Snow Plow Maintenance And Repair

The middle of a blizzard is no place to be when your snow plow breaks down. Severe cold and low visibility make you and your vehicle subject to risks both on and off the road. By inspecting and maintaining your snow plow prior to the winter season, you will be able to make necessary repairs ahead of time so that you can return home safely.

Unfortunately, your snow plow could break down while you are on the job, requiring repair on the spot. There are several reasons why your snow plow may need repairs.

What is a snow plow?

A snow plow is a vehicle featuring a large shovel or blade device that attaches to the front to push or remove snow from roads, parking lots, and other areas. Snow plows have been in use since at least the 1700s via wooden plows pulled by horse-drawn carriages. The technology went on to evolve with the invention of automobiles and has been improving into the present day. Today, many snow plows employ the use of global positioning systems, head-up displays, and infrared cameras to stay on the road during the worst conditions.

How do snow plows work?

Snow plows are special vehicles that feature a hydraulic shovel for pushing snow off to the side while driving down the road, thus clearing a path for other vehicles.

There are many components of a snow plow that work together to achieve proper function and completion of tasks.

  • Moldboard

A curved steel sheet that is resistant to impact and corrosion.

  • Cutting edge

The cutting edge is a carbon steel, rubber, or urethane strip that attaches to the bottom of a moldboard.

  • Trip springs

Trip springs protect the snow plow by allowing the moldboard to trip forward or the cutting edge to trip backward in order to drive over obstructions.

  • A-Frame

Attaches the plow to the vehicle and allows for pivoting at a proper distance between the plow and the vehicle.

  • Pivot bar

Attaches the moldboard to the A-frame.

  • King bolt

The A-frame attaches to the pivot bar with a heavy-duty bolt.

  • Power angling cylinders

Hydraulics that move the plow right or left and up or down.

  • Clevis frame

Allows easy attachment and detachment of the snow plow.

  • Mounting frame

A custom mount for your vehicle to attach a snow plow.

  • Plow markers

Plow markers provide a line of sight to the vehicle by attaching them to the top corners of the moldboard.

Common Snow Plow Repairs

As a complex piece of equipment, snow plows have many moving parts that are essential for them to function at peak efficiency.

Hydraulics

  • Hydraulic leak

Hydraulic fluid is crucial to the hydraulics system, so a leak would either reduce the function or cause it to cease entirely. You may notice a puddle of hydraulic fluid under your plow or vehicle. It might even be obviously spraying from where the leak is, so replace hoses and seals when need be.

  • Valve clog

Contamination of the system can cause a clog of the valve that will require cleaning. Unless you have the tools and the know-how to remove the clog, you may need to hire a mechanic to perform the necessary fix.

Electrical

  • Battery

A dead battery won’t operate your vehicle, much less your plow. Thankfully, batteries are easy to check and replace.

  • Wiring

Wires and other connections could be suffering from corrosion or may be loose. Tighten or replace bad wires and connections to ensure regular power flow.

  • Fuses

Fuses burn out to prevent electrical damage, so you may need to replace them. Just make sure you purchase the right one to prevent another failure or a safety issue.

  • Solenoid

A solenoid is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical works. The device comprises a coil of copper wire inside a steel housing with a plunger. This part is common to replace so have some on hand, including in your emergency kit.

  • Controller

A faulty control could also be the culprit, but the only thing you can do is replace it.

Preventing Snow Plow Problems

The best way to prevent the need for repairs is to properly inspect and maintain your snow plow. You can’t expect your plow to soldier on year after year without any problems. Removing snow is work that causes a lot of general wear and tear. Snow is basically frozen water molecules, and water moisture is bad for electrical systems. Snow can also mix with dirt and asphalt that can cause hydraulic clogs.

The last thing you want is to be out on a job on a cold wintry night when your snow plow quits on you. This is not only dangerous for you, but also for other vehicles and the people driving them.

You should regularly inspect your snow plow system to check for the need for any replacement parts. Keep a record of inspections and any maintenance or repairs.

If necessary, bring your snow plow to a professional, who will likely have better tools to do the job.

Finally, prepare for any potential problems on the job by packing an emergency kit containing tools, spare parts, personal protective equipment, and high visibility gear.

Contact Stronghold Trucking Today!

Stronghold Trucking understands that you need your snow plow to make your living. That’s why we offer inspection, maintenance, and repair services to get you back on the job as soon as possible.

Services we offer include:

  • Hitches, pins and coupler repairs
  • Wiring harness installation and repairs
  • Fifth wheel hitches and tow bars
  • Lights and strobe installation
  • Welding and fabrication
  • Toolboxes, accessories and supplies
  • Preventative maintenance services
  • Diesel engine diagnostics and repair
  • HVAC diagnostic and repairs
  • Frame/rust repair
  • Transmission and PTO
  • Suspension and steering
  • Body repair
  • Brakes
  • NYS state inspection
  • Rust repair
  • Electrical systems and controls
  • Full machine shop
  • Mobile welding, maintenance, and repair trucks

If you need snow plow maintenance and repair services, call us at 914-235-8280 or visit our website today! Stronghold Trucking proudly serves Westchester County, Putnam County, Dutchess County, Orange County, and the New York City Metropolitan area. We have the skills and expertise to repair any kind of snow plow. Winter is on the way. So make sure you prepare by keeping your snow plow in excellent shape.

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