When fieldwork winds down due to winter weather, your equipment finally gets a break. That lull is the perfect opportunity to get ahead on maintenance, instead of fighting breakdowns at the start of next season. A few hours in the shop now means fewer surprises and a smoother spring season.
The checklist below applies to tractors, combines, hay and forage tools, sprayers, loaders, and Gator utility vehicles. As your trusted partner for John Deere and other leading brands across the West, Papé Machinery Ag & Turf is here with the parts, service, and winter maintenance support that keeps you moving.
Start with a Winter Maintenance Game Plan
Before you pull a single panel, start with a plan. List each machine in your fleet with hours, age, and any issues from the past season.
Pull the operator’s manual for each unit and mark winter- or storage-specific tasks plus service intervals you’ve reached. Prioritize equipment that must be ready first, and decide which jobs you’ll handle in-house and which are better suited to a Papé Machinery Ag & Turf service package or preventive maintenance program.
Engine and Fluid Checks to Tackle Before Temperatures Drop
Cold weather is hard on engines and fluids, so start there.
- Change engine oil and filters if you’re near the interval or parking a machine for the season, and use manufacturer-recommended viscosities that support cold starts.
- Check coolant levels and freeze protection. If it’s old, contaminated, or not rated for your low temperatures, flush it and replace.
- Prep the fuel system for equipment you plan to run during winter, use winter-grade diesel and anti-gel additives; for stored machines, top off tanks or follow OEM guidance to reduce condensation.
- Check hydraulic and transmission fluid levels and condition. Inspect hoses, fittings, and seals for leaks.
Batteries, Electrical, and Cold-Weather Starting Systems
Nothing slows you down like a no-start on a cold morning. Ensure your equipment starts up whenever it’s needed by addressing the following maintenance tasks:
- Clean battery terminals, tighten connections, and check cables for corrosion or damage.
- Load-test older batteries and replace any that are weak.
- For long-term storage, disconnect batteries or connect them to maintainers.
- Inspect alternators, starters, cables, and grounds, especially if you’ve noticed intermittent starting or charging warnings.
- Verify glow plugs, intake or grid heaters, and block heaters are working properly.
- Inspect heater cords for cracks or pinches.
- Test work lights, road lights, flashers, and beacons.
Drivetrain, Tires, Undercarriage, and Brakes
Traction and stopping power matter for winter chores as much as fieldwork, so take care of these tasks early in the off-season.
- Inspect tires for cuts, sidewall cracks, and uneven wear.
- Adjust pressures for winter temperatures and ballast needs.
- Re-torque wheel and hub bolts where recommended.
- On tracked machines, check track tension, lugs, idlers, and rollers for wear or damage.
- Clean out packed mud or residue that may trap moisture.
- Test service and parking brakes for proper operation.
- Grease pivots, joints, and drivelines according to manufacturer recommendations.
Hydraulics, PTO, and Implements
Your tractor is only as useful as the tools behind it. These tasks ensure everything you use in the field is ready for the next season:
- Inspect hydraulic hoses, fittings, cylinders, and couplers for leaks or cracking, and replace questionable hoses.
- Check PTO shafts, guards, and yokes for wear or damage.
- Grease U-joints and telescoping sections, and confirm shields and guards move freely and are intact.
- On tillage tools, planters, and hay and forage equipment, inspect blades, knives, teeth, and tines.
- Check gearboxes for leaks and proper oil levels.
- For loaders and buckets, inspect pins, bushings, and quick-attach mechanisms for wear, then clean, repair, and store implements under cover or on racks wherever possible.
Cab, Operator Comfort, and Precision Ag Systems
A clean cab and reliable tech support safer, more productive days when next season comes around.
- Clean the interior and remove trash or materials that can attract rodents.
- Check seatbelts, mirrors, wipers, and window seals.Update displays and receivers where recommended.
- Test HVAC and defrost for winter use.Replace cab air filters to improve airflow.
- Inspect wiring harnesses and connectors for Precision Ag and guidance systems, watching for damage or loose plugs.
- Backup A-B lines, boundaries, and prescription maps for spring.
Smart Storage, Safety, and Documentation
How you park equipment for winter affects how easily it goes back to work. Do the following to set yourself up for success:
- Power-wash exterior surfaces to remove fertilizer, crop residue, and mud.
- Clear debris from radiators and screens.
- Make sure barns and sheds drain well and are sufficiently ventilated.
- Park on level ground, lower implements, and chock wheels if needed.
- Clearly tag machines that are mid-service or otherwise unsafe to operate.
- Log winter maintenance (date, hours, work performed, etc.) by machine in a notebook or digital record to support warranty claims, resale value, and planning.
When to Call the Pros: Let Papé Machinery Ag & Turf Handle the Heavy Lifting
Some tasks are straightforward and simple to tackle on your own. Others, however, are better left to trained technicians. Major engine, hydraulic, or transmission work, recurring fault codes, or issues with emissions, precision ag, or advanced diesel cold-start systems are good reasons to call for help.
Papé Machinery Ag & Turf offers certified technicians, full-service shops, mobile service across the West, and preventative maintenance programs and winter inspections that help control costs and reduce downtime.
Winter off-season is your best window to protect uptime, extend equipment life, and start spring strong. With a clear checklist and a few focused days in the shop, you can turn slower months into an advantage. From quick inspections to full winter service packages, Papé Machinery Ag & Turf is ready to help.
Contact your local Papé Machinery to schedule winter maintenance or discuss a customized off-season service plan.
