Post-Winter Maintenance Guide
As the snow season winds down, it's crucial to properly care for your equipment to ensure it remains in top condition for the next season. This guide provides detailed steps on how to clean, maintain, and store your snow removal equipment, from tractors to blowers and more. Follow these instructions to safeguard your investment and keep your machinery running smoothly.
Tractors:
- Thorough Cleaning: Wash off all grime, salt, and dirt with hot water if available to prevent corrosion. After washing, apply a coat of auto wax for extra protection.
- Interior Cleaning: Use window cleaner to wipe down interiors and remove any residue like grease or trash.
- Rust Prevention: Treat all tractors with rust-proofing before storage, especially in humid conditions.
- Battery Care: Disconnect batteries to prevent drainage.
- Tire Maintenance: Ensure all tires are at the correct pressure.
- Hydraulic Care: Cap all hydraulic outlets, apply Kano oil to prevent rust, and inspect the hydraulic pump and connections for wear. Replace worn hoses and fittings, and consider changing the hydraulic fluid.
Blowers:
- Pressure Washing: Use hot water to remove all salt and dirt.
- Crack Cleaning: Clean all nooks of dirt, gravel, road salt, or sand.
- Lubrication: Grease all necessary points, lubricate chains, and apply lubricant generously to moving parts like pins and joints.
- Hydraulic Connections: Cover and lubricate all hydraulic connections to prevent rust.
- Storage: Store off the ground on blocks or a pallet and consider using a breathable cover to prevent moisture entrapment.
Tablets:
- Fully charge, turn off, and store in a secure drawer or bin to protect from the elements.
Pickets:
Store in a shaded area in a bin or crate to prevent drying out from sunlight.
Additional Maintenance Steps:
- Reduce Spring Tension: Loosen the tension on the springs for off-season relief.
- Storage Solutions: Opt for indoor storage to protect equipment from the elements. Use snowplow casters for easy movement.
- Accessory and Component Check: Inspect the controller, plow shoes, halogen lights, and blade marker guides for wear. Consider enhancements like Pro-Wings for extended reach.
- Touch-Up and Rust Prevention: Address any missing paint areas and remove peeling paint or rust with a grinder before touching up. Lubricate sliding pins, pivot points, and exposed cylinder rods to keep components moving freely.
- Electrical Care: Apply dielectric grease to all electrical connections to minimize corrosion.
Why It Matters:
Engaging in thorough post-season maintenance ensures your equipment remains in optimal condition, ready to perform effectively when winter returns. By addressing any wear and tear promptly, you prevent future complications and extend the life of your equipment, ensuring reliability and efficiency in your snow removal services for many winters to come.
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