Now is the ideal time to start planning essential winter machinery servicing for your tractors and implements.
Proactive maintenance not only reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns but also helps to minimise costly emergency repairs, keeping your machinery in peak condition and avoiding unnecessary downtime during critical growing periods.
Well-maintained machinery operates at maximum efficiency, extends its lifespan, and holds its value better, making regular servicing a vital step in protecting your investment.
Winter offers a quieter window for servicing, with minimal disruption to your schedule compared to the busy spring and summer months. Winter machinery servicing now allows early detection and repair of wear and tear from a demanding season, preventing small issues from escalating into major problems.
By tackling maintenance over the winter, your equipment will be primed and ready for the growing season, ensuring you can hit the ground running. It’s also the perfect opportunity to prepare your machinery for colder weather, ensuring everything is ready to handle winter conditions.
Cold weather brings specific challenges for your machinery, making preparation crucial. Here are some essential parts you’ll want to consider:
Antifreeze protection: Ensure your engine’s cooling system is flushed and refilled with fresh antifreeze to prevent freezing and avoid costly damage.
Battery health: Cold conditions can drain battery performance. A thorough service will ensure your battery is ready for frosty mornings.
Tyre safety: Checking tyre pressures and tread depth ensures safe and efficient operation, particularly in wet or icy conditions.
Cab protection: While it may not be the most exciting job, replacing carbon filters at least once a year is critical. Over time, filters become clogged, reducing their effectiveness and potentially compromising both the tractor’s performance and the operator’s safety. It’s important to use HEPA filters, which are designed to capture even the smallest particles, including those that can cause respiratory issues.
Lubrication and cleaning: Proper lubrication protects moving parts from seizing or corroding, while thorough cleaning prevents rust caused by dirt and debris.
Stay compliant with NSTS sprayer testing
Winter is also the perfect time to tick off your annual sprayer test. As an official National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) registered centre, we provide comprehensive testing services to ensure your sprayer meets legal standards and operates efficiently.
Our team of qualified NSTS examiners can also perform a pre-test sprayer service, addressing key components such as control systems, hoses, nozzles, and filters to ensure compliance with legislation and optimal performance for the season ahead.
Annual servicing is more than just maintenance – it’s an investment in your business’ productivity. Preparing your vineyard tractors and implements for winter ensures they remain reliable, efficient, and ready for action.
In addition to servicing machinery, we also repair Felco, FelcoTronic, and PowerBlade electronic secateurs, helping you prepare for pruning season with confidence.
Contact us today on 01580 712200 to schedule your service, arrange your NSTS test, stock up on essential wear parts and consumables and prepare your equipment to face the winter months with confidence.