8 Tools for Maintaining Snow Plow Attachments Before Winter

There is nothing worse than hook-up day during the first major blizzard only to find a frozen angle cylinder or a snapped lift chain. Taking the time to service a snow plow attachment in the mild autumn weather saves hours of freezing, frustrating repairs later on. With the right set of maintenance tools, any hobby farmer can ensure their blade lifts, angles, and drops flawlessly when the drifts start piling up.

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Why Pre-Winter Snow Plow Maintenance Matters

Cold weather multiplies mechanical stress on every moving part of a tractor or truck attachment. A plow that sat rusting all summer in the tall grass will inevitably fail under the weight of wet, heavy December snow. For part-time farmers, this downtime is the ultimate budget killer, as losing a morning to repairs means delayed chores and missed workdays.

Waiting until the storm hits to discover a seized hinge pin or a dry hydraulic pump means losing half a day to emergency repairs in sub-zero winds. Regular maintenance also extends the lifespan of expensive attachment frames and cutting edges. A small investment in preventative care keeps a standard utility tractor or UTV plow operating smoothly for decades.

Grease Gun – Lincoln 1133 Heavy Duty Pistol Grip

Pivot points, hinge pins, and quadrant assemblies endure constant friction and road salt spray throughout the winter. Without regular lubrication, these heavy steel joints will seize up, putting massive strain on your hydraulic cylinders or winch lift cables. A reliable grease gun is the only tool capable of forcing fresh lubricant deep into these tight tolerances.

The Lincoln 1133 Heavy Duty Pistol Grip grease gun delivers up to 7,500 PSI, which is crucial for clearing out old, hardened grease and dirt from clogged fittings. Its rugged cast-iron head and jam-proof toggle mechanism handle the thick, tacky greases needed for wet winter environments. The pistol grip design allows for easy one-handed operation while crawling under a heavy steel blade assembly.

• 18-inch flexible whip hose for reaching recessed grease zerks
• Rugged cast-iron head for long-term durability
• Uses standard 14-ounce grease cartridges

This tool is ideal for anyone running a multi-pivot truck or tractor plow who needs reliable pressure without hand fatigue. It is not necessary for lightweight, plastic-molded ATV plow blades that use simple manual lift levers and minimal pivot points.

Wire Brush – Osborn Carbon Steel Scratch Brush

Before applying any protective coatings, paint, or rust converters, the metal surface must be free of loose debris. Road salt, dried mud, and flaking paint trap moisture against the steel, accelerating corrosion underneath new coatings. A heavy-duty wire brush is the simplest and most effective hand tool for knocking off this loose surface scale.

The Osborn Carbon Steel Scratch Brush features densely packed, high-tensile carbon steel wire tufts that do not bend or shed easily under heavy pressure. The curved wooden handle provides excellent leverage when scrubbing the tight corners of a plow’s A-frame or spring brackets. It is a simple, virtually indestructible hand tool built for aggressive manual surface preparation.

• Shoe-handle design protects knuckles from scraping against rough steel
• High-tensile carbon steel wire tufts for aggressive cleaning
• Durable hardwood block construction

This brush is perfect for farmers restoring older, weathered plow blades by hand before painting. It is not the right choice for large-scale paint stripping projects, where a power tool accessory would save significant time and muscle strain.

Rust Converter – Corroseal Water-Based Converter

Steel plow blades and frames are constantly exposed to moisture, oxygen, and road salt, which quickly leads to destructive rust. Once rust starts, simply painting over it will not stop the corrosion process from bubbling up and weakening the structure. A high-quality rust converter chemically transforms active rust into a stable, protective barrier.

Corroseal Water-Based Converter is a highly effective latex-based formula that chemically converts iron oxide into magnetite while priming the surface simultaneously. It goes on white and cures to a hard, black finish, making it incredibly easy to see missed spots on a rusty plow frame. Because it is water-based, cleanup requires only soap and water rather than harsh chemical solvents.

• Inhibits future rust by sealing out moisture and oxygen
• Functions as a high-quality primer for topcoat painting
• Non-flammable and non-corrosive formula

This is a must-have for anyone dealing with an older steel plow showing signs of surface scale and orange rust. It is not suitable for stainless steel or aluminum plow blades, which do not rust in the same manner.

