When winter gets to its worst, we rely on our equipment to step up and do its job. We also rely on things like a sand spreader. A quality spreader helping us keep roads and driveways passable. It also keeps parking lots safe. Sand spreaders, however, like any piece of heavy equipment, are subject to downtime and other operational challenges. Clogging, specifically, is a leading factor for problems with a sand spreader. Fortunately, proper maintenance can make each sand spreader more effective. With a few simple solutions, we can keep our equipment working when we need it most.
Why Does a Sand Spreader Get Clogged?
In most cases, clogging occurs due to a build-up of moisture. Sand, in the presence of water, can clump together, leading to blockages or backups within the hopper or at the discharge point. Once freezing temperatures are introduced, the situation can become more complicated in a hurry.
Dirt and sand screenings can also cause issues. If the sand isn’t screened to the right level, or if it’s mixed with other materials that can introduce moisture or dust into the hopper, the likelihood of an obstruction increases. Tailgate spreaders may still struggle to operate effectively when forced to discharge inconsistent, irregular material.
How to Prevent Clogging in the First Place
In most cases, we can avoid the problem by focusing on the material we’re working with. Ensuring we have dry, clean sand is the first step, but it doesn’t end there. If we store the material in a dry, covered location, we can mitigate the risk of the sand becoming damp or slushy during storage. It’s one of the easiest, most effective ways to keep a sand spreader free of any internal build-up.
Performing pre-season checks on our sand spreader is another easy way to spot potential issues or trouble points before they become real problems. We ensure the hopper is clean and empty of any residual material, then perform a visual inspection on the auger and spinner to identify any potential buildup or signs of wear and tear. If we spot an issue with a particular component, we replace it, rather than trying to run our spreader without addressing the problem first.
The Importance of Dealer Support
For many, having the right dealer support network is one of the most important considerations in choosing a sand spreader. A good dealer will know their equipment inside and out, including everything from the best maintenance intervals and replacement parts to what materials work best with a particular model.
At Hiniker, we’ve spent a long time working closely with our network of sand spreader dealers, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to support our customers and make our equipment better. Whether we’re working with tailgate spreader dealers or a dealer that specializes in larger hopper systems, the aim is always the same: help reduce downtime and extend the life of the sand spreader.
Useful Accessories for Preventing Spreader Issues
In addition to proper maintenance and choice of material, there are accessories that we can use to our advantage to prevent the formation of any issues in the first place. Salt & sand spreader accessories can be installed on a hopper spreader to help keep material moving. This accessory vibrates the hopper, helping to break up or dislodge any material that may be forming a blockage or has settled within the hopper over time.
In some cases, a receiver hitch spreader may be easier to maintain simply due to accessibility. Smaller spreaders may be unhooked quickly in between uses, then emptied and cleaned more completely than larger models. This ease of access is one of the many reasons an operator who works with a mix of lots and roadways often prefers using a receiver hitch sand spreader.
Conclusion
Sand spreaders can get clogged, but we can stop that from happening. Proper storage, screening for clean materials, and regular maintenance are all critical, but there are smart accessories and tools we can use to get more life out of our equipment as well. With the right sand spreader dealers in our corner, we have all the resources we need to weather winter.
Do you need quality snow removal equipment and accessories? Contact us at Hiniker today!
Hiniker has been a proud Minnesota-based manufacturer since 1995. We are proud to offer the highest quality salt & sand spreaders, snow plows, skid steers, truck plows, accessories, and more! Our equipment at Hiniker is built to enable the operator to work as efficiently as possible.
At Hiniker, we take great pride in providing equipment that is straightforward and reliable. We can help you with anything from a blaze bar light to a receiver hitch spreader. Our team wants you to avoid as much downtime as possible so you can clear all the snow and ice that stands in your way!
Contact us today by calling (800) 433-5620 to find out more about the premium snow removal products we offer. You can also follow us on Facebook for the latest news regarding Hiniker’s premium equipment and accessories.
