Important Things To Do To Prepare Your Snowplow For Plowing This Season

Every season when you take your snowplow out of storage you should follow these guidelines to prepare your plow for the upcoming winter.

First off, you should be intimately familiar with every component of your snowplow; this will save you a lot of aggravation later. Read through your owner's manual thoroughly and educate yourself about the maintenance procedures and operational guidelines. The manual will also give you a list of parts and diagrams, tips for snowplowing, and a troubleshooting guide that will help you figure out any problems.

You should be prepared for potential problems that could occur when you're out plowing. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tool kit, tow strap, flares, flashlight, fuses for your vehicle, jumper cables, ice scraper and deicer, a shovel and a bag of sand or salt. You should also always have warm clothes such as insulated boots and long underwear, a warm winter jacket, gloves, sunglasses and a cell phone.

You should also have an emergency parts kit for your snowplow that includes extra hydraulic fluid and hoses, a pump solenoid, extra cutting-edge bolts and a trip spring. Be sure to check your vehicle's tire pressure; also check the vehicle's engine belts for any cracks and for tightness. Check the vehicle's fluid levels and keep your gas tank filled. You'll also need to check the battery as wet conditions and salt from the roads can corrode the connections. Always keep in mind that subzero temperatures in the winter can really do a number on your vehicle so you have to pay attention to these maintenance items even more.

Having good visibility is vital so you want to be sure that your windshield washer fluid is full and wipers are in good working order. You also want to be sure that your defrosters are working correctly. Check your lights to be sure they are all in working order. You may want to consider adding a strobe light if you don't already have one. A flashing strobe light will make you more visible to others while you are on the job.

To improve traction, you'll need to add ballast to the rear of your vehicle. Each snowplow manufacturer publishes a ballast chart so be sure you take the time to counter balance your vehicle to improve your traction.

During the plowing season you should check your snowplow often. Be sure to examine bolts for tightness and make sure that none of the welds have cracks. You also want to be sure that the hydraulic hoses do not have leaks and make sure that your snowplow lights and turn signals are always working properly.

Make sure that you inspect the plows' cutting edge and the plow shoes. Not maintaining your plow and letting the cutting edge get over worn can result in costly repairs.

If you follow these guidelines when you take your plow out of storage this season, everything will run as smooth as the paths you will plow.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Boss Snow Plows at http://www.bossplow.com

Buying a Snow Blower - here are a few tips to remember

Some people love snow and welcome its arrival, while others wince at the back pain they have to look forward to. Its not surprising that these 2 people fall into 2 groups: those with snow blowers, and those who shovel. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the white stuff once again.

Know Your Snow Job Just like a car, there are many makes and models of snowblowers (or snow throwers as they are also commonly known as). Each car is suited for a different purpose, and snow blowers are no different.

How long is your driveway? How much snow do you anticipate receiving each year? How heavy is the snow? How wide a space does your snow removal needs cover?

For most city dwellers, who have just a driveway and a sidewalk to clear off, a single stage gas blower will do the trick. These types of snow blowers will touch the ground, so be aware of the area you are clearing. Most single stage gas snow blowers retail for $300 to $900.

However, if you find that you get a lot of snow, or have a larger area to clear, a two stage gas blower will save you time and help avoid further back aches. These types of snow blowers come equiped with wide augers to clear off larger areas, while throwing the snow further. Depending on the type of two stage gas snow blower you are looking at, prices can range from $600 to over $2000 according to Consumer Reports.

If you have a gravel driveway, you'll want to ensure that the auger doesn't touch the ground (thus picking up rocks which can be hard on the snowblower, and cause harm if to items near the path of the blowing snow. Most two stage blowers are perfect for gravel driveways.

If you find that you only get a few inches per snowfall, or have a relatively small area to clear, you may find that a single stage electric blower will take care of your needs. Electric snow throwers range between $100 and $300 and will clear an area of about 11-18inches.

Take It For A Spin While a retailer wont let you clear off any snow at your house to test it out, they will let you push the floor models around. Find one that suits your strength. The larger snow blowers are normally very heavy. While it may be fun to have the largest snow blower on the block, it doesnt make sense to buy it if you cant push it around without hurting your back.

Are the handlebars adjustable to your height? You have to remain in control of your snow blower at all times and the handlebars will help you to move around corners. You should also pay attention to the chute control. By adjusting the direction of the chute, you can angle the snow where you want it, not in front of you or on your neighbours driveway.

Play Safe If you purchase a single or two stage gas snow blower, remember to start it up outside. Carbon monoxide poisoning is an invisible killer. Clearing snow is tough enough without having to worry about carbon monoxide.

Do you have a set of ear plugs? You'll need them, especially with the larger snow blowers.

Remember not to wear anything that is loose fitting. Its very easy for a scarf or sleeve to get caught in the snow blower and the results are not very nice.

Its obvious, but many people loose limbs because they dont watch what they are doing. If your machine gets clogged, turn it off. Only when the engine is off (or unplugged if you purchase an electric snow blower) should you attempt to clear the clog. Use a wooden broom handle or hockey stick to clear out a clog. Better you have to buy a new broom or a new hockey stick than to have to explain why you no longer have an arm.

Other than price, buying a snow thrower is no different than buying a car. In both cases, you buy the one that meets your exact needs and fits within your budget. Take it out for a test drive and remember safety first.

Start enjoying snow again. Think of how envious your neighbours will be when they see your new machine purring down the driveway, without a care, and without a worry of a sore back.

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