Looks like you have to decide what the implement is worth......to you. If you are shopping and looking for a good or fair deal, then you have plenty of time. On the other hand, If you tell the dealer, I have to cut that section before the end of the month (in two weeks), get out that fat wallet. I don't usually care if the paint is faded, but I do expect it to work as new - even if it is a used implement. NO ONE buys any implement that doesn't do what it is supposed to do and likes it. And the dealer says "never seen that before" apparently didn't bother to look at the locked up clutch. As for covering an implement with a tarp outside, there seems to be a lot of posts saying that covering implements hold moisture (decreases evaporation) causing even more rust. That would lead us to think the safest place to store implements is in the shed. I don't know many who have that space. Good luck,