Keep Snow and Ice Removal Fleets on the Road

 

 

 

Not All Hydraulic Systems are Created Equal

The reality is that hydraulic systems break down and some installations can be more challenging than others. Not all hydraulics are installed the same way, in fact the hydraulic system can be quite different from one truck to the next. This might be something that operators do not give much thought to until there is a problem.

Many plow trucks are still equipped with poppet style hydraulic quick couplers. Poppet couplers will leak every time they are disconnected, causing contamination on the ground or in your garage. Many operators are not aware that a better option exists.

The Importance of Snow and Ice Removal

When it is the middle of winter and the hydraulic system on your truck has broken down, far more serious consequences beyond lost productivity can occur. Snow and ice removal is critical to commuter safety. Automobile accidents causing serious injury and loss of life can occur on snow and ice covered roads.

Snow removal companies and municipalities must prioritize maintenance on their mobile equipment for reliable performance to keep their trucks on the road when needed.

Hydraulic Challenges with Snow Removal Equipment

Hydraulic Oil Leaks

Hydraulic oil leaks can be a common occurrence with snow removal equipment, although this no longer has to be the case. Quick disconnect of poppet style couplers can cause oil leaks as well as damaged O-rings or broken seals. Using the wrong type of hydraulic quick couplers in the first place can also create leaks. If the wrong quick couplers are in place or they become rusted, oil leaks and loss of pressure can occur which can affect equipment performance or cause unexpected downtime. If loss of oil pressure occurs, water can seep into the hydraulic system which creates additional problems such as freezing in the pump itself.

Stucchi offers flat face hydraulic quick couplers with leak free connect and quick disconnect performance, solving this problem for snow removal equipment.

Quick Connect under Pressure

Quick connect under pressure is another problem that operators face when operating snow removal mobile equipment. Even in freezing conditions, exposure to sun when on the road or parked in a lot can create thermal expansion. This causes problems for many type of hydraulic couplers when operators need to quickly connect an attachment or perform maintenance on their equipment.

The inability to connect under pressure causes delays in getting your snow removal equipment on the road, which creates undue safety risks for travelers. Stucchi offers a solution with quick couplers that easily connect under pressure combined with multi-coupling plates for quick and easy connections and disconnections.

Download your FREE Guide on How to Improve Snow Removal Mobile Equipment Performance

Stucchi Hydraulic Solutions for Snow Removal Equipment

Stucchi is a world leader in providing hydraulic solutions for all types of mobile equipment and many other industries and applications. If your snow removal fleet is experiencing any problems with oil leaks or connecting under pressure, Stucchi has you covered. We offer hydraulic solutions with quick couplers that connect and disconnect without leakage, are resistant to corrosion, and provide the ability to quick connect or disconnect multiple lines at once.

For reliable hydraulic solutions to keep your snow removal equipment on the road, remember it is not the weather that poses the challenge, it is whether you are properly equipped.

Leak-free, Flat Face Quick Couplers

Stucchi offers leak-free, flat face quick couplers that easily connect under pressure such as the APM series and the FAP and FAPZ Series.

APM Series – Stucchi’s APM series of flat face quick couplers easily connect under pressure with no fluid leakage on quick disconnect. See this case study for more information on how Stucchi improved serviceability of one municipality’s snow removal equipment, prevented leakage, eliminating freezing issues and preventing delays on the road.

FAP and FAPZ Series – these flat face quick couplers are resistant to corrosion with carbon steel and zinc plating. They are ideal for use in our multi-coupling plates, allowing for leak free quick connect under pressure.

Multi-Coupling Plates            

Multi-Coupling Plates – Stucchi’s multi-coupling plates provide significant advantages to snow and ice removal equipment operators with the ability to quick connect and disconnect multiple lines at once, with one simple movement. Some equipment manufacturers recommend Stucchi’s multi-coupling plates as a standard installation option.

Stucchi provides hydraulic solutions to the snow and ice removal mobile equipment industry, helping many commercial proprietors and large fleet operators including municipalities and DOT services. Learn more about our hydraulic solutions for snow and ice removal equipment with our FREE Guide on How to Improve Snow Removal Mobile Equipment Performance.

