electrical systems. Low temperatures are notorious for draining batteries and causing electrical failure. Before winter, test snowremoval equipment batteries to make sure they’ re holding a full charge. Inspect wiring, lighting and electrical connections for wear or corrosion.
Ongoing Maintenance During Cold Months
Once winter hits, it’ s essential to maintain regular service schedules. Snow and ice equipment can wear down from constant use, harsh conditions and the corrosive effects of salt and deicing chemicals.
Here’ s how to keep everything in top shape throughout the season:
• Perform post-storm inspections. After major snow events, inspect equipment, moving parts, plow blades and hydraulic systems. If you see damage or wear, replace the parts immediately so your equipment is ready for the next storm.
• Keep blades sharp. snowplow blades and cutting edges wear down, especially when working on rough construction site surfaces. Replacing and sharpening these parts regularly is crucial to maintaining optimal performance. Dull blades slow snow removal and can damage pavement and concrete. Keep spare cutting edges on hand or have sharpening tools available to minimize downtime.
• Calibrate sand and deicer spreaders. Too much grit and deicer are as much of a problem as too little. Too little leads to slippery, dangerous conditions, while overuse wastes resources and can harm the environment, nearby structures and vehicles. Calibration ensures spreaders are working efficiently and dispersing materials evenly.
• Keep tires and tracks clean. Snow and ice can accumulate on tires and tracks, causing traction loss and excessive wear. After each use, clean off snow and ice
16 • 800-247-2000 • November 2024