Reducing downtime and unnecessary repairs during the winter is critical to the success of any snow removal business.
Scott Moorman, Director of Engineering, Buyers Products, offers these tips on how preventive maintenance for the truck and equipment can help make the winter season more profitable:
Plows: Pre-season maintenance/checkout
- Flush and replace hydraulic fluid
- Check cutting edge for excessive wear
- Replace shoes if necessary
- Inspect and tighten hoses and fittings
- Test the truck charging system and battery
- Inspect all pivots/pins
- Check/clean all electrical connections
- Check/tighten all fasteners
- Check plow and truck light operation
- Inspect for mechanical damage
Plows: Post-season maintenance
- Clean the plow
- Lubricate all pivot points and sliding pins
- Touch up paint
- Lubricate exposed cylinder rods
- Coat electrical connectors with dielectric grease
Spreaders: Pre-season maintenance/checkout
- Inspect and tighten hoses and fittings
- Check and adjust chain tension
- Test the truck charging system and battery
- Check/clean all electrical connections
- Check/tighten all set screws and fasteners
- Inspect for mechanical damage
Spreaders: Post-season maintenance
- Clean the spreader
- Lubricate pivot points and chains
- Grease bearings
- Touch up paint
- Coat electrical connectors with dielectric grease
