Properly winterizing your John Deere ExactApply sprayer is one of the most important off-season maintenance tasks you can perform. Taking the time to protect your solution system, nozzle bodies, pumps, strainers, and plumbing helps prevent freeze damage, reduce spring startup issues, and protect your investment for the long haul.

In this step-by-step guide, Hayden and Trey walk through the complete winterization process for John Deere ExactApply, See & Spray Premium, and See & Spray Ultimate sprayers, including recommended fluids, system flushing procedures, and technician-approved best practices.

Why Is Winterizing Your John Deere Sprayer So Important?

When temperatures drop below freezing, any remaining water inside your sprayer can expand and damage critical components. A cracked fitting, damaged nozzle body, or frozen pump can quickly turn into expensive repairs and unwanted downtime when spraying season arrives.

At 21st Century Equipment, our technicians work with producers across Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming every year to prepare sprayers for winter. We've seen firsthand how proper off-season maintenance helps operators avoid costly surprises and get back to the field faster in the spring.

Benefits of proper winterization include:

• Preventing freeze damage
• Extending equipment life
• Reducing spring repair costs
• Improving startup reliability
• Protecting ExactApply and See & Spray components
• Preserving system performance and accuracy

Which John Deere Sprayers Need Special Winterization Procedures?

Not all spray systems are identical.

While the core winterization process remains similar, there are important differences between various John Deere technologies.

Traditional ExactApply Sprayers

Traditional ExactApply systems require winterizer to circulate through both sides of the nozzle body to ensure complete protection.

John Deere See & Spray Premium

See & Spray Premium machines include additional plumbing, sensors, and control systems that require careful winterization to maintain optimal performance.

John Deere See & Spray Ultimate

Because See & Spray Ultimate incorporates advanced targeted spraying technology, operators must ensure all circuits receive adequate winterizer protection before storage.

What Should You Use to Winterize an ExactApply Sprayer?

Choosing the right winterization fluid is critical.

Several options are commonly used:

Recommended Winterization Fluids

• John Deere-approved winterizer
• RV antifreeze
• Windshield washer fluid mixtures
• Other approved freeze-protection products

When selecting a winterizer, always verify freeze protection ratings and ensure compatibility with your machine's components.

Our service team recommends following your John Deere operator's manual for specific recommendations regarding concentration levels and environmental conditions.

Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Sprayer Before Winterization

Before introducing winterizer into the system, begin with a thorough rinse and cleaning process.

Clean Strainers and Filters

Start by:

• Removing strainers
• Cleaning screens thoroughly
• Inspecting for wear or damage
• Reinstalling components after cleaning

A clean system allows winterizer to circulate more effectively and helps eliminate residue that could create problems later.

Complete a Full Solution System Rinse

Flush the entire solution system before introducing winterizer.

This helps remove:

• Chemical residue
• Fertilizer materials
• Contaminants
• Product buildup

A properly cleaned system helps protect pumps, valves, sensors, and plumbing throughout winter storage.

Step 2: Mix and Load Winterizer Properly

Once the machine is clean, prepare the winterization solution according to manufacturer recommendations.

The winterizer must be introduced into the system thoroughly to ensure all plumbing receives protection.

Key areas requiring circulation include:

• Solution tanks
• Boom plumbing
• Pressure recirculation circuits
• Bypass systems
• Agitation systems
• Front-fill plumbing

Why Must Winterizer Reach Both Sides of the ExactApply Nozzle Body?

This is one of the most commonly overlooked steps during sprayer winterization.

ExactApply nozzle bodies contain internal passages that can trap water if winterizer only reaches one side of the assembly.

Failing to protect both sides can result in:

• Cracked nozzle bodies
• Damaged solenoids
• Spray performance issues
• Expensive spring repairs

The goal is simple: visually confirm winterizer reaches every nozzle position on the machine.

Step 3: Run Winterizer Through Every Spray Circuit

A complete winterization process means circulating fluid throughout the entire solution system.

