Snow plow truck pre-trip inspection
The plow, the truck, and the spreader, before every storm
A plow truck that fails at 3 a.m. in a storm costs a route. Most breakdowns are things you can catch in the yard: a worn cutting edge, a leaking hose, a dead plow light or a frozen spreader chute. This is a general list. Commercial trucks may also have pre-trip rules that apply to them, so check what yours require.
The plow
- Mount and hitch. Mount frame not cracked, hitch pins and retainer clips in place, and the plow does not shift when you push on it.
- Cutting edge and shoes. Edge bolts tight and the edge not worn down to the moldboard. Worn shoes drop the blade onto the pavement.
- Moldboard and trip springs. No cracks or bends, springs and trip mechanism move freely.
- Hydraulics. Hoses and fittings dry. Raise, lower, angle left and right and listen for a slow or noisy pump.
- Lights and wiring. Plow lights wired correctly, both on, and the plug and connector are clean and tight.
The truck
- Tires and wheels. Pressure, tread depth, cuts, and lug nuts tight. Chains on and in good shape if you run them.
- Brakes and steering. Pedal firm, no pull, no excess play in the steering. Parking brake holds.
- Fluids and battery. Engine oil, coolant, washer fluid rated for winter, and a battery that starts hard-cold. Check the charging light.
- Wipers and defrost. Blades not split, defrost and heater working, and mirrors clear.
- Lights, beacon and horn. Headlights, taillights, turn signals, strobe or beacon and the backup alarm all work.
- Exhaust and underneath. No leaks or hanging parts. Look under the truck for fresh fluid.
The spreader
- Hopper and chute. Free of frozen or caked material, with the chute and spinner turning freely.
- Auger or conveyor and drive. Chain or belt tension right, drive motor and hoses dry.
- Controls. Cab controller works, with feed rate and spinner speed responding.
In the cab
- Seat belt and cab. Belt latches and the cab is clear of loose items that could slide.
- Fire extinguisher, first aid and flashlight. Present, charged, and the light works.
- Shovel, tow strap and traction aids. Ready and secured.
- Paperwork and phone. Route sheet, the right contacts and a phone charger.
When to take it out of service
Keep it off the route if you find a cracked mount or frame, a missing hitch pin, a hydraulic hose leaking at pressure, a plow with no working lights, weak or pulling brakes, a tire with exposed cords, or a failed seat belt. A worn cutting edge or a slow spreader gets written up and fixed before the next storm.
Keep a record you can show
RigCheck gives each truck its own checklist, including plow and spreader items you can edit, and emails you the moment a driver fails something safety-critical, so you can send another truck. The first 14 days are free, with no card.
See also: daily equipment inspection checklist · all guides. RigCheck is a record-keeping tool and does not replace any inspection your regulator requires.