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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 damageExtending equipment lifeReducing spring repair costsImproving startup reliabilityProtecting ExactApply and See & Spray componentsPreserving system performance and accuracyWhich 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 SprayersTraditional ExactApply systems require winterizer to circulate through both sides of the nozzle body to ensure complete protection.John Deere See & Spray PremiumSee & Spray Premium machines include additional plumbing, sensors, and control systems that require careful winterization to maintain optimal performance.John Deere See & Spray UltimateBecause 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 FluidsJohn Deere-approved winterizerRV antifreezeWindshield washer fluid mixturesOther approved freeze-protection productsWhen 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 WinterizationBefore introducing winterizer into the system, begin with a thorough rinse and cleaning process.Clean Strainers and FiltersStart by:Removing strainersCleaning screens thoroughlyInspecting for wear or damageReinstalling components after cleaningA clean system allows winterizer to circulate more effectively and helps eliminate residue that could create problems later.Complete a Full Solution System RinseFlush the entire solution system before introducing winterizer.This helps remove:Chemical residueFertilizer materialsContaminantsProduct buildupA properly cleaned system helps protect pumps, valves, sensors, and plumbing throughout winter storage.Step 2: Mix and Load Winterizer ProperlyOnce 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 tanksBoom plumbingPressure recirculation circuitsBypass systemsAgitation systemsFront-fill plumbingWhy 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 bodiesDamaged solenoidsSpray performance issuesExpensive spring repairsThe goal is simple: visually confirm winterizer reaches every nozzle position on the machine.Step 3: Run Winterizer Through Every Spray CircuitA complete winterization process means circulating fluid throughout the entire solution system.Agitation CircuitRun winterizer through the agitation system to ensure no water remains trapped in those components.Pressure Recirculation SystemPressure recirculation is essential for ExactApply performance and must be fully protected before storage.Boom Plumbing and Spray SectionsCycle winterizer through all boom sections and verify complete coverage.Bypass CircuitsDo 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 controlKey fob activationAutomated solution control functionsVisual boom inspectionsThe 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 StationThe eductor often receives less attention than the main tank but is equally important during winterization.Be sure to:Rinse the eductor thoroughlyRemove chemical residueFlush associated plumbingIntroduce winterizer into connected circuitsFor 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 ReclaimProduct Reclaim allows operators to:Recover winterizerReduce fluid wasteLower winterization costsImprove operational efficiencyFor larger fleets, these savings can become significant over multiple machines.Step 5: Complete Final Draining ProceduresAfter winterizer circulation is complete, finish the process by draining areas where moisture can remain trapped.Critical components include:Solution pumpStrainersFront-fill plumbingHandwash tankRemaining low-point drainsTaking a few extra minutes now can prevent hours of repair work later.Winterization Tips for High-Performance SprayersSome machines require additional attention due to system complexity or operating conditions.High-Flow SprayersHigh-volume systems may require additional circulation time to ensure complete protection.See & Spray MachinesAdvanced See & Spray technology includes additional plumbing and components that should be verified during winterization.Fertilizer Application SprayersFertilizer residue can accelerate corrosion if left in the system. Thorough cleaning before winterization is especially important.Long-Term Equipment PreservationGood 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 SprayersWhen 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.