To keep your Western Striker salt spreader in top shape after winter, start by pressure washing all surfaces and removing leftover deicer from hidden spots. Check for rust, touch up with paint, and apply rust inhibitors where needed. Grease bearings, chains, and moving parts, then inspect and protect all electrical connections with dielectric grease. Check hydraulic fluid, hoses, and connections for leaks. Store the spreader indoors, and inspect for worn parts. Explore further to guarantee your equipment lasts even longer.
Key Takeaways
- Thoroughly pressure wash the hopper and all spreader surfaces to remove deicing materials and prevent corrosion.
- Inspect all metal parts for rust or corrosion, treating bare spots with rust inhibitors and touch-up paint.
- Lubricate all bearings, chains, and moving parts with high-quality grease before off-season storage.
- Check, clean, and protect all electrical connections with dielectric grease to prevent moisture-related failures.
- Examine hydraulic fluid levels, replace annually, and inspect hoses and fittings for leaks or wear.
Thorough Cleaning Procedures for Your Salt Spreader
Although it might seem tedious after a long season, thoroughly cleaning your salt spreader is crucial for keeping it in good shape. Start by using a pressure washer to clean inside the hopper, making sure you remove all deicing materials and debris. Rinse every external surface to wash away leftover salt or dirt and help prevent corrosion. Pay close attention to hidden spots where salt can accumulate and cause damage over time. Carefully inspect the pulley setup for the spinner motor, removing any stuck material. Once clean, let your spreader dry completely before storing it to prevent dampness-related issues.
Inspecting for Corrosion and Rust Prevention
After cleaning your salt spreader, it’s important to carefully inspect for any signs of corrosion or rust. Examine exposed metal surfaces, especially where salt may have worn away the protective coating. For effective rust prevention, quickly touch up any bare spots with paint and apply a rust-inhibiting product to at-risk areas. Check the spinner, auger, and truck bed for trapped dampness or salt buildup, since these can accelerate corrosion. Routine off-season inspections will help you address minor issues before they become serious. Always store your spreader in a dry, sheltered place to further reduce the chance of rust formation.
Lubricating Bearings, Chains, and Moving Parts
Once you’ve checked for corrosion, focus on lubricating all the moving parts of your salt spreader to keep it running smoothly. Use high-quality multi-purpose grease or oil for lubricating bearings, chains, and moving parts, including the conveyor, rollers, and augers. This reduces wear, extends component life, and helps prevent unexpected breakdowns. Be methodical—don’t miss any fittings or points where friction can build up. Stick to a consistent lubrication schedule throughout the season and always lubricate before storing your spreader for the off-season. Proper attention to lubricating bearings, chains, and moving parts guarantees your Western Striker performs reliably every winter.
Electrical System and Motor Care
Maintaining your salt spreader’s electrical system and motor is essential for reliable performance throughout the winter. Begin by inspecting all electrical connections for corrosion and wear. Clean leads and connectors thoroughly, ensuring they’re free from debris. Apply dielectric grease to each connection to prevent dampness and corrosion, which safeguards against electrical failures. Examine battery terminals, tightening and cleaning as needed, and use dielectric grease here as well. Don’t overlook the 100 amp fuse—replace it if blown, and treat its terminals with dielectric grease. Once finished, run a full test of your spreader’s electrical system to confirm everything works as intended.
Checking and Adjusting Chain and Belt Tension
Start by checking your chain and belt for the correct deflection, aiming for about 1 to 3 inches, and adjust the tension if it’s outside this range. Make sure you remove any trapped debris that could affect performance or cause extra wear. Regular inspection and adjustment will keep your salt spreader running smoothly and help prevent costly breakdowns.
