Ways to Prep Your Corn Header in the Off-Season

When harvest is done and your equipment is heading to the storage shed, you might find yourself thinking about ways to get a head start for the next season. Of course your to-do list is still long, but it’s never too early to start preparing! Our team at Atlantic Tractor understands you have to work to do all year, but we also want to help you get ready for the seasons ahead. Continue reading for a few ways you can prepare your corn header for the next harvest during the off-season. 

1. Clean It Out

Although it can be tempting to detach the header on the trailer and take it directly to storage for the winter, now is the best time to give it a deep clean. You should always remove all crop residue to reduce the risk of disease, weeds, and cross-contamination. Even if you’ve been clearing the dust between fields, you should wash it out and shine it up before it rests for the season. 

2. Make Adjustments

Once you have it cleaned up, you can also take some time to make any necessary adjustments. Maybe you need to replace a head or fine-tune the auger. Addressing these concerns now, while they’re fresh on your mind, can save you time next year when it’s time to fire up the corn header again. 

3. Get an Inspection

The off-season is also a perfect time to have your equipment inspected by your local mechanic. You can have them take a look at your combine and the headers you use the most. They can ensure that all controls are working properly and take note of how well the header is responding. If you notice sluggishness or experience several jams during harvest, they might be able to offer a solution to reduce the problem next year. 

During the off-season your next harvest might seem far-off, but we all know time moves faster than you think. Visit us in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware to stock up on the parts you need or schedule your next inspection. We can quickly move inventory between our locations, meaning you can accomplish your tasks when it matters the most!