Winter

1. Review owner’s manuals. Re-familiarize yourself with how to handle equipment safely. Lost manuals can be found online or ordered from your dealer. Save a copy on your computer if possible, for quick reference when needed. Be familiar with your outdoor equipment, and all its features, including how to turn it off quickly and safely.

2. Service all equipment. Before storing spring and summer equipment, have your dealer service it or do it yourself. Tri County Equipment offers maintenace kits for most John Deere equipment to make DIY maintenace simple.  Drain and change engine oil and safely dispose the old oil. Service the air filter, and do other maintenance as directed by the owner’s manual. Check winter equipment and see if any maintenance and repairs are required.

3. Check your fuel!  Unused fuel left in gas tanks over the winter can go stale and even damage equipment. Before storing equipment, add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, then run the equipment to distribute it. Turn the engine off, allow the machine to cool, then restart and run the unit until the gas tank is empty.

4. Shelter equipment from winter weather. Store spring and summer equipment in a clean and dry place such as a garage, barn or shed. Winter equipment should be kept away from the elements, but be easily available for use.  A storage cover can help keep your equipment clean and a rodent repellent product can help keep your machine from becoming a home for unwanted mice

5. Make space in the garage before the weather changes, so there is room to store larger yard items. Clean up the yard of sticks, debris, dog and kid’s toys and other items that can damage or destroy equipment. Clear the paths used regularly in your yard, especially during the winter when snow can “hide” things.