Agitation Circuit

Run winterizer through the agitation system to ensure no water remains trapped in those components.

Pressure Recirculation System

Pressure recirculation is essential for ExactApply performance and must be fully protected before storage.

Boom Plumbing and Spray Sections

Cycle winterizer through all boom sections and verify complete coverage.

Bypass Circuits

Do not overlook bypass plumbing. These areas can retain water if they are not flushed properly.

How Do You Confirm Winterizer Has Reached Every Nozzle?

Modern ExactApply systems make visual verification easier.

Operators can utilize:

• ExactApply section control
• Key fob activation
• Automated solution control functions
• Visual boom inspections

The objective is to see winterizer exiting the system at the nozzle level, confirming complete circulation through the boom.

Step 4: Clean the Eductor and Load Station

The eductor often receives less attention than the main tank but is equally important during winterization.

Be sure to:

• Rinse the eductor thoroughly
• Remove chemical residue
• Flush associated plumbing
• Introduce winterizer into connected circuits

For machines equipped with load stations, winterizer should also circulate through those systems.

How Can Product Reclaim Help Reduce Winterization Costs?

Operators with Model Year 2022 and newer sprayers can utilize Product Reclaim functionality.

Benefits of Product Reclaim

Product Reclaim allows operators to:

• Recover winterizer
• Reduce fluid waste
• Lower winterization costs
• Improve operational efficiency

For larger fleets, these savings can become significant over multiple machines.

Step 5: Complete Final Draining Procedures

After winterizer circulation is complete, finish the process by draining areas where moisture can remain trapped.

Critical components include:

• Solution pump
• Strainers
• Front-fill plumbing
• Handwash tank
• Remaining low-point drains

Taking a few extra minutes now can prevent hours of repair work later.

Winterization Tips for High-Performance Sprayers

Some machines require additional attention due to system complexity or operating conditions.

High-Flow Sprayers

High-volume systems may require additional circulation time to ensure complete protection.

See & Spray Machines

Advanced See & Spray technology includes additional plumbing and components that should be verified during winterization.

Fertilizer Application Sprayers

Fertilizer residue can accelerate corrosion if left in the system. Thorough cleaning before winterization is especially important.

Long-Term Equipment Preservation

Good winterization practices not only prevent freeze damage but can also extend the useful life of pumps, valves, sensors, plumbing, and spray components.

How Can 21st Century Equipment Help With Sprayer Winterization?

Whether you're operating an ExactApply sprayer, a See & Spray Premium machine, or a See & Spray Ultimate system, our service teams are here to help you get it done right.

Our technicians work with John Deere sprayers every day and understand the details that help prevent downtime and protect performance year after year. If you have questions about winterization procedures, recommended products, software settings, or spring startup preparation, we're happy to help.

Reach out to Hayden, Trey, or your local 21st Century Equipment service team for expert guidance.

Common Questions About Winterizing John Deere ExactApply Sprayers

When should I winterize my John Deere sprayer?

Winterization should be completed before temperatures fall below freezing and before long-term seasonal storage begins.

Can I use RV antifreeze in my ExactApply sprayer?

Many operators use RV antifreeze products, but always consult your operator's manual and John Deere recommendations before selecting a winterization fluid.

Do See & Spray sprayers require different winterization procedures?

The overall process is similar, but See & Spray Premium and See & Spray Ultimate machines contain additional components that require proper protection.

Why do both sides of the ExactApply nozzle body need winterizer?

Water can remain trapped in internal passages. Protecting both sides helps prevent freeze damage and costly spring repairs.

Can I reuse winterizer after the process is complete?

Many MY22 and newer John Deere sprayers equipped with Product Reclaim can recover and reuse winterizer, helping reduce overall maintenance costs.

Who should I contact if I have questions about sprayer winterization?

Contact your local 21st Century Equipment service team. Our technicians can help ensure your ExactApply or See & Spray system is properly protected before winter arrives.