By Gallagher | Affinity

Regardless of where you may be, from Lake Superior to Detroit and everything in between, you’re probably experiencing a beautiful fall day. But as hard as it may be to believe, the snow plowing season is just weeks away. Are you ready?

There are several things you should do to prepare so you can operate an efficient snow plowing service with minimal headaches. Keep reading to have a successful winter season.

Prepping Your Equipment
Now is the best time to evaluate your equipment to make sure your plows are ready. Start with a detailed inspection of your snow plow fleet to ensure that all are in good working order, including:  

  •     Bolts and fasteners on the plow,
  •     Fasteners in the vehicle mount; re-torque if necessary,
  •     Welds in both the plow structure and vehicle mount,
  •     Plow cutting edge and plow shoes; replace if necessary,
  •     All batteries and charting systems,
  •     Lights on all trucks and plows; properly adjust and align headlights.


Before the cold weather sets in, you should also change the hydraulic fluid and apply grease to all pins and dielectric grease to electrical connections on your trucks and plows.

Make sure you have the right amount of equipment. When you don’t have the necessary equipment, your ability to operate efficiently is compromised and so is the morale of your crew. Unmotivated and ill-equipped employees don’t serve you or your customers the way you need them to. You should have at least one spare plow for every five that you have in operation, and one backup truck for every 10 trucks you run during the winter season.   

Prepping Your Crew
Preparing your crew is just as important as checking your equipment. Be sure to train them on all equipment and safety precautions, regardless of their experience. Start by establishing, or reiterating, your snow removal procedures for all of your drivers, including:

  •     snow stacking,
  •     de-icing techniques,
  •     methods for handling wet or heavy snow.


Keeping your crew healthy and working at full capacity is also critical. Consider offering flu shots and arm them with health and safety tips. Snow shoveling can create heightened risks for heart attacks, frost bite and other health risks. Give your crew information on the signs and symptoms of each and how to get help. Be sure to review all safety guidelines for operating plows and salt spreaders. Also, be sure to demonstrate proper lifting techniques with heavy salt blocks and mobile equipment.

Before the demand for snow plowing jobs arrives, be sure to develop a safety plan for your crew while on the job. Order and provide reflective vests or hats to alert passing vehicles of their presence while they’re outside of their trucks. Require your crew to carry extra blankets, gloves and hats in case they get wet or need additional cover.   

Finally, be sure to provide your team with an emergency resource option in the instance of a truck breakdown or stuck snow plow.

Order Supplies Now
As the COVID pandemic continues to impact the supply chain, this year it will be even more important to order all of your supplies well in advance. Be sure you’re stocked with plenty of salt, sand, calcium chloride, potassium acetate, safety supplies, and truck maintenance supplies.

Get the Right Protection
Another thing to prepare for is making sure that you have the right insurance to protect you during the upcoming snowplowing season. During dangerous wintery conditions, your insurance is more important than ever. Common scenarios where insurance can keep you afloat include personal injury due to icy conditions resulting from snow removal, property damage caused by your services and other employee-related liabilities. If you have questions about insurance for accidents, injuries, legal fees and damaged vehicles, please contact Ashley Thomas at 918-764-1619 or ashley_thomas@ajg.com.