As the leaves begin to turn colors and the air turns crisp, we are reminded that winter and the inclement weather it brings with it is just around the corner. Inclement weather should not hinder emergency response time. Here are two key products available to prepare your apparatus.
CARWELL
One of the most vulnerable areas of your apparatus is the undercarriage, including the frame rails and cross members. This is a good time to ensure that any corrosion protection material, such as CARWELL, is fully covering all of the components.
With an annual application, it can significantly reduce or stop the corrosion. It can also be used between cab and body door hinges, behind handles, diamond plate and anything else mounted to the cab or body. It is easy to apply, and cost effective, and will not affect electrical circuits (non-conductive).
CARWELL should be re-applied to any areas in which it has been scraped off or otherwise removed. Salt spray build-up on frame rails is much more prevalent at this time of year, but preventive checks of the undercarriage can reduce the damaging effects of road salts.
ON SPOT AUTOMATIC TIRE CHAINS
During the winter months, emergency apparatus drivers should be able to continue to perform their duties as expected. With the added assurance from equipment like Onspot automatic tire chains, the driver can be sure that if traction is needed on snow- and ice-covered roads, the chains can be deployed with just a flip of the dashboard switch.
Long-time wear on chains or mechanical damage from impacts may require replacement of parts.
Overall there are four methods to properly maintaining the system.
#1. Remove the chain unit assemblies, leaving behind only the mounting bracket and all associated hardware attached to the vehicle. In this case you can “bench” the system checking all components, greasing pivot points, and making any adjustments or replace parts as needed.
#2. Remove the chain wheels only. This easy process involves the removal of one nut/bolt and pulling the fuse to the system so the system cannot be operated. This will take the weight of the chain wheel (on average 10 to 12 lbs.) from the end of the arms saving unnecessary wear and tear on the arm pivot points.
#3. Leave the system on all year. In this case it is important to engage the system from time to time even in the off season which will keep the system “exercised”.
#4. Replace the chain wheel with a blank wheel. This blank wheel method involves the removal of the chain wheel and replacing it with a wheel that does not have a chain plate bolted to it. This process combines both the second and third method of maintenance and has two main advantages. One is that you now can leave the system on all year and activate it at any time. This allows you to observe the operation of the system, checking the angles and height of operation. The second is the weight of the chain plate is gone and so is the sound of the chains.
As always, our service department can check your Onspot system to make sure they are ready for any emergency.
Routine preventive maintenance is the key to maintaining an operational fleet through the change of seasons. Well-maintained apparatus will require less time for the winterization process. Be sure to take advantage of GLICK’s Preventative Maintenance program to keep your fire truck and ambulance in tip-top shape.
