Why Winterize?
After another season is competed it is important to winterize your Pattison Liquid Systems Wagon to extend its life in the field. Spending an hour on the equipment before winter hits can save you time and money when you pull equipment out of the shed next spring. Taking the proper steps can help prevent pump and fitting damage, as well as other problems that may occur due to improper storage of equipment in cold climates. In this article we are going to go through a check list of what you need to do to winterize your liquid cart.
Wash Your Equipment Down
The first thing you should do when you wagon is finished in the field is wash it down. Washing the fertilizer wagon not only removes the dust and debris that builds up on the frame and tank while driving up and down the field, but also removes any corrosive material like liquid fertilizer that is spilt on the frame of the wagon. Removing the corrosive material helps maintain the longevity of the paint and stops rust from developing on the frame.
Flush The System With Water
After removing any residual liquid fertilizer from the tanks it is important to flush water through the system. Leaving liquid fertilizer in the system will allow salt to crystalize and plug your distribution system come spring. Also don’t forget your filters. It is important to ensure that the filter is seating properly in the housing and is clean. Let the filter soak in some warm water and scrub with a soft brush. The filter may look clean but it is not uncommon for a film to develop on the mesh restricting flow. After the system is flushed remove all water by opening low points or using air.
Visual Inspection
After washing your liquid fertilizer wagon take some time to walk around the implement to look for any issues on the system.
- Is there any leaky fittings?
- Are the tires in good condition with the lug nuts torqued to spec?
- Are the poly tanks in good condition?
- Is the product hoses or hydraulic hoses showing signs of wear from rubbing or the suns ultraviolet light?
- If you have a ground drive pump check the sprockets and chain for any excessive wear.
- Inspect the front hitch (on tow behind models) for any wear and damage. See the video below for proper maintenance!
Winterize The Pump
Spending some money on quality anti-freeze like our winterizer will save alot of hassle in the spring. Pattison Winterizing Anti-Freeze contains a propylene glycol mix that is environmentally friendly, contains rust inhibitors, will not damage seals and gaskets. Using the proper product will increase the life of your pump and reduce the risk of cracks and leaks developing in the pump housing.
Using products that contain methanol or ethanol will cause damage to gaskets and ultimately lead to leaks in the spring. If diesel or oil is used to winterizer your pumps this will lead to plugging in distribution kit screens if not flushed properly and causes gaskets to swell out of shape.
How To Get Anti-Freeze In The Pump
All new Pattison Wagons come with flanged fittings off the pump housing that allows you to easily remove the hose and attach a temporary suction line to a pail. Simply attach a flanged 90 degree hose barb fitting with a short hose to reach the inside of the pail.
Once the suction line is attached to the pump insert the other end into the pail of anti-freeze. If you are using a ground drive pump jack up the frame on the pump drive wheel side. Once the wheel is off the ground turn it by hand to engage the pump. If you have a hydraulic pump, engage the hydraulics to turn on the pump. You will want the pump housing to be full of winterizer before shutting it off.
Pump Damage?
If there is any pump damage contact us for repair kits, or ask us about our ground drive pump repair service!
Dont forget about your fill pump. Add anti-freeze to the pump housing as well to prevent any damage to the pump housing. Changing the oil and air filter will make sure the pump is in good condition for the next season. We carry a full stock of replacement parts for Honda and Power Pro engines.
Storage
Now that your Pattison Liquid Fertilizer Wagon is properly winterized it is ready to be stored for the winter. Putting equipment in the shed is the best option to reduce damage to the poly fittings, tanks and hoses from moisture and sun light. However, if storing inside is not an option find a shady spot to reduce exposure to the sun.
