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Winter Prep Part 3: Augers

As winter sets in and the hustle of the harvest season winds down, it’s time to turn your attention to maintaining your auger. Whether you’re using an auger for moving grain to market, storing it, or feeding livestock, keeping your auger in top condition is crucial. With the colder weather ahead, certain components require special attention to ensure your auger works smoothly throughout the season.

In this blog, we’ll discuss key areas of winter maintenance that can help extend the life of your auger and keep it running when you need it most. From fuel stabilizer to checking your PTO and hydraulic systems, here’s what you need to know.

1. Fuel Stabilizer: Protect Your Engine for Winter

If you’re running a self-propelled auger or any auger with a gasoline or diesel engine, winterizing the engine is a must. Cold weather can affect fuel quality, and stale fuel can lead to clogged injectors, difficult starts, or engine damage.

  • Add Fuel Stabilizer: Before parking your auger for the season, add a fuel stabilizer to the tank. This helps prevent the fuel from breaking down and gumming up your engine. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper amount based on the size of your fuel tank.
  • Run the Engine: After adding the stabilizer, run the engine for a few minutes to ensure the fuel treatment circulates through the entire system. This can help prevent corrosion in the fuel system over the winter.
  • Empty the Fuel Tank (Optional): If you plan to store your auger for an extended period, draining the fuel tank is another good option. This eliminates the risk of fuel degradation. However, if you use the stabilizer and run the engine, you should be good to go until spring.

2. Hydraulic Oil on Self-Propelled Units: Keep it Flowing

Many self-propelled augers rely on hydraulic systems to operate the lift, rotation, and feed mechanisms. Hydraulic oil is crucial for smooth operation, especially in cold temperatures.

  • Check Hydraulic Oil Levels: Ensure that the hydraulic fluid is at the appropriate level. If it’s low, top it off with the recommended oil for your unit. Be sure to use the correct type of hydraulic oil for winter conditions; using the wrong viscosity can cause the system to slow down or even freeze.
  • Check the Condition of the Oil: If the oil appears dirty or contaminated, it’s time to change it. Dirty oil can cause parts to wear out faster, which could lead to costly repairs down the road.
  • Inspect Hoses and Connections: Cold weather can be tough on hydraulic hoses and fittings. Check all hoses for wear, cracks, or leaks. Replace any damaged hoses and tighten loose fittings before storing the auger for the season. A small leak can quickly become a bigger problem when the unit is in use.

3. Belts: Ensure Proper Tension and Condition

Belts are essential for transferring power from the engine to various components of your auger. Cold temperatures can affect their performance, so it’s important to inspect and maintain them regularly.

  • Check for Wear and Tear: Over time, belts can crack, fray, or stretch. Inspect all belts on your auger for visible signs of wear. If you spot any cracks, cuts, or fraying, replace the belt before they fail during operation.
  • Adjust Belt Tension: Check that the belts are properly tensioned. A loose belt can slip or wear out prematurely, while an over-tightened belt can cause unnecessary strain on the system. Refer to your auger’s manual for proper tensioning specifications.
  • Lubrication: If your auger has pulleys or moving parts that rely on grease, make sure they are properly lubricated before winter sets in. Lubrication will help prevent parts from freezing up or wearing out.

4. PTO Shaft: Protecting Power Transfer

If your auger is powered by a tractor or another machine via a PTO (Power Take-Off) shaft, it’s crucial to inspect and maintain the PTO system before winter.

  • Inspect the PTO Shaft: Examine the PTO shaft for any signs of wear, damage, or cracks. Cold temperatures can cause existing damage to worsen, leading to failure when you need it most. Ensure that the PTO shaft is free of rust and grease any moving parts to keep them operating smoothly.
  • Check the PTO Shield: Make sure the PTO shield is intact and securely fastened. The shield prevents accidental contact with the rotating shaft, which is a crucial safety measure. If the shield is damaged, replace it before putting the auger back into operation.
  • Lubricate U-Joints: The universal joints (U-joints) that connect the PTO shaft to the auger should be well-lubricated. Grease the U-joints and ensure they move freely. Proper lubrication reduces friction and wear, keeping the power transfer smooth.
  • When transporting a PTO driven auger: Make sure to always disconnect your PTO shaft from the tractor when transporting. The sharp turns that you sometimes encounter will break the CV joint. For those of you that have done it, you know what I’m talking about when I say, that’s a expensive fix.

