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Prep Your Kioti, TYM, or Branson Tractor for Winter Work ❄️

by Tim Pol

As temperatures drop across Iowa and the midwest region, it’s time to make sure your compact tractor is ready to handle the cold months ahead. Whether you’re using your Kioti, TYM, or Branson tractor to clear snow, haul firewood, or manage livestock chores, proper winter prep ensures your equipment starts easily, runs efficiently, and stays protected all season long.

Here’s Mowbility’s complete guide to getting your tractor winter-ready.

1. Start with a Fall Service Check

Before the first frost hits, give your tractor a complete once-over.

✅ Inspect belts, hoses, and seals for cracks or wear. Cold weather makes rubber brittle and prone to leaks.
✅ Check for fluid leaks around hydraulic lines, filters, and the front axle.
✅ Clean your radiator screen and grill to prevent overheating during snow work.
✅ Examine tires for cracks and proper inflation — cold air reduces PSI quickly.

At Mowbility Sales & Service, our technicians in Pella and Des Moines can perform complete pre-winter inspections for Kioti, TYM, and Branson tractors, ensuring every component is in top shape before winter begins.

2. Change Fluids and Filters

Cold weather thickens fluids and stresses your engine. Switch to winter-grade fluids and replace filters for the best protection.

  • Engine Oil: Move to a lower-viscosity oil like 5W-40 synthetic diesel oil for better cold starts.

  • Fuel Filter: Replace it to prevent clogs from condensation or gelled fuel.

  • Hydraulic and Transmission Fluid: Use fluids rated for low-temperature operation; check your operator’s manual or call our service department for the correct spec.

  • Coolant: Test your antifreeze mix to make sure it protects down to at least -30°F.

  • Front Axle and Loader Grease Points: Re-grease all fittings with a winter-grade grease.

💡 Tip: Mowbility carries OEM and aftermarket filters for Kioti, TYM, and Branson tractors — available individually or in complete winter service kits on MowbilitySalesOnline.com.

3. Protect Your Diesel Fuel System

Diesel engines are reliable workhorses, but they need special care in freezing temps.

  • Add a winter diesel additive to prevent fuel gelling.

  • Drain your water separator regularly.

  • Keep your tank full to reduce condensation buildup.

If your tractor is stored outdoors, plug in the block heater at least 30 minutes before starting on cold mornings. If you don’t have one installed, we can help with that too.

4. Check Your Battery & Electrical System

Cold weather weakens battery output — a common reason tractors won’t start in winter.

  • Clean the terminals and check for corrosion.

  • Test voltage; anything below 12.4V should be charged or replaced.

  • Keep your tractor connected to a battery maintainer if it sits for long periods.

  • Make sure all lights, fuses, and switches work — daylight hours are short, and visibility is key for snow work.

5. Prepare Tires and Ballast

For maximum traction in snow and ice:

  • Inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended cold-weather PSI.

  • Add liquid ballast or wheel weights for stability.

  • Consider tire chains if you’ll be working on steep or icy terrain.

This small prep step can make a huge difference in both safety and performance.

6. Inspect and Grease Attachments

Winter usually means more work for your implements. Before snow flies:

  • Inspect your loader, snow blade, or snow blower for worn cutting edges or bent pins.

  • Check hydraulic couplers for leaks.

  • Grease all moving joints — cold temps increase friction.

  • Make sure your 3-point hitch and PTO shafts are clean and lubed.

Mowbility can service or supply WR Long third function kits, snow pushers, and front-mount blowers for your Kioti, TYM, or Branson setup — ready for pickup or delivery.

7. Storage & Maintenance Tips

If you don’t plan to run your tractor daily:

  • Store it under cover or in a shed to protect it from snow and ice buildup.

  • Use a breathable tractor cover (never plastic).

  • Disconnect the battery if parked long-term.

  • Run your tractor at least once every couple of weeks to circulate fluids and keep seals lubricated.

8. Keep Winter Essentials Handy

A few simple items can save time when Iowa’s cold hits hardest:

  • Diesel fuel additive

  • Extra filters

  • Jumper cables or a battery booster

  • Grease gun

  • Heavy gloves and flashlight

Why It Matters

A little prep now means less downtime, fewer repairs, and a tractor that’s ready to work when you need it most. At Mowbility, we stock OEM Kioti, TYM, and Branson filters, fluids, and maintenance kits — everything you need to keep your compact tractor reliable all winter long.

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