8 Tips to Maintain Your Snow and Ice Equipment

Tired of spending money on winter breakdowns? Follow these 8 expert tips to keep your equipment running smoothly.

Winter in the Midwest can be unpredictable, bringing heavy snowfalls and icy conditions. Proper maintenance is essential to ensure your fleet keeps running safely and efficiently throughout the season. Here are some expert tips to maintain your snow and ice equipment to keep them in top condition:

1. Pre-Season Inspection

   
   

   Before the snow starts falling, thoroughly inspect your equipment for any signs of wear or damage. Check for:

   • Hydraulic system leaks: Examine hoses and connections for cracks or leaks.

   • Blade condition: Look for any cracks, excessive wear, or bent edges on the plow blade. Replace worn cutting edges.

   • Electrical connections: Ensure all wiring is intact and connections are secure, especially for lights and controllers. Clean any corrosion and use dielectric grease on connections.

   • Fasteners and pins: Tighten loose bolts, pins, and nuts to prevent operational issues.

   • Adjust lights: Adjust the plow headlamps to aim properly.

   
   

2. Lubrication

   
   

   Proper lubrication is crucial for moving parts to function smoothly. Apply grease to:

   • Pivot points

   • Hinges

     
     

   Use manufacturer-recommended lubricants to avoid damaging components. For Wester plows, purchase Extreme Defense Grease at our shop in Janesville, WI.

3. Hydraulic System Maintenance

   
   

   Regularly inspect and maintain the hydraulic system to avoid costly downtime. Key tasks include:

   • Checking the fluid level and topping it off as needed - excessive oil consumption should be looked at immediately.

   • Replacing old or contaminated hydraulic fluid with manufacturer-recommended fluid only.

   • Inspecting hoses for cracks, wear, or leaks and replacing them as necessary.

     
     

*Pro tip: keep some fluid in your truck to top it off on the go! We stock it all year round.

4. Blade Maintenance

   
   

   The plow blade takes a beating during heavy snow removal. Ensure optimal performance by:

   • Replacing cutting edges when worn down to the manufacturer's

     recommended limit.

   • Checking the moldboard for cracks and repairing them promptly.

   • Tightening all bolts on the blade assembly.

Learn which cutting edge is best for your setup.

5. Spreader Maintenance

   
   

   For spreader equipment, proper upkeep ensures effective de-icing and salt distribution. Key steps include:

   • Inspecting the hopper: Check for rust, cracks, or buildup of old material. Clean and repair as needed.

   • Auger and spinner check: Ensure these components are free of debris and rotating smoothly.

   • Calibrate the spreader: Proper calibration ensures even salt distribution and prevents waste.

   • Greasing moving parts: Lubricate bearings, chains, and other moving components.

6. In-Season Care

   
   

   During the snow removal season, routine care is crucial:

   • Clean equipment after each use: Remove snow, ice, and salt residue to prevent corrosion.

   • Inspect for damage: Check for ay cracks, loose bolts, or worn parts after each job.

   • Tighten connections: Ensure hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical connections remain secure.

   • Lubricate and grease: Throughout the season, don't forget to lubricate and grease the necessary components.

   
   

   *Pro tip: If you're not actively using the plow truck, disconnect the electrical harness to prevent your truck battery from draining.

   
   

7. End of Season Maintenance

   
   

   Once winter ends, prepare your equipment for storage by:

   • Draining and replacing hydraulic fluid.

   • Cleaning all components thoroughly.

   • Applying dielectric grease to both the plow and truck side plugs.

   • Ensuring boots are on the truck.

   • Removing receivers from the truck once the plow is off.

   • Applying a protective coating to prevent rust.

   • Storing in a dry, sheltered location away from the elements.

   • Washing vehicle to stop salt from accelerating rusting.

   

8. Regular Professional Service

   
   

   Schedule periodic maintenance with a professional service provider. At Northland Equipment, our experts can perform a comprehensive checkup to identify and address potential issues early. Trusting Northland is easy with our industry-recognized Western Certified Master Technician!

   
   

   Maintaining your snow plow and spreader equipment is key to ensuring safety, efficiency, and longevity. By following these maintenance steps, you'll be ready to tackle the toughest winters with confidence.