Winterizing the Mitsubishi GS16-GS25
Your Mitsubishi GS16-GS25 will last the longest if you prepare it properly for a longer storage period. This page provides the complete step-by-step plan to winterize your GS16, GS18, GS20, GS21, GS23 or GS25 and put it back into service without any issues.
Suitable for the entire series: Mitsubishi GS16, GS18, GS20, GS21, GS21S, GS23, GS25 and GS25S.
Winterizing the Mitsubishi GS16-GS25: the step-by-step plan
Before you put the tractor away for a longer period, go through these points. This way you prevent seizing, corrosion and frost damage:
- Clean the machine thoroughly and let it dry. Remove soil, grass and oily dirt — these attract moisture and speed up rust.
- Change the engine oil and oil filter if the oil is close to the interval. Old oil contains acids and moisture that attack the engine during downtime.
- Fill the fuel tank completely with fresh diesel. A full tank leaves less room for condensation and prevents rust from the inside out.
- Check the coolant for frost protection. From the factory, the long-life coolant protects down to -25 °C, but this decreases after a year — refresh or top up to the correct concentration. If you're working without antifreeze, drain the coolant.
- Grease all lubrication points (rod ends, clutch and brake pedal bushings) and the moving parts.
- Don't let the battery discharge. Disconnect it or keep it topped up with a trickle charger; a dead battery freezes and gets damaged.
- Store the tractor in a dry, covered place, with the tires at the correct pressure and the lift preferably lowered or supported.
Mitsubishi GS16-GS25 coolant frost protection
The coolant is your most important frost insurance. Frozen coolant can cause irreparable damage to the engine and radiator. Always use clean water with long-life coolant and mix based on the lowest expected temperature.
| Lowest temperature | Coolant concentration (indicative) |
|---|---|
| -10 °C | approx. 25-30% |
| -20 °C | approx. 35-40% |
| -25 °C | approx. 40-45% |
| -30 °C | approx. 45-50% |
The coolant capacity is 4.0 liters (GS16-GS20) or 4.2 liters (GS21-GS25). Mix in a separate bucket, top up until the filler opening is full and close the radiator cap.
Putting the Mitsubishi GS16-GS25 back into service
When you take the tractor back out after winter, check the following before starting: the engine oil level, the transmission and front axle oil, the coolant, the tire pressure and the battery voltage. Connect the battery, let the engine preglow calmly and start according to the fixed starting sequence. Then let it warm up thoroughly (about 5 minutes at 1,500 rpm) before working, and test the brake, the clutch, the lift and the PTO briefly in a safe location.
Mitsubishi GS16-GS25: do the major service right away
The storage period is the ideal time for the annual maintenance service. You have the time anyway, and you'll start the new season with a tractor that's ready for use: fresh oil and filters, checked belt tension, lubricated points and a full battery.
Product tip. Combine winterizing with a fresh service: the Filter set Mitsubishi GS series (SKU-100164) for oil, fuel and air filter, and also check the fan belt (SKU-1240031) and glow plugs (SKU-55808) right away, so the first cold start in spring goes smoothly.
