Set Your Business Up for a Successful Snow Removal Season

As the days grow shorter, the first snowfall of the year probably isn’t far behind. Get your business winter-ready before you’re buried in an avalanche of seasonal jobs. From choosing the right equipment and attachments to maintenance and storage, follow these tips to tackle anything the weatherperson forecasts this winter.

Get Ready for the Grind
Driveways, parking lots, sidewalks… whatever you’re clearing, it’s important to right-size your equipment to ensure maximum efficiency. Wheel loaders and compact track loaders, paired with a snow pusher, light material bucket, angle blade or snow blower, are stellar options for managing smaller job sites or lighter snow.

Clearing snow from large properties promptly might require higher horsepower tractors with more speed and a larger attachment capacity. Pairing a tractor with a front-mount blade such as a box blade or a v-blade or adding a rear-mount snowblower to a front loader can be an effective combination. You could also consider a front-mount blade or snowblower with a rear-mounted spreader to complete the task at hand.

Stay Running Smoothly
Maintenance is crucial all year round, but doubly so when you’re operating your equipment in harsh winter conditions. It might seem obvious, but familiarizing yourself with the operator's manual of each individual machine is imperative for understanding any specific recommendations for working in the winter months.

Once you’re comfortable with the recommended operating procedures, don’t stop there! Perform daily inspections of your equipment to identify areas of wear that might lead to serious or expensive repairs if left unchecked. Ensure you’re checking fluid levels and tire pressure, tracking wear and checking around the machine for any potential leaks; the cold weather can wreak havoc on hoses and seals. While they may seem trivial, completing these daily checks and any necessary repairs can help avoid costly downtime.

Snow removal can often be a 24/7 job, making visibility a key asset. Taking 30 seconds to scope out your lights will ensure you’re not left out in the dark. My top tip is to replace bulbs nearing the end of their life cycle – you’ll notice the difference when your field of view is as bright and wide as possible.

If you prefer tracks over tires, it’s good practice to install a bar rack ahead of the winter months for optimal traction on snow and ice.

Warm Up This Winter
After a long day (or night!) out in the elements, you’re not the only one who will appreciate a warm reprieve. Storing your equipment indoors is best for maintaining the overall health of your machine – especially the batteries.

Whether your equipment has a place to call home in the shop or shed or must brave the elements between jobs, one thing remains critical – keep your machine as clean as possible. Remove snow and ice in between uses, and if you’re anticipating a longer break between jobs, consider greasing your equipment before it lays idle for a prolonged period.

When pulling equipment out of storage at the start of the season or before any new winter job, don’t be afraid to let the engine warm up a bit. You’ll notice marked performance benefits when you let the engine, hydraulics and drivetrain get up to optimal operating temperatures before you begin. At the same time, excessive idling isn’t recommended, so finding the ideal warm-up time for your equipment will help avoid any unplanned downtime.

Source: Kubota Canada

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