Greasing hydraulic cylinder shafts for winter storage?

[Teikas Dad]

Just got the tractor a couple weeks ago. I dropped the backhoe for the winter and put the ballast box on for snow removal. The owner's manual said to cover any hydraulic cylinder shafts that were exposed with grease to keep them from rusting. I followed the directions so I'm good for this winter. Is there something else other than grease that I can protect the shafts with? Spray on WD40 or anything else? The grease will probably do the job but it's messy to put on and it's going to be messy to get off.

 

[devildog1]

Fluid Film is the best for that, I used it when I took off my backhoe for winter. Great product.
DevilDog

 

[gwdixon]

Another vote for Fluid Film. Most Deere dealers have it plus upscale hardware stores. Buy it by the gallon - the spray cans are unreliable.

Fluid Film® | Corrosion Preventative, Lubricant and Rust Inhibitor

 

[cqaigy2]

I remember just using grease on them.

 

[k0ua]

Another vote for Fluid Film.. easy on, and dont need to take it off.

James K0UA

 

[MHarryE]

I grease mine on the stuff sitting idle. I don't really clean them before using the first time the following year. It's just a thin film and doesn't drip off globs.

 

[ray66v]

I use Howes lubricator. It's a light lubricating oil that does not evaporate quickly, and won't wash off.

Spray, or wipe it on, and forget about it.

It's hard to find, but a great product. It lasts many times longer than most general lubricants.

 

[RickB]

I grease mine on the stuff sitting idle. I don't really clean them before using the first time the following year. It's just a thin film and doesn't drip off globs.

x2. Cheap effective, and already on my shelf.