Preparing Farm Machinery for Winter and the 2027 Season
As the 2026 working year ends, farmers and contractors in the UK and Ireland are advised to check tractors, tyres and specialist equipment. The winter lull offers a chance to fix problems before next season.
With the 2026 field-work season drawing to a close, farmers and agricultural contractors (operators who provide machinery services) have a good opportunity to review the condition and needs of their equipment. Farming outlet Agriland UK has compiled the main jobs to complete before machinery is put away for winter and in preparation for the 2027 season.
Tractors and tyres
Tractors are best stored under cover. Where machines must stay outdoors overnight, they should be parked on firm, level ground, with electrical connections shielded from moisture and exposed equipment secured. Locked cabs and protected valuable attachments also reduce the risk of theft.
Preventative servicing extends a machine's working life. Engine oil and filters should be changed, and coolant hoses, belts, bearings and hydraulic parts checked for wear. Repairing such parts in good time is usually considerably cheaper than facing a large bill after a failure.
Tyres should be inspected for cuts, cracking, uneven wear and sidewall damage, and tread depth assessed. Incorrect pressure increases soil compaction and fuel use, reduces traction and speeds up wear. For some holdings, a Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS) may be a worthwhile investment.
Slurry and silage equipment
If the slurry spreading season opens in mid-January, tanker pumps, pipework, hydraulic connections and spreading gear need checking, with worn parts replaced. Outlets should distribute slurry evenly across the working width, and low emission spreading equipment should be inspected for damaged hoses, blockages and wear.
Before first cut of silage, attention should go to gearboxes, blades, tedder and rake tines, and trailer bodies. Stocking spare, already sharpened blades and tines is advised, since there is no time to sharpen them at the peak of the season.
Precision technology and upgrades
Precision farming systems can show where fertiliser is raising yield, ISOBUS can simplify the use of implements, and autosteer can cut overlap. For those without the newest machinery, retrofit options such as PTx's FarmEngage data management system may be an alternative to buying a new tractor. In some cases, replacing an older machine can pay off through greater speed and precision, lower operator workload and less downtime.
