Essential Prep Tips for Fleet Managers and Snow Removal Pros

When winter hits the Midwest, commercial snow operations can’t afford to be caught off guard. Whether you manage a fleet or operate your own snow removal service, being prepared for plow season directly impacts your uptime, safety, and bottom line.

It’s crucial to ensure your equipment is ready before the first snow and to be fully prepared when the first snowflake falls. Early preparation helps you stay ahead of winter challenges and avoid costly downtime.

At Kunes Commercial Trucks, we help you get winter-ready with the right vehicles, snow plow prep packages, and service solutions.

Proper planning now means less downtime later. Use this snow plow maintenance checklist to get started:

• Inspect hydraulic lines and fluid levels
• Check plow mounts and electrical connections
• Test lift, angle, and drop functions
• Examine cutting edge for wear
• Grease pivot points
• Confirm lighting and safety systems

When attaching your plow, always ensure the vehicle mount is compatible with your truck and securely fastened for safe and effective operation.

Don’t forget the plow truck maintenance schedule—especially battery health, brakes, tire tread, and defroster systems.

Purchasing from an authorized dealer ensures you receive official snow and ice control equipment and expert support.

Need a dependable workhorse this winter? Explore top choices like:

• RAM 2500/3500 with Snow Plow Prep Group
• Ford Super Duty with Snow Plow Package
• Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD with snow-rated suspension

These trucks are engineered for harsh weather, heavy-duty payloads, and snow plow attachments.

Operating a snow plow in snowy conditions comes with unique safety challenges that demand attention before and during every plowing season. Regular snow plow maintenance is the first line of defense against accidents—checking the plow blade for damage, inspecting the hydraulic system for leaks, and ensuring all electrical connections are secure can prevent unexpected failures on the job. Operators should always use beacon lights to increase visibility in low-visibility conditions, helping alert pedestrians and other vehicles to the presence of snow removal equipment. Safe plowing also means being vigilant for hidden hazards like black ice or buried obstacles, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. Proper safety gear, including high-visibility clothing and insulated gloves, further reduces risk. By making safety a top priority, snow plow operators can protect themselves, their equipment, and everyone on the road, ensuring a smooth and incident-free plowing season.

Even with the best snow plow maintenance routines, unexpected situations can arise—whether it’s a sudden equipment breakdown or an on-the-job accident. Being prepared with an emergency parts kit, stocked with essentials like hydraulic fluid, spare hoses, and fuses, can make all the difference in getting your snow plow back in action quickly. Keeping a tow strap in your truck ensures you’re ready to handle situations where your equipment or another vehicle needs assistance. It’s also wise to know the locations of nearby repair shops and have a mobile phone number for emergency contacts handy. By planning ahead for emergencies, you can minimize downtime, avoid costly repairs, and keep your snow removal operations running smoothly throughout the plowing season.

A well-trained team is the backbone of any successful snow plow operation. Investing in comprehensive operator training ensures that every member of your crew understands the ins and outs of snow plow maintenance, from inspecting the plow blade to monitoring the hydraulic system and checking electrical connections. Training should also cover safe plowing techniques, such as adjusting speed for conditions and recognizing potential hazards on the road. By equipping operators with the knowledge to care for their equipment and handle challenging situations, you not only reduce the risk of costly repairs but also boost overall plow performance. Ongoing education keeps your team sharp and your equipment in top shape, setting the stage for a safe and productive plowing season.

Keeping your snow plow equipment in peak condition requires a proactive approach to maintenance. Start by regularly inspecting the plow blade for signs of wear and replacing it as needed to maintain effective snow removal. Check the hydraulic system for leaks and ensure fluid levels are topped off, as well as inspecting all electrical connections for corrosion or damage. Routine tasks like greasing pivot points and monitoring tire pressure help prevent excessive wear and keep your truck operating smoothly. Using high-quality products, such as dielectric grease on electrical connections, can extend the life of your equipment and reduce the risk of breakdowns. For those with a Ford truck, taking advantage of the Ford Snowplow Prep Package or similar snowplow prep packages ensures your vehicle is properly equipped for the demands of winter. By following these best practices, you’ll maximize uptime and minimize costly repairs throughout the plowing season.

Effective snow plow maintenance is an investment that pays off by preventing expensive repairs and extending the life of your equipment. Building a maintenance budget allows you to plan for routine upkeep and unexpected expenses, ensuring your snow plow, whether it’s mounted on a heavy duty Ford truck or a compact truck, is always ready for action. When considering new equipment, factor in the long-term costs of maintenance and the potential benefits of aftermarket modifications, such as heavy duty front springs, which can improve durability but may also affect your maintenance needs. Prioritizing high-quality parts and regular service helps avoid costly repairs and keeps your operation running efficiently all season long. By budgeting wisely, you protect your bottom line and set your snow removal business up for a successful, stress-free plowing season.

Snow plow downtime costs more than repairs—it can mean missed contracts, lost revenue, and customer dissatisfaction. Here’s how to protect your bottom line:

• Implement proactive fleet maintenance
• Invest in high-quality snow removal equipment
• Track performance with fleet management software
• Prioritize safety inspections to prevent liability

Comprehensive season maintenance—including both pre-season and post season maintenance—is essential for keeping your equipment in top shape and ensuring reliable performance throughout the winter months.

Prepared trucks mean reliable service, even during blizzards, and ensure you’re ready to handle any plow job that comes your way.

At Kunes Commercial, we specialize in commercial snow plow trucks, with:

• RAM, Ford, and Chevy models ready for upfits
• Plow attachment guidance for Meyer, Western, Boss, and more
• Flexible commercial financing and fleet support
• Trucks and plows feature powder coating to prevent rust and ensure long-term durability
• Winter service scheduling to keep you running through the season, including inspection of critical components such as plow structure, mounting bolts, hydraulic hoses, hydraulic fluid levels, engine oil, truck's battery, and truck's engine
• Comprehensive maintenance checks on all plows, including return springs, vertical pin, wear points, plow shoes, and use of a torque wrench to ensure all fasteners are properly secured