5. Small Engine Maintenance: Use the Right Oil for Winter

If your auger has a small engine, it’s particularly important to switch to the right oil for winter conditions. Small engines are more susceptible to starting issues in cold weather, so giving them a little extra attention can ensure they fire up when needed.

  • Use a Lighter Oil: For colder temperatures, it’s essential to use a winter-grade oil in small engines. Lighter viscosity oils, such as 5W-30, flow better in low temperatures and will help the engine start more easily in the winter. Refer to your auger’s manual for specific recommendations on oil types and viscosities.
  • Change the Oil: If you haven’t changed the engine oil recently, now is a great time to do it. Fresh oil ensures that the engine runs smoothly and is better equipped to handle the cold. Drain the old oil and replace it with the recommended winter-grade oil.
  • Air Filter Check: Cold, dusty conditions can cause air filters to clog faster. Inspect and clean the air filter or replace it if it’s too dirty or damaged. A clean filter ensures that the engine gets proper airflow, improving efficiency and performance.

6. General Winterizing Tips for Augers

  • Clean the Auger: Dirt, dust, and leftover grain from the last season can cause issues if left to sit through the winter. Thoroughly clean your auger, removing any debris from the auger tube, hopper, and auger flighting. A clean auger will run more efficiently and reduce the chances of clogs or malfunctions.
  • Check for Rust and Corrosion: Look for any signs of rust or corrosion on metal parts, especially in areas where moisture can accumulate. Treat any rusty parts with an anti-corrosion spray or oil to prevent further damage. This will extend the life of your auger and prevent parts from seizing up in the spring.

Conclusion

Winter auger maintenance is essential for ensuring that your equipment is ready to handle the next busy season of moving grain, whether it’s for livestock feed, storage, getting the seed cleaned or sent to market. Taking the time to winterize your auger, from checking the PTO shaft to using the right engine oil, can save you time and hassle down the road.

By adding fuel stabilizer, inspecting belts, ensuring hydraulic oil is at the proper level, and properly maintaining your small engine and hydraulic systems, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your auger will perform smoothly when you need it most. With the right care, your auger will continue to be a reliable tool for moving grain — and it will be ready to go when the first thaw comes.

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Winter Prep Part 2: Bale Processors

As the new season begins, it’s time to ensure your bale processor is in top condition for the busy months ahead. Whether you’re processing hay, straw, or other materials, a little pre-season care can go a long way in ensuring that your equipment runs smoothly and efficiently. From the PTO shaft to the hydraulic hoses, here’s a detailed guide to prepping your bale processor for the season.

1. PTO Shaft Maintenance: Keeping Power to the Processor

The Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft is the critical link between your tractor and the bale processor, transferring the engine’s power to the processing mechanism. If not properly maintained, it can cause significant delays or even complete failure during operation.

  • Inspect the PTO Shaft: Look for signs of wear, cracking, or bent components. A damaged PTO shaft can break during operation, causing downtime and costly repairs. Ensure that the shaft is straight and free from damage.
  • Lubricate the U-Joints: The universal joints (U-joints) on the PTO shaft should be well-lubricated to prevent excess friction and wear. Grease all the grease fittings, ensuring that the joints move smoothly without resistance.
  • Check the PTO Shielding: Ensure the PTO shaft’s protective shields are intact and functioning. Missing or damaged shields can be dangerous and are required by safety regulations to prevent accidental contact with moving parts.

2. General Housekeeping: Clear Out Mesh or Strings

After processing bales, remnants of twine, mesh, or string can often be left behind in the processor. Not only can these remnants obstruct the system, but they can also lead to inefficient processing.

  • Clean Out the Chamber: Thoroughly inspect and clean the bale chamber and rotor, looking for leftover twine, wrap, or mesh. This debris can clog the system, reduce efficiency, and even cause mechanical failure if not removed. Sometimes, netting or twine can get wrapped around components, especially the knives or flails. Carefully unwind any caught material and ensure that there’s no buildup that could impede the flow of the material you’re processing.
  • Remove Clogs and Debris (optional feed tank): Check all the augers, conveyor belts, and feeding mechanisms to ensure there’s no debris blocking the system. A quick inspection now will save time and frustration during the season.

