Preparing Your Pickup Snow Plows for Winter Use 

Snow removal contractors and property managers prepare their equipment for the long winter season ahead. Many people begin their preparation by ensuring their snow plows for pickups are fully equipped and operational. Pickup plows that receive regular maintenance represent essential equipment for snow removal because they offer versatility and maneuverability for residential and light commercial applications. 

Since 1995, Minnesota-based Hiniker has been providing snow removal equipment that helps professionals nationwide maintain clear roads and driveways during harsh winter conditions. Preparing your truck plow ahead of the snow season helps you prevent operational delays and avoid costly mechanical problems. 

Snow Plows for Pickups: Why Winter Preparation Matters  

The effectiveness of your pickup truck plow depends entirely on its current condition and setup. Equipment experiences wear from cold temperatures and icy conditions during long operation hours when it hasn’t undergone proper servicing and storage. A pre-season inspection followed by cleaning and adjustment will make your plow dependable during peak needs. 

Preparation ensures your investment is protected regardless of whether you use steel snow plows or composite options allowing you to stay active while others are in the shop. 

Start with a Full Inspection  

Make sure to thoroughly examine your plow for any signs of wear or damage before attaching it. Examine the frame for cracks and bent parts as well as corrosion on older pickup plows that might have remained in damp storage conditions. Make sure hydraulic hoses show no signs of leaks while confirming electrical connections remain tight and moisture-free. 

Don’t overlook the plow’s cutting edge. An unevenly worn edge on your plow will reduce snow removal efficiency and accelerate wear on the equipment. You can avoid operational disruptions during heavy snowfalls by now replacing the plow’s cutting edge or making necessary adjustments. 

Check Your Mounting Hardware  

Proper mounting is essential for safe operation. Examine mounting brackets, bolts, and pins to identify any signs of damage or rust. When mounting hardware becomes loose or misaligned it causes performance issues and may lead to detachment during operation. Reviewing your plow’s manufacturer guidelines each season remains essential because Hiniker supplies comprehensive installation instructions for its truck plows. 

Regularly evaluate your vehicle’s front suspension to maintain proper function. The addition of a plow to your pickup brings extra weight to the front end while worn shocks or springs can degrade both the vehicle’s ride quality and its effectiveness at clearing snow. 

Service the Hydraulic and Electrical Systems  

Modern snow plows for pickups depend on hydraulic systems to function efficiently. Keep plow hydraulic fluid clean and at proper levels for optimal performance. If your system hasn’t received maintenance recently then you should flush the fluid to avoid freezing problems and poor performance during cold weather. 

As one of the top truck plow dealers, Hiniker suggests inspecting the truck’s controller for proper responsiveness while testing the functionality of all lift and angle features. Replace electrical connectors that show wear and confirm your battery can power both the truck and plow efficiently. 

For assistance in finding replacement hydraulic parts or ensuring new plow control systems compatibility your truck plow accessories dealer serves as a valuable resource. 

Prepare the Blade for Performance  

Not all snow plows for pickups are the same. The surface of the blade needs to be clean and treated regardless of whether you’re using V-blades, straight blades or compact skid steer plows. Applying a protective coating after rust removal can enhance performance by preventing sticking problems. Operators who want to prevent snow from sticking to plow blades sometimes use blade wax or other treatments to facilitate easier snow removal. 

Steel snow plows require diligent rust prevention to maintain their functionality. Remove residual salt, oil, and grease from last season’s usage and repair any paint chips to maintain blade protection during intense operation. 

Lighting and Visibility  

Snowstorms bring reduced visibility together with extended periods of darkness when they hit. Ensure the functionality of your plow lights particularly if they include LED units or modern truck plow accessories. Maintain clear lenses and conduct wiring connection tests to prevent electrical shorts or power failures during operations. Quality lighting setups play an essential role in maintaining safety beyond simple convenience. 

You should contact your truck plow accessories dealer for compatible upgrade options if your system lacks a light bar or auxiliary lighting. 

Final Checks and Preseason Storage  

Perform a thorough inspection of your plow system before snowfall starts. Conduct tests of all hydraulic movements together with the angle adjustments and lifting functions. When the plow reaches the ground ensure it remains level without any aggressive tilt from side to side. Uneven ground contact from your blade may indicate a problem with either the mount or blade alignment. 

Choose a dry storage place that provides easy access to keep your plow ready for use at any time. Review all essential systems prior to each major snow event to ensure proper functionality especially after extended periods of inactivity. 

Conclusion: Stay Ready with Proper Prep  

Preparing your pickup snow plows ahead of winter can mean the difference between a successful snow season and one plagued by expensive delays. The combination of proper setup and reliable equipment plus preseason maintenance prepares you to handle any snowstorm confidently. 

Hiniker provides top-notch snow removal equipment and accessories. Contact us 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.