How to winterize your Sahara mulch coloring system.

As winter approaches, it's crucial to take the necessary steps to protect your most valuable piece of equipment. Properly winterizing your Sahara X1, Sahara X3 or Sahara XP can extend its lifespan and ensure that your workhorse is there to kick out mulch for years to come. Of course, failing to do so can lead to the damage of your water line, flow meter, water valve and color pump.

What are the consequences of neglect?

Before we get into the steps for winterizing your Sahara, let's take a second to understand why winterizing is so important. Neglecting to winterize your Sahara can lead to a host of issues, including:

1. Freezing damage: Extremely low temperatures can cause water inside the machine to freeze, potentially damaging critical components of your machinery.
2. Clogging: Wet material left inside the system can freeze and clog various parts, leading to costly repairs.
3. Corrosion: Unprotected metal parts can corrode when exposed to moisture and cold temperatures.

6 steps to winterize your workhorse.

By following these simple steps, you'll protect your Sahara from freezing damage, clogs, and corrosion during the winter months. And remember, if you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to your territory manager.

Step 1: Complete the shutdown process.

Begin by performing your regular shutdown procedure to ensure the machine is ready for winterization.

Step 2: Run the mixer and conveyor.

Switch the machine to manual, then turn on the mixer and conveyor. Allow the mixer to run until all material has completely exited your machine. This step is crucial to remove all wet material from inside the system.

Step 3: Run a clean, dry bucket of mulch.

Run a clean, dry bucket of mulch through the machine. Continue this process until no more material is coming out. Afterward, shut off the mixer and conveyor.

Step 4: Disconnect the water supply.

Like you might do with a garden hose at your house, disconnect the water supply hose. Open the water control valves and turn the water switch to the "on" position to allow trapped water to drain from the manifold. Cycle the electric water valve a few times to ensure any water trapped around the valve can escape, then leave it in the "on" position when finished.

Step 5: Use RV antifreeze.

Use 2.5 gallons of RV antifreeze, to be exact. Just run the antifreeze through the color pump and the manifold until it comes out of the manifold drain or water inlet. Let the color pump complete its rotation, then press the emergency stop button.

Step 6: Remove the drain plugs and clean.

Finally, locate and remove both drain plugs under the machine. One is under the discharge chute, and the other is under the middle of the machine. Be sure to clean out any mulch buildup in the drain plug area.