Hydraulic Fluid – Meyer M-1 Low Temp Blue Oil

Hydraulic plows rely on pressurized fluid to angle and lift the heavy steel blade quickly. Standard hydraulic fluids can thicken in extreme cold, causing slow plow response, valve sticking, and excessive wear on the pump motor. Low-temperature hydraulic fluid is engineered to flow smoothly even when the thermometer drops well below freezing.

Meyer M-1 Low Temp Blue Oil is specifically formulated to maintain its low viscosity down to -60°F. This blue oil includes advanced anti-wear additives and ice-suppressant agents that prevent internal condensation from freezing inside the valves. Using this fluid ensures rapid cylinder response and protects the expensive pump motor from cavitation during cold starts.

• Pour point of -60°F prevents system sluggishness in extreme cold
• Special additives protect pumps and valves from premature wear
• Distinct blue color makes it easy to spot leaks on the snow

This fluid is essential for anyone operating an electric-hydraulic plow in regions with severe, sub-zero winters. It is not needed for manual winch-lift or manual-angle plow setups commonly found on small ATVs.

Safety Tips for Servicing Heavy Plow Components

Plows are heavy, spring-loaded steel assemblies that can cause severe injury if they shift unexpectedly during service. Never rely solely on the vehicle’s hydraulics or winch to hold a plow blade in the raised position. A sudden loss of pressure or a snapped cable can drop hundreds of pounds of steel instantly.

Always block the plow securely using heavy-duty jack stands or solid wooden blocks under the frame before crawling underneath. Release any stored spring tension on the trip springs slowly using a long-handled wrench, keeping fingers clear of potential pinch points. Working on a flat, level concrete floor prevents the assembly from rolling or tipping while you work.

Wear heavy leather gloves and safety glasses throughout the entire maintenance process. Rust flakes, pressurized hydraulic fluid, and flying wire bristles pose constant hazards to eyes and hands. Keep a clean workspace free of tripping hazards, and always disconnect the main power harness before servicing any electrical components.

Torque Wrench – Tekton 1/2-Inch Click Wrench

The constant vibration of scraping packed snow and hitting hidden obstacles can quickly back out critical fasteners on a plow frame. If mounting bolts or cutting edge bolts are under-tightened, they will shear off or fall out during use. A torque wrench ensures that every bolt is tightened to the exact manufacturer specification for maximum safety.

The Tekton 1/2-Inch Click Wrench offers a highly durable, all-steel construction with a dual-range scale (10-150 ft-lb) that is easy to read in low-light barns. The click mechanism is distinct and tactile, preventing over-tightening of critical shear bolts or frame mounts. Its reversible ratchet head makes it versatile for both tightening and checking existing fasteners.

• Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy for reliable fastening
• All-steel construction with no plastic parts to crack in the cold
• High-contrast dual-range scale is easy to read

This is a crucial tool for farmers mounting heavy steel cutting edges or securing frame bolts that endure constant road vibration. It is overkill for light-duty plastic plow kits that use simple hand-tightened cotter pins.

Terminal Cleaner – Schumacher Battery Brush

Electric-hydraulic plows draw massive amounts of electrical current from the vehicle’s battery to run the pump motor. Corrosion on battery terminals and wiring harness plugs creates resistance, which starves the pump of power and ruins solenoids. A terminal cleaner quickly removes this insulating corrosion to restore a clean, high-amperage connection.

The Schumacher Battery Brush features a high-impact plastic case housing a tapered internal brush for cleaning terminal posts and an external wire brush for cleaning cable clamps. The stiff metal bristles quickly scrape away corrosive white lead-sulfate deposits that restrict electrical current. It is a compact, inexpensive tool that solves the single most common cause of plow starter failure.

• Dual-ended design covers both male and female terminal surfaces
• High-impact plastic case protects the metal bristles in your toolbox
• Stiff wire bristles easily cut through heavy corrosion layers

This tool is ideal for owners of electric-hydraulic plows that draw massive amperage from the vehicle’s battery. It is less critical for purely mechanical or winch-driven plow setups that do not rely on direct battery power.

