Preparing Your Snowplow

Back in 2011 and 2012, Torontonians experienced an unusually mild winter. Although there was less snow than usual, no one seemed to complain.

Contrast that with the following winter season. Every day seemed to bring cold, ice, and snow—then more snow, ice, and cold. The polar vortex was a steady visitor to the area - and snowplows were out in force.

Although it's difficult to predict exactly what each Toronto winter will bring, it's a fair bet that snow removal will be a factor. Whether you're a novice or an experienced snowplow operator, you want your snow equipment to be ready at a moment's notice after the next snow squall passes by.

Be Prepared

It's always a good idea to reacquaint yourself with your owner's manual and double check your system. For instance, do you have extra parts and accessories if you run into trouble? The middle of a heavy snowstorm isn't a great time to find that your hydraulic hoses are cracked. Here are a few items you'll need in your snowplow accessories kit:

• • Extra hydraulic hoses
• • Hydraulic fluid
• • Pump solenoid

It's also a great idea to keep an automotive emergency kit in your cab. Consider including the following safety and maintenance supplies:

• • Tools and first aid kit
• • Extra tow strap
• • Jumper cables and vehicle fuses
• • Flashlight
• • Road flares
• • Extra washer fluid and ice scraper
• • Extra road salt or sand (and a shovel)
• • Warm clothing, hat, and blanket
• • Two-way radio or cell phone

Check your vehicle before the first storm hits. Always keep plenty of fuel in the tank, proper ballast for good plowing traction, and a well-maintained cutting edge on the plow itself.

Be Proficient

If you aren't a seasoned snowplow operator, now is the time to understand proper plowing technique. Remember these 10 tips:

1. Only operate your plow at the site. Otherwise, turn off your plow control and keep the blade out of your field of vision while you're en route.
2. Keep an eye on the temperature. When you're clearing a lot of snow, it's easy for the engine to overheat. Watch your gauge and take regular breaks if the temperature is too high.
3. Pay attention to the surface: plow close to concrete or asphalt and if you plow over gravel make sure you install shoes on your plow.
4. Avoid obstacles and curbs that may damage your equipment.
5. Go with the storm. If it's going to drop a lot of snow on the area, plow as the storm progresses. It's always harder on your plow if you have to push huge amounts of snow at a time.
6. Keep snow piles away from neighbouring properties, streets, sidewalks, dumpsters, mail boxes, handicapped areas, and—in particular—away from drain systems of fire hydrants.

Be Proactive

If your plow gets a lot of use every winter, it's critical to maintain it well. Monitor your transmission fluid levels regularly so you don't risk overheating the whole system. If needed, you can purchase an inline transmission gauge so you'll always know if your transmission is getting too hot for operation.

Once a month, clean your electrical plug and grease it with dielectric grease before reconnecting the plug. Also, grease up your mounting system so it's always easy to connect or disconnect your plow.

How long have you been using your current blade? It's hardly surprising that snowplow blades exhibit a good deal of wear each season. However, if the blade wears down too much, you'll pay more than you should for repairs later. Talk to your plow dealer for advice on blade use.

Finally, take care of your hydraulic system. Your plow is useless if your hydraulics are malfunctioning, so it's important to drain the fluid on a regular basis, then add fresh fluid. Test your plow's angle by gradually moving the blade left and right until you achieve full range of motion and proper hydraulic function.

Be Powerful

No matter what Mother Nature puts out this winter, you can stay on top of it with a powerful snowplow. Now that you know a few common-sense plowing strategies, you'll be prepared to keep your premises in the clear.

For further tips on snow plows, towing, and truck accessories, contact the experts at Hitch City, or regularly check our blog.