3. Inspect Missing or Damaged Flails: Make Sure Everything’s in Place

The flails are responsible for breaking up bales and spreading material evenly. If one or more flails are missing or damaged, it can severely affect the processor’s efficiency, causing uneven processing, balance issues or overworking the gear boxes and hydraulic motors.

  • Check for Missing Flails: Before the season kicks off, take the time to inspect each flail on the processor. If any are missing or excessively worn, replace them. A missing flail can lead to uneven feed, and vibrations leading to stress on the machine and inconsistent bale processing.
  • Inspect Flail Condition: If flails are showing signs of wear, such as cracks or bent arms, replace them. Damaged flails can reduce the machine’s ability to chop and break down bales effectively.
  • Tighten Flail Bolts: Sometimes the problem isn’t the flails themselves, but loose bolts. Tighten any loose bolts or fasteners to ensure the flails are secure and will perform optimally throughout the season. If the lock nut is not locking properly, its time to replace.

4. Hydraulic Hoses: Check for Wear and Tear

The hydraulic system is the heart of the bale processor’s functionality. It powers the bale feeding, cutting, and processing mechanisms, making it crucial that the system is in top shape before the season starts.

  • Inspect Hydraulic Hoses: Cold temperatures and heavy usage during the last season can cause hydraulic hoses to crack, degrade, or develop leaks. Check the hoses for any signs of wear, cuts, or bulging. Even small leaks can lead to performance issues or total hydraulic failure, so it’s important to replace any damaged hoses before use.
  • Check Fluid Levels: Ensure that fluid levels are topped off in your gearcases and inspect the fluid’s color and consistency. If the fluid looks dirty or contaminated, change it to avoid unnecessary strain on the system during operation. Be sure to use the correct type of fluid for your climate.
  • Test Hydraulic Functions: With the machine running, test all hydraulic functions to ensure everything is operating smoothly. Look for any slow-moving or jerky actions, which could indicate low fluid levels or air in the system.

5. Other General Tips for Pre-Season Bale Processor Maintenance

  • Grease All Moving Parts: Make sure to lubricate all moving parts, including chains, sprockets, bearings, and pivot points. A well-lubricated processor will run more efficiently and reduce wear over time.
  • Inspect Belts: Check the condition of the belts that drive various parts of the processor. Look for cracks, fraying, or excessive wear. If you notice any issues, replace the belts before starting the season. It’s always cheaper and easier to replace a belt in the off-season than when you’re deep into processing.
  • Frame and Structural Integrity: Examine the frame for any signs of cracks, rust, or stress points. Tighten any loose bolts and ensure that all the frame supports are secure and intact. A damaged frame could lead to serious downtime during the busy season.
  • Test Electrical Systems: If your bale processor has electrical components like lights, sensors, or motors, check these systems to ensure they’re in good working order. Replace any worn-out fuses or wires and clean up any connections to avoid short circuits or malfunctioning parts.

6. Final Prep: Test Run

Once you’ve completed all your inspections and maintenance tasks, perform a test run to ensure that everything is functioning as it should. Start the processor up and let it run through a short cycle, paying attention to any unusual sounds, vibrations, or performance issues. This will help you catch any issues early and give you confidence that your machine is ready for the season.

The bale processor never gets much love in many places. It’s one of those pieces of equipment that many of us just unhook from and forget about till we need it again. Show it a little love and it won’t let you down when you need it.

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Before it gets cold series

Loader Tractor Checklist

Going into the winter season we are all busy trying to remember all the things we need to take care of and all the boxes we need to check off before those first few flakes start to fly. We have developed a “Before it gets cold” series to try and help remind you of a few items that you may not think of. These are all things that we forget about till we go to use that tractor. Then just expect it to do the job that we need it to do daily, doing chores in all weather conditions.

Before it gets cold – Let’s look at your loader tractor

Is your block heater working?

When was the last time you changed your coolant?

Have you load tested your batteries, no one likes changing them when it’s -40 outside

Does my alternator work properly?

Is it time to upgrade to LED lighting?

Does the heater in the tractor work properly?

Have you checked your tire pressures lately, or is there a tire that likes to go low slowly that you should get fixed?

Do you need to book your unit in for a service or inspection if you are concerned about anything heading into the colder months?