Plow Operator's Guide - Basic Guide to Plowing

PLOWING

FINAL ANALYSIS AND MAINTENANCE Maintenance

Step 8: PLAN YOUR ROUTE AND WORK SCOPE Make sure you know what is under the material you are plowing. Avoid impacting hidden objects. Be sure bystanders are aware of your activities and that they stay clear. It is usually best to plow the outer edge of the area to be cleared. To plow a driveway, start by plowing the shoulder first. Move the material to either side of the driveway. This will clear the shoulder and allow for the material in the center to be thrown onto the shoulder or over the material removed from the shoulder.

Inspect the plow before each use. The moldboard surface will become scratched with use. It is recommended to apply wax or a nonstick spray to the surface before plowing. This will prevent the snow from sticking to the blade and provide the best material roll. Inspect the blade wear bar. This steel or plastic bar on the bottom of the blade will need to be replaced periodically over the life of the plow. The steel bar provides about ¾” (19mm) of wear material before requiring replacement. Some blades have a reversible bar that may be turned to double the life of the bar. This bar must be replaced before the retaining bolts and nuts begin to contact the ground. The blade hinge bushings will require lubrication periodically for the best plow performance. Spray a light lubricating oil on both sides of the center blade ribs just above the large hinge bolt. This lubrication should run down the rib and into the bushing area. For better results the blade retaining M16 nuts and retaining washers should be removed to allow lubrication to be applied directly to the bushing. The blade pivot bushing is located in the center of the plow base. Remove the plow from the vehicle and place the blade face down so that the plow base and bushing are vertical. Spray a light lubricating oil around the base retaining plate and then rotate the tube assembly a few times to either side. Repeating this a few times will allow the oil to enter the pivot bushing area. The base retaining plate may need to be removed for cleaning and thorough lubrication if the pivot assembly does not turn smoothly. Inspect all fasteners to i that they are tight. The fasteners on your plow must be torqued periodically to ensure that they are tight. Torque the fasteners to the following specifications:

- M8 Bolts 18 ft-lb, 25 N.m - M10 Bolts 37 ft.-lb, 50 N.m

Plowing Pattern

Storage Always clean off your plow by spraying with fresh water before storage. This will minimize corrosion from road salts or other chemicals. Once the plow is clean it should be removed from the vehicle. Spray pivots and bushings with light lubricating oil and place in storage area. The storage area should be clean and dry. Always repair and lubricate prior to storage, making the plow ready for your next use. Final Comment The Plow Operator’s Guide cannot cover all the possible situations in which you may use your plow. The decisions you make will determine the final outcome. So think through each situation before you begin to move material. Read and understand all manuals, labels and tags. Always be mindful of your own safety and the safety of others.

Step 9: SUIT UP TO OPERATE YOUR VEHICLE Follow all warnings and wear the right safety equipment. Step 10: WORK SMARTLY. KEEP UNDER CONTROL AND PLOW CAREFULLY Plowing changes how a vehicle handles (steering, stopping, and stability). Plow with care and do not rush. When you are done with your job, be sure to park the vehicle on flat level ground and set the brake (put in “park”) prior to removing the plow. Inspect and maintain your equipment so that it is ready for your next use.

For further information or any questions contact: WARN INDUSTRIES, INC.

12900 S.E. Capps Road, Clackamas OR USA 97015-8903, 1-503-722-1200, Customer Service: 1-800-543-9276 Dealer Locator Service: 1-800-910-1122 Or visit www.warn.com.

WARN INDUSTRIES 13

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