Essential Maintenance for Winter Storage

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

 

https://dz7yasdqa53ew.cloudfront.net/uploads/Basic-Pages/Stories/2026/10-OCT2026/MD-0053V_MonthlyPerformanceStory_WinterChecklist_Oct2026_banner.jpg


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.

  1. Clean Thoroughly: 
    Clean the machine, including underneath, to remove dirt and crop debris. Dry it completely before storage to prevent rust.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Check Tire Pressure: 
    Inflate tires to the recommended pressure and lift machine off the ground on blocks to prevent flat spots.
  5. Protect Batteries: 
    Disconnect batteries and store them indoors fully charged. Clean battery terminals to remove corrosion and debris.
  6. 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
CleaningAll models
LubricationAll models
Fluid/Filter ChecksHydraulic models:
- All combine configured Draper Headers
- All Corn Headers
- All Windrowers
- Pull-Type Rotary Headers
- Pull-Type Auger Headers
Tire ChecksWheeled models:
- All Windrowers
- All Pick-Up Headers
- Combine headers with transport/gauge wheels
- Pull-Type Rotary Headers
- Pull-Type Mower Conditioners
Battery ChecksAll 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!

Другие истории

MD How To Draper Deck Seal Story Thumbnail

MacDon How To – FD2 FlexDraper® Header – Deck Seal Adjustment

Quinn walks through how to check and adjust the deck seal for your FD2 FlexDraper® Header (model year 2020 - 2026). A proper seal reduces unnecessary wear on the draper, and reduces seed-loss while cutting. This process also applies to D2 Series Draper Headers.

MD 0053 V Monthly Performance Story Sept2026 Web Thumbnail

MacDon Performance Stories - Generations of Harvesting Performance.

For generations, the Drummond family of Holland, Manitoba, has built its livelihood around farming and helping producers in their community get more from their harvests with MacDon.

MD How To C Display Configuration Story Thumbnail

MacDon How To - C Series - IntelliView™ IV Display Configuration

Quinn walks you through how to set up and configure a C3012c Corn Header (30 inch, 12 row, chopping) on a New Holland CR 9.90 Combine Display. These settings are recommended starting points, and can be adjusted based off of user preference feed back from the field.

Don't Miss Out!

Get MacDon news, offers, product announcements, and more directly to your inbox.

edit go to cp PDF Link