Inspect for Proper Deflection
One essential step in post-season maintenance is inspecting the chain and belt tension to guarantee proper deflection. You’ll want about 1 to 3 inches of deflection in your chain tension—anything outside this range can lead to premature wear or poor performance. Regularly checking for the correct deflection assures your Western Striker Salt Spreader operates efficiently. Consult your Owner’s Manual for model-specific guidelines, and don’t overlook this detail. Mastery means diligence, and proper tension checks extend your equipment’s lifespan.
| Feeling Confident? | Worried About Wear? |
|---|---|
| Correct tension = 👍 | Too loose = 😟 |
| Owner’s Manual = 📖 | Too tight = 😬 |
Adjust Tension as Needed
After checking for proper chain and belt deflection, it’s time to make any necessary adjustments to keep your salt spreader running smoothly. To adjust tension as needed, first consult your Owner’s Manual for the correct settings specific to your Western Striker Salt Spreader. Aim for 1 to 3 inches of deflection as a general rule. Loosen the motor bolts, then slide the motor until you reach the desired tension. Once satisfied, retighten the bolts securely. Regularly adjusting tension prevents unnecessary wear and boosts efficiency, ensuring your spreader’s chains and belts last longer and perform at their best.
Remove Trapped Debris
Trapped debris like deicing materials or sand can quickly interfere with your salt spreader’s performance, especially when it comes to keeping chains and belts at the right tension. Before you check or adjust tension, always remove trapped debris from under and around the spreader components. This step guarantees you verify your adjustments are accurate and prevents hidden material from causing premature wear. After you’ve cleared all obstructions, inspect the chains and belts for proper deflection—typically 1 to 3 inches. If tension adjustments are needed, loosen the motor bolts and slide the motor as required for peak operation.
Hydraulic and Fluid Maintenance Essentials
Keeping your Western Striker salt spreader’s hydraulic system in top shape starts with regular checks and fluid changes. Always use high-quality hydraulic fluid recommended by the manufacturer and monitor fluid levels as outlined in your Owner’s Manual. After winter, inspect hoses and fittings for wear, cracks, or leaks, and replace any damaged components. Thoroughly check all hydraulic system parts for contamination, securing connections to prevent future leaks. A systematic approach guarantees smooth operation and extends the spreader’s lifespan. Use the table below as a quick reference for core hydraulic maintenance tasks:
| Task | Frequency | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Fluid Level Check | Monthly | Prevents system strain |
| Fluid Change | Annually | Removes contaminants |
| Hose Inspection | Post-season | Prevents leaks |
| Fitting Tightening | Post-season | Guarantees safety |
| Use Proper Fluid | Every refill | Maximizes efficiency |
Secure Storage Techniques for Off-Season Protection
Though winter’s over, how you store your Western Striker salt spreader plays a major role in its long-term durability and performance. Always choose a dry, protected location to prevent corrosion and damage from the elements. Clean the spreader thoroughly beforehand to prevent residual salt or debris from causing rust. Secure the unit against a wall with straps or bungee cords to prevent tipping or accidental damage. Tighten any loose bolts and connections to guarantee stability. Finally, cover the spreader with a tarp or protective cover to prevent dust and humidity buildup, helping you maintain your equipment in peak condition for next season.
Replacing Worn or Damaged Components
Once your Western Striker salt spreader is stored securely, it’s time to check for parts that may need replacement. Focus on critical components like the chain, belts, and hoses, as these endure heavy use and often show signs of wear. Replace any worn or damaged parts without delay to guarantee peak performance next season. Keep spare parts, especially chains, on hand to reduce downtime. When replacing, weigh the reliability and cost of will-fit versus OEM parts. For best results, use WESTERN Genuine Service Parts. Repaint exposed metal areas to prevent rust, preserving both the spreader’s durability and your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Keep a Salt Spreader From Rusting?
To keep your salt spreader from rusting, you’ll wash it thoroughly after each use, touch up exposed metal with paint, apply rust inhibitors, lubricate moving parts, and always store it in a dry, protected environment to guarantee longevity.
How to Maintain a Salt Spreader?
To maintain a salt spreader, you’ll thoroughly clean all components, inspect and lubricate moving parts, clear the spinner, monitor engine fluids, and store it in a dry, protected place. Follow these steps, and you’ll guarantee reliable, long-term performance.
What Is the Best Lubricant for Salt Spreaders?
You’ll get the best results using a high-quality multi-purpose grease or oil for bearings and chains, and dielectric grease for electrical connections. Opt for EXTREME DEFENSE™ Grease; it excels against salt corrosion. Use specified gear oil in gearboxes.
Can You Leave Salt in a Salt Spreader?
You shouldn’t leave salt in your spreader. If you do, it’ll absorb dampness, freeze, and clump, stressing your motor. Salt likewise corrodes metal parts. Always empty and clean your spreader after every use to maintain peak performance.