Overwintering Machinery

Farm equipment experts are offering some advice to help producers properly maintain their machinery over the winter months.

The USDA's Rod Bain spoke with Ron Jessen of CHS Inc.

He has some suggestions for farmers getting ready to over winter their diesel engine machinery.

"What's that diesel tank looking like? This is a critical time to make sure you're draining off and getting any moisture removed. That is probably one of the most important things we can be looking at."

He says it's also very important to make sure any contaminants are out of fuel tanks. Proper blending of fall and winter fuels are another important consideration.

Cleaning that cab inside and out is important not only from a maintenance perspective but also to check for any items that could need repairs.

And John Mishler of John Deere adds winter maintenance doesn't just apply to things like tractors and implements it's. Digital maintenance is also very important.

it's important that producers have their equipment regularly inspected by their dealer.

"Schedule that maintenance and overwinter service on the equipment itself.

And he says if possible take those displays out of the machines that will go in cold storage over the winter. They'll last longer and operate more smoothly if they don't experience huge temperature swings.