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Preparing Tillage Machines After the Season for Winter
Preparing Tillage Machines After the Season for Winter A farmer always has tasks at hand. After an intense season and harvesting, when theoretically fieldwork is complete, the thought of resting in a warm house is enticing (especially since around 4 p.m. it starts to get gray and cold rain begins to fall). However, for a farmer to rest peacefully, one more task is essential—properly preparing the tillage machines for winter. How should this be done and why is it so important?
Cleaning agricultural machinery before winter
Working elements of tillage machines (tines, discs, plowshares, etc.) are particularly vulnerable to corrosion as they interact with aggressive materials, both wet and dry. While most farmers routinely clean their equipment of crop residues after each use, it is imperative to do so thoroughly before winter. Even minimal amounts of organic matter can accumulate moisture.
Begin by mechanically cleaning the components of mud, old grease, and plant residues. For certain parts, dismantling the housing may be necessary to access all crevices. Proceed by thoroughly washing everything with water. While manual washing is possible, a high-pressure washer is more effective for thoroughly rinsing organic matter from all joints, sleeves, etc. If using a high-pressure washer, consult the instructions first and note the following:
- Do not use it to wash wiring, bearings, and rubber elements
- Use maximum pressure (except for delicate parts)
- Maintain a distance of 20-30 cm between the nozzle and the surface being cleaned
- Never direct the water stream perpendicular to the surface.
It is your decision whether to use lukewarm water (approximately 20°C) or very hot water, and whether to use chemicals. After washing, dry and thoroughly wipe the machine. Any residual water and mud in tanks, cavities, and joints accelerate corrosion cell formation. Additionally, remaining water will freeze in frost conditions, causing bushings and rubber elements to burst.
Inspection of agricultural machinery post-season
The subsequent step involves a visual assessment of the machine's condition. Key indicators to observe include signs of corrosion. The initial stage appears on the paint as bubbles or cracks, indicating the oxidation process has commenced, though rust has not yet penetrated the metal. This is the final opportunity to protect the paint coating. To address this, manually or mechanically remove the chips, degrease the surface, and apply new anti-corrosion and paint coatings. In advanced stages of corrosion, rust erodes the metal, necessitating more extensive and costly repairs. Additionally, inspect the tires, as rubber deteriorates with wear and is adversely affected by winter conditions.
"Who does not oil, will not drive”
In addition to painting, metal surfaces should be protected by applying temporary protection products (specialized preparations and waxes are available). This will prevent moisture from the air from settling on the metal and penetrating deeper. New grease or even vegetable oil will work for this purpose; you need to apply it to all areas mentioned in the instructions. Even a thin layer of fat prevents metal from contacting air, thus providing a protective barrier against corrosion.
Grease should not be spared, particularly for bearings and all components involving friction (bushings, axles, rollers, and screws). The piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders in the hydraulic system also necessitate lubrication. Winter is an opportune time to inspect the properties of the fluids in this system, replace or refill them, or drain water from the pneumatic hoses.
Storing Agricultural Machinery
It is ideal for the entire technology park to have its own garage, as air humidity above 60% accelerates corrosion. Moisture settles on the surface of metals and in bends as an almost invisible layer of water, and also enters the electrical installation. If a dedicated storage room is not available, a shelter is preferable to a tarpaulin. While covering the equipment with a tarpaulin may protect it from moisture and precipitation, on sunny days, evaporating ground water will settle on the machinery. With a shelter, it is essential to place the machine higher than the ground to protect it from water and snow. Standing in the mud is particularly destructive for the tires.
Regarding tire storage, it is optimal to keep them in a dry location with a stable temperature, away from heat sources. Rubber is adversely affected by inactivity, winter conditions, and sunlight. If such conditions are not available, you can reduce the load on the wheels by placing the machine on trestles or other supports and decreasing the pressure to 70-80%. If this is not feasible, increase the pressure by 0.5 bar and shield the tires from sunlight and other weather conditions using covers. For agricultural machines with hydraulic cylinders, store them in the closed position when parked. If they must remain in the unfolded position, protect them with specially designed grease.
