Winter Farm Equipment Maintenance in Alberta

As Alberta’s fall harvest winds down and cold weather sets in, it’s time to give your machinery some TLC and avoid farm needing equipment parts and service early next year. Proper winter equipment maintenance is essential to keep your tractors, combines and implements in top shape for next spring.  

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Your local Future Ag team performs on-site service calls. Let us help you winterize!

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Start with a thorough clean and inspection of all machinery. Blow out chaff, dirt and crop debris from combines and balers; built-up debris can hold moisture and cause rust or rodent damage over the winter. Next, change the oil and filters on engines and hydraulics before storage. Used oil can contain acids and contaminants that you don’t want sitting in your engine for months.  

Also, remember to fill the fuel tanks on tractors and sprayers; a partly empty tank can invite condensation as temperatures fluctuate, potentially introducing water into your fuel. Top off diesel tanks and add a quality fuel stabilizer (and anti-gel, for diesel) to prevent fuel issues when you fire up in the cold. Taking these basic steps now is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to avoid breakdowns come spring. 

Equally important is protecting your equipment from the harsh winter elements. Whenever possible, store machinery indoors or under cover. Parking your combine or air seeder in a shed can greatly reduce weathering. If indoor space is limited, consider investing in heavy-duty tarps or covers for sensitive components – for example, cover the cab and electronics of a tractor left outside, and wrap hydraulic cylinder rods with grease or protective film to prevent pitting.  

Remove any in-cab monitors or displays and store them in a dry, warm place to avoid moisture damage. It’s also a good idea to remove batteries from seldom-used equipment and store batteries on a trickle charger in a heated space; this extends battery life and ensures reliable starts later.  

Tire maintenance is often overlooked: check tire pressure and inflate tires to the recommended PSI before storage (cold temps will cause some pressure drop). If equipment will be sitting on concrete all winter, you might even jack it up slightly or park on wooden planks to reduce tire contact with cold cement, which can cause flat-spotting. 

Schedule Farm Equipment Maintenance this Winter 

At Future Ag, we encourage customers to take advantage of winter downtime by scheduling any needed repairs or upgrades. The Future Ag Service Department is open and less hectic in the off-season, which means it’s an ideal time to do that engine tune-up, hydraulic rebuild, or software update on your precision farming systems.  

Through our Red Tag Service Program (available at our Alberta locations), you can get discounted labour rates on maintenance services performed in the winter months. For example, many farmers bring in their Case IH tractors for a comprehensive winter inspection.  

Our factory-trained technicians will perform tests and preventative maintenance: from checking glow plugs and block heaters (important for winter starting), to flushing coolant and ensuring your antifreeze is rated to -40°C, to inspecting belts, hoses and seals for any wear that could worsen during winter storage. We also stock common parts like filters, fluids, and wear components; our Parts Department can help you find the right OEM or aftermarket parts for off-season fixes. Need to order something? Use our convenient online parts request form on FutureAg.ca to get the ball rolling. 

Prep Now for a Stress-Free Winter on the Farm 

By investing a bit of time now in winter equipment maintenance, you’re investing in a smooth, trouble-free start next season. Think of it as insurance: a few hours spent greasing, lubricating, and repairing this winter can save days of downtime in seeding or harvest. Your machinery is the lifeblood of your farm – give it the care it deserves during the winter lull.  

Remember, the Future Ag team is here to help with expert service and advice, so you can rest easy knowing your equipment will perform efficiently whenever duty calls, season after season.