Seasonal Equipment Maintenance: Are your plow and spreader ready for the weather?

The snowy season is off to a strong start this year. It's crucial that you inspect, service and clean your snow removal equipment as early in the season as possible to avoid higher repair and maintenance costs in the future. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your equipment is ready to work all season long.

SNOWPLOW MAINTENANCE

1. Replace all damaged or worn parts.

2. Check all fasteners: with regular usage, they may become loose, so tightening them up is necessary.

3. Check cotter pins and welds: read your owner's manual for instructions on how to do this properly.

4. Adjust trip springs: you must adjust the trip springs to confirm they are set correctly. You should be able to slide a piece of paper between the second and third springs.

5. Look the plow over for areas that may need to be greased. Greased areas may differ depending on the plow. For example, the Western PRODIGY has two areas.

6. Cutting edges should be inspected for uneven wear: the length of the cutting edge should depend on the driver's experience, ground surface type, etc. If it is worn too far, it will begin to wear on the actual blade.

7. Check electrical routing and connections for bends, rubbing, or cuts; replace or adjust these prior to usage as needed.

8. Add dielectric grease to all connectors: this will prevent corrosion and attain a proper seal. If this is not done, it could be costly down the road.

9. Check all hydraulic hoses for leaks, cracks or damages. Also, verify that they are hooked up correctly.

10. Drain and replace hydraulic fluid in the unit yearly. This will ensure the quality of the fluid is always at its best.

11. Verify all snowplow functions are working properly, including the raise, angle left, angle right, and lower.

12. Ensure headlamps are providing ample illumination.

13. Test the battery and charge or replace if needed.

14. Make sure the plow mount is correct.

15. Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained as well. Ensure oil changes are performed, and the brakes, etc. are all in working condition.

SPREADER MAINTENANCE

1. With the hopper spreader in the upright position, lubricate the bed chain and ensure that it is set to the proper tension by grasping the bed chain and checking for one to three inches of chain deflection.

2. Once the spreader is in the vehicle, attach the shoot (check your manual for proper positioning). Bolt it to the frame of the vehicle.

3. Make sure bearings are greased on the spreader and chute and lubricate before each use.

4. Change gear oil in gear box annually to prevent buildup of moisture in the gear box.

5. Check the drive motor chain to ensure it is lubricated and set to the proper tension.

6. Under the hood of the vehicle, verify the power cables are installed directly to the battery. Ensure the terminals are clean.

7. Inspect the 100 amp fuse and apply dielectric grease.

8. Inspect harnesses to ensure they are well-secured and remain away from hot or moving components.

9. At the rear, ensure electrical harnesses are routed free from sharp edges, heat source, and moving parts. All connectors should be checked for damage or corrosion. In season, apply dielectric grease after each use.

10. Inspect electrical connections to ensure they are tight.

11. Test run your hopper spreader to ensure it's running properly.

Visit www.westernplows.com for more information on preseason maintenance on Western equipment, and www.snowexproducts.com for information on SnowEx plows and spreaders.

Happy winter season!