Thorough Inspection and Troubleshooting
Immediately after cleaning, and potentially while drying or wiping, conduct a meticulous inspection of the machine. With a piece of paper in hand, note all items requiring replacement or service. Pay special attention to the bearings, which may be damaged from working on heavy soils. Ensure you check all screw connections, the condition of the machine's pins, their protections, and welds. Winter is an advantageous time for service because parts are often cheaper and mechanics have less workload.
Finally, it is worth mentioning additional protection for machines, such as dogs and cats. They do not pose a threat to agricultural machinery and are even recommended for winter storage. They provide effective protection against martens, weasels, and other rodents that like to chew on cables and rubber elements. If you do not want to keep natural enemies of rodents on your farm to scare them away, you can leave a toilet block with a strong, chemical smell near the machines. However, a dog or a cat will perform better outdoors.
Preparing Machines After the Season: Why Is It Worth It?
Maintaining cultivation equipment in autumn and winter entails substantial time and costs, even though modern machines, crafted with the latest technologies, are well-protected against corrosion. Nevertheless, no device is impervious to harmful working conditions and inactivity during winter.
Some assert that machines deteriorate twice as rapidly when idle compared to when in operation, particularly affecting rubber components. Hence, it is prudent to prepare the machine for winter storage immediately after completing field work. The aforementioned treatments will help avoid corrosion, operational breakdowns, and costly repairs, thereby extending the equipment's lifespan.
Summary
Clean the machines thoroughly, removing all plant residues, soil, oil, and other contaminants. Use brushes, a pressure hose, or compressed air to remove dirt. Ensure all bearings, moving parts, and lubrication points are properly lubricated. Perform general maintenance on the machine, including checking and repairing any damaged or worn parts. To prevent corrosion, cover metal parts of machines with a layer of oil or a special anti-corrosion agent. Check whether the paint is in good condition and repair it if necessary. Tillage machinery should be stored in a dry and protected place, preferably indoors or in a covered position. By protecting your devices against moisture and frost, you will avoid serious damage. Protect machines from rodents that can damage electrical wires, hoses, and other parts. Use traps or special deterrents. Maintain accurate records of machine maintenance and repairs. This will help you monitor the technical condition and plan possible inspections before the spring season. Preparing tillage machines for the winter period after the season is crucial to ensure their long and failure-free use.
- Do not use it to wash wiring, bearings, and rubber elements
- Use maximum pressure (except for delicate parts)
- Maintain a distance of 20-30 cm between the nozzle and the surface being cleaned
- Never direct the water stream perpendicular to the surface.
It is your decision whether to use lukewarm water (approximately 20°C) or very hot water, and whether to use chemicals. After washing, dry and thoroughly wipe the machine. Any residual water and mud in tanks, cavities, and joints accelerate corrosion cell formation. Additionally, remaining water will freeze in frost conditions, causing bushings and rubber elements to burst.
Inspection of agricultural machinery post-season
The subsequent step involves a visual assessment of the machine's condition. Key indicators to observe include signs of corrosion. The initial stage appears on the paint as bubbles or cracks, indicating the oxidation process has commenced, though rust has not yet penetrated the metal. This is the final opportunity to protect the paint coating. To address this, manually or mechanically remove the chips, degrease the surface, and apply new anti-corrosion and paint coatings. In advanced stages of corrosion, rust erodes the metal, necessitating more extensive and costly repairs. Additionally, inspect the tires, as rubber deteriorates with wear and is adversely affected by winter conditions.
"Who does not oil, will not drive”
In addition to painting, metal surfaces should be protected by applying temporary protection products (specialized preparations and waxes are available). This will prevent moisture from the air from settling on the metal and penetrating deeper. New grease or even vegetable oil will work for this purpose; you need to apply it to all areas mentioned in the instructions. Even a thin layer of fat prevents metal from contacting air, thus providing a protective barrier against corrosion.
Grease should not be spared, particularly for bearings and all components involving friction (bushings, axles, rollers, and screws). The piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders in the hydraulic system also necessitate lubrication. Winter is an opportune time to inspect the properties of the fluids in this system, replace or refill them, or drain water from the pneumatic hoses.
