End of Season Equipment Storage

Protecting your Snow Removal Fleet

By Jared J.

1. Introduction

As the winter season comes to a close, snow plow operators and fleet managers must shift their focus from battling snow and ice to properly storing their vehicles and equipment. Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the condition and performance of your fleet, ensuring that everything is ready for the next snow season. In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to storing your snow removal equipment at the end of the season, discussing key considerations and best practices to protect your investment.

Storing Equipment Properly at Season’s End
Cleaning and Inspecting Equipment:

Before storing your equipment, it’s essential to give everything a thorough cleaning and inspection. This process will help prevent corrosion and uncover any hidden damage that may have occurred during the season.

Wash all vehicles and equipment, removing salt, sand, and other corrosive substances.
Inspect for any signs of rust, corrosion, or wear and address these issues as needed.
Check all moving parts for proper function and lubrication, taking note of any repairs or replacements that may be necessary.

2. Servicing Equipment

After a busy winter season, your vehicles and equipment may require maintenance to ensure their continued performance and reliability. Before storing your fleet, be sure to:

Perform a thorough inspection of your vehicles, looking for any signs of wear or damage that may need attention.
Change engine oil and filters, as well as other fluids, such as transmission and brake fluid, if necessary.
Address any mechanical issues or repairs that have arisen during the season, ensuring that your fleet is in good working order before storage.

3. Draining Fluids

Draining certain fluids from your equipment is an essential step in preventing degradation and potential damage during storage. Be sure to:

Drain gasoline from small engines, such as snow blowers, to prevent fuel degradation and potential damage to the engine.
Remove any remaining hydraulic fluid from hoses and lines, as well as from salt spreaders and other hydraulic equipment, to prevent contamination and damage.
If applicable, drain water from pressure washer systems to prevent freezing and cracking during storage.

4. Lubricating and Protecting Equipment

To keep your equipment in optimal condition during storage, it’s important to lubricate and protect moving parts.

Apply a thin layer of lubricant to all moving parts, such as hinges, levers, and gears, to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation when the equipment is needed again.
If possible, apply a rust-inhibiting spray or protective coating to exposed metal surfaces, further reducing the risk of corrosion during storage.

5. Preparing Batteries for Storage

Proper battery care is essential to prolonging their lifespan and ensuring that your equipment is ready to go when the next snow season arrives.

Remove batteries from your equipment and store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Consider using a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep batteries at an optimal charge level during storage, preventing them from becoming overly depleted and prolonging their lifespan.

6. Choosing a Storage Location

Selecting the right storage location for your vehicles and equipment is critical to protecting them from damage and ensuring their readiness for the next snow season.

Choose a secure, dry, and well-ventilated area to store your equipment, protecting it from the elements and potential theft or vandalism.
If possible, avoid storing equipment on the ground or directly on concrete, as this can lead to moisture-related issues and corrosion. Instead, use pallets, blocks, or other platforms to elevate the equipment off the ground.

7. Properly Storing Snow Plow Blades and Attachments

Snow plow blades and other attachments require special care during storage to maintain their functionality and prolong their lifespan.

Remove snow plow blades and other attachments from the vehicles, cleaning and inspecting them for any signs of wear or damage.
Apply a rust-inhibiting spray or protective coating to exposed metal surfaces on the plow blades and other attachments to help prevent corrosion during storage.
Store blades and attachments in a dry, secure location, ideally off the ground to prevent moisture-related issues.
Consider using a cover or tarp to protect plow blades and attachments from dust, dirt, and moisture during storage.

8. Storing Salt Spreaders and Deicing Equipment

Proper storage of salt spreaders and other deicing equipment is critical for maintaining their performance and preventing damage during the off-season.

Clean and rinse all salt spreaders and deicing equipment thoroughly, removing any residual salt and chemicals that could corrode the equipment during storage.
Lubricate moving parts and apply a protective coating to exposed metal surfaces to prevent rust and corrosion.
Store salt spreaders and deicing equipment in a dry, secure location, ensuring that they are protected from moisture and other potential sources of damage.

9. Documenting and Planning for Next Season

As you prepare your vehicles and equipment for storage, it’s a good opportunity to document any repairs, replacements, or maintenance tasks that were performed during the season, as well as any issues that may need attention before the next snow season.

Create a detailed inventory of your fleet, noting the condition of each vehicle and piece of equipment, as well as any repairs or maintenance tasks that were performed during the season.
Identify any issues that may require attention before the next snow season, such as worn tires, damaged plow blades, or mechanical problems.
Develop a maintenance plan for the off-season, scheduling necessary repairs and replacements, as well as routine tasks like oil changes and tire rotations.

Conclusion

By following these best practices for end-of-season equipment storage, you can ensure that your snow removal fleet is well-protected and ready for the next winter season. Proper storage not only helps prolong the lifespan of your vehicles and equipment but also contributes to a more efficient and effective snow removal operation when the snow starts falling again. By investing time and effort into proper storage procedures, you can minimize costly repairs, downtime, and ensure the continued success of your snow removal business.

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