Top Tips for Prepping Hay Tools for Winter

Cooler weather serves as a reminder of all the necessary end of season work that needs to be done before winter sets in. And that includes prepping hay tools properly for winter storage to ensure they are ready to go to work when hay season comes around again next spring. Maintaining and preparing equipment for seasonal storage is important for every farm and acreage, and Kubota has compiled our top tips to help you get your hay tools ready for winter.

Balers

Baling can be messy and dusty, so do yourself and your baler a favor by cleaning out any remaining hay and debris before storing for the winter. Be sure to take the extra step and blow out any remaining dust and debris.

Balers may have wear points that require attention in season and at the end of season too. Thoroughly inspect belts, pickup teeth, pickup cams and rollers, along with the bearings. Net wrap and knotting systems also deserve attention to make sure they are functioning properly before being stored. Better yet, contact your local Kubota dealer to schedule your baler inspection service. If anything requires additional maintenance or parts, make this a priority before moving the baler into storage. You can find Kubota Genuine Parts at your local Kubota dealer or online at shop.kubotausa.com.

Rakes & Tedders

Tines, bearings and universal joints require an end of season inspection, especially on rakes and tedders. Grease necessary moving parts and consult the operator’s manual for other necessary maintenance items. Check for broken or bent tines and repair or replace where necessary.

Mowing Equipment

Disc mowers and disc mower conditioners are made up of plenty of moving parts, and they all need to be inspected, greased and stored in working order. Check belts for wear and replace where needed. Special attention should be given to inspecting disc blades and replacing as needed. Mowing equipment also requires a thorough cleaning, removing any hay or plant material, power washing and blowing out tight spaces to remove dust and debris. Proper winter maintenance will ensure the machine performs when it’s needed next year and ready for another busy hay season.