Winterize your John Deere equipment now!

Winter is here at Coufal-Prater Equipment, and it looks like, for the second year in a row, we'll get snow in Central Texas. With winter weather on us, it's important that you protect your valuable John Deere investments by winterizing your equipment and vehicles.

The problem we want to avoid at all costs is water freezing in the engine, lines or tank. As you probably know, water expands when it freezes and is strong enough to crack heavy metal, like the engine block of your tractor or car.

We can prevent this one or two ways. First, make sure that water is drained from any equipment that doesn't need it this winter. A good example is our John Deere 4930 sprayer. We recommend not only draining the lines and tank, but flushing them with sprayer winterizing fluid (N305634), available at our four locations. Otherwise we would recommend using RV antifreeze (because it's not toxic) when flushing the system.

As you know, engines require water for cooling, so you can't really drain them for the winter. Instead, you need to make sure that you have enough anti-freeze for temperatures as low as 0°F. You can determine this by using an Antifreeze Tester available at our stores and most auto parts retailers. If the mixture isn't strong enough, it's best to drain and flush the system before adding fresh antifreeze. We carry two types of antifreeze, Cool-Gard 50/50 (TY26573) which is premixed and ready to go, and Cool-Gard II (TY25081) which needs to be mixed with water.

Cold weather is hard on equipment and especially batteries. Take some time to make sure that water levels are correct and the terminals are clean and making good contact. Use distilled water to refresh the levels if needed.

Cold engines are hard to crank and slow to lubricate. This is especially true for diesels. Plan time to let the engine warm up before using it above idle. If it's really cold, give the engine at least five minutes. This gives the oil time to warm and move throughout the engine before the stress of higher rpm's.

Also, check the usual stuff. Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure and check the wiper blades (if your equipment is so equipped) and replace them if worn or torn. Windshield ice will cause old wiper blades to come apart.

We are always happy to help with advice and parts. Just give us a call at any of our four locations, and ask to speak with a parts, service, or sales representative about winterizing equipment. We'll be happy to come to you or welcome you in one of the stores.

We are running some winter specials that will get you ready for spring and keep your downtime to a minimum. Check out these great inspection programs—Compact & Utility Tractors $134, Combines $199, Round & Square Balers $199. Please contact your local service department for complete details.

On a side note make sure to join us this Saturday, December 5, for our annual Santa Day at either the Bryan or Navasota location. Have a photo taken with Santa and enjoy hot dogs, drinks, train rides, face painting, a moon jump and more. Brazos Animal Shelter will also have puppies and kittens for to view and pet. You can also enter to WIN a FREE Battery Powered Toy John Deere Gator!

Brad Timmerman is a service technician in the Bryan store. He welcomes comments or questions.