Snow and Ice Management: The Equipment Factor
February 7, 2014
Equipment, materials, and training are three key components of a comprehensive plan for effectively managing snow and ice. Grounds can undergo myriad changes during non-winter months, whether it is new construction projects, renovations, or changes to landscapes and hard-surface areas. These changes affect snow and ice operations, so managers need to ensure their plans still provide safe, efficient, and reliable snow and ice removal.
Equipment often is the first place managers start in their review. The work is tough, and it can take its toll on equipment, including plows, skid-steer loaders, utility vehicles, dump trucks, and a range of attachments. An equipment breakdown during a snowstorm can create a stressful situation.
To ensure equipment can withstand the rigors of snow and ice removal, operators and mechanics should perform preventive maintenance related to the most important areas of the equipment:
Hydraulics. Check hydraulic cylinders for stress cracks in the paint, leaking or bent fittings, and damaged hoses. It is important for mechanics to eliminate contaminants from the hydraulic-unit systems because if mechanics leave contaminants in the system, they can turn into rust and sludge while in storage.
Electrical components. Mechanics should check and protect motors, wires, solenoids, switches, and connections to ensure they operate correctly when winter arrives. Using a quality rust inhibitor also can protect electrical systems from damage.
Mechanical and structural components. Mechanics should inspect each unit from top to bottom, checking for cracks, bent pins, broken cutting edges, missing or broken bolts, twisted framework, and other cosmetic damage. Mechanics then need to repair any damage they find.
A key component of the equipment-maintenance process is the way departments store equipment. After cleaning and repairing equipment, mechanics should grease anything with a grease fitting. They also should remove chains, binders, sprockets, and floors from salting units and soak them in oil throughout the summer. Mechanics should remove nuts and bolts from containment plows and soak them in oil, as well.
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