Storing Agricultural Machinery
It is ideal for the entire technology park to have its own garage, as air humidity above 60% accelerates corrosion. Moisture settles on the surface of metals and in bends as an almost invisible layer of water, and also enters the electrical installation. If a dedicated storage room is not available, a shelter is preferable to a tarpaulin. While covering the equipment with a tarpaulin may protect it from moisture and precipitation, on sunny days, evaporating ground water will settle on the machinery. With a shelter, it is essential to place the machine higher than the ground to protect it from water and snow. Standing in the mud is particularly destructive for the tires.
Regarding tire storage, it is optimal to keep them in a dry location with a stable temperature, away from heat sources. Rubber is adversely affected by inactivity, winter conditions, and sunlight. If such conditions are not available, you can reduce the load on the wheels by placing the machine on trestles or other supports and decreasing the pressure to 70-80%. If this is not feasible, increase the pressure by 0.5 bar and shield the tires from sunlight and other weather conditions using covers. For agricultural machines with hydraulic cylinders, store them in the closed position when parked. If they must remain in the unfolded position, protect them with specially designed grease.
Thorough Inspection and Troubleshooting
Immediately after cleaning, and potentially while drying or wiping, conduct a meticulous inspection of the machine. With a piece of paper in hand, note all items requiring replacement or service. Pay special attention to the bearings, which may be damaged from working on heavy soils. Ensure you check all screw connections, the condition of the machine's pins, their protections, and welds. Winter is an advantageous time for service because parts are often cheaper and mechanics have less workload.
Finally, it is worth mentioning additional protection for machines, such as dogs and cats. They do not pose a threat to agricultural machinery and are even recommended for winter storage. They provide effective protection against martens, weasels, and other rodents that like to chew on cables and rubber elements. If you do not want to keep natural enemies of rodents on your farm to scare them away, you can leave a toilet block with a strong, chemical smell near the machines. However, a dog or a cat will perform better outdoors.
Preparing Machines After the Season: Why Is It Worth It?
Maintaining cultivation equipment in autumn and winter entails substantial time and costs, even though modern machines, crafted with the latest technologies, are well-protected against corrosion. Nevertheless, no device is impervious to harmful working conditions and inactivity during winter.
Some assert that machines deteriorate twice as rapidly when idle compared to when in operation, particularly affecting rubber components. Hence, it is prudent to prepare the machine for winter storage immediately after completing field work. The aforementioned treatments will help avoid corrosion, operational breakdowns, and costly repairs, thereby extending the equipment's lifespan.
Summary
Clean the machines thoroughly, removing all plant residues, soil, oil, and other contaminants. Use brushes, a pressure hose, or compressed air to remove dirt. Ensure all bearings, moving parts, and lubrication points are properly lubricated. Perform general maintenance on the machine, including checking and repairing any damaged or worn parts. To prevent corrosion, cover metal parts of machines with a layer of oil or a special anti-corrosion agent. Check whether the paint is in good condition and repair it if necessary. Tillage machinery should be stored in a dry and protected place, preferably indoors or in a covered position. By protecting your devices against moisture and frost, you will avoid serious damage. Protect machines from rodents that can damage electrical wires, hoses, and other parts. Use traps or special deterrents. Maintain accurate records of machine maintenance and repairs. This will help you monitor the technical condition and plan possible inspections before the spring season. Preparing tillage machines for the winter period after the season is crucial to ensure their long and failure-free use.
"Who does not oil, will not drive”
In addition to painting, metal surfaces should be protected by applying temporary protection products (specialized preparations and waxes are available). This will prevent moisture from the air from settling on the metal and penetrating deeper. New grease or even vegetable oil will work for this purpose; you need to apply it to all areas mentioned in the instructions. Even a thin layer of fat prevents metal from contacting air, thus providing a protective barrier against corrosion.
Grease should not be spared, particularly for bearings and all components involving friction (bushings, axles, rollers, and screws). The piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders in the hydraulic system also necessitate lubrication. Winter is an opportune time to inspect the properties of the fluids in this system, replace or refill them, or drain water from the pneumatic hoses.
