Equipment Rundown Construction sites often require heavy-duty snow and ice removal machinery capable of tackling large areas and a variety of terrains.

Snowplows are a staple for clearing roads and work areas. They come as V-plows, straight-blade plows and pusher plows, and you can mount them on trucks, skid steers and wheel loaders for even more versatility.

Snow blowers, whether attached to skid steers or wheel loaders, efficiently clear snow by blowing it into piles or to the side of work areas, easing access and making safer site conditions.

Salt and sand spreaders distribute grit and deicers across work areas to help vehicles maintain traction on icy surfaces. Spreaders are usually mounted on trucks or heavy equipment to get the job done fast. Liquid deicers prevent ice formation and improve jobsite safety. Trucks with tanks spray liquid deicing agents before and after snow and ice events to prevent ice from forming or to melt ice already on road surfaces.

Skid steers and wheel loaders can be equipped with plow and blower attachments to provide flexible snow and ice clearing tasks.

Pre-Winter Preparation Before the first snowfall, make sure your snow and ice equipment are in good working order and ready to serve throughout the season. Here’ s what to check:

• Inspect equipment. Look for worn parts, hydraulic leaks, electrical malfunctions and damage or wear. Especially watch for damage to plow edges and snow blower augers. Small issues might be manageable during warmer months, but they can quickly escalate into major problems during cold, harsh conditions. The last thing you want is to damage surfaces during snow removal or have equipment breakdown when you need it most.

• Check hydraulic systems. These are critical to the movement of snowplows, spreaders and attachments. Cold weather can strain systems, and freezing temperatures can lead to leaks and sluggishness. Ensure all hydraulic hoses, fittings and pumps are in good working order and top off hydraulic fluids. Use fluids rated for low temperatures to prevent freezing and keep machinery running smoothly.

• Prioritize tire and track maintenance. Traction is a constant concern on construction sites, especially when snow and ice are involved. Before the snow comes, inspect tires and tracks for signs of wear and make sure tires are properly inflated for cold weather use. Under-inflated tires and worn tracks cause slipping, and that puts operators, machinery and jobsites at risk. If your jobsite is likely to be slippery, consider adding chains or other traction aids to tires to help them better grip icy surfaces, especially on uneven or sloped terrain.

• Use cold-weather lubricants and fluids. Winter weather causes traditional oils and lubricants to thicken, reducing equipment performance. By switching to cold-weather lubricants manufactured to handle lower temperatures and using low-temperature grease on moving parts like hinges, pins and joints, you’ ll reduce friction and wear. Also check engine coolant and transmission fluid levels. Ensuring both are rated for extreme cold can prevent freezing and maintain smooth operation during frigid conditions.

• Care for battery and electrical systems. Low temperatures are notorious for draining batteries and causing electrical failure. Before winter, test snow-removal

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