We’re finally feeling spring in the air, and for many snow removal professionals, that means it’s time to do some end-of-season snow removal equipment maintenance. It may be tempting to put off repairs until you start gearing up for the next winter storm season, but now is a great time to tackle any maintenance needs so you can hit the ground running when the weather starts to change. Another benefit to regular maintenance is that it can extend the life of your snow removal machines and attachments.

Inspect Your Snow Removal Equipment

The first thing you should do in your snow removal equipment maintenance is to give your machines and attachments thorough inspections. Be on the lookout for any dents, gouges or other areas you need to touch up with sanding and paint. Check for anything that is loose or leaking, make sure electrical connections are working properly and make note of anything that has abnormal wear.

Also note any rusty areas on your snow removal equipment caused by water or salt damage throughout the winter season. If you are frequently dealing with rust damage, you may want to invest in EquipCoat™, which is available for skid steers. It gives your machine an added layer of protection which is a bonus in the harsh environments you face in the snow removal industry.

Replace Worn Parts

The next step in your snow removal equipment maintenance is to check your cutting edges and teeth for signs of wear. These parts wear out faster than others, so make sure you’re replacing them as needed before they impact other areas of your machines.

Perform Larger Repairs

For bigger repairs, you have a few options for getting them fixed. You can either buy the parts and do it yourself, have a Caterpillar service technician visit your jobsite to do repairs, or take your snow removal machine to your local Cat^® dealer and work with them to get things fixed. If you work with your dealer, it’s a good idea to reach out to them early so they can get your equipment on the service schedule with enough time for repairs, especially if you also offer landscaping services and need your machines for the spring and summer months.

If you take good care of your snow removal equipment, you’ll be in for fewer surprises when you need it up and running most. With these end-of-season snow removal equipment maintenance tips, you’ll be ready to take on what next winter brings.