Are you thinking of starting a snow removal business? Or want to continue making your existing contracts profitable? This detailed checklist can be your go-to reference before you start your next snow removal project!

Equipment checklist

Your equipment and labor are your most significant assets in this job. A breakdown during a contract can spoil your name, delay the project, and aggravate the client, in addition to monetary loss. Here is how you can avoid this trap:

Thoroughly inspect each piece of equipment 

This step allows you to repair or replace any faulty part that has broken or endured cracks. Check for chain tension, the durability of fittings and hoses, tightness of screws, and any signs of mechanical damage.

Pick the right equipment for the job

Choosing the right equipment based on the job requirement is always recommended. For example, taking a metal blade for rooftop snow removal will land you an insurance claim!

Check your truck and plow

Even if you conduct regular maintenance, check your truck and plow before you set off for a project. Make sure the truck’s battery is charged, the fluid systems are topped off, the brakes are operating correctly, and the wheels are not misaligned or worn out. Recheck the functionality of the windshield wipers, lights, and heater.

Check each spring, lock pin, screw, and bolt on your plow are secure and that all your hydraulic systems are functioning effectively. The blade edge of your plow should be in mint shape. Keep the wear points of your plow lubricated, and make sure your electrical connections are safe.

Safety checklist

Being thorough with a safety check helps you avoid the risk of physical damage to your crew. Make sure the necessary amenities are available with each team.

Ample food and water. Jumper cables. Thermal blanket, protective hi-visibility outerwear, and accessories. Flashlight with stocked batteries. Emergency contact methods, first-aid kits, and backup supplies. Spare parts such as bolts, electrical grease, and trip springs. Incident report forms from previous projects at the same location and empty ones to make quick notes.

Materials and supplies checklist

Your supplies checklist must include a shovel, blade markers, snow stakes, and methods to register data. If your team is not reporting digitally, make sure they have a logbook to track product usage and register problems.

Your material checklist should have the following de-icing products:

Bulk Salt: For use in temperatures up to -15ᵒC. Sold by the metric ton.

Treated Salt: Treated with a magnesium chloride coating. For use in temperatures up to -25ᵒC. Sold by the metric ton.

Sand/Salt Mix: A mix of 75% sand and 25% bulk salt. Sold by the metric ton.

Bagged Rock Salt: For use in temperatures up to -15ᵒC. Sold in 20kg bags, individually or by the skid (63 bags/skid).

Lake Effect De-Icer: For use in temperatures up to -27ᵒC. Sold in 20kg bags, individually or by the skid (49 bags/skid).

Sifto Xtreme Ice Melter: For use in temperatures up to -31ᵒC. Sold in 20kg bags, individually or by the skid (56 bags/skid).

Calcium Chloride: For use in temperatures up to -30ᵒC. Sold in 20kg bags, individually or by the skid (60 bags/skid).

At FSI Landscape Supply, we are stocked with all these and more for contractors and snow removal professionals. Contact us to get a quote today!

By following this handy checklist, you can kick-start your snow removal business and plow through your competitors. Setting up a vision, identifying the right target market, and making the best use of your resources will make sure you earn profits from each assignment. This winter, have a sturdy plan in place to blow the snow away!