We get it. You need your snow and ice control equipment to be reliable. Since 1995, we have been designing and building the most efficient, durable equipment so you, the operator, can work more efficiently through every winter storm. Our Hiniker C-Plow and Scoop Plow, our heavy-duty line of spreaders, and every other piece of equipment are designed to get the job done. This means saving you time, reducing maintenance, and ensuring consistent performance.
Maintenance Tips to Increase the Lifespan of Your Receiver Hitch Spreader
Your receiver hitch spreader is one of the workhorses in your operation. Spreading salt, sand, or both, your spreader is integral to the task of keeping roads, parking lots, and walkways safe. With a little care, you can ensure your spreader lasts longer and works well when you need it most.
Give It a Thorough Cleaning
Salt and sand are hard on metal components. The best way to start is to rinse out your receiver hitch spreader with low-pressure water after each use. The goal is to remove as much leftover material as possible. This includes the hopper, spinner, and chute—these areas are where salt is apt to collect. Let it dry thoroughly before putting it away.
Cleaning the spreader will prevent corrosion, salt, and moisture from building up and seizing components. If the build-up isn’t removed, it will continue to corrode and wear parts down faster. A little cleaning in-season will also help; a quick rinse with low-pressure water between loads will keep the spreader running at peak efficiency. If clumps are left or moisture in the hopper, they will freeze overnight and cause clogs when you need it and your salter running the next morning.
Inspect It Regularly
Problems with snow removal equipment often start small and escalate. We recommend taking a few minutes before each use to visually inspect the receiver hitch spreader and look for loose connections, broken wires, and evidence of rust or wear at mounting points. Check to make sure that auger and spinner are moving freely and there is no debris caught in the hopper, spinner, or chute.
Regular inspections help you catch small problems before they slow you down or leave you stranded mid-route. Tightening fasteners and ensuring moving parts aren’t binding also help spread material more evenly and puts less wear on the motor.
Electrical Connections
The electrical components of your receiver hitch spreader are exposed to moisture, salt, and cold during normal winter work. Make sure all plugs are clean and corrosion-free. Apply dielectric grease to all connections to add another layer of protection.
Electrical connections and wiring are often the most overlooked part of maintaining tailgate spreaders. Operator complaints of inconsistent flow and performance can often be traced back to corrosion or loose electrical connections. A few minutes of attention to wiring and plugs will save a lot of downtime.
Use the Right Material
Materials have a big impact on how your spreader performs. Wet sand, for example, will cake up and clog your flow. Dry, consistent material always spreads more evenly and doesn’t put as much strain on the motor. If possible, store your material in a dry area under cover to prevent it from absorbing moisture.
For those who use their spreader most as a sand spreader, you’ll want to monitor the material mix and moisture more regularly. If you are using it primarily for salt application, you may want to check for compacted material that may have hardened with temperature fluctuations. Small changes to material quality can have a big impact on spread.
Motor and Spinner
The motor is one of the most important parts of your spreader. Listen for strange noises or sluggishness. Either can be a sign of an issue with buildup or electrical problems. To reduce buildup, be sure to clean around the motor housing after use. Preventing the unit from getting splashed with road spray helps it last longer.
Inspect the spinner for cracks or other deformities. Even a small imperfection in the spinner can cause a material imbalance, which can lead to an inconsistent pattern and wasted material. Your tailgate spreaders produce a consistent pattern, which saves you time and money.
Check Accessories and Adjustments
Tailgate spreaders are often enhanced with salt & sand spreader accessories for improved application control. If you have any add-ons for your spreader, such as flow gates, controllers, or deflectors, make sure they are properly adjusted and calibrated. Accessories can help improve efficiency, but they must be properly maintained.
If you have cables, sensors, and controls, check them before heading out for the day. This will help you ensure accurate operation. When all parts are working together, you get a more consistent result and waste less material.
Maintenance Equals Performance
Your receiver hitch spreader is built to handle harsh winter conditions, but even the most durable equipment needs a little TLC to perform at its best. Regular maintenance will keep your spreader reliable through every snowstorm and last for many years.
At Hiniker, we design our equipment so that routine maintenance is simple. Everything from quick access parts to corrosion-resistant materials is designed with our goal in mind—to help you, the operator, work more efficiently, safely, and confidently, no matter how tough the job.
Conclusion
Maintaining your receiver hitch spreaders and tailgate sanders is really all about a consistent cleaning, inspection, and storage routine. Keep your electrical connections and moving parts lubricated. Make sure your materials are clean and dry. After each storm, a few minutes of attention will pay dividends in winter by keeping your spreader delivering smooth and even coverage.
Hiniker has been a proud Minnesota-based manufacturer since 1995. We 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.
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.
