Seasonal Guide · November 2025 · 6 min read
Properly winterizing farm equipment before storage prevents costly repairs and extends machine life by years. Fuel degradation, battery failure, and corroded hydraulics are all preventable with a few hours of attention each fall. A consistent winterization routine pays for itself many times over in avoided breakdowns and spring readiness.
Add fuel stabilizer to diesel tanks and run the engine for 10 to 15 minutes to circulate treated fuel through injectors and lines. Fill tanks completely to minimize condensation, which causes water contamination and microbial growth over winter. For gasoline engines, either drain the fuel system or treat with stabilizer and run until it reaches the carburetor.
Change engine oil and filters before storage rather than in spring. Used oil contains acids and combustion byproducts that corrode bearings and cylinder walls during months of sitting. Fresh oil provides a protective film throughout the storage period.
Remove batteries or connect a battery tender (maintainer) to keep them at full charge. A fully discharged battery can freeze and crack at temperatures as warm as 20 degrees F, while a fully charged battery resists freezing down to minus 75 degrees F. Clean terminals and coat them with anti-corrosion spray before storage.
Sprayers require special attention because trapped water in pumps, booms, and nozzle bodies will freeze and crack expensive components. Drain all water from the system, then circulate RV antifreeze through the pump, boom lines, and nozzles until it flows clean from every nozzle tip. Remove and store nozzle tips separately in a labeled container.
For implements, retract hydraulic cylinders to protect chrome rods from rust. Coat exposed metal surfaces like moldboards and coulter blades with used oil or a rust-preventive spray. Store equipment under cover when possible, and block tires off the ground to prevent flat spots and UV damage during long-term storage.
☑ Stay on track with our seasonal checklist:
Try the Farm CheckKeep a winterization checklist for each piece of equipment and note any repairs needed that you discover during the process. Tag machines with notes about worn parts, fluid levels, or issues to address before spring use. This prevents forgotten problems from becoming emergency breakdowns during planting season.
Record current hour meter readings and compare them to service interval schedules. Order parts and filters now while they are in stock and before spring demand drives up prices. A few hours of organized winterization saves days of frustration when the season starts.