring work begins. Ask about service specials, pickup and delivery options, and what to expect for turnaround time. Write down the problems you want addressed so nothing is forgotten.

How do you plan for spring?

Order parts like filters, belts and blades now. Make a spring checklist, and keep your maintenance log up to date. A short test run on a mild day lets you find problems while there is still time to fix them. If you run equipment through the cold months, such as a loader or a snow blade, keep a short list of what to check before each use and warm engines gently as the manual describes.

When to get help: For brakes, steering, hydraulics, fuel injection or charging system faults, use the dealer service department or a qualified mechanic. Follow the manufacturer's manual for all fluids and procedures.

Sources and further reading

Organization homepages are linked so you can search them for current guidance on this topic.

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