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Idaho winters with long stretches of ice-cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and treacherous conditions can lead to problems if farming equipment isn’t protected. Equipment damaged during the winter months may make it difficult to get back up and running once spring rolls around. 

Proper equipment care matters, and that’s why it’s always worth making smart winter storage choices for potato farming equipment. Through effective storage, you can safeguard against expensive repairs and preserve equipment lifespan, helping ensure machines remain reliable.

Proper Winter Storage for Potato Equipment 

Improper storage brings a wide range of issues for your business, particularly after the temperature drops below zero. Potential issues include: 

• Rust
• Mechanical failure 
• Shortened equipment lifespan

Rust is a major concern, especially for equipment with metal components such as bearings, chains, and frames. 

Moisture that seeps inside the hydraulics can cause mechanical failures. Factor in rodent activity, and it’s clear that poor storage will have a massive impact on your equipment’s performance. 

In contrast, if you store your equipment correctly, you can help prevent such frustrating issues. 

Inventory and Inspect Equipment 

To support an effective storage approach, complete a comprehensive inventory of stored equipment. Write out a checklist of all the equipment that has been stored, or that needs to be put in storage. This could include:

• Harvesters
• Graders
• Planters
• Carts
• Conveyors 

Inspect each piece of equipment systematically. Check for signs of wear and tear that need to be fixed before it sits in storage long-term. 

Record any issues and note the dates you complete these inspections. This will provide you with a clear history and support understanding of the state of your equipment. The equipment should be reexamined when it comes out of storage in the spring, too. This will tell you if your winter storage techniques were successful in protecting your equipment. 

Be aware that there are digital tools and apps that you can use for handling the data and streamlining the record-keeping process.

Clean and Prep 

Arguably, the most important step in protecting your equipment through winter is to clean it. Soil, plant debris, and chemical residue all contain moisture. They’ll speed up any corrosion process. 

You may want to pressure wash equipment to remove thick mud, caked-on soil, and built-up residue. Pressure washing is fast and can deliver great results. Although, you will need to be careful around any electrical components. For any delicate areas, dry-brushing or using compressed air are options.

After cleaning, ensure that everything is totally dry. Any moisture left behind could freeze, expand, and cause cracks. 

Take Protective Actions 

After the equipment is clean and dry, it is time to apply preventative protection. Start by creating a barrier against rust by greasing moving parts. This will help stop the parts from seizing due to months of inactivity. 

You should then apply protective coating and rust inhibitors on any exposed areas. Even a thin layer will help to reduce corrosion. 

If there are any enclosed areas where moisture will accumulate, use desiccants and moisture-absorbing packets. These additions will prevent condensation and keep electrical components dry. 

Make Arrangements for Storage Environment 

Where you store your equipment is just as important as how you prepare, if not more so.

Make sure your equipment storage area is:

• Dry
• Ventilated
• Temperature controlled to prevent freezing cycles

Indoor storage will offer the best protection, a stable environment, a reduced risk of rust and rodent damage. However, it will also mean a limited level of space and a higher maintenance cost. Barns, sheds, machine shops or covered storage bays will shield equipment.

Outdoor storage solutions may provide more space at a lower cost. Yet there is a greater risk of equipment compromise due to snow, ice, and temperature swings. 

If you have to store equipment outdoors, make sure that you cover it with tarps for long-term protection. Make sure covers allow airflow so condensation doesn’t build up, and keep equipment elevated on pallets or blocks away from pooling moisture. 

Protect Battery and Electrical Systems 

Cold temperatures will typically have a devastating impact on batteries. They can reduce their charge capacity or cause them to stop working completely. Make sure that you disconnect batteries and store them in a warm, dry place, and charge batteries periodically during the winter months.

Also, throughout the winter, check for and replace any wires damaged by rodents. Remember, you can use rodent repellents, including peppermint oil, dryer sheets, and ultrasonic devices to avoid issues here. 

Attend to Tires and Hydraulics 

Make sure that you inflate your tires to the correct level. Tires can develop flat spots or dry rot when stored for long periods. If your equipment is going to sit unused for months, you can use blocks or stands to take the weight off. You should also drain or stabilize hydraulic fluids, as recommended by the manufacturer of your equipment. 

Have Financial and Security Safeguards in Place

Lastly, it’s not just a matter of protecting your equipment. You need to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. That’s why winter is a great time to review your insurance and guarantee that you have the right security measures in place. Take steps to properly cover all your equipment during the off-season and make sure that you consider security upgrades, including locks, cameras, and GPS trackers. 

Contact Us for Ideas and Quality Potato Equipment

Whether you are a seasoned potato farmer or new to the industry, we hope you found this guide helpful. Are you in need of additional equipment for your farm before next spring? Milestone offers high-quality new and used equipment. 

Contact us today to learn more about our inventory and custom equipment options or to get insights on how to keep your equipment protected through the winter months.