By: Steve Taylor
Truck Mounted Snow Equipment can take a beating when you put
it to work removing snow and controlling ice. Before you put it to use every
season, check and repair problems while they can be fixed in the garage, not
when the equipment is out there in a storm under the stress of removing and
controlling snow and ice. Plan ahead; don’t wait for a breakdown that will cost
you dearly for towing, middle of the night repairs and maybe even lost
customers.
At the end of each season, have the equipment gone over to
look for structural weaknesses, bending metal, cracked paint, broken welds,
cracked hoses, weak hydraulic solenoids, loose wires and corroded connectors,
etc. Each plow manufacturer generally knows which parts are chronic problems
when their plows are used in service. They each have a recommended replacement
parts list for each model. That’s a good sign that you need those parts on hand
in case of a breakdown, or better still for replacement before a breakdown as
you have noticed a part that needs replacing before it fails.
But don’t rely on the manufacturer to provide all the
information that you need, use your social network including other plow users, contractors
and websites such as Plowsite.com to keep up with how your model plow is
performing in use and what issues are being found in the field. At Plowsite.com
use the http://www.plowsite.com/forumdisplay.php?f=3
to find each make and model plow and read the user posts on breakdown
experiences. If you read a number of these posts even going back in history,
you may find issues which may tip you off on what to look for on your own
equipment.
In addition to going over the plows and spreaders, have the
truck looked at as well. Plowing and Spreading puts big loads on the truck,
sometimes these loads will cause extra wear on the frames, axles, steering,
transmissions, etc. For example your truck frame may have a small crack that
has developed over time and using it to plow might load the frame more and
propagate the crack failing the frame. That’s something you definitely don’t
want to happen, especially during a storm!
Further, if you are having recurring problems of the same
nature, don’t take for granted that the equipment manufacturer is aware of it.
Make sure you report it back to the dealer or distributor where you purchased
your equipment. Ask for their feedback and the factory recommendations for
corrective action. Make sure you know if it is covered under factory warranty
or maybe even a recall campaign. Read what others are reporting on the same
issues and make sure you let it be known if you suspect you might have product
that is part of a chronic problem. And if you are not satisfied with the resolution,
you can even email me (see below) as I might have other suggestions for you.
By Steve Taylor: A consultant in the Truck Equipment business with over 30 years in the snowplow
and truck body manufacturing business. He specializes in the design and
quality/reliability field and may be reached by email at steve@truckarchitect.com. You may visit his
website at http://www.truckarchitect.com/.
