Snow Plow Pre-Season Checklist: 7 Equipment Checks for Public Works
Public works crews should check every plow truck, spreader and loader before the first forecast storm, with hydraulics and spreader calibration at the top of the list. When the first storm hits, every truck has to start, every blade has to drop and every spreader has to put down the right amount of salt. A cracked hose found in the shop in November is a quick fix; found on a route at 3 AM, it takes a truck off the road. This guide covers the seven pre-season checks, what to do after each storm, and the spare parts to stock.
Quick Answer: Snow and Ice Equipment Checklist
| Equipment | Before the season | After each storm |
|---|---|---|
| Plow trucks | Full walkaround: tires, brakes, wipers, defrost, battery, fluids | Wash salt off; check for damage and leaks |
| Hydraulics | Fluid, hoses, fittings, full-range function test | Look for leaks and rubbed hoses |
| Blades and cutting edges | Measure wear; check bolts, shoes, trip springs, mounts | Check edge wear and loose bolts |
| Spreaders | Service conveyor/auger, spinner, chains; calibrate controller | Clean out; grease; note any problems |
| Brine equipment | Flush tanks, lines, nozzles; test pumps and spray | Flush or drain lines |
| Lights and alarms | Test every light, strobe and backup alarm | Replace failed bulbs |
| Loaders, backups, parts | Service loaders and backup trucks; stock spare parts | Restock parts used |
Why Do Pre-Season Snow Equipment Checks Pay Off?
Snow season doesn’t give you a second chance. When the first storm hits, every truck needs to start, every blade needs to drop and every spreader needs to put down the right amount of salt. The work you do in the shop now decides how the first long shift goes.
Here are 7 checks to finish before the first forecast storm. For the full truck inspection, use our fleet vehicle maintenance checklist.
1. What should a snow plow truck walkaround include?
Check tires and chains, brakes, wipers, defrosters, heaters, mirrors, the battery, fluids and anything leaking under the truck.
Start with the basics that strand trucks: tires and chains, brakes, wipers, defrosters, heaters, mirrors and the battery. Check fluids and filters, and look for leaks under the truck. A driver who can’t see out of a fogged windshield is a safety problem, not just a comfort one.
2. How do you check snow plow hydraulics before winter?
Check fluid level and condition, inspect every hose and fitting, and run each function through its full range.
Hydraulic failures stop more plows than anything else. Check fluid level and condition, look for cracked, rubbed or bulging hoses, tighten fittings, and work every function through its full range. Replace any hose that looks questionable now. Cold makes worn hoses fail faster.
3. When should plow cutting edges be replaced?
Replace cutting edges that are near their wear limit before the season, and check bolts, shoes, trip springs and mounts at the same time.
Measure cutting-edge wear and replace edges that are near the limit. Check the bolts, shoes, trip springs, moldboard and mounting hardware for cracks or wear. Make sure each blade mounts and unmounts easily, because you’ll be doing it in the cold.
4. How do you calibrate a salt spreader?
Service the conveyor or auger, spinner and chains, then calibrate the controller so the setting matches what actually hits the road.
Check the conveyor or auger, spinner, chains, bearings and motor, and grease what needs it. Then calibrate each spreader controller so the setting on the dial matches what actually hits the road. A spreader that puts down too much wastes salt; one that puts down too little leaves ice. Recalibrate after any repair to the spinner, conveyor or controller.
5. How do you get brine equipment ready for winter?
Flush tanks, lines and nozzles that sat all summer, check pumps and valves, and test the spray pattern before the first pre-treatment.
Flush tanks, lines and nozzles that sat all summer, check pumps and valves, and look for corrosion. Make sure lines can be drained or kept from freezing between runs. Test spray patterns before the first pre-treatment day.
6. Which lights and alarms should be checked on plow trucks?
Test headlights, plow lights, strobes, warning lights, backup alarms and reflective markings on every unit.
Check headlights, plow lights, strobes and warning lights, backup alarms and reflective markings on every unit. Other drivers need to see a plow truck from a long way off, especially in blowing snow.
7. What spare parts should public works stock for snow season?
Stock the parts that stop trucks mid-storm: cutting edges and bolts, hydraulic hoses and fittings, fuses, lights, and spinner and conveyor parts.
The salt pile needs a working loader, and a breakdown needs a backup truck. Service loaders and backup units the same way as front-line trucks. Stock the parts that fail mid-storm: cutting edges and bolts, hydraulic hoses and fittings, fuses, lights, spinner and conveyor parts.
How Does a CMMS Help Public Works Get Ready for Snow Season?
A CMMS keeps every plow truck, spreader and loader on a pre-season PM schedule and records the work done during each storm. That gives you a clear picture of which units are ready and what each storm cost in hours and parts.
- Pre-season PMs by unit: walkarounds, hydraulics and spreader calibration as recurring work orders for every truck.
- Storm work on record: repairs, hours and materials logged against each piece of equipment.
- Parts tracking: know how many cutting edges, hoses and fuses are on the shelf before the next storm.
- Built for public works: see how public works departments use eWorkOrders.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should public works crews do pre-season snow equipment checks?
Finish them before the first forecast storm, which in most northern areas means October or November. Give yourself enough time to order and install any parts the checks turn up.
How often should salt spreaders be calibrated?
At least once before each season, and again after any repair to the spinner, conveyor or controller. Calibration makes sure the rate you set is the rate that actually goes on the road.
What spare parts should we stock for snow season?
Stock the parts that fail mid-storm and stop a truck: cutting edges and bolts, hydraulic hoses and fittings, fuses, light bulbs, and spinner and conveyor parts. Restock after every storm.
How should we track storm work?
Log each storm’s equipment hours, materials used and repairs as work orders. That record helps with next year’s budget and makes it easier to show where the time and materials went.
Can a CMMS track snow plow maintenance?
Yes. A CMMS can schedule pre-season checks for each plow truck and spreader, log repairs and hours during each storm, and track the spare parts you keep on hand.
Final Thoughts
Every hour in the shop in November saves hours on the road in January. Check the trucks, hydraulics, blades and spreaders now, stock the parts that fail mid-storm, and log every storm’s work.
Keep Every Job on Schedule and On Record
Use our free fleet vehicle maintenance checklist for the full truck inspection, and track every storm’s work with eWorkOrders. eWorkOrders has supported maintenance operations for over 30 years, serving teams at Honda and King River Packaging, rated 4.9 on Capterra and G2.
About the author: Janet Jaquis is Marketing Director at eWorkOrders, where she writes about maintenance strategy, asset reliability, and CMMS software for maintenance and facility teams.
