Keeping your machinery protected from the elements during the winter months is vital to ensuring longevity and safety of the equipment. It is not a good idea to just put the machine inside and forget about it until the Spring comes; instead, follow these tips we have put together to help you make sure your machinery is going to come out the other side of winter the same way it went into it.
- Check the tires
Making sure the tires are in good condition is important for when the time comes to move the machinery, so that it can be moved safely. Holes, rips or other wear and tear can form over time if they are not protected correctly. It can be dangerous and cause accidents to those operating the machinery.
- Check the environment you’re storing your equipment in regularly
Regular maintenance of your storage space is essential for keeping your equipment in good working order. Check for any roof damage, damp and mold, as well as the condition of the flooring. The environment can greatly affect the condition of your machinery and often goes unnoticed if the issues are not very obvious.
- Make sure the maintenance service is up to date
Keeping your machinery serviced and up to date is important so that the condition of your equipment is maintained and can avoid any unnecessary wear. By having your machinery serviced before you put it away for winter can save time and money when it is time for the new season. Any issues will have been spotted and not left to get worse during the winter months. Equally, having a service when you bring the machinery out of storage is also a good idea to make sure it has held up through the winter.
- Check the batteries- you should disconnect the batteries before storing
Ensuring the batteries are disconnected and stored correctly is super important so that they do not get damaged or cause safety issues over time. This is just an extra precaution you can take to make sure your machinery is in the best condition it can be.
- Clean and grease moving parts
Keeping moving parts greased and clean is a great way to take care of your machinery. A buildup of debris can cause malfunctions to happen or corrosion of the metals within the machinery. If something is sitting for a long time, things can get dry and rusty, so it is important to keep on top of this general maintenance, so that when it is time to start using the equipment again, the moving parts will still be in great condition.
- Cover with tarp to avoid moisture build up
It is inevitable that during the winter months, there is more moisture in the atmosphere which will gravitate towards static objects. To make sure your machinery has the best chance at getting through the winter months without being damaged by damp and moisture, cover it with tarp for an extra layer of protection against the elements. This way you can be sure that no unexpected or unwanted moisture can find its way in between moving parts.