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Lit. No. 72451, Rev. 03
26
October 15, 2019
MAINTENANCE
Your snowplow is designed for rugged, dependable
service. However, like the vehicle on which it is
mounted, it needs regular care and maintenance.
MAINTENANCE VIDEOS
Video demonstrations of several snowplow maintenance
tasks, including "Preseason Plow Maintenance" and
"Annual Fluid Change," are available under the
Support
heading at
www.westernplows.com.
PRESEASON CHECK
Before the snow season, check your equipment to
ensure that it's in working condition.
• Clean and tighten all electrical connections and
coat with dielectric grease to prevent corrosion.
• Check the hydraulic system for leaks and cracked
or damaged hoses.
•
Drain the hydraulic system and refill it with
recommended hydraulic fluid. For hydraulic fluid
type and filling instructions, see "Annual Fluid
Change" in the Hydraulic System section of this
Owner's Manual.
• Replace worn or damaged parts.
• Check all mounting points and tighten fasteners
on both the snowplow and the vehicle.
• Repaint the blade assembly and attachments, as
necessary, to protect the metal.
•
Install auxiliary and flashing lights for compliance
and visibility in accordance with local regulations.
• Check the vehicle for proper operation.
• Inspect and test your battery. Recharge or replace
it as necessary.
WARNING
Lower the blade when the vehicle is parked.
Keep 8' clear of the blade. Temperature
changes could change hydraulic pressure,
causing the blade to drop unexpectedly or
damaging hydraulic components. Failure to
do this can result in serious personal injury.
•
Ballast may be necessary, or beneficial, on some
vehicles to provide maximum traction, braking,
and handling.
• Any ballast material (such as sand and blocks)
must be solidly secured to the vehicle, preventing
it from moving under harsh plowing conditions.
IN‑SEASON MAINTENANCE
• Apply dielectric grease to the joystick or hand-held
control connector monthly.
• Store the control in a protected location when it
is not in use. Do not leave it in the vehicle. The
control can fail prematurely if it is exposed to the
elements when not in use.
• Before each storm and frequently throughout
season, check that all fasteners, mounting bolts,
and hydraulic and electrical connections are tight.
Also check all plugs and seals for leaks. Repair as
necessary.
• Lubricate all moving parts for ease of operation.
POSTSEASON MAINTENANCE
• Clean and paint blade and attachments as needed.
• Coat ram rods with general purpose petroleum
grease.
• Lubricate all pivot points (for example, the
connecting pin assembly) with general purpose
petroleum grease.
NOTE: Apply dielectric grease to all electrical
connections to maintain the protective coating on
the terminals.
STORAGE
Your snowplow is designed to be moved into a storage
location using your vehicle and plow attachment
system. For easier reattachment, store the snowplow
on a hard, level surface.
Summary of Contents for DEFENDER
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