 

This article was previously published at  https://www.stucchiusa.com/blog/keep-snow-and-ice-removal-fleets-on-the-road/

Stucchi offers more than 60 years of experience in providing hydraulic solutions to mobile equipment and many other industries. Our hydraulic specialists excel in troubleshooting and providing the solutions to your biggest challenges. Contact us to learn more about improving the performance of your snow and ice removal equipment with leak-free, reliable hydraulic solutions that keep your trucks on the road.

 

Snow and IceEdit"Top 5 Tips for Maintaining Your Snowplow This Winter Season"

Top 5 Tips for Maintaining Your Snowplow This Winter Season

Winter may have gotten off to a slow start for some of the Midwest, but it always comes sooner or later and making sure your snowplows are ready is critical. Keeping your plows in peak condition throughout the winter is essential to prevent a breakdown and an interruption in your productivity and profits. Snow and ice removal is also an important safety function for your clientele, whether keeping the roads clear for commuters or parking lots for workers and shoppers.

Here are some of the most important tips for maintaining your snowplow during the season:

1) Perform Regular, Daily Visual Inspections

Perform a simple visual inspection of your snowplow by lowering the mold board all the way to the ground and look for obvious signs of damage. Your plow should be stored indoors when not in use and sense most plows are made of steel, the plow should be elevated as storing under a tarp or on the ground can accelerate rusting.

2) Check Electrical Connections

Check all electrical connections including battery terminals to make sure they are tight and free from corrosion. Dielectic grease should be applied to exposed connections at least monthly to prevent corrosion. Make sure that any loose wiring is away from the engine to avoid overheating and sparking.

Check for any burned-out or dim bulbs. Waxing and buffing headlamps helps to prevent ice from accumulating and hindering visibility, maintaining your plow for longer performance.

3) Grease Moving Parts

Lubricate all moving parts on your snowplow such as the pivot, pin and edge to maintain a smooth cut. Help to prevent rust on the lift rod with a chassis lubricant.

4) Inspect Cutting Edge

Inspect your plow’s runners and cutting edge regularly throughout the winter season, maintain and replace according to manufacturer recommendations. The cutting-edge is typically approximately 5 inches long, which will wear down over time and can damage the moldboard. The runners should be replaced if they are not long enough to cut about ½ an inch at ground level. Inspect the powder coating on your edge that can be touched up with a spray can if needed.

5) Check Hydraulic System and Connections

To properly maintain your snowplow you must maintain the hydraulic system. Make sure that all of your hydraulic couplers, rams and hoses do not leak or have any cuts that could cause hydraulic failure. It is recommended to completely drain and change your plow’s hydraulic fluid at the end of the season before storing. During the season, check the level of your hydraulic fluid and add more if needed according to specifications. If you notice the need to add more fluid over a short period of time check your hydraulic system again for leaks.

Outfitting your plow with Stucchi’s threaded, flat face quick couplers and multi-couple plates will provide optimum performance with leak free quick disconnect.

Stucchi Solutions for Maintaining Snow and Ice Removal Equipment

Many plows are equipped with hydraulic quick couplers in the traditional poppet style. Poppet style couplers always leak upon quick disconnect and many operators are unaware that a better option exists. Not all plows are equipped with the same type of hydraulic systems and some can cause challenges such as the inability to connect under pressure and fluid leakage.

Stucchi’s flat face quick couplers and multi-coupling plates allow for quick connect and disconnect with reliable connection, no fluid leakage and easy quick connect under pressure.

Learn more about Stucchi solutions for snow and ice removal equipment with this FREE guide:

How to Improve Snow Removal Mobile Equipment Performance.

This article was previously posted at  https://www.stucchiusa.com/blog/top-5-tips-for-maintaining-your-snowplow-this-winter-season/

Stucchi has been providing hydraulic solutions for mobile equipment for more than 60 years. Our hydraulic specialists have provided solutions to municipalities, DOT services and commercial proprietors that maximize equipment usage and prevent unintended downtime. Contact us to learn more about improving your snow and ice removal equipment performance with leak free hydraulic solutions.