Winter is just around the corner, and for those operating snow plows, it’s crucial to ensure their vehicles are ready and in the best condition. While you may decide to wait until the last moment to check for warning signs of wear and tear, it’s best to spare yourself the headache and do it now. In this listicle, we’ll walk you through the eight signs your truck needs new snow plow equipment, helping you stay prepared and keeping your vehicle productive.
1. Worn Cutting Edge
The cutting edge of your snow plow is the first point of contact with the ground, so it experiences many impacts, especially in harsh winter conditions. Over time, this critical component will wear down, noticeably affecting the efficiency of your plow and eventually damaging other parts of the truck.
What Are the Signs of a Worn Cutting Edge?
If you fear your cutting edge may not plow a surface well, it is time to look for signs of wear. Start by looking for a noticeable thinning of the cutting edge’s lining. The lining is essential to weave through a surface efficiently. Additionally, if you find yourself making several adjustments to maintain proper contact with the ground, it’s time for a new part. When replacing your cutting edge consider using a thicker edge or one with carbide inserts to prolong life.
2. Damaged or Worn Plow Shoes
Plow shoes are critical in helping the plow glide over uneven surfaces, protecting the plow, and clearing surfaces such as gravel driveways or dirt roads. Worn or damaged plow shoes can lead to uneven plowing, increased wear on the plow blade, and potential damage to the cleared surfaces.
What Clues To Look For in Worn Plow Shoes
A good set of plow shoes is essential for using the plow on any surface. If the plow shoes aren’t functioning as you might expect, consider looking for signs of potential damage. Clues that the plow shoes are damaged include excessive wear, digging into the surface, and continuous scraping on the pavement.
3. Hydraulic System Issues
The hydraulic system is the powerhouse of your snow plow, controlling the movement and positioning of the blade. Any malfunction in this system can break the plow down and cause you to pay more for repairs.
What Are the Indications of a Hydraulic System Issue?
When looking for issues with hydraulics, assess your blades first—if they aren’t responsive or move slowly, this could create time-consuming problems. Next, check the hydraulic fluid. You likely have a leak or a flawed system seal if you spot leaks.
4. Rust and Corrosion
Snow plows are constantly exposed to harsh conditions, including salt, moisture, and freezing temperatures, which makes them susceptible to rust and corrosion. Over time, built-up rust weakens the plow’s structure and components, leading to potential failures. If corrosion is moderate on the plow blade (or moldboard) consider a vinyl snow plow liner to cover the moldboard to make it less unsightly and help protect it from future corrosion.
How To Know a Snow Plow Has Rust and Corrosion
Here is how to know if your snow plow has rust and corrosion:
⦁ There are visible rust patches on metal parts.
⦁ The metal or paint is flaking.
⦁ Your plow has holes or weak spots.
5. Electrical System Failures
Modern snow plows rely heavily on their electrical systems for lighting, controls, and sensors. Any system failures in these parts severely affect how a plow operates, especially during night shifts or low-visibility conditions.
What Are the Signs of a Failed Electrical System?
How do you know if there are system failures? Check for flickering or dim lights. These lights are critical for late-night plowing, so ensure they continue to work by changing them as needed. Additionally, if your control units are unresponsive, you cannot adjust the plow blade. Also, frequent fuse blowouts indicate a problem with the electrical systems.
How Do You Fix This?
Inspecting the wiring and connections ensures nothing breaks while operating the snow plow. The critical part to always check is your electrical system since you will need it most to run the vehicle.
6. Blade Damage
The blade is the most crucial part of your snow plow. If the blade stops working, it hinders its performance and causes accidents. A damaged blade can cause uneven plowing, requiring more passes and increasing wear on the plow and the truck.
What Signs Indicate Broken Snow Plow Blades?
Ensure your plow and truck survive this winter by inspecting the blades for cracks or dents, warped or bent edges, and loose or missing bolts. All essential pieces that keep the blade in one piece.
7. Wear and Tear on Mounting Hardware
The mounting hardware holds your plow in place and ensures it operates correctly. Over time, the bolts, brackets, and other mounting components can wear out, leading to instability and potential detachment of the plow.
Signs of Worn Mounting Hardware on a Snow Plow
Check for missing or loose bolts. Bolts keep the plow on the truck while operating. Cracked or bent brackets indicate that the stability and safety of the plow are at risk. Also, excessive movement from loose bolts and brackets can cause damage, meaning that reliable mounting hardware is non-negotiable.
What Should You Do?
Ensuring your mounting hardware is in good condition reminds you your plow is stable and safe to use. Regularly check and tighten bolts, replace worn or damaged brackets, and ensure all mounting components are secure. This maintenance can prevent accidents and ensure reliable plowing performance throughout the season.
8. Faulty Trip Springs
Trip springs are vital components that protect your plow and truck from sudden impacts by allowing the blade to trip and move past obstacles. When these springs are compromised, your plow risks sustaining damage from hidden objects and uneven terrain.
How Do You Inspect Trip Springs?
You can assess your trip springs by inspecting their flexibility. If they don’t have a spring, they likely cannot absorb impacts. The springs may have signs of wear or rust, meaning they won’t function well. Also, if the blade doesn’t return to its original position after tripping, the springs may have lost their tension.
Don’t Neglect Your Truck—Check for the Signs
Recognizing the signs that your truck needs new snow plow equipment ensures you can drive it safely and efficiently plow snow. Doing inspections often results in time saved from costly repairs and increased downtime at peak times in winter.
Supply Your Truck With New Snow Plow Parts
Prepare for winter with high-quality parts for a snow plow from Mill Supply. Our expert team will help you find the right parts to keep your equipment in shape. We will ensure you have the pieces for an efficient snow plowing season.
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