Get your trucks, tractors and equipment ready for Old Man Winter
After spending all that time keeping your machinery running during harvest, getting your vehicles and equipment ready for winter is the next thing to check off your list. It’s a lot easier to make sure everything is in working order now than when it’s minus 30. We’re ready for winter and we want you and your equipment to be ready, that’s why we’re here to help.
Walk Around
Check tire condition for cracking or excessive wear. Also, check to see if all your lights are working, you may not use them much during the summer, but they are essential in the winter. Finally, check your wiper blades and fill your washer fluid reservoir with winter-rated fluid.
Batteries
Check the cables, clamps, and posts for corrosion and clean as needed using a wire brush. If your battery is more than three years old, it is a good idea to test it and replace it if needed. Many battery chargers have a built-in battery tester for easy testing
Implements & Trailers
When you’re checking your vehicles and tractor don’t forget to check the other equipment that you use with it such as bale shredders, grapples, and stock trailers. Check hydraulic rams, hoses, and tires for wear. For extra piece-of-mind hook on and test your equipment to identify possible problems.
Fluids
Change oil with a high-quality synthetic like Shell Rotella T6, which provides better cold-cranking protection, for the best cold weather protection. Viscosity matters, make sure you are using the right grade for the best performance in cold weather. Also, check your hydraulic and other fluids to make sure they are clean and at level. Pick up any fluids that need to be changed or filled with a quick stop at your local UFA Petroleum agency.
Clean
Blowing the summer dust out of filters, the radiator and other spots where dust accumulates helps reduce hotspots and improves filter life and mileage.
Block Heater
Test your block heater using a multimeter to test continuity. If the continuity is good, then plug it in to ensure it’s working properly. If there’s no continuity, then you need to replace your heater. For extreme cold, you can also add an additional magnetic heater to your oil tank or any other fluid tanks you want to keep warm.
Lines & Hoses
Inspect all hoses for cracking and fittings for leaks. Wipe any potential leaks and watch to see if the leak returns. If you find any damaged hoses or worn fittings check out the selection at your local Farm & Ranch Supply store for replacements.
With your vehicles, tractors, and equipment ready for winter, that’s just one more thing you can check off your list as you get ready for the frosty weather. Get all your winter supplies ahead of time with a visit to any UFA Farm & Ranch Supply store, Petroleum agency, or UFA.com.
