Preparing Winter Machinery

If you live in northern climates, you know that winter is coming.

To keep construction sites safe, accessible and operational in the face of snow and ice, start preparing early. Maintaining peak performance of snow and ice removal equipment takes work before, during and after the season — especially for large-scale machinery and outdoor work environments. With proper preparation and proactive maintenance, you can keep snow equipment working and construction sites snow- and ice-free all winter long. No matter how long it lasts.

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 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 buildup.
• Monitor de-icing fluid tanks. Excessively low temperatures can cause sprayers to clog and malfunction. Watch storage tanks to prevent freezing and keep sprayer nozzles clear of blockages.
  

Off-Season Storage and Care

The end of winter doesn’t mean the end of cold-weather equipment maintenance. Storing and servicing snow and ice equipment properly during warmer months keeps them in good shape for the next snow season.

After the last snowfall and before storing equipment, conduct thorough inspections. Look for damage and corrosion, and repair or replace worn parts. Completely clean off the remaining salt and deicer and apply a rust preventative to metal parts like plow blades, hydraulic cylinders and frames.

Then store equipment in a dry, covered area to protect it from the elements. If you don’t have indoor storage space, use tarps and covers. Disconnect batteries or use battery maintainers to prevent drainage.

Next, take inventory and order spare parts for next season. Stocking up on cutting edges, hydraulic hoses and filters gets you ready for the first snowfall, and you may save money by cashing in on end-of-season sales.

Finally, download and update software for snow removal machinery that has GPS, control systems or data collection systems.

Training and Safety

While you’re taking care of your equipment, also care for the personnel who operate it. Make sure team members are trained in equipment operation, maintenance and safety procedures.

Operators should know how to use equipment controls, understand safe operating procedures and practice safety precautions. They should also be comfortable handling equipment in slippery conditions and troubleshooting common issues like clogged spreaders and stalled plows. This is also the time to stock, test and train employees to use emergency equipment like tow straps, winches and communication devices.

Worthy Investment

For contractors on construction sites, proper preparation and servicing of snow and ice removal equipment are vital for minimizing downtime and maintaining safety. By following the above steps, you can keep your equipment in top shape and ensure smooth, efficient snow removal all winter long. Invest in maintenance and preparation now to save time, money and headaches when winter inevitably arrives.

Preparing, preventing and protecting are key to getting and keeping your snow removal equipment ready for snowstorms, ice and freezing temperatures.

The best way to keep your equipment functional, safe and ready to work when the snow falls is by having and following a coordinated plan. Inspections, repairs and preventative maintenance are key.

Jobsite safety during winter months is possible. By caring for your snow-removal equipment and operators, you can get the most out of your crews year-round.