The Pre-Season Snow Plow Maintenance Checklist for Berkshire Professionals
Published October 19, 2025
If you're a commercial operator or a homeowner in the Berkshires who relies on a snow plow, you know the drill: the moment the first flake falls, every service shop gets slammed. Waiting until the snow hits to realize your hydraulics are leaking or your lights are out means costly downtime.
At H.D. Reynolds Equipment Sales & Service in Cheshire, we're the authorized dealer for Sno-Way Snowplows and a trusted service provider for all major brands. We’ve put together a crucial pre-season maintenance checklist to ensure your plow is ready to handle the heaviest snowfalls around Pittsfield and North Adams.
1. The Hydraulic System: The Plow’s Heartbeat
The hydraulic system controls the lifting, angling, and lowering of your plow. It’s the most common point of failure.
- Check Fluid Levels: Low or dirty hydraulic fluid is the enemy. Check the fluid reservoir (usually clear or yellow) while the plow is lowered. Top off with the manufacturer-specified hydraulic fluid.
- Inspect Hoses and Fittings: Look closely for any cracks, bulges, or leaks around fittings. Replace any worn hoses now—a burst line in sub-zero weather is a nightmare.
- Run a Full Cycle: Cycle the plow through all its movements (up, down, left, right) several times to purge any air from the lines and ensure smooth operation.
2. The Electrical System: Light It Up, Control It
In-season electrical failures are frustrating, often caused by corrosion that builds up over the summer.
- Clean Connections: Disconnect and clean all electrical connections, paying close attention to the vehicle-to-plow harness, battery terminals, and the controller plug. Use a wire brush if corrosion is visible.
- Apply Dielectric Grease: Apply a coat of dielectric grease to all electrical contacts (plugs, fuses, connections) to protect them from moisture and road salt.
- Test Lighting: Plug the plow in and test all lighting—headlights, marker lights, and warning lights. Visibility is non-negotiable for safe, efficient plowing, especially during nighttime runs in North Adams.
3. The Structural Frame & Cutting Edge
These components take the brute force of the job and must be inspected for wear and tear.
- Check the Cutting Edge: Inspect the cutting edge (blade) for excessive wear. If it’s worn down beyond the manufacturer's recommendation, replace it. A worn edge damages your surface and strains your truck.
- Examine the Trip Springs: Ensure the springs are tight and properly tensioned according to the manual. These springs allow the plow to trip over obstructions, protecting your plow frame.
- Tighten All Fasteners: The constant impact of plowing causes bolts and nuts to loosen. Go over the entire frame, especially the mounting hardware, pivot pins, and A-frame, tightening any loose fasteners.
4. Vehicle Preparation (Crucial for Sno-Way Owners)
- Inspect Mounting Hardware: Ensure the truck-side mounting frame is secure and free of cracks, especially the connection points for your specific Sno-Way model.
- Check Vehicle Suspension: Plowing puts massive stress on your truck's front end. Have your vehicle’s suspension and tire pressure checked to ensure it can safely bear the plow’s weight.
Don't Wait for the Snow to Hit Cheshire, MA!
A simple pre-season check ensures your equipment is reliable when you need it most. If you don't have the time or tools to run through this checklist, bring your plow to H.D. Reynolds. Our service shop in Cheshire, MA, is equipped to service and repair all major plow brands, specializing in Sno-Way products.
Schedule your pre-season plow inspection now—before the first big storm hits Berkshire County!
Book Your Plow Service Now