How To Manage Snow & Ice - Part 1 of 7 Parts

[Phil Nilsson]

How To Manage Snow & Ice Part 1 of 7 Parts

This series of posts will consist of the following pre-storm procedures for vehicle & equipment checks ...

. Safety & operating systems
. Tires
. Plow assembly
. Drive train
. Engine compartment
. Outside the vehicle
. Cabin supplies
. Equipment operation

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[Phil Nilsson]

How To Manage Snow & Ice - Part 2

How To Manage Snow & Ice Part 2

Safety & Operating systems ...

1. Each driver is taken to in advance and "shown" obstacles at each account. Curblines, potholes, drains and obstacles not expected to be seen later below snow depths.

2. At regular intervals during storm, all lights are cleared of snow/ice buildup to allow the vehicle to be "seen" by other motorists.

3. At intervals remove snow build up to the radiator air intake sections of vehicle, front, side and rear windows.

4. During a storm insure that the emergency breakline does not become frozen in "on" position.

5. Check head lift cylinder for even the slightest leak which causes the plow blade to slowly drift downward.

6. Remove snow packed into wheel hubs to improve wheel balance.

7. Each driver checks cabin for emergency flares, toolkit, and operates each mechanical system in advance of use.

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[Phil Nilsson]

How To Manage Snow & Ice - Part 3

How To Manage Snow & Ice Part 3

Finding the best work ... could include some of the following ...

. Right equipment to handle the job

. Distance between plowing accounts

. Leads to yearly contracts

. Easy access, no "lockouts"

. Contractor decides frequencies

. No restrictions when work done

. Customer has good payment history

. Site has low level traffic activity

. Site has no major plowing obstacles

. Work completion not time sensitive

. Few delays from moving traffic

. Few delays from relocating vehicles

. No restrictions on using abrasives

. No restrictions on using melters

. Room to store snow is adequate

. Authorized to haul snow elsewhere

. Preapprovals not needed to work

[Phil Nilsson]

]How To Manage Snow & Ice Part 4

How To Manage Snow & Ice Part 4

Drive train maint checks ...

. Raise entire vehicle
. Check u-joint connectors all shafts
. Lubricate all u-joints
. Inspect drive shaft allignment
. Check transfer case for leaks
. Check transmission case for leaks
. Check transfer case & trans linkage
. Reopen vent tube on transmission
. Trace each brake line pathway
. Look at wheel balance weights
. Inspect all springs for breakage
. Trace exhaust system connections
. Trace electrical wiring, and hangers
. Check for play of wheel bearings
. Check brakes at each wheel
. Inspect spare wheel assembly
. Inspect differentials leaks & fluid
. Scan frame areas for stress
. Check mud flap attachment points
. Look for salt, sand buildups
. Trace entire fuel line pathway
. Inspect tires
. Inspect plow frame connectors

[Phil Nilsson]

How To Manage Snow & Ice Part 5

How To Manage Snow & Ice Part 5

Plow assembly maint checks ...

. Raise plow assembly
. Operate each control
. Check hydraulic lines for leaks
. Check cylinders for leaks
. Inspect outer "O" ring wiper seals
. Inspect linkage pins, retainer rings
. Test upper & lower plow light beams
. Operate turn signals
. Check all plow welding points
. Check plow frame attachment
. Inspect lower scraping blade bolts
. Reposition plow blade markers
. Inspect all quick disconnect fittings
. Check head lift cylinder for drift
. Inspect plow spring assemblies
. Grease contact points on plow
. Check if blade interferes with vehicle when angled to full right or full left.

[Phil Nilsson]

How To Manage Snow & Ice Part 6

How To Manage Snow & Ice Part 6

Engine compartment maint ...

Look for the separation of parts such as seals, connectors, wires, and any fluid leaks. Sudden stops, vibration, "banging into" curbs and obstacles, and placing the drive train under heavy loads at cold temperatures causes stress at all connection points.

. Inspect radiator for leaks
. Check all radiator hoses, clamps
. Inspect belt wear,tension
. Remove, clean battery connectors
. Inspect vacuum hoses, clamps
. Check motor mounts
. Check exhaust connection points
. Inspect all wiring paths
. Check hydraulic connections, hoses
. Inspect all gasket sealed areas
. Check jack mounting tightness
. Check air filter & pathway
. Check spark plug wiring path
. Lubricate the steering linkage points
. Check all fluid levels
. Listen for noise at each pulley
. Check the battery holding brackets
. Inspect plow pump reservoir
. Inspect hydraulic valve box
. Scan each fuel line pathway
. Look for a "pitched profile" of engine
. Check all windshied wiper parts
. Change engine oil & filter
. Look for corrosion electrical
. Remove, clean negative lead to frame

Look for broken or separated wiring harness clamps, tie downs, spark plug wire separators, and abrasion of spark plug wires making contact with other engine parts.

[Phil Nilsson]

How To Manage Snow & Ice Part 7

How To Manage Snow & Ice Part 7

Cabin supplies checklist ...

. Flashlight
. Tool box
. Battery jumper cables
. Tow chain
. Map of area
. Blanket
. Windshield scraper
. Emergency numbers list
. Motor oil, trans fluid
. Road flares
. Road reflector
. First aid kit
. Coins for tolls
. Fuses for all circuits
. Raincoat
. Funds to purchase gasoline
. Supply of windshield wash
. Antifreeze mix
. Cell phone
. Insurance & registration papers
. Spare keys set attached outside
. Horse shoe under seat
. Four leaf clover in glove box

To be continued ...