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GEARING UP FOR SNOW REMOVAL - ARE YOU READY????
Before operating or servicing your snowplow this upcoming snow season, you should become thoroughly familiar with the owner's manual.
You should carry the following safety equipment for emergencies: A fire extinguisher, tool kit, tow strap, flashlight, flares, first aid kit, fuses for your vehicle, jumper cables, an ice scraper, lock deicer, extra washer fluid, a shovel, and a bag of sand or salt. Also, make sure you have warm clothes in case you break down and have to wait it out until help arrives.
NOTE: In case of an emergency, it is always a good idea to carry a cellular phone or two-way radio with you when plowing. These standard practices in today's industry are vital!
You should also carry a snowplow emergency parts kit that includes extra hydraulic fluid, hydraulic hoses, a pump solenoid, extra cutting-edge bolts, and a trip spring.
You should check your vehicle's tire pressure; engine belts for cracks and tightness; hoses for leaks; and vehicle fluid levels including the engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, battery, radiator coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Examine the battery terminals for corrosion, and make sure the connections are tight. Make sure the vehicle windshield wipers and defrosters are in good shape and working properly. Check the vehicle headlights, brake lights and turn signals to be sure they are in good working order, and make sure your strobe light is working if you have one. Also, look under the vehicle for obvious signs of leaking fluid.
NOTE: You should never run out of fuel, so make sure your fuel tank is full before going out to plow.
If you do not have a strobe light or backup lights, you should consider adding them to your vehicle to increase your own visibility as well as making yourself more visible to others while plowing.
To comply with the federal requirements for front and rear weight distribution-and for good traction while plowing-make sure your vehicle has the proper amount of ballast. Ballast should be placed rearward of the back axle towards the tailgate of the vehicle, and it should be properly secured in place.
Check your snowplow to make sure all bolts are tight. Look for cracked welds and hydraulic fluid leaks. Make sure the plow lights and turn signals are aligned properly and are in good working order.
Check your snowplow cutting edge. An over-worn cutting edge can result in costly repairs to the blade later.
Taking the time to inspect all of your equipment and have the necessary extra equipment with you will ensure a smooth transition into the winter season and make your job safer.
Let's have a great snow season and…
THINK SNOW! IT WILL BE HERE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT!
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