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connect with your dealer, who can help simplify the equipment selection and purchase process. Talk your dealer through your business and needs to help determine what equipment is the best for your desired applications. Once you narrow down the equipment and attachments/implements you are interested in purchasing, your dealer can help you determine the best purchasing solution to meet your needs. Your dealer is a dedicated partner and will help you navigate the process. Seasonal storage If winter marks the end of your work year, it is the perfect time to take advantage of the downtime and prepare your business and equipment for next spring. Before storing your equipment for winter, take time to properly service machines so that they are ready to go when the warm weather arrives. After a busy season, thoroughly clean your machines. Throughout the spring and summer, your machines have likely accumulated a good amount of debris, which can have long-term effects if left untouched over time. A good wash will prevent rust and corrosion. After cleaning, give your equipment a once over, looking for any missing parts, chips or scratches. Repair and replace as necessary so that your machine is ready to go come spring. Take advantage of any winter downtime to tune up your machines, performing any necessary routine maintenance or major repairs. Refer to your owner's manual to ensure that you are completing the necessary maintenance to avoid downtime down the road. Look over your machine, inspecting everything from bolts to belts. If parts are worn or loose, replace. Check your filters and clean or replace as needed. It is also a good time to perform maintenance tasks like oil changes. Keep a close eye on tire pressure and examine the tire tread for wear. As you are doing all this, keep a record of the work you do so that you remember what has been done when you start up again in spring. The mower deck is one of the most important parts of your machine, so give it a little TLC before storing your mower away for the season. Pay close attention to mower blades, which are critical to creating a clean cut when mowing. Look over the blade for dullness or corrosion, and sharpen if needed or replace if it has logged too many hours. Check the blade balance to ensure you are creating an even cut. Also, check the mower belt to ensure that it is taut and in good condition. If it is loose or fraying, replace it. Once you have gone over your machine and prepped it for spring, properly store your mower, lubricating and covering grease fittings, per your owner's manual. Additionally, add fuel stabilizer or remove fuel completely. The fuel stabilizer will prevent separation that can lead to corrosion. After adding the fuel stabilizer, run the engine for five minutes. You should also change the engine oil and check coolant if your equipment is liquid cooled. Finally, remove the battery, clean up its terminals and charge it in the off-season. Take advantage of the downtime to revamp your fleet and business practices. As mentioned above, work with your dealer to identify any older equipment that may need to be replaced, and consider additional equipment that you will need to anticipate or help meet business growth goals. Your dealer can help your with this process and prepare a quote. Consider all payment options, including upfront cash, financing offers and leasing offers. Whether winter means that your business is picking up or settling down, there are key things you should be doing to prepare and take advantage of the time. If you are in the snow removal business, prepare for winter weather by ensuring your fleet is equipped and good to go. If not, use the downtime to get your business prepped and ready for spring. By acting now, you can ensure your business is prepped when the next job arrives. Nick Minas is product manager at John Deere Commercial Mowing. ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JOHN DEERE www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation October 2016 25