Your Fall Equipment Maintenance Checklist: Protecting the Value of What You Own
Your Fall Equipment Maintenance Checklist: Protecting the Value of What You Own
Equipment is an investment. Whether you own a tractor, mower, skid steer, trailer, utility vehicle, farm implement, or a shop full of machinery, regular maintenance helps protect that investment and keeps equipment ready when you need it. It can also make a meaningful difference when it is eventually time to sell. Fall is a great opportunity to inspect equipment, catch small issues, and prepare machines that may see less use during the winter months.
Start With a Good Cleaning
It sounds simple, but cleaning equipment is one of the easiest ways to spot potential problems. Mud, grass, grease, and debris can hide leaks, cracked hoses, worn components, loose hardware, and corrosion. A clean machine also makes routine inspection much easier. Before putting equipment away for an extended period, remove accumulated debris and clean it according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Check Your Fluids
Different machines have different service requirements, so always consult the owner's manual or manufacturer guidance.
Common fluids worth checking may include:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Hydraulic fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Brake fluid
- Fuel
Look not only at fluid levels but also for evidence of leaks around the machine.
Inspect Filters
Filters play an important role in keeping equipment running properly. Depending on the machine, that may include air, oil, fuel, hydraulic, or cabin filters. If a filter is due for replacement under the manufacturer's service schedule, fall can be a convenient time to handle it.
Look Closely at Tires and Tracks
Check tire pressure and inspect for cracks, cuts, uneven wear, or damage. For tracked equipment, inspect tracks, rollers, and related components for visible wear. These components can be expensive to replace, so finding an issue early is usually preferable to discovering it in the middle of a job.
Check Belts, Hoses, and Connections
Look for obvious signs of wear including:
- Cracking
- Fraying
- Bulging
- Leaks
- Loose fittings
- Damaged hydraulic connections
Small maintenance issues can quickly become larger repair bills when ignored.
Don't Forget Attachments
Attachments deserve attention too. Inspect blades, cutting edges, pins, bearings, hydraulic hoses, grease points, and other high-wear areas. If attachments will be stored separately, clean and store them properly to help protect them from unnecessary weather exposure.
Keep Maintenance Records
One of the simplest ways to protect the value of equipment is to document what you do.
Keep records of:
- Oil changes
- Major repairs
- Replacement parts
- Service dates
- Hours at service
- Tire or track replacement
- Good records help you stay organized as an owner.
They can also give a future buyer more confidence that the equipment has been cared for.
When Is It Time to Sell?
Maintenance can also be a good time to take inventory. Are there machines you barely use anymore? An attachment that has been sitting untouched for two years? Equipment left over from a business change, farm transition, or completed project? Unused equipment still takes up space, requires maintenance, and ties up capital. An auction can provide an efficient way to expose equipment to a broad group of interested buyers and establish market value through competitive bidding. Wiregrass Auction Group works with farmers, landowners, businesses, contractors, estates, and individuals to market equipment of many types.
