Preparing Your Hay Equipment for Long-Term Storage

Hay season requires long hours and grueling work, but thankfully you have equipment to help. Once harvest is complete for the year, it is important to properly prepare all of your equipment for storage so when next year comes around, you will have less to worry about.

Preparing Your Swather or Mower Conditioner for Storage

End of season maintenance and preparation might look a little different depending on if you use a swather or pull-behind mower conditioner. For both set ups, you should clear any remaining hay debris and check for loose parts. 

If you use a swather, make sure to do routine engine maintenance, including an oil change, filter replacements, and check hydraulic fluids. For pull-behinds, double-check bearings, add grease to moving parts, check the gearbox oil, and if needed, replace the U-joints in the PTO shaft. If you are able to, store it in a dry outbuilding, otherwise secure a tarp over it for protection.

Preparing Your Rake and Tedder for Storage

Next, you should also prepare your rake and tedder to be stored for the off-season. Begin by clearing off any excess hay and debris from the rake teeth and tedder forks. Be careful while doing this! As you clean off the remnants from hay season, also be paying attention to any damaged or loose parts. You will want to make any replacements or repairs now so you will be up and running more quickly next year. 

Once you have these pieces of equipment cleaned up, you should grease any moving parts and store it in a dry, protected area. 

Preparing Your Baler for Storage

Before storing your hay baler, you should ensure that all hay has been removed from the chamber. Loosen the bale case tension springs and remove any remaining twine. While removing hay, also check the top of the chamber so you can move any leftover hay to the rear of the case to be extracted. 

Once any excess hay is removed, use an air compressor to clean off dust and debris. From that point, you should begin small maintenance procedures such as greasing the zerts, spraying the chain with chain lube, and using WD-40 for any moving joints or parts. Once these tasks are completed, it’s time to store your baler for the winter. 

Tractor Maintenance

Although you will likely be using the same tractor for multiple tasks all year long, you should make sure to perform routine maintenance between different working seasons. Once you have stored your hay equipment, check that the tractor you used isn’t due for an oil change or filter replacements. If you are still under warranty, it may also be a good time to have your dealer provide routine service so your tractor will be ready for its next task. 

Need help getting your hay equipment ready for its upcoming stay in storage? Then feel free to visit us here at Wertzberger Ranch Equipment and let our maintenance experts handle the job for you! Our experienced technicians here in Alma, Kansas will have no issues tackling all of your equipment repair and upkeep tasks, and we’re always happy to serve those nearby in Manhattan and Salina, Kansas.