Pages 78-83
Snow and Ice Section For more information on snow-clearing equipment and spreaders, visit CEG's Web site at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.
Tips On Maintaining Trucks/Truck Bodies During Winter By Ruksana Hussain CEG CORRESPONDENT
Among the many challenges winter weather brings is preparing equipment to bear the brunt of the brutal temperatures experienced also while maintaining safety. Preserving the quality of truck equipment to function optimally is an important part of that process. From fuel and tires to batteries and windshields, here are some steps to practice in caring for your trucks. Create Master Checklist Before winter season hits, but also during cold weather conditions, maintain a master checklist of all the parts and pieces that need to be given a good once over to ensure your truck has no issues when on the road. This includes brakes, hoses, batteries and belts; all the lights — headlights, brake lights, taillights and blinkers; and any oil and filter changes. An important step in preventive maintenance, applying high-quality grease at regular intervals on steering and suspensions helps keep early wear and tear and any expensive breakdowns at bay. Ideally, all fixtures and fittings that must be lubricated should be addressed before each job. Wisconsin-based Monroe Truck Equipment’s Scott Hanewell, general manager of the commercial division, said, “Check the overall condition of your equipment. Regular maintenance and daily inspections are vital for maintaining the health of your plow and truck. Keep an eye open for typical damage that occurs during plowing season such as cracks in the framework of your plow, the plow moldboard, trip springs and the vehicle's undercarriage. There are many fasteners on your plow and vehicle undercarriage. A daily inspection of these fasteners is recommended. Refer to your plow manual for the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications.” Monroe Truck Equipment photo
An important step in preventive maintenance, applying high-quality grease at regular intervals on steering and suspensions helps keep early wear and tear and any expensive breakdowns at bay.
Monroe Truck Equipment photo
Before winter season hits, but also during cold weather conditions, maintain a master checklist of all the parts and pieces that need to be given a good once over to ensure your truck has no issues when on the road.
Truck Body Maintenance Corrosion is a major culprit for trucks deemed out of commission earlier than their time. Chemicals and salt cause rust and the truck is bound to succumb to it at some point. While that cannot be avoided, the rate at which rust takes over certainly can be delayed. Regularly washing trucks will not only keep it clean of contaminants but also make obvious any chips in the paint that need to be addressed. Door locks should be sprayed with a lubricant like WD-40 to protect from moisture, which will help keep away any rust formation on that surface. see TIPS page 80
