When winter weather moves in quickly and with fury, our customers know they can depend on their snow and ice equipment to keep up with the storm. Hiniker is proud to have leading tailgate spreader dealer, and we know just how important it is to keep your equipment in proper working order. Regular maintenance is the key to fewer breakdowns and headaches this winter.
For contractors that rely on commercial-grade tailgate spreaders to keep roads or parking lots clear — routine service is the best way to get the most out of your equipment. If you’re not sure what a solid upkeep plan looks like, follow these tips from a tailgate spreader dealer that’s been in the business for more than 100 years.
Inspect Everything First
Don’t jump right into the snow and ice control season without thoroughly inspecting your equipment first. Check your tailgate spreaders for rust, corrosion, or any other damage. Pay particular attention to the spinner assembly. Also check the motor and wiring. Fix or replace any issues right away. This way you won’t be left in the lurch when a major snowstorm arrives.
We have found that with our tailgate spreader dealer, many problems occur with the electrical components when moisture has been allowed to sit in the unit during the off-season. Moisture will cause corrosion of your connections, which can lead to bigger problems later on.
Clean Everything After Each Use
Salt and sand are corrosive. If left on your tailgate sanders or salt spreaders, these materials can damage your equipment over time. Be sure to take the time to thoroughly rinse all components with clean water after each use. Make sure to dry everything completely before storage.
This includes the inside of the hopper. Leftover materials can harden and lead to blockages. A little bit of extra cleanup time at the end of the day can save you from much bigger headaches down the road.
Grease All Moving Parts
Make it a point to lubricate all moving parts of your snow and ice equipment. This includes the auger and spinner. Without lubrication, friction can lead to premature wear. As a reputable tailgate spreader dealer, we recommend creating a regular lubrication schedule during the winter operating season.
Choose a high-quality grease that is designed to work in low temperatures. All motor shafts and bearings should be a part of this routine. Even top-of-the-line machines, like those made by Hiniker, will have shorter lifespans if not properly maintained.

Use Dry Materials
Your receiver hitch spreader or tailgate model will spread salt or sand more evenly when the material is dry and free-flowing. Wet material is heavy, clumps together, and is more likely to jam and clog the system. Store all de-icing material in a dry location, and be careful about filling up the hopper when the weather is wet.
It’s important to have equipment that’s reliable and dependable. Moisture control is an easy fix that goes a long way to having smooth operation and less stress on your motor. Dry materials are also easier on your truck and save money in fuel costs.
Work With a Dealer Who Knows the Job
Finding a quality tailgate spreader dealer to partner with is an important part of the purchasing or maintenance process. At Hiniker, we build this equipment, we drive it, and we stand behind it. We know what winter conditions are like in your area, and our staff is always ready to help with real answers to questions large and small.
Our team has extensive experience in the snow and ice control business. This experience shows up in the ways we design and engineer our tailgate spreaders to make them reliable, easy to service, and smart for operators in the field. All Hiniker snow and ice equipment is designed with maintenance in mind so you can spend less time servicing and more time working.
The Benefits of Regular Maintenance
If you properly maintain your equipment, you will enjoy higher productivity, less wear and tear on your truck, and lower repair costs. When your snow and ice equipment is working at full capacity, your job site is safer, and your crew is more efficient. As one of the top salt spreader dealers, we are proud to help the professionals who work so hard to keep roads, parking lots, and neighborhoods safe.
Conclusion
We take pride at Hiniker in not only manufacturing heavy-duty tools that work hard but also helping customers to get the most from their equipment. We are a trusted source of commercial snow and ice control solutions that keep your crew in motion.
Contact our team at Hiniker today to learn more about high-quality snow removal equipment and accessories. We are here to help you get your spreaders ready for another successful winter season.

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.