How you store your hay equipment is as important as how you store your hay. Be it the hay or the equipment that helped make it, proper storage protects its value and helps it last longer. Winterize your equipment now, and it will be ready to make hay next spring.

Start by reviewing your operators manual. For most equipment, the manual guides you through the long-term storage process. It can also help with storage removal when you’re ready to head back to the field. If you don’t find specific storage guidelines, you will find maintenance schedules, along with grease points, etc. but there are considerations specific to your hay equipment to keep in mind this winter:

• Stay sharp. Check all cutting components on windrowers and mowers. Replacing sickle sections and guards or disc-mower blades can be a good winter project, but be sure to examine them now and determine if they need to be replaced.
• On balers, drain hay preservative tanks and flush the system. Inspect round baler belts for wear and reduce tensioners to ease strain and increase longevity. This also is a good time to replace broken or missing pickup tines.
• Self-propelled windrowers require care similar to any engine-powered piece of equipment, such as a tractor or combine. Change oil and filters. Clean or replace air and cab filters. Check engine coolant and ensure it will protect against freezing at your lowest winter temperatures.

If you’re not comfortable performing tasks so critical to your equipment’s longevity, or if you simply don’t have the time or resources, turn to your RME dealer. We know your equipment and technicians can spot important maintenance issues before they become costly repairs and offer preventive maintenance. RME is also your best source for genuine Case IH parts, filters and lubricants.

No matter how you prefer to manage maintenance, get the job done now. When next year’s first cutting hits at the peak of your spring workload, you’ll be glad you did.