Dielectric Grease – Permatex Silicone Compound

Snow plow electrical connections are constantly bombarded by road salt, slush, and melting snow. Without protection, moisture will penetrate the multi-pin quick-disconnect plugs, causing rapid corrosion and electrical shorts. Dielectric grease acts as a waterproof barrier, sealing the connection while allowing electrical contact to remain intact.

Permatex Silicone Compound is a high-viscosity, non-conductive grease that keeps water out of multi-pin wiring harnesses and battery connections. It does not wash away under high-pressure spray or melt under engine bay heat, ensuring constant protection through the wettest winters. Applying this grease prevents voltage drops and corrosion-induced short circuits in the main control harness.

• Prevents voltage leaks and arcing in wet conditions
• Safe for rubber seals and plastic connector housings
• Convenient squeeze tube allows for precise application

This grease is an absolute necessity for any plow system with quick-disconnect electrical plugs exposed to road salt and slush. It is not needed for simple manual-lift plows with no electrical components.

Angle Grinder – DeWalt DWE402 Paddle Switch

Over a long winter of scraping gravel driveways and concrete pads, the steel cutting edge of a plow becomes dull and rounded. A dull edge rides up over hard-packed snow rather than scraping it clean, requiring more passes and wasting fuel. An angle grinder is the fastest tool for sharpening the cutting edge and grinding down mushroomed steel.

The DeWalt DWE402 Paddle Switch angle grinder features an 11-amp motor that delivers high torque for heavy-duty metal grinding without stalling. The paddle switch design includes a lock-off release, making it safer to operate when wearing thick work gloves. Its dust ejection system sweeps damaging dust and debris out of the tool, significantly extending motor life on a dusty farm.

• 11-amp motor provides plenty of power for thick steel cutting edges
• Quick-change wheel release allows tool-free accessory swaps
• Paddle switch design offers improved control and safety

This grinder is excellent for farmers who need to restore a severely worn steel cutting edge or prep large metal surfaces for welding. It is not recommended for those uncomfortable with high-speed power tools or those with brand-new composite plow blades.

How to Properly Store Your Plow After Servicing

Once the plow is fully serviced, greased, and painted, storage location matters. Storing the unit indoors on a concrete floor or a dry wooden pallet keeps it off the damp ground, preventing moisture from wicking up into the frame. This simple step prevents rust from forming on the newly serviced metal parts before the first snowfall.

If outdoor storage is the only option, elevate the plow frame on treated timber blocks to keep it out of the dirt and weeds. Cover the entire assembly with a heavy-duty, breathable canvas tarp, securing it tightly to prevent the wind from tearing it away. Avoid cheap plastic tarps, which trap condensation underneath and accelerate rust.

Coat any exposed hydraulic cylinder chrome rods with a thin layer of grease or specialized protective spray to prevent pitting while the unit sits. Finally, store the electrical control harness inside the vehicle cab or in a sealed, waterproof bag tied to the frame. This protects the delicate pins from moisture and nesting rodents.

Final Checklist for a Winter-Ready Snow Plow

Before the clouds roll in, run through a final physical inspection of the entire assembly. Double-check that all hitch pins are secured with cotter pins and that the safety chains are intact and properly rated. Inspect the cutting edge for even wear, ensuring there is enough steel left before it begins wearing into the main plow moldboard.

Test the electrical system by plugging in the harness and cycling the plow through all its movements—up, down, left, and right. Listen for any unusual whining from the pump motor, which could indicate low fluid levels or trapped air in the lines. Check all hydraulic hoses for cracking or weeping fluid, replacing any suspect hoses immediately.

• Check all hitch pins and cotter pins for security
• Verify hydraulic fluid levels and inspect hoses for leaks
• Test electrical connections and cycle the plow completely
• Ensure the cutting edge has adequate wear material remaining

Keep a small emergency kit in the tractor or truck cab containing spare shear pins, a quart of low-temp hydraulic fluid, and a few basic hand tools. Being prepared for a minor field repair prevents a simple breakdown from turning into a frozen, half-cleared driveway disaster.

Taking the time to prep your snow plow attachment before the ground freezes is the mark of a smart, self-reliant hobby farmer. With these eight essential tools in your barn, you can tackle rust, protect electrical connections, and keep your hydraulics moving smoothly all winter long. Stay warm, work safely, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a truly winter-ready homestead.