When snow season hits, every machine in your fleet becomes mission-critical. Whether you manage a municipal fleet, a commercial snow removal company, or a maintenance operation that supports multiple properties, downtime isn’t just inconvenient—it can cost contracts, overtime pay, and customer trust. That’s why preventative maintenance and reliable parts are essential all winter long.
At AIC Replacement Parts, we support the teams who keep communities, job sites, and properties moving. Here’s how to keep your snow removal fleet performing at its best through every storm.
1. Start With a Pre-Season Fleet Inspection
Before the first snowfall, every machine should receive a full systems check. Look for:
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Worn belts
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Damaged hydraulic hoses
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Corroded electrical connections
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Loose hardware and frame components
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Worn tires, chains, or rubber edges
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Slow-responding cylinders or controls
Early detection helps avoid mid-storm breakdowns that stall your entire operation.
2. Replace Wear Parts Before They Fail
Snow removal puts intense strain on equipment. Key components wear faster this time of year, including:
• Hydraulic Cylinders & Hoses
Cold temperatures stiffen hoses and expose weak spots. Leaks lead to power loss, slow plow response, and safety issues.
• Skid Shoes & Cutting Edges
These take constant abuse on concrete, gravel, and uneven surfaces. Replacing worn edges keeps plows from gouging surfaces and prevents damage to frames and blades.
• Belts, Bearings & Pulleys
Spreaders, blowers, and attachments rely on belt-driven systems that can crack or slip in freezing temperatures.
• Electrical Components
Solenoids, switches, connectors, and wiring are especially vulnerable to salt exposure. Keeping spares on hand prevents lost time during storms.
AIC Replacement Parts stocks affordable aftermarket replacements for the components fleets use every day—helping you stay ready for whatever winter brings.
3. Maintain Salt Spreaders & Attachments
For fleets that rely on spreaders and sanders, consistent performance is non-negotiable. Mid-storm failure can leave roadways or properties unsafe.
Check regularly for:
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Corrosion on motors and wiring
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Frozen bearings
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Bent or damaged spinner plates
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Blocked chute areas
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Belt wear on conveyor systems
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Gearbox lubrication levels
Replace components showing early signs of wear before a storm hits—not after.
4. Keep Hydraulics in Top Shape
Hydraulics are the backbone of snow removal equipment.
Monitor:
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Cylinder responsiveness
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Fluid level and condition
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Leaks around fittings and hoses
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Pump performance
A slow or weak hydraulic system can cripple your fleet, especially for front-mount and V-plow systems. AIC carries cylinders, hoses, seals, and valves compatible with a wide range of equipment.
5. Don’t Overlook Engines & Electrical Systems
Extreme cold is hard on powertrains. Keep engines reliable by:
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Replacing fuel and air filters
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Checking spark plugs
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Inspecting starters and alternators
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Verifying battery health and cold-cranking amps
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Cleaning ground connections
Snow equipment often sits between storms—meaning electrical issues appear suddenly. Staying proactive minimizes mid-route shutdowns.
6. Stock Spare Parts for Fast Turnaround
Fleets can’t afford multi-day downtime. Shops and managers should keep a winter stock of the most commonly replaced parts, such as:
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Belts
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Skid shoes
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Cutting edges
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Hydraulic hoses and seals
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Electrical connectors and solenoids
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Bearings and pulleys
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Shear pins
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Batteries and cables
AIC Replacement Parts helps fleets and shops stay prepared with readily available, high-demand winter components—shipped fast and backed by excellent support.
7. Post-Storm Inspections Matter
After every major event, a quick fleet check can prevent the next failure.
Inspect:
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Cutting edge life
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Cracks or bends in frames/blades
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Hydraulic leaks
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Belt and bearing conditions
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Debris buildup in spreaders or blowers
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Electrical corrosion from salt exposure
Small issues ignored after one storm become large, expensive failures by the next.
Winter Doesn’t Wait—Keep Your Fleet Ready
Snow removal operations rely on equipment that must perform under brutal conditions. With the right preventative maintenance and dependable replacement parts, your fleet can stay running smoothly all season long.
AIC Replacement Parts is your partner in keeping snow plows, blowers, spreaders, tractors, and UTVs ready for winter’s toughest challenges. From hydraulic components to belts, bearings, electrical parts, and wear items—we’ve got what your shop needs, when you need it.