How to Winterize Claas Combines – Complete Storage & Service Guide

Why winterization is critical for every farm

Winterization is a strategy for lower cost per ton, less downtime, and higher reliability in Harvest 2026. For Claas (Tucano, Lexion, Mega), it means complete cleaning, thorough inspection, consumable replacements, proper preservation, correct storage, and a pre‑season check.

When to start and how to plan

Four‑stage timeline

• Post‑harvest: cleaning, initial inspection, parts list.
• Before cold sets in: oils, filters, hydraulics, fuel system, preservation.
• Mid‑winter: control check for condensation, rodents, tire pressure.
• Pre‑season start: staged start‑up, on‑site test, baseline settings.

Consumables & tools

Engine oil & filters, fuel filters, grease (proper grade), antifreeze, diesel stabilizer, contact cleaner, anti‑corrosion spray, belts/chains if worn, dust caps for quick couplers, covers, stands, and safety markings.

Safety & core rules

Isolation & lockout

Disconnect power, apply Lockout/Tagout, work only on cooled components.

Lifting & stabilization

Use certified stands; never rely on a jack alone; ensure double securing.

Washing pressure

Avoid high pressure on bearings/seals/connectors. For harnesses: moderate flow and dry cleaning where possible.

Cleaning & initial inspection

Residues & dust removal

Dry blow‑off + washing of frame, panels, header; cabin vacuuming and filter cleaning.

Cracks, leaks, fasteners

Section‑by‑section check: header → threshing → separation/sieves → elevators → drives → hydraulics → electrics. Mark any suspicious spots.

Corrosion protection

After drying, apply anti‑corrosion and do paint touch‑ups where needed.

Engine & fuel system

Oil & filters

Replace engine oil and oil filter before the cold period.

Fuel & stabilization

Replace fuel filters, drain the separator, add stabilizer, and keep the tank full to minimize condensation.

Cooling & antifreeze

Check density/freezing point, hoses, clamps, and radiator.

Hydraulics & transmission

Levels & condition

Check levels and appearance; if unsure, do a lab analysis.

Hoses & fittings

Look for micro‑leaks and plan preventive replacement of aged hoses.

Gearboxes & seals

Monitor for noise, heat, backlash; inspect boots and seals.

Threshing, separation & cleaning

Cylinder/rotors, concaves, rasp bars

Check wear and clearances, run‑out, and uniform contact.

Sieves, fans, elevators

Inspect for deformation/vibration/wear; correct tension and alignment.

Baseline spring settings

Record baseline parameters (clearances, rpm, angles) for a faster start.

Belts, chains & bearings

Wear & alignment

Check belts for cracks/glazing/edge wear; chains for stretch and side play.

Greasing & protection

Follow the greasing schedule; apply protective film on exposed metal surfaces.

Replace now vs. later

Create “replace now” and “monitor/order” lists; order early.

Electrical system & batteries

Harnesses & connectors

Clean connectors/relays, check grounds; oxidation increases resistance.

Batteries

Use maintenance chargers or store at +10…+15°C; check voltage regularly.

Rodent protection

Combine repellents/traps, protective meshes, and a monthly check.

Tyres, tracks & undercarriage

Pressure & condition

Set pressure to spec; inspect for cuts/bulges; unload or lift for long storage.

Track systems

Check tension, idlers, rollers; clean channels; do a control rotation.

Headers & attachments

Cleaning & inspection

Remove stones/debris; inspect knives, guards, drives, chains/belts.

Lubrication & preservation

Lubricate mechanisms, apply anti‑corrosion, use dust caps on quick couplers.

Storage

Store on stands or indoors; outdoors → breathable covers with ventilation.

Cab, electronics & telemetry

Calibrations & backups

Create backups of profiles; calibrate sensors; check antennas/cables.

Software & diagnostics

Update the terminal; review logs; schedule service for recurring warnings.

Comfort & health

Replace cabin filters (dust/charcoal); check the A/C.

Storage: shed vs. outdoors

In the shed

Dry, ventilated building with a hard floor; maintain airflow to reduce condensation.

Outdoors

Use breathable covers with vents; pads/lifting; rodent protection.

Monthly control list

Check for moisture, rodent traces, pressure drop, leaks under the machine, cover integrity.

Documentation, parts & service package

Parts & orders

Build “critical” and “monitor” lists; order early to avoid delays.

Service slot

Book Jan–Mar; define response times, mobile crew, and terms.

Operator training

One day in the field focused on baseline settings, telemetry, on‑the‑go maintenance.

Pre‑season wake‑up & test

Staged start

1) fluids/levels → 2) electrics → 3) rotating parts at idle → 4) gradual warm‑up. Watch for noise/vibration/odours.

Trial run

Short test: fans, sieves, elevators, header; ensure warnings are cleared.

Baseline crop settings

Set and record baseline parameters – your starting line for optimization.

Often overlooked factors

• Operator comfort → fewer mistakes, steadier output.
• Telemetry & data → fact‑based decisions across fields/operators/modes.
• Header & logistics → even feeding + synced trailers = lower unit cost.
• Preventive replacement → cheap hose in winter = saved downtime in summer.
• Documentation → photos/notes help diagnostics and warranty.

Short checklist (20+ items)

• Cleaning: frame/panels, cab, cabin filters.
• Inspection: leaks, cracks, fasteners, paint/corrosion.
• Engine: oil/filter; belts; cooling/antifreeze.
• Fuel: filters; separator; full tank + stabilizer.
• Hydraulics: levels; no micro‑leaks; healthy hoses.
• Threshing: clearances; rasp bars/concaves.
• Sieves/fans/elevators: no run‑out; correct tension.
• Belts/chains/bearings: greased; replacement list.
• Electrics: connectors; grounds; lighting.
• Batteries: charged; proper storage.
• Tyres/tracks: pressure; lifting for long storage.
• Header: knives/guards; dust caps; cover.
• Telemetry/terminal: backup; update; calibrations.
• Storage: dry/ventilated; breathable cover; repellents.
• Mid‑winter: moisture; rodents; pressure.
• Pre‑season: staged start; trial run; baseline saved.