Storing Agricultural Machinery
It is ideal for the entire technology park to have its own garage, as air humidity above 60% accelerates corrosion. Moisture settles on the surface of metals and in bends as an almost invisible layer of water, and also enters the electrical installation. If a dedicated storage room is not available, a shelter is preferable to a tarpaulin. While covering the equipment with a tarpaulin may protect it from moisture and precipitation, on sunny days, evaporating ground water will settle on the machinery. With a shelter, it is essential to place the machine higher than the ground to protect it from water and snow. Standing in the mud is particularly destructive for the tires.
Regarding tire storage, it is optimal to keep them in a dry location with a stable temperature, away from heat sources. Rubber is adversely affected by inactivity, winter conditions, and sunlight. If such conditions are not available, you can reduce the load on the wheels by placing the machine on trestles or other supports and decreasing the pressure to 70-80%. If this is not feasible, increase the pressure by 0.5 bar and shield the tires from sunlight and other weather conditions using covers. For agricultural machines with hydraulic cylinders, store them in the closed position when parked. If they must remain in the unfolded position, protect them with specially designed grease.
Thorough Inspection and Troubleshooting
Immediately after cleaning, and potentially while drying or wiping, conduct a meticulous inspection of the machine. With a piece of paper in hand, note all items requiring replacement or service. Pay special attention to the bearings, which may be damaged from working on heavy soils. Ensure you check all screw connections, the condition of the machine's pins, their protections, and welds. Winter is an advantageous time for service because parts are often cheaper and mechanics have less workload.
Finally, it is worth mentioning additional protection for machines, such as dogs and cats. They do not pose a threat to agricultural machinery and are even recommended for winter storage. They provide effective protection against martens, weasels, and other rodents that like to chew on cables and rubber elements. If you do not want to keep natural enemies of rodents on your farm to scare them away, you can leave a toilet block with a strong, chemical smell near the machines. However, a dog or a cat will perform better outdoors.
Preparing Machines After the Season: Why Is It Worth It?
Maintaining cultivation equipment in autumn and winter entails substantial time and costs, even though modern machines, crafted with the latest technologies, are well-protected against corrosion. Nevertheless, no device is impervious to harmful working conditions and inactivity during winter.
Some assert that machines deteriorate twice as rapidly when idle compared to when in operation, particularly affecting rubber components. Hence, it is prudent to prepare the machine for winter storage immediately after completing field work. The aforementioned treatments will help avoid corrosion, operational breakdowns, and costly repairs, thereby extending the equipment's lifespan.
Summary
Clean the machines thoroughly, removing all plant residues, soil, oil, and other contaminants. Use brushes, a pressure hose, or compressed air to remove dirt. Ensure all bearings, moving parts, and lubrication points are properly lubricated. Perform general maintenance on the machine, including checking and repairing any damaged or worn parts. To prevent corrosion, cover metal parts of machines with a layer of oil or a special anti-corrosion agent. Check whether the paint is in good condition and repair it if necessary. Tillage machinery should be stored in a dry and protected place, preferably indoors or in a covered position. By protecting your devices against moisture and frost, you will avoid serious damage. Protect machines from rodents that can damage electrical wires, hoses, and other parts. Use traps or special deterrents. Maintain accurate records of machine maintenance and repairs. This will help you monitor the technical condition and plan possible inspections before the spring season. Preparing tillage machines for the winter period after the season is crucial to ensure their long and failure-free use.
Thorough Inspection and Troubleshooting
Immediately after cleaning, and potentially while drying or wiping, conduct a meticulous inspection of the machine. With a piece of paper in hand, note all items requiring replacement or service. Pay special attention to the bearings, which may be damaged from working on heavy soils. Ensure you check all screw connections, the condition of the machine's pins, their protections, and welds. Winter is an advantageous time for service because parts are often cheaper and mechanics have less workload.
