START PREPARING YOUR SNOWPLOW FOR WINTER WITH DINAMITEK
Dinamitek presents the guide for autumn maintenance of snowplows
Start preparing your snowplow for winter with Dinamitek
Even as we face the first chills of autumn, it's a good idea to check the maintenance status of your snowplow now, rather than waiting until you're in a full-blown snow emergency before checking to see if it's working properly. Plus, there's still time to order spare parts and accessories and have them delivered promptly.
If the end-of-season storage was done correctly, the next check is primarily for accuracy. Remember that all maintenance operations should be performed with the engine off.
The snowplow needed to be put away:
- with the tank completely empty. To use up all the fuel, you physically empty the tank and start the car until the petrol runs out.
- with all components intact
- cleaned thoroughly. Solvents and water jets are not recommended for cleaning.
- with the rotating group unobstructed. The instruction manual explains how to do this.
Now that we are close to the start of the season, it is necessary to:
- replace the spark plug
- replace the belt
- do the oil change
- check that the silencer does not have any corrosion points
- check that the blade is not worn
When using the snow blower, remember that:
- you need to give the car time to acclimatise to the outside temperature
- It is mandatory to wear appropriate PPE to protect hands, feet, eyes and ears
- This refers to fresh petrol, one refill must be consumed within 30 days
- tire pressure must be correct
You need to prepare the work area before you start using the snow blower:
- to clear out
- adjust the deflector for height and distance to direct the snow jet in the most suitable direction
- Adjust the height of the collector box and skid plate according to the surface conditions: high if you need to clear snow from a driveway, low if the surface is gravel, intermediate on uneven surfaces. EXPERT TIP: Always set both plates to the same height.
To clear snow, you need to proceed at an appropriate speed. Too fast will overload the machine's capacity. In wet, heavy, or icy snow, proceed slowly and overlap the track. This method slows down the progress but prevents damage to the machine. For the same reason, it's best not to let too much snow accumulate before starting clearing. For safety's sake, it's best not to use the snowplow while it's snowing; instead, you should adjust your snowplow's capacity based on the machine's capabilities. The height of the auger assembly is the reference point you should follow.
When using a snow blower, be sure to keep the engine clean and free of snow to ensure proper airflow. When you're finished using the snow blower, let it run a little longer to ensure the engine is clear of snow.
During the winter season, the maintenance schedule is
- Check engine oil level after 25 hours of use
- Engine oil change (at least once a year) 50 hours of use
- Belt replacement after 100 hours of use or if loose
The only component that requires lubrication is the auger case, preferably using Ronex ED #1 grease. The other components will be damaged if lubricated.