As the days become shorter and farmers and ranchers wrap up their last bales of the year, it’s tempting to want to put away equipment for the long winter in haste. However, going the extra mile and adding one final step to your hay season could extend the life and performance of your baler. To help, we’ve put together a checklist of tips that could help save you time and money, come spring.
✓ Clear the clutter
Remove any leftover mesh wrap roll or twine and store in a dry area.
Disconnect the monitor and store inside for the winter.
- ✓ Refresh
- Replace any broken pickup teeth to be ready for next season.
- Check for loose bolts and nuts and tighten, if necessary.
- Inflate the tires to a pressure a little higher than usual.
- Slack the belts and check lacing pins – starting fresh next season with new pins in the lacing is a good idea.
- Blow off your machine with a leaf blower or air compressor and then power wash down completely, clearing all dirt and chaff.
- ✓ Grease up
- With all implements lowered to the ground, coat any exposed hydraulic cylinder piston rods with grease.
- Apply grease to machine areas where bare metal will rust.
- Apply grease to pivot areas.
- ✓ Store away
- Cover hydraulic tips, if possible, and make sure they are hung off the floor or ground.
- Store the machine indoors in a dry area protected from sunlight and extreme weather conditions. If the machine must be stored outdoors, cover it with a waterproof tarpaulin.
- For added protection, jack the machine up and place blocks under the front and rear axles so that all four tires are off the ground.
By following this simple checklist, you’ll be well on your way to getting a jumpstart on the new hay season next spring. Still have concerns? Bring your baler into your local Kubota dealership for a winter service inspection.
As you winterize, please also keep in mind that Kubota has proven our commitment to the hay and forage segment by offering a two-year standard limited warranty across the entire hay tools line, including Kubota balers*. In addition to balers, we offer a wide range of hay tools from disc mowers, disc mower conditioners, tedders and rakes, to wrappers – all supported by authorized Kubota dealers nationwide.
For more information on Kubota Hay and Farm Implements and limited warranty, including maintenance and service, contact your local Kubota dealer.
