Essential Maintenance for Winter Storage
As winter approaches, preparing your harvest machines for storage is vital to prevent rust, seized parts, and costly repairs.

Machines endure dust, crop residue, and moisture during harvest, and winter’s cold can worsen corrosion or fluid issues if neglected. By completing key maintenance tasks before winter storage, you can reduce repair costs, extend equipment life, and ensure your machines are ready for the next harvest.
Pre-Winter Maintenance Checklist
Complete these post-harvest maintenance tasks to avoid frost damage. Always consult your operator’s manual, disconnect batteries and wear protective gear.
- Clean Thoroughly:
Clean the machine, including underneath, to remove dirt and crop debris. Dry it completely before storage to prevent rust. - Lubricate Moving Parts:
Grease pivot points, bearings and sickle bars. Inspect knives and reels for wear or cracks. Apply rust-preventive paint to exposed metal. - Check Fluids and Filters:
Fill fuel tanks, replace engine oils, inspect coolant levels, and top off hydraulic fluids. Change contaminated filters and inspect for leaks. - Check Tire Pressure:
Inflate tires to the recommended pressure and lift machine off the ground on blocks to prevent flat spots. - Protect Batteries:
Disconnect batteries and store them indoors fully charged. Clean battery terminals to remove corrosion and debris. - Store Properly:
Store in a dry and protected place if possible. If storing outside, always cover the machine with a waterproof canvas or other protective material.
Summary of Maintenance Tasks
| Maintenance Tasks | Applied to MacDon Models |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | All models |
| Lubrication | All models |
| Fluid/Filter Checks | Hydraulic models: - All combine configured Draper Headers - All Corn Headers - All Windrowers - Pull-Type Rotary Headers - Pull-Type Auger Headers |
| Tire Checks | Wheeled models: - All Windrowers - All Pick-Up Headers - Combine headers with transport/gauge wheels - Pull-Type Rotary Headers - Pull-Type Mower Conditioners |
| Battery Checks | All Windrowers |
Professional Support When Needed
Replace any worn parts with our durable, precision-fit MacDon Performance Parts. If you encounter complex issues during your inspections, contact your local MacDon dealer to schedule an expert post-harvest service.
Investing time and effort in post-harvest maintenance now avoid costly repairs and downtime later. Prepare your machines for a trouble-free season!
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