Pro Tips for Snow Equipment: Pre-Season Prep & Off-Season Storage
Pre-Season Equipment Preparation: What to Do Before the First Snowfall
When the flakes start falling, you need your truck-mounted snow and ice equipment to be ready at a moment’s notice. Downtime during a snowfall can mean lost time, revenue, and opportunities. We asked our Work Truck West Service team to offer their expertise on the best methods to properly prepare and store your snow plows and sanders in the off-season so you’re reliable and ready when the time comes.
“The nature of snow and ice equipment is you’re only using it seasonally, giving it plenty of time and opportunity to develop issues during the off-season,” explains Product Support Manager, Steve VanOene. “We see a few common issues when customers install the equipment on their trucks for the first time that year and start plowing or salting without thoroughly inspecting and maintaining key components.”
September is the ideal time to bring your equipment back into service. Here’s what to check before that first storm hits:
Reconnect, Power Up, and Test Your Units
Make sure your snowplows and spreaders are installed correctly and all electrical connections are secure and corrosion-free. Check that connections are firm and clean connections at all plugs.
Conduct a Full Mechanical Inspection
At Work Truck West we recommend performing a regular preventative maintenance. We walk through each component systematically during an inspection:
- Hydraulic fluid: Flush and replace annually
- Hoses & fittings: Check for cracks, leaks, or loose connections
- Trip springs: Back-drag and reset
- Spinner motors, bearings, and chains: Clean, grease, and test for smooth operation
- Vehicle checklist: Inspect tires, battery, lights, and charging system
Stock Your Shelf: Parts That Save the Day
Don’t wait for something to break mid-storm. Keep key wear parts on hand, we recommend stocking the following common wear parts:
- Snowplows: Cutting edges, shoes
- Spreaders: Bearings, belts, spinner motors
- Electrical: Extra controllers and modules
Schedule Professional Pre-Season Service
Our Work Truck team offers comprehensive pre-season inspections to make sure you’re 100% ready for winter.
As part of our inspection service, we’ll:
- Run and test the plow and spreader systems
- Adjust belt and chain tension
- Check for harness wear and corrosion
- Grease hoppers and moving components
As the snow season winds down, your snow and ice equipment deserve more than just a spot in the corner of the garage. Proper off-season storage and timely pre-season preparation can make the difference between a smooth first snowfall and costly downtime.
Whether you’re operating a snow plow, salt spreader, or both, following these essential steps will help protect your investment and keep your equipment operating reliably year after year.
How to Store Your Snow Equipment Like a Pro
Clean It Thoroughly
The biggest issue we see in snowplows coming back into service is corrosion in the electrical connections between the snowplow and truck. Before storing your equipment ensure that all electrical modules, connector pins, and casings are cleaned and clear of debris. Leftover residue—especially salt—can lead to rust, corrosion, and premature wear. We pay particular attention to any steel or moving parts that could seize if they developed corrosion.
Inspect Now, Avoid Repairs Later
Putting your snow plow and salt spreaders away improperly can result in corrosion on all the electrical and steel surfaces. Ensuring the electrical connections are free of any moisture or debris and checking the steel components for rust, chips, or other damage before storing your equipment is imperative to consistent, reliable operation when you need it next season.
Any issues that are identified now can be repaired in the off-season instead of causing delays during the first storm.
Lube it or Lose it: Protect the Moving Parts
There are several key parts and components that we recommend inspecting and lubricating before you store your equipment. Lubrication is key to preventing corrosion and seizing, we recommend the following inspection practices:
- Annual hydraulic fluid exchanges for your Fisher snow plow
- Clean and grease the bearings and the conveyor chain carefully every time you put your salt spreader away for the season.
- Apply a generous coat of grease to pins, joints, pistons, and other moving parts
- Coat bare or worn metal surfaces with paint or rust-inhibiting primer to prevent corrosion
Store in a Controlled Environment
Fisher snowplows use the Minute 2 Mount system which makes disconnecting and reconnecting your equipment an easy job. Once your plow is unhooked you can then select the appropriate place to store your plow. Along with your sander/salter, your plow should be stored in a clean dry area preferably indoors. The ideal storage location minimizes exposure to moisture, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations. If indoor storage isn’t an option, ensure you keep your equipment undercover and elevated from the ground to avoid moisture getting trapped underneath. You should also avoid using a tarp as moisture can also build between the tarp and your equipment.
For Fisher Tempest salt spreaders, vertical storage helps prevent residual material from resting on the conveyor and bearings.
Avoid Surprises: Plan Ahead
Snow and ice equipment is a seasonal investment—but seasonal use doesn’t mean it can be forgotten for half the year. Taking the time to clean, inspect, and store your gear properly, and scheduling pre-season maintenance in September, ensures you’re up and running the moment the flakes fly.
Need help getting ready? Contact our service team today to book your pre-season inspection.
British Columbia
Ready to book your pre-season appointment? Contact Steve or call 604.855.5101
Looking for some parts for your equipment? Contact Miti or call 604.855.5101
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba
For parts or service: Contact Travis or call 403.930.2464
Eastern Canada
For parts or service: call 1-800-255-5211