Your Essential Preseason Checklist for Snow & Ice Removal Equipment: Staying Ahead of Winter

Winter will be here before we know it… (where did the summer go?). Now’s the time to prepare your snow and ice removal equipment so you’re not caught off guard when the first storm hits. HoriZon Truck & Body Ltd., supplies and installs top-quality equipment from Arctic Snowplows, Buyers Products’ SnowDogg® plows, and SaltDogg® spreaders—brands trusted by snow contractors across Canada and the Northern U.S.

Preseason Prep Matters

Getting ahead of winter weather is all about reducing risk and maximizing uptime. A few hours of inspection and maintenance now can save you days of downtime and emergency repairs when winter storms are in full swing.

Preseason equipment prep helps you:

• Catch wear-and-tear issues before they fail

• Ensure your operators are safe and efficient

• Extend the lifespan of your plows and spreaders

• Avoid delays from back-ordered parts or sudden breakdowns

✅ Preseason Snow & Ice Equipment Checklist

1. Snowplows - What to Inspect

Whether you're running Arctic’s Quik Link® system or SnowDogg®’s RapidLink™ plows, your blade needs to be ready for constant work in cold, wet conditions. Here’s what to check:

• Blade & Moldboard: Look for cracks, dents, or worn edges. Poly, stainless, or steel—all materials should be free of damage.

• Hydraulic Cylinders: Test for smooth lift and angle operation. Check for fluid leaks or signs of fatigue.

• Cutting Edge: Inspect wear and ensure bolts are tight. Replace if the edge is too worn.

• Trip Springs & Plow Shoes: Make sure springs are intact and adjusted properly. Shoes should show even wear.

• Electrical Connections: Clean any corrosion from plugs, and test the in-cab controller for responsiveness.

• Mounting System: Engage and disengage the plow from the truck to make sure the system locks and releases properly.

• Grease All Moving Parts: Lubricate pivot points, hinges, and fittings to prevent premature wear and ensure smooth operation throughout the season.

🔧 Tip: Keep a spare cutting edge and bolt pack on hand.

2. Sand & Salt Spreaders – Key Maintenance Areas

Buyers Products’ SaltDogg® spreaders are built to perform—but only if cleaned and calibrated regularly. Before the first use:

• Empty & Clean the Hopper: Leftover salt can harden, corrode components, and block flow.

• Check the Conveyor chain & Spinner: Make sure they move freely with no obstructions or wobble.

• Inspect Motors & Wiring: Look for frayed wires, corrosion in connectors, or slow startup.

• Calibrate the Controller: Test material output to ensure even and accurate distribution.

• Mounts & Frames: Tighten all fasteners and look for stress cracks, especially on tailgate or hitch-mounted units.

• Grease Bearings & Moving Components: Apply lubricant to bearings, chains, and other moving parts to prevent rust and ensure smooth, reliable operation.

🧊 Tip: between uses clean spreader thoroughly to reduce corrosion and extend its life.

3. Fleet Readiness – Don’t Forget the Truck

Your equipment might be solid, but if the truck carrying it isn’t winter-ready, you're still grounded. Take time to inspect:

• Battery Health: Cold kills weak batteries. Test voltage and replace if it's weak.

• Tires: Check for proper PSI and tread depth rated for winter traction.

• Fluids: Top off oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid. Use winter-grade products where needed.

• Lighting & Visibility: Ensure strobes, headlights, reverse lights, and warning lights & alarms are all functioning.

• Emergency Gear: Stock each truck with safety vests, shovels, flares, and extra gloves.

🚨 Tip: Keep a winter-specific inspection checklist in each truck for daily use during operations.

Built for Canadian Winters — Equipment You Can Rely On

At HoriZon Truck & Body, we stand behind the gear we sell. Whether you're upgrading your fleet or outfitting a new plow truck, we carry and install trusted brands built for Canadian winters:

• Arctic Snowplows – Made in London, Ontario, known for rugged performance and serviceable design

• Buyers Products SnowDogg® & SaltDogg® – Stainless, reliable, and loaded with features for pros who push snow all winter

HoriZon Truck & Body can supply you with the right equipment, parts, and support to keep your snow removal fleet moving when it matters most.

Questions? Ready to Upgrade Your Fleet?

Contact HoriZon Truck & Body today to find the right snow and ice equipment for your needs.

📍 Lethbridge, Alberta📞 (403) 381-7929🔗 www.horizontruckandbody.ca