Tips for your winter maintenance equipment
FSI Landscape Supply weighs in on winter equipment maintenance. (Source: Snow Magazine, winter maintenance, features- equipment and technology, October 8, 2021, https://www.snowmagazineonline.com/article/winter-equipment-maintenance-snow-ice-wear-parts-trucks-loaders/.)
Snow magazine expresses the importance of maintaining your snow and ice management equipment. They share eleven helpful tips to get you and your machinery through the winter. The first tip is to inspect your equipment daily. They put emphasis on increasing the amount of inspections as the weather gets colder. FSI Landscape Supply suggests, “if you want your landscaping tools or equipment to last and serve you well, you must take the time to care for it properly! Regular inspections are crucial. Just as your home vehicle requires maintenance, so does your snow management equipment. Taking care of your equipment is part of good safety practices as well. By checking the engine, oil, hydraulic systems, electrical plugs, spinner, hopper, bearings, and belts regularly, you will be able to detect any issues ahead of time. Therefore, giving you ample time to correct them before you head out to tackle the harsh winter elements. Extreme weather conditions and temperatures are not the only reason why daily inspections are necessary. Road salt and other de-icing solutions can cause corrosion, rust, and damage. It is essential to wash the compartments regularly to prevent caking, therefore ensuring your equipment’s longevity.”
The next group of tips focuses on oil changes, battery, and hydraulic systems. Snow magazine explains that low viscosity oil flows more easily in the cold. Therefore, there is less strain on your engine, making synthetic oil a preferable choice in the winter months. FSI Landscape Supply agrees, “along with oil checks and changes, keeping the batteries charged is crucial. Cold temperatures can significantly affect various components, including oil viscosity, battery function, and hydraulic hoses. As the article mentions, they can lose their elasticity and may crack. Winters elements can also affect your bulk salt supply. It is always best to ensure you have a proper storage solution.”
Warming the engine is in sixth place on the list. Snow magazine shares it is best to run the engine until it reaches operating temperatures. FSI Landscape Supply shares, “no one wants to enter a cold vehicle, especially when you have to deal with snow management. Besides comfort, warming up equipment before the shift can help prevent damage to the internal mechanisms. It is also essential to check tire pressure and traction on your equipment before the start of the shift as well as cold weather can affect tire conditions.”
Snow magazine explains the importance of checking tires, traction and driving with caution. Cold temperatures cause tires to lose air much more quickly; therefore, check tire pressure every shift. Checking tire pressure and traction can also help you take more control of the road. Winter weather conditions can also affect parking areas. Therefore, it is best to remove all snow and ice as much as possible from the job site area and work at a gentle pace. FSI Landscape Supply agrees, “when handling large snow removal equipment, machinery/trucks, taking operations slowly is the best approach. You want to be in control at all times, especially during severe weather conditions.”
Snow magazine explains fuel tanks and lines can freeze overnight in extreme cold. Snow magazine recommends draining the water from the separator and refilling the fuel tank at the end of the day. FSI Landscape Supply agrees, “always make sure your tank is full with the right type of fuel. The last thing you want is to be on a job site or the road and run out of gas.”
Tip number ten suggests keeping windows clear from ice, frost, and snow as it can inhibit your ability to see clearly. Snow magazine also warns to be mindful when entering and exiting the equipment as ice can form on high-touch areas. FSI Landscape Supply shares, “as the article mentions, safety practices include making sure ice and snow are removed from windows, steps, grip plates, and grabs. Wearing the appropriate attire is also essential for protection and keeping you well insulated as you manage winter’s elements.”
Lastly, tip number eleven emphasizes the importance of smart storage. FSI Landscape Supply agrees, “as mentioned previously, it is essential to wash equipment compartments regularly. In addition to frequent maintenance, it is essential to store your equipment properly. Storing equipment indoors is great if you have the space. As the article mentions, if the equipment is stored outdoors, it is advised to provide a covering. The same concept should be applied to your bulk salt and de-icing solutions. Investing in a proper storage solution means protecting your bulk salt supply. Wind, rain/snow, humidity/moisture can ruin your stockpile and could potentially cost a significant amount to replace. Bulk salt should be stored on a concrete or asphalt surface and in a well-covered area. Material skirts are often used to help keep salt in place. Salt that is not contained can drift into storm drains or can be washed into the surrounding ecosystems. Always protect and maintain your winter equipment and de-icing solutions.”
Contact FSI Landscape Supply today; we carry bulk road salt, treated salt, sand, and more!