Farmers’ Almanac Forecast for Winter – Get Your Plows Ready!
Although winter is still a few months away, at Plow Parts Direct we are thinking about cold weather as we get ready to meet this season’s demand for snow plows and plow parts. We always plan well in advance, and ongoing supply chain issues have made it more important than ever to think ahead. Tops among the tools we use to anticipate our customers’ needs are long-range forecasts like those provided by the Farmers’ Almanac – which is famous for its accuracy.
The Farmer’s Almanac’s 2022-2023 Extended Forecast predicts that winter will start earlier than last year, bringing with it plenty of snow, rain and record-breaking temperatures. According to the website, “December 2022 looks stormy and cold nationwide with an active storm pattern developing and hanging around for most of the season over the eastern half of the country…We are warning readers to get ready to ‘Shake, shiver, and shovel!’” For a more detailed winter forecast for your area, go to the Farmers’ Almanac website – www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast
For the Plow Parts Direct team, this means making sure we are well stocked with snow removal equipment, parts and accessories. For snow removal professionals, this means doing what it takes to be as prepared as possible, as early as possible.
Service Your Snow Plows and Salt Spreaders Way Before Winter
Now is the time to get your equipment ready for the coming winter. Being proactive about inspecting, cleaning and servicing your snow plows, salt spreaders and other equipment can save you valuable time and money. Typically, there is a bigger selection of competitively-priced replacement parts available now than when the season is underway. And if your equipment requires major repairs, you are more likely to get faster service before the first winter storm hits than after.
Perform DIY Maintenance Annually on All Snow Removal Equipment
Manufacturers recommend cleaning, repairing and servicing your plows and spreaders before storing them at the end of the winter. It is just as important to inspect your equipment thoroughly at the start of the season, and operate it to see that it’s running properly. Lines may have leaked during the off-season and other parts may be damaged from non-use.
Follow recommended yearly maintenance procedures, which includes lubrication, changing the oil, checking the connectors and inspecting for mechanical damage. In addition to normal maintenance, closely inspect the parts that get the most wear and tear. Check cutting edges and a-frames on plows and motors and bearings on spreaders to ensure they are all functioning correctly.
Also look at the harnesses and all mechanical connection points such as pins, hinge pins and clevis pins. Replace anything that looks worn or damaged. After you use the plow for the first time, inspect all mounting bolts to see if they have worked loose. Make it a point to do this regularly throughout the season.
Work with a Reliable Dealer When Purchasing Snow Plows, Spreaders or Parts
If you need replacement parts or are in the market for a new plow or spreader, it pays to work with a reliable dealer. Purchasing new snow removal equipment is a major investment, and seeking expert advice will help ensure that you choose the plow, spreader, accessories or parts that are right for your business today – and will serve your needs for years to come.
Plow Parts Direct has been an authorized Western and Sno-Way dealer for close to 50 years, and we sell and service hundreds of snow plows and spreaders each year. Our experts can provide the guidance and advice you need when buying new equipment, regardless of the size of your snow-removal operation.
We also stock hundreds of thousands of dollars in parts – and we’re advising customers to place their orders now to ensure they have what they need, when they need it.
Looking for a faster, easier way to prep your equipment for peak performance? Plow Parts Direct offers complete installation and repair on both Western and Sno-Way brands. Contact our service department at 201-327-6050 to schedule an appointment today.