As winter approaches, farms face challenges that require proactive preparation. From machinery maintenance and fuel management to security, proper planning can save time, money, and frustration during the colder months. Below are essential tips to help your farm run efficiently through winter and be ready for the spring.
1. Protect Your Machinery: Maintenance and Additives
With winter’s cold and wet conditions, machinery can face damage if not properly cared for. Start by ensuring all machinery is well-lubricated to avoid rust and corrosion. A study by Shell Lubricants found that only 29% of farmers make the most of the value of effective lubrication. Regular lubrication prevents costly repairs and extends the life of your equipment.
Additionally, consider using fuel additives, such as Anti-Wax, to prevent fuel waxing, which can clog filters and damage engines. Anti-Wax additives work by changing the shape of wax crystals in fuel, preventing them from forming and ensuring reliable engine operation even in freezing temperatures. For optimal performance, add additives while temperatures are still above 6°C, before waxing becomes a risk.
2. Antifreeze: Protect Your Equipment from the Cold
Top-quality antifreeze is crucial for preventing frost damage to agricultural machinery. It helps to protect cooling systems and keeps engines running smoothly, even in freezing conditions. Look for products that offer additional protection against corrosion and sediment build-up, ensuring that your machinery remains reliable during the colder months, and that come Spring you’ve minimised the risk of machinery faults bursting into life.
3. Fuel Security: Protect Your Supply
Winter is a prime time for fuel theft, especially as the nights grow longer and darker. Securing your fuel tanks is vital, and tools like Diesel Defender, a liquid anti-theft marker, can act as a deterrent. This product colours diesel to make it easily traceable and helps reduce resale value for thieves.
Additionally, consider using FuelWise, a remote fuel monitoring system that alerts you to drops in fuel levels, whether due to theft or leaks. This system can automatically top up your fuel supply, ensuring you never run out during the busy winter period.
4. Heating Oil: Stock Up Before the Cold Sets In
Heating oil is an essential part of winter farm operations, from drying grain to keeping livestock warm. Choose products like Therma35, a high-performance, winter-grade industrial heating oil. It has a long shelf life, burns slowly, and can be stored all year without the risk of spoilage. Stock up early to ensure your farm stays heated throughout the cold months without disruption.
5. Choose Sustainable Fuels for Winter and Beyond
As sustainability becomes increasingly important in agriculture, consider switching to cleaner-burning alternatives like GTL Fuel and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). Both are drop-in replacements for diesel, meaning no engine modifications are required. GTL Fuel reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, while HVO offers up to 90% reduction in emissions and is completely biodegradable. Using these alternatives can improve your farm’s environmental impact, and they also come with added winter performance.
GTL Fuel’s winter-grade formula is ideal for the colder months, improving cold-start properties and reducing the risk of waxing while HVO boasts a Cold Filter Plugging Point as low as -30c. As winter sets in, evaluate your fuel options to ensure that your machinery and heating systems continue running smoothly.
6. Order Fuel Early: Avoid Disruption
As the colder months approach, it’s important to stay ahead of weather disruptions. Ordering fuel early ensures you won’t run out when demand peaks. Certas Energy’s fleet of over 900 tankers ensures timely delivery, even in harsh conditions. Plan ahead to secure your fuel supply throughout the winter.
7. Use Expert Fuel Solutions for Peace of Mind
Having a trusted fuel supplier who understands the seasonal needs of agriculture is essential. Certas Energy offers tailored solutions for farmers, providing bespoke advice and reliable supply throughout the year. With 130 depots and a nationwide fleet, Certas Energy ensures that your farm stays fueled, warm, and operational throughout winter.
