Attachment storage for winter?

[Soldier415]

First winter with a tractor approaching. I have a few implements I won't be using which currently sit out on the lawn. Pole barn project won't start til the spring. No room in the garage to store them.

Winter temps get down to -20F to -30F. With the box blade, grader blade and pallet forks attachments should I just tarp them to keep the snow out?

I have a brush hog and rototiller, should I be worried about the oil in the gearboxes freezing?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[KennyG]

Fluid film on any exposed metal. A tarp is OK, but don't make it too tight so you don't encourage condensation. Gearboxes should be no concern.

 

[RjCorazza]

I have to leave several implements outside, and do not cover them with tarps. The fluid film or similar coating is a good idea for bare metal, or keep them painted. This past year I broke down and tried an air compressor sprayer and painted everything caterpillar yellow. I was surprised how quick I got it done... 3 implements in 2 hours including cleanup!
Since you mention storage on a lawn, I would recommend setting the implements down on gravel, pavement, or concrete.

 

[ArlyA]

Sadly, I've got some experience at this. We purchase UV stabilizes tarps that are quite heavy, then stake it around your implements using bungee cords. These tarps are about 14mil thick. Your implements need to be on wood blocks or somehow slightly lifted off the ground. The tarp is also held off the ground via the bungee cords and doing this allows air to pass through it. Doing all this is a pain in the &^@* but its the only way we could make it work. We're putting up a storage building right now.

 

[Mitkof]

I agree with Arly,
I always store attachments on blocks or planks.
My rake, brush hog and disc harrow are placed on wood to keep them away from soil and veg.
Also makes hook up with 3pt much easier as brush hog on 4x4x12 inch blocks, easy to slide left and right.
Rake sits on an old cedar plank keeping tines out of the soil, no rusting.
The disc harrow also sits on cedar planks, out of dirt and it moves left right easily for 3pt hook up.

 

[joeyd]

I set my implements on pallets and cover with tarps after using Fluid Film generously. If space is an issue think about which implements you might need to use during the winter like a back blade and make sure it is easily accessible. It's a pain to try and dig it out latter if you need it and have other tools in the way. I know from experience!!!

 

[AchingBack]

You might consider removing the PTO shaft on your brush cutter if you have a shop you can store it in.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I should follow advice given for storage I suppose but I don't. I think everything I have will outlast me and I just unhook them in an out of the way spot and let them set till I need them again. We didn't have covered storage on the farm I grew up on and never had an issue other than paint fading when just storing them on the ground and in the open air.

I do try to keep my current equipment painted but that is about all I do for it. I am 67 now and I figure that if I am lucky, I may just get 10 more years of use and open storage will allow for that much without any issue with bearings, etc. If it is a little rusty when I am gone, so what?