We interviewed several dealers at the 2020 Work Truck Show and asked them which spare parts they think every snow plow contractor should have in their truck at all times.
Here’s a break down on what the dealers we interviewed had to say:
Steve Jennings of Jennings Welding & Fabrication in New York
- Quart of Fluid
- One Return Spring
- Lift Cylinder Hoses
Will the Welder of Xtreme Fabrication in Maryland adds these items to the list:
- Motor Relay
- Solenoid
Jeen Stork of Stork’s Plows in Pennsylvania adds:
- Dielectric Grease
- Strap or Chain (to hold it up if something breaks)
- Hose (stock the longest to it covers every application in a pinch)
Other dealers mentioned some of the same things. For example, Tod Bozer from Bob’s Services in Alaska thinks the most important things are spare hoses and extra fluids. Dale Chestnut from Double D Services in Wisconsin agrees that a solenoid is important, and also to carry a trip spring, oil and a lift chain. He says those are the things that typically fail unexpectedly that a driver can fix himself. Rondo Ziegler of Rondo Enterprises & Trailers in Illinois also mentioned fluid, common hoses, a solenoid, and some of the relays depending on your plow type. Eric Flores of Push-N-Pull in Pennsylvania agrees that dielectric grease, fluids, and hoses are key.
Jerry Heyer of Jerry’s Service in Pennsylvania added a few new items to the list. It may seem obvious, but these items are easy to forget:
- They should have common sense
- Phone numbers of other snow plowers for help if needed
- Basic knowledge of not only how the plow operates, but how to fix basic things that can breakdown and stop you in your tracks
- Jumper cables
- Ratchet strap & small floor jack (to pick the plow up if needed)
To get even more information to prepare you for your best snow season yet, read more on the Snow Plow News blog.