Storing implements for the winter.

[RoyJackson]

I gotta say I never thought to remove the PTO shaft and bring it inside...

I've never removed the PTO shaft from my snow blower in the 8 years I've owned it. The blower, when not rigged to the tractor, lives outside...
I do spray any exposed metal parts with Fluid Film or equivalent

 

[Tony H]

The implements that are not in garage or basement, is under a steel shelter, one end has a tarp to keep the westerly wind and snow out. First thing I do is put plastic down to put the implements on. Even under a roof, dampness comes out of the ground. You have to see how quickly the plastic fogs up on the blessing side. All that moisture would be captured under the implements.
Of course, I run the grease gun around and hit all the zerks.

 

[Avenger]

I probably should do more. But typically when I'm done with an implement, I simply park it. Most are on 6x6 or 4x4 blocks, just to keep them off the ground. I don't lube them, spray fluid film (I just learned of that), remove PTO shafts, or anything. Simply park them.

However

Before I use the implement, I take it up to the shop and grease it, make sure it (whatever it is) is adjusted properly, blades sharp(ish), chains properly tensioned, etc. Then I use it.

Before parking it, I do typically wash it off. Sometimes that with the pressure washer, or simply a hose. But that depends on the implement as well. If its my grapple, nope. No washing. No amount of pressure washing will remove the sap! Same with the bucket, if I take it off, I'm not washing it out. I may bang it a few times, just to drop anything out of it that may be stuck. My tiller, I typically hose down the outside, but getting on my back and washing the underside clean of dirt? no.

Most of my maintenance is preformed before I use it, not after. Not unless something is broken.

OH! I do use wire to wire up the PTO shafts so they are not in the dirt. I try to keep the end clean...ish.

 

[WinterDeere]

I try to keep everything inside, but what must sit out is:

1. Kept up off the ground, preferably over a paved surface.
2. Has some sort of roof over it. Tarps are bad if draped directly on the equipment, as they can trap moisture. But a roof, even a sheet of corrugated fiberglass just tied in place, is nearly as good as being indoors.

Here's how I store my aerator and brush hog, both which lost their spot in the garage to more expensive equipment:

 

[Mudfarmer]

Winterize the implements: Move the box blade in front of the bush hog for the winter. Keep the carry-all on the back of the tractor.

 

[ParkWhite]

I pump a 50/50 mix of antifreeze through the sprayers.
Equipment with gearboxes that stay outside get a bucket or lick tub over the gearboxes.
I like to pressure wash equipment that stays in the shed or barn after the last use.

 

[Chewwy]

I have never seen any implements at dealers that are not sitting outside in the weather unless they are being worked on or attached to tractors that are being worked on.

 

[WinterDeere]

I have never seen any implements at dealers that are not sitting outside in the weather unless they are being worked on or attached to tractors that are being worked on.

True, but they're not usually aiming to keep it there on their lot for a decade or three, either.

 

[Surshot]

If you need more implements, they do propagate, if left inside a dark barn. I leave the dumb implements on fence posts or poles outside.

 

[gstrom99]

I fixed the torn open roof on a converted corn crib this year. It's 24 x 24, and was about 1/4 open to the elements for probably 20 years, before I bought this place. Sill plates, rafters and wall studs were rotten. I don't have a bunch. It's ugly, but all my implements are now in a dry place.

Feeling good about that.