Finally, it is worth mentioning additional protection for machines, such as dogs and cats. They do not pose a threat to agricultural machinery and are even recommended for winter storage. They provide effective protection against martens, weasels, and other rodents that like to chew on cables and rubber elements. If you do not want to keep natural enemies of rodents on your farm to scare them away, you can leave a toilet block with a strong, chemical smell near the machines. However, a dog or a cat will perform better outdoors.
Preparing Machines After the Season: Why Is It Worth It?
Maintaining cultivation equipment in autumn and winter entails substantial time and costs, even though modern machines, crafted with the latest technologies, are well-protected against corrosion. Nevertheless, no device is impervious to harmful working conditions and inactivity during winter.
Some assert that machines deteriorate twice as rapidly when idle compared to when in operation, particularly affecting rubber components. Hence, it is prudent to prepare the machine for winter storage immediately after completing field work. The aforementioned treatments will help avoid corrosion, operational breakdowns, and costly repairs, thereby extending the equipment's lifespan.
Summary
Clean the machines thoroughly, removing all plant residues, soil, oil, and other contaminants. Use brushes, a pressure hose, or compressed air to remove dirt. Ensure all bearings, moving parts, and lubrication points are properly lubricated. Perform general maintenance on the machine, including checking and repairing any damaged or worn parts. To prevent corrosion, cover metal parts of machines with a layer of oil or a special anti-corrosion agent. Check whether the paint is in good condition and repair it if necessary. Tillage machinery should be stored in a dry and protected place, preferably indoors or in a covered position. By protecting your devices against moisture and frost, you will avoid serious damage. Protect machines from rodents that can damage electrical wires, hoses, and other parts. Use traps or special deterrents. Maintain accurate records of machine maintenance and repairs. This will help you monitor the technical condition and plan possible inspections before the spring season. Preparing tillage machines for the winter period after the season is crucial to ensure their long and failure-free use.
Preparing Machines After the Season: Why Is It Worth It?
Maintaining cultivation equipment in autumn and winter entails substantial time and costs, even though modern machines, crafted with the latest technologies, are well-protected against corrosion. Nevertheless, no device is impervious to harmful working conditions and inactivity during winter.
Some assert that machines deteriorate twice as rapidly when idle compared to when in operation, particularly affecting rubber components. Hence, it is prudent to prepare the machine for winter storage immediately after completing field work. The aforementioned treatments will help avoid corrosion, operational breakdowns, and costly repairs, thereby extending the equipment's lifespan.
Summary
Clean the machines thoroughly, removing all plant residues, soil, oil, and other contaminants. Use brushes, a pressure hose, or compressed air to remove dirt. Ensure all bearings, moving parts, and lubrication points are properly lubricated. Perform general maintenance on the machine, including checking and repairing any damaged or worn parts. To prevent corrosion, cover metal parts of machines with a layer of oil or a special anti-corrosion agent. Check whether the paint is in good condition and repair it if necessary. Tillage machinery should be stored in a dry and protected place, preferably indoors or in a covered position. By protecting your devices against moisture and frost, you will avoid serious damage. Protect machines from rodents that can damage electrical wires, hoses, and other parts. Use traps or special deterrents. Maintain accurate records of machine maintenance and repairs. This will help you monitor the technical condition and plan possible inspections before the spring season. Preparing tillage machines for the winter period after the season is crucial to ensure their long and failure-free use.
Summary
Clean the machines thoroughly, removing all plant residues, soil, oil, and other contaminants. Use brushes, a pressure hose, or compressed air to remove dirt. Ensure all bearings, moving parts, and lubrication points are properly lubricated. Perform general maintenance on the machine, including checking and repairing any damaged or worn parts. To prevent corrosion, cover metal parts of machines with a layer of oil or a special anti-corrosion agent. Check whether the paint is in good condition and repair it if necessary. Tillage machinery should be stored in a dry and protected place, preferably indoors or in a covered position. By protecting your devices against moisture and frost, you will avoid serious damage. Protect machines from rodents that can damage electrical wires, hoses, and other parts. Use traps or special deterrents. Maintain accurate records of machine maintenance and repairs. This will help you monitor the technical condition and plan possible inspections before the spring season. Preparing tillage machines for the winter period after the season is crucial to ensure their long and failure-free use.
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