Winter Service Check: How to Get Your Machine Ready for Winter
Antifreeze, hydraulics, battery, attachments, lighting: With this checklist, you can reliably prepare your tractor or utility vehicle for winter service.
The first frost rarely comes with warning. Anyone providing winter maintenance services—whether for a municipality, a property management company, or a landscaping firm—needs a machine that’s ready to go right away. Breakdowns almost always happen at the worst possible moment: early in the morning, during a snowfall, when the roads need to be cleared.
The good news: Many common winter problems can be avoided with a thorough pre-season check. We’ve compiled the five most important points.
1. Frost Protection: Check the Cooling System and Windshield Washer System
The coolant must be sufficiently frost-resistant. If it freezes, it can cause expensive damage to the engine and radiator. Frost resistance can be easily measured with a test dipstick. If the value is below what the owner’s manual specifies, you should adjust the mixing ratio or replace the coolant.
Don’t forget the windshield washer system, either. Plain water or an additive that’s too weak can quickly lead to frozen nozzles and lines. And a clear view is no minor matter when driving in winter conditions.
2. Hydraulics: Check Hoses, Connections, and Oil Level
During winter service, the hydraulic system is in constant use: swinging the plow blade, driving the sweeper brush, and operating the spreader. That’s why it’s worth taking a close look at the hoses and connections. Check for cracks, porous areas, and leaks.
Also check the hydraulic oil level. Cold weather makes materials more brittle and oil more viscous. Minor weaknesses that go unnoticed in the summer can quickly turn into a real problem in freezing conditions. A burst hose during operation costs significantly more time than a replacement in the shop.
3. Battery: Check the Charge Level and Terminals
Cold weather takes a toll on batteries. At the same time, the engine requires more power during a cold start. A battery that works fine in the fall may therefore fail on a frosty morning.
Before the season starts, check the charge level and inspect the battery terminals. Clean and tighten any corroded or loose terminals. If the machine is left idle for long periods between uses, a trickle charger may be a good idea.
4. Attachments: Check the snow plow, sweeper brush, and spreader
Even the best machine is of little use if the attachments aren’t up to par. Check the snow plow for wear parts, such as scraper blades, and replace them in a timely manner. For sweeper brushes, it’s worth checking the condition of the bristles: If the bristles are bent due to improper storage, they can often be straightened out. Simply warm them gently with warm water or warm air and then realign them. Be careful not to overheat the bristles.
You should thoroughly clean the spreader, as residue from last winter can clump together and interfere with the dosage. Then test it before you use it for the first time—not after the road has already become slippery.
