Equipment Storage

Where should equipment be stored?

Indoors is best, in a dry building with a firm floor and good drainage. If you have to store outside, choose well-drained ground, away from low spots, trees that drip sap or drop limbs, and fence lines where weeds grow.

Think about access too. Equipment used most often belongs near the door, and heavy machines should be parked where they do not need to be moved around others. Leave space to walk around each machine for inspections.

Measure your largest machine with its implements attached before you plan a building or a parking area. People often build a bay that fits the tractor but not the tractor with the loader on.

How do I protect machines from moisture and sun?

Moisture causes rust and mold, and sun cracks rubber and fades plastics. A roof is the single most useful protection. If you must use tarps, support them so water runs off and air can circulate, since a tarp laid tight against metal traps damp underneath.

Keep machines off bare soil using boards, gravel or pavement. Raise tires off the ground only if the manual says to, and keep rubber out of long sun exposure where you can.

Consider a simple roof over a gravel pad if a full building is not possible. Even partial cover cuts the worst of the sun and rain, and it costs a fraction of a closed building.

How should I prepare each item before storing it?

Clean off soil, manure, crop residue and fertilizer, which hold moisture and corrode metal. Repair or note damage, grease fittings and lower implements to the ground or onto stands designed for them.

Follow the maker's storage guidance for fuel, batteries and fluids. Make a note of each machine's condition and what it needs before the next season.

Take photos of the machine from all sides before it goes into storage. If you sell it or file an insurance claim later, those photos show condition at a known time.

• Wash and dry thoroughly
• Grease and touch up bare metal
• Lower or block implements securely
• Note repairs needed for spring

How do I keep a shop or shed organized?

Group tools by use, keep frequently used items at hand level and store heavy items low. Label shelves, outline tool positions on a board, and keep a list of what you own so you do not buy duplicates.

Keep walkways clear. Cluttered floors lead to trips and make a fire harder to fight. Store chemicals, fuel and oily rags apart from tools and equipment.

Install a hook or rack for every long-handled tool so handles hang off the floor. Tools leaning in a corner fall over, and handles left on damp concrete rot.

What safety issues come with storage?

Stacked equipment can fall, and implements held by hydraulics can drop if a line fails. Use proper stands, chocks and blocks, never rely on a jack alone and keep children away from the area.

Keep fire extinguishers in the building and check them on the maker's schedule. Make sure wiring and lighting are in good condition and installed by a licensed electrician. Ask your insurance agent about requirements and coverage for stored equipment.

Teach everyone who uses the building where fire extinguishers, shutoffs and first aid supplies are. A short walk-through once a year is enough to keep the knowledge fresh.

How do I deal with pests and theft?

Seal gaps where rodents enter, store seed and feed in tight containers and keep tall grass away from the building. Check for nests when you take machines out of storage.

Lock the building, record serial numbers and keep photos of your equipment in a safe place. Ask your local sheriff's office whether they offer rural property marking or crime prevention advice.

Keep a short inventory with purchase dates, serial numbers and rough value. Store a copy away from the farm, such as with your insurance agent or in a safe place online.

What does storage cost me?

Think in categories: the building or covers, floor surface and drainage, shelving and racks, locks and lighting, cleaning supplies and maintenance. Compare quotes in your area from local builders and suppliers rather than relying on general numbers.

A modest improvement, such as a gravel pad and a simple roof over the most expensive machine, often pays for itself in avoided repairs. Start with the equipment that costs the most to replace.

Review your storage once a year. Equipment changes as the farm grows, and a layout that worked with one tractor may be a daily nuisance with three.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.