Winterize Your John Deere Equipment Before the Freeze

Before temperatures drop, winterize your John Deere machinery to prevent cold-weather damage. Here are essential items in a list to check off as you prepare:

• Check the oil level and replace with winter-grade oil recommended for your equipment.

• Replace the oil filter to ensure proper lubrication and cold-start protection.

• Top off or change the hydraulic oil with a cold-weather formulation designed for John Deere utility tractors and other equipment.

• Inspect belts and hoses for cracks or wear, since cold weather makes rubber more brittle.

• Lubricate moving parts like joints, hinges, and bearings to prevent freezing and corrosion.

• Clean your equipment thoroughly, removing dirt, crop debris, and grease buildup.

Your John Deere dealer can also recommend Deere parts designed specifically for cold-weather performance, ensuring your equipment runs smoothly even on the coldest days.

Battery Care for Winter-Ready Equipment

Cold weather drains battery life quickly, so taking care of your John Deere battery is essential. Use these bullet points to keep your equipment powered all season:

• Check the battery charge regularly, especially if your equipment is stored for long periods.

• Clean battery terminals to prevent corrosion, which can block the connection.

• Store batteries indoors if equipment sits idle for months, keeping them in a dry, temperature-controlled space.

• Use a battery maintainer to keep the charge steady when not in use.

If you need a replacement battery, your John Deere dealer has genuine Deere parts that fit your exact make and model.

Use the Right Fluids & Filters for Cold Weather Performance

Cold weather thickens both engine oil and hydraulic oil, leading to sluggish performance or system failure if not properly maintained. Keep your utility tractor and equipment running smoothly by:

• Using winter-grade hydraulic oil and engine oil designed for low temperatures.

• Replacing the oil filter to prevent buildup and ensure smooth oil flow.

• Checking the oil level before every use to ensure proper lubrication and avoid costly engine damage.

Your John Deere dealer carries all the Deere parts and fluids you need, from hydraulic oil to oil filters, ensuring your machine gets the best care possible.

Tire Care for Safe Winter Operation

Cold temperatures can lower tire pressure, which reduces traction and performance. Protect your John Deere equipment with these tire maintenance tips:

• Check tire pressure often and adjust it to match your equipment manual’s recommendations.

• Inspect tires for cracks, worn treads, or embedded debris.

• Consider adding tire chains for better grip when operating in snow or ice.

Proper tire care keeps your utility tractor stable and safe on frozen ground.

Protect Your Hydraulic System in Cold Weather

The hydraulic system is especially sensitive to freezing temperatures, so proper fluid selection and maintenance are critical. To avoid hydraulic failures:

• Use winter-specific hydraulic oil, especially for utility tractors working in sub-zero conditions.

• Inspect all hoses and fittings for leaks or signs of wear before use.

• Start the equipment and let it run for a few minutes to warm the hydraulic system before putting it under load.

Your John Deere dealer can recommend the best hydraulic oil for your machine, ensuring your hydraulic system runs smoothly all season long.

Store Your John Deere Equipment Correctly

If you’re not using your John Deere utility tractor or mower frequently this winter, proper storage prevents long-term damage. Follow these storage best practices:

• Store equipment indoors, in a dry, covered building that shields it from snow and ice.

• Cover exposed components with weatherproof covers for added protection.

• Start your equipment occasionally and let it run to circulate fluids and keep seals from drying out.

For more storage tips, contact your John Deere dealer — they can recommend protective Deere parts designed to shield your equipment during long-term storage.

Schedule a Professional Winter Service Check

Even if you handle basic maintenance, a winter service check from Leading Edge Equipment can uncover potential issues before they cause expensive repairs. Our certified John Deere technicians will:

• Inspect belts, hoses, fluids, and filters.

• Check battery health and charging systems.

• Ensure hydraulic systems are winter-ready.

• Spot potential problems early, saving you time and money.

Contact your local John Deere dealer at Leading Edge Equipment to schedule your winter service check and stock up on cold-weather Deere parts, including hydraulic oil, oil filters, and batteries.

Stay Ahead of Winter with Leading Edge Equipment

At Leading Edge Equipment, we know North Dakota winters present unique challenges for John Deere equipment owners. Whether you need expert service, winter-grade fluids, or genuine Deere parts, we’re here to help you stay ready for anything winter throws your way.

Request a winter maintenance service appointment today!