Preparing for a Coming Snowstorm: Tips for Equipment Operators and Contractors
Winter storms, especially snowstorms, can create significant challenges for construction, maintenance, and landscaping crews. When snow begins to accumulate, quick action is often required to keep roads clear, job sites safe, and equipment functioning. This article discusses how to prepare for a snowstorm, with a focus on ensuring equipment is ready, handling snow removal tasks efficiently, and preventing potential disruptions caused by severe winter weather.
Understanding the Impact of Snowstorms on Equipment and Work Sites
Snowstorms can disrupt daily operations by covering roads, blocking entrances, and causing icy conditions that pose safety risks. In the construction and landscaping industries, snow and ice can hinder progress and lead to delays. Additionally, heavy snow accumulations can put extra strain on equipment, especially if operators are not prepared for the specific demands of snow-related tasks. The key to mitigating these challenges lies in proactive preparation and proper maintenance.
Key Preparation Tips for Snowstorms
Maintain and Inspect Equipment Before the Storm
Ensuring that your snow removal and other essential equipment are in peak condition before a storm hits can save valuable time and reduce downtime during the storm. This includes:- Oil and Fluid Checks: Cold temperatures can cause lubricants and fluids to thicken, leading to engine strain and sluggish performance. Make sure to use winter-grade oils and lubricants suited to cold weather.
- Battery Maintenance: Cold weather can drain batteries, so ensure your equipment batteries are charged and in good condition. Carry a jump starter or spare battery if necessary.
- Tires and Tracks: Inspect tires for sufficient tread and air pressure. For tracked equipment, ensure tracks are in good condition and free of debris that could freeze or obstruct movement. In areas prone to heavy snow, consider equipping your machinery with snow chains for added traction.
- Hydraulic System Check: Cold temperatures can affect the viscosity of hydraulic fluids, so ensure that the correct fluids are used for winter conditions to avoid sluggish or unresponsive hydraulic systems.
- Lights and Visibility: Snowstorms often reduce visibility. Ensure all lights, including headlights, taillights, and work lights, are functioning correctly. Consider adding extra lights if your machine works in low-light conditions.
Plan for Snow Removal Equipment
Many construction companies, municipalities, and landscaping contractors rely on specialized snow removal equipment, such as:- Snow Plows: These are often attached to trucks or skid-steers. Ensure that the plow blade is properly mounted and that it can be adjusted to handle varying snow depths.
- Snow Blowers: Snow blowers can handle heavy snowfalls and clear large areas. Inspect the machine for any blockages or wear on the augers and impellers.
- Snow Brushes and Brooms: For lighter snow or clearing pavements, snow brushes or brooms attached to skid-steers and wheel loaders are effective tools. Check that these attachments are properly calibrated and free of damage.
- Salt Spreaders: These are essential for de-icing roads and driveways. Make sure the spreader is functioning well and calibrated to disperse salt evenly.
Clear Access Routes and Job Sites
Ensure that access roads, entrances, and key pathways around the job site are clear of obstacles and ready for snow removal. Before the storm hits:- Pre-Treat Surfaces: Pre-treating surfaces with salt or sand before the snow falls can help to prevent ice buildup and make it easier to clear snow afterward.
- Secure Equipment: Ensure that machinery and tools stored outside are covered or placed in sheltered areas. Snow and ice can damage equipment, and freezing temperatures can cause hydraulic and fuel systems to freeze or become less efficient.
- Clear Drainage Areas: Ensure that storm drains or drainage ditches are clear to prevent water from pooling, which can freeze and cause hazards or equipment malfunctions.
During the Snowstorm: Operating Equipment Efficiently
Once the snowstorm begins, staying proactive and working efficiently is key. As snow accumulates, it’s essential to monitor the weather and adjust operations accordingly. Some important considerations for operating equipment during a snowstorm include:
- Constantly Monitor Equipment
In extreme cold and snow, equipment can overheat if not maintained properly. Monitor engine temperatures, hydraulic fluid temperatures, and any warning lights regularly to catch potential problems early. The cold can also cause components to freeze, so be on the lookout for signs of fluid leaks, poor performance, or stalling. - Be Cautious with Ice
Snow is one thing, but ice can be an even bigger issue. If the snowstorm turns into freezing rain or the snow settles into a thick ice layer, it can make for slippery conditions. Be cautious with equipment movement and always use appropriate tires or tracks to minimize the risk of slipping. Using sand or salt before snow accumulates can help reduce icy patches on roadways and job sites. - Slow and Steady Wins the Race
It can be tempting to push machines to work faster during a snowstorm, but trying to remove snow too quickly can cause undue strain on your equipment, especially when working in deep snow. Slow, steady movements ensure that the equipment operates efficiently and lasts longer during the storm. - Maintain Clear Communication
Ensure that all team members are aware of the storm's impact on schedules and safety. Coordinate snow removal efforts with the team to ensure that the most critical areas, such as entrances and pathways, are cleared first. Having a good communication system in place helps ensure the team works in sync, and that resources are used effectively.
Dealing with Post-Storm Cleanup
After the snowstorm passes, the work doesn't end. Post-storm cleanup can often be just as demanding as snow removal during the storm. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Evaluate Equipment Condition
Once the snowstorm has passed, take the time to inspect all your equipment for any damage. Snow buildup, salt exposure, and cold temperatures can cause components to wear out faster, so performing a thorough check-up will help you identify any issues early on. - Address Snow and Ice Build-up
After the snow has been cleared, you may still encounter patches of ice or hardened snow. Use snow blowers or additional snow plowing to ensure surfaces are fully cleared. Spread sand, salt, or other de-icing agents on roads, sidewalks, and work areas to reduce the risk of accidents caused by slippery surfaces. - Maintain Regular Equipment Maintenance
After each snowstorm, it's essential to follow up with regular equipment maintenance. This includes washing off salt and grime from equipment, changing fluids, checking for wear, and ensuring that all components are functioning as expected. Cold weather can cause seals to harden and equipment to operate inefficiently if not properly maintained.
Lessons from the Field: Real-World Examples
Many contractors, especially in snow-prone regions like the Northeast U.S. or Canada, face the challenges of snow removal regularly. For instance, a landscaping company in Minnesota experienced a harsh winter season with back-to-back snowstorms. Their team had prepared by servicing equipment ahead of time, ensuring snow plows and salt spreaders were ready to go. When the storms hit, their snow removal operations ran smoothly, with minimal downtime. One key lesson learned from this experience was the importance of keeping spare parts on hand—hydraulic hoses and seals often wear down faster in cold weather, and having replacements on-site saved them from delays.
Another example comes from a municipal public works team in Colorado. After a massive snowstorm, their snowplow trucks faced difficulty clearing deep, wet snow that had turned to ice. The team realized they had under-prepared their machines by failing to account for ice buildup in their plows. After that event, they added heavy-duty snow blowers to their fleet, which proved to be a game-changer during the next storm, helping them clear the roads more efficiently.
Conclusion: Effective Winter Storm Preparation is Essential
A coming snowstorm can be a daunting challenge, but with proper preparation and careful attention to detail, equipment operators and contractors can handle the situation efficiently. Ensuring that your equipment is ready, your team is prepared, and your site is properly set up before the storm arrives will help reduce downtime and improve safety. By taking the time to inspect and maintain equipment, plan for snow removal, and use the right tools, you can ensure that your operations remain productive, even during the harshest winter conditions.
