How to Prepare for the New Season – The Farmer’s Winter Checklist | GĄSKA
December is the perfect time to calmly plan work for the spring.
Many farmers postpone preparations until the last moment — resulting in downtime, higher parts prices, and longer service lead times at the peak of the season.
Early preparation of equipment — from combine harvester inspections, through baler maintenance, to ordering engines and drive components — helps avoid these problems.
In this article, you will find a practical farmer’s winter checklist, diagnostic tips, and a parts purchasing plan.
As a provider of comprehensive service solutions and agricultural machinery parts, GĄSKA will help you plan inspections and deliver the necessary components on time.
Why is the winter checklist crucial before the new season?
Winter is the time when machines are less used — the perfect moment for a thorough inspection.
Regular maintenance during winter reduces the risk of breakdowns in the most critical periods, such as spring sowing and intensive harvest.
Additionally:
• Parts availability: by ordering parts (e.g., filters, bearings, belts, drive elements, parts for combines and balers) in advance, you avoid stock shortages and long delivery times.
• Costs: off-season service planning is often cheaper — workshops are not yet overloaded.
• Safety and efficiency: checking braking systems, engines, and drives minimizes the risk of accidents and loss of performance.
Consequences of neglect: unexpected failures, express repair costs, loss of working days, and lower yields due to delays in field operations.
Farmer’s winter checklist — step by step
The list below is a practical checklist you can use in December to prepare your equipment for spring.
I divide it into areas: engine and drive, working systems, hydraulics, electronics, tires and chassis, and spare parts.
1. Engine and drivetrain (agricultural engines, drives)
• Check engine oil level and replace it if the service interval has passed.
• Replace filters: oil, fuel, air.
• Cooling system diagnostics — check coolant condition and hoses.
• Inspect V-belts and drives — look for cracks and wear.
• Test the battery and starting system.
Why: a neglected engine is the most expensive failure. GĄSKA offers original filters and engines and professional replacement advice.
2. Hydraulics and oil system
• Check hydraulic oil level and quality (contamination, water).
• Replace hydraulic filters and inspect hoses.
• Check the tightness of couplings and cylinders.
Why: hydraulic systems power most machine functions — leaks mean loss of power and risk of damage.
3. Working systems: combines and balers
• Inspect knives, drums, chains, and gearboxes.
• Check blades and cutting elements — replace or sharpen.
• Inspect dosing and tying systems (for balers).
• Lubricate moving points according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Why: proper preparation of working components ensures efficiency and work quality during the season.
4. Tires, chassis, and brakes
• Assess tread depth and tire condition (cracks, deformations).
• Check operating pressure and plan rotation/container storage if needed.
• Inspect braking system and suspension.
Why: machine safety and stability affect timely execution of fieldwork.
5. Electronics and control systems
• Update machine software (if applicable).
• Check sensors, wiring, and control panels.
• Test GPS and automation systems.
Why: electronic failures can immobilize the machine at a critical moment; precision systems require seasonal updates.
6. Storing and protecting machines for winter
• Clean machines of plant residues and dirt.
• Protect surfaces exposed to corrosion.
• Store machines in a dry, ventilated place or under cover.
Why: proper storage extends component life and ensures a quick start in spring.
7. Spare parts inventory and purchase plan
• Create a list of critical parts: filters, belts, bearings, seals, cutting elements, drive parts.
• Order seasonal parts (e.g., for combines, balers) in advance.
• Consider GĄSKA service packages (parts + service).
Why: product availability and shorter service deadlines = less stress in March/April.
Key benefits of investing in quality and service
Below are 4 key benefits — each described briefly and practically.
1) Increased reliability and fewer downtimes
By maintaining engines, drives, and hydromechanics and keeping stock of critical parts, you significantly reduce the risk of breakdowns mid-season.
GĄSKA supplies original parts for combines and balers and offers off-season service slots.
2) Lower long-term operating costs
Prevention is cheaper than repair.
Regular service extends the life of components (e.g., engines and gearboxes), generating real savings.
3) Higher work efficiency and better harvesting quality
Properly prepared cutting elements, adjustments, and functional drives improve the performance of combines and balers, which enhances straw and grain quality.
4) Professional support and access to parts
GĄSKA offers expert advice on part selection (e.g., filters, engines, repair kits) and helps create a service schedule tailored to your farm.
How to recognize the quality of parts and service?
Several practical tips worth applying when choosing a supplier and parts:
• Reputation and references: check supplier experience and other farms’ opinions.
• Originality and certifications: choose parts from verified manufacturers; avoid suspiciously cheap substitutes for critical components.
• Warranty and after-sales support: does the supplier offer a guarantee and professional assistance if problems occur?
• Availability and logistics: are fast pre-season deliveries possible? GĄSKA offers complete parts packages and service with planned off-season dates.
• Technical consulting: a good supplier helps identify wear and propose optimal solutions (e.g., engine replacement vs overhaul).
Example winter action schedule (December–February)
• December: parts inventory, critical components ordering, battery testing.
• January: full engine and hydraulics inspection, filter replacement, lubrication.
• February: inspection of working systems (knives, drums), electronic tests, scheduling March service dates.
This schedule gives time for ordering parts and booking service slots — key for avoiding queues in March/April.
Preparing machines is an investment that pays off
Early and systematic machine preparation is an investment that pays off faster than you think.
The farmer’s winter checklist minimizes costly downtimes, increases safety, and allows you to plan parts budgets (combines, balers, engines, drives).
GĄSKA can support you at every stage: from parts inventory, through expert service, to delivery of original components.
Do not risk delays in the season — start preparing now.
Contact the GĄSKA team and order a winter inspection or parts requirement report — call or check our online parts and service offer.
Plan your service now to be ready for the season start.
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