Most people see snow in white sheets on the ground or white flakes falling from the sky.
Those who drive a snow plow see green, everywhere.
Simply put, snow is big money to those who own snow plows. The last thing you want to do is miss out on some of that cash because your snow plow wasn’t ready when the snow fell.
Often the snow starts to drop when you’re not ready for it. And if most predictions hold true for this winter, it could be a very lucrative one for everyone earning money by plowing snow off the roads.
So it’s important you have your snow plow and/or spreaders ready now for the winter ahead.
Here’s a thorough list of everything you should check or have checked so your snow plow vehicle is in top shape once those flakes fall.
Check, test, change
If you didn’t clean and service your plow before storing them at the end of last winter, and even if you did, make sure you inspect your equipment thoroughly. Hook everything up and operate it to see how it’s running.
The earlier you do this the better. Basically, when the leaves start to change you should be getting your plow out and getting to work. This is also a good time to buy extra hoses, fluids and the right tools to make changes when something goes wrong.
Pull out your manual and follow all recommended annual maintenance procedures. Check your lubrication, change the oil, check all the connections and do a solid inspection for any mechanical damages.
Vehicle inspection
Thoroughly inspect the pickup truck you’ll be using this winter. Plowing is pretty rough on trucks and there might be damages you didn’t even know about.
— Have your truck checked out by a good mechanic and get the oil changed.
— Check the alternator and battery system.
— Service the differentials, the transfer case, the transmission and inspect the suspension.
— Flush the cooling system and have the electrical system cleaned and repaired.
— Have your harness system checked and repaired.
— Inspect all welds in plow structure and vehicle mount.
— Re-torque fasteners and the vehicle mount
— Check out, adjust and align all the lights.
— Change the hydraulic fluid.
What’s wearing down?
Many parts that go into a snow plow get worn down from the constant grind of the elements. Be proactive in closely looking at the parts that endure the most abuse.
— Look at the cutting edges and A-frames on your plow or the motors and bearings on your spreader.
— Check all the harnesses and connectors.
— Look at connection points: Pins, hinge pins, and clevis pins. Replace anything that looks worn down or damaged. If you don’t, it can lead to serious problems on brackets later.
— Grease the vertical pin and other wear points.
— Inspect, clean, grease all electrical connections.
— Check hoses and pumps for leaks and tighten all nuts and bolts.
Want an easier way to get your snow plow ready for the long months ahead? Bring it into Snappy’s Outdoor Equipment at 2120 N. Dixie Hwy, Lima, OH 45801 or call us today at 419-879-1196. Our expert mechanics have the knowledge and the experience to make sure your snow plow is in top shape and ready to go before the snow drops.
SOURCES: Snappy’s Outdoor Equipment, Total Landscape Equipment Care
