It’s time to start preparing for your snow and ice control jobs as the beginning of winter draws closer. This means it’s also a good time to give yourself and your team a quick refresher course in safely operating your heavy–duty winter equipment like snowplows. No one is immune to making mistakes or rushing through a job, regardless of experience,. So, periodic reminders to help everyone from newbies to veterans avoid dangerous situations are always smart! Here are some tips and guidelines you should be keeping in mind this winter.
Maintain Proper Speed
Everyone who’s ever operated a snowplow has probably been guilty of rushing a bit, whether to hurry to another job or just get home and get out of the cold, miserable weather. Whatever the reason, if you catch yourself pushing your speed, it’s important to check yourself and immediately slow down. 25 mph or less is the safest speed for snowplowing– not to mention that you’re less likely to miss spots and do a poor job at a lower speed. Racing through a plowing job only leads to danger for you and everyone else who is in the area, so keep the speed down to ensure this doesn’t become an issue!
Check for Signs of Overtaxing
Even by itself without any snow and ice providing resistance on the road, a snow plow is a large and heavy piece of machinery for a truck to manage. Add the weight of wet, heavy snow, and you’ve got a recipe for overheating and overtaxing your vehicle. It’s crucial to monitor your engine temperature when plowing, because even heavy-duty trucks have their limitations. An engine that is overheated might spell disaster and leave you stranded with no way to finish the job– or get out of the cold. Instead, make sure to maintain your plow angle to allow for ample airflow, avoid pushing snow uphill, and pull over if your engine starts to overheat.
Look for Obstacles
Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to check out the area you plan to clear before you begin and look for any potential hazards. The list is endless: mailboxes, islands, railroad tracks, manhole covers, speed bumps, curbs, and more could pose a problem for you and your equipment. It’s always a good idea to have some idea of where these obstacles are before you start plowing, especially if you have the chance to inspect the area before any snowfall occurs. Potentially damaging your equipment and local infrastructure by running into roadblocks like these is just not worth it!
Get Regular Services and Maintenance
Above all, how safe you can stay on a plowing job greatly depends on the condition of your vehicle, plow, and other equipment. Malfunctioning or damaged equipment is certain to cause issues that could endanger you or your team members, not to mention requiring you to spend time and money on repairs. You can avoid this trouble and keep safe on the road by having your vehicles and equipment serviced and maintained on a regular basis! Get in touch with Levan Machine and Truck Equipment today if your truck or plow needs maintenance. We’ll make sure you’re prepared for winter no matter what it has in store.