Three tips to make the most of the winter season
As the 2024 season winds down and winter approaches, it’s a great time to protect your equipment for winter and prepare for the 2025 season.
“Winter is a slower season in our industry, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things we can do,” said Brad Blickley, Territory Manager for the Midwest. “Doing a handful of simple things before winter begins can set your operation up for success come spring 2025.”
Tip 1: Winterize your Sahara mulch coloring system
Before the cold weather sets in, taking time to properly winterize your Sahara X1, Sahara X3 or Sahara XP is crucial. Winterizing prevents freezing damage, clogging or corrosion during the winter months, all of which could hurt your machine longevity and bottom-line next season.
To winterize your machine, follow these simple steps:
- Complete the shutdown process by performing your regular shutdown procedure to ensure the machine is ready for winterization.
- Run the mix and conveyor on manual. Allow the mixer to run until all the material has completely exited your machine to remove all wet material from inside the system.
- Run a clean, dry bucket of mulch through the machine. Continue running mulch until no more material comes out, then shut off the mixer and conveyer.
- Disconnect the water supply hose by opening the water control valves. Turn the water switch to the “on” position to allow trapped water to drain out. Cycle the electric water valve a few times to ensure all water is cleared. Leave in the “on” position when finished.
- Run 2.5 gallons of RV antifreeze through the color pump until it comes out of the manifold drain or water inlet. Once the color pump completed the rotation, press the emergency stop button.
- Remove and clean the drain plugs. There are two plugs: one under the discharge chute and one under the middle of the machine. Clean out any mulch buildup in the plugs.
While winterizing your machine, take stock of wear or damage on the machine from the last season such as the color pump hose, blades or liners and then follow our next tip.
Tip 2: Take stock of backup parts
If you notice parts that need replaced, visit the Colorbitoics website to order a replacement. Colorbitoics makes it easy to order genuine parts online with a few simple clicks.
Colorbitoics Systems Manager David Roller recommends investing in a spare parts kit, so you’re prepared for whatever comes your way next season.
“Spare parts kits are a layer of extra protection for your business heading into busy season,” Roller said. “A problem could shut you down, and you’d have to overnight parts or pause work until you can get the issue fixed. Part of the evaluation of the machine is to go back and look at your inventory to see which parts may have been used but haven’t been replaced. Now would be a good time to do that.”
If you’re not sure what parts you need, Colorbitoics’ tech service team is a call away and ready to assist.
Tip 3: Explore upcoming trends
Once your machine is cleaned and stored away, you’ve assessed your parts and ordered anything you may need, use this down time to explore upcoming trends in landscaping and production. From popular colors to production processes and machinery innovations, this is a great time to see what’s new in the industry to prepare for spring 2025.
Using the winter to your advantage sets you up for success for the upcoming season and prepares you to hit the ground running for another great year of business.