Winter maintenance is a critical task for municipalities, contractors, and snow removal crews. One of the most essential components of this maintenance is the spreader chain, which helps ensure the smooth and even distribution of materials like salt, sand, and other de-icing agents. However, like any piece of equipment exposed to harsh winter conditions, spreader chains are prone to rust and corrosion, which can significantly impact their performance and lifespan.
In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of rust and corrosion on spreader chains, and provide you with essential tips on how to properly care for your spreader chains to extend their life and avoid premature spreader chain replacement.
Why Rust and Corrosion Are a Concern
Spreader chains are typically made of high-strength steel, designed to withstand the heavy-duty demands of winter road maintenance. However, their constant exposure to moisture, salt, and chemicals can lead to rust and corrosion over time.
Once rust begins to form, it weakens the metal, reducing the chain’s strength and performance. This degradation increases the risk of a chain snapping or breaking during operation, leading to equipment failure, expensive repairs, and the need for spreader chain replacement.
Common Causes of Rust and Corrosion
Before diving into how to care for your spreader chains, it’s helpful to understand the common causes of rust and corrosion. These include:
Moisture Exposure:
Snow, rain, and ice expose your spreader chains to constant moisture. When combined with air, water reacts with the metal, causing rust to form. This is especially common when the chains are not properly dried after use.
Road Salt and Chemicals:
De-icing materials such as salt and brine are highly corrosive. While these materials are essential for keeping roads safe, they can also accelerate the formation of rust on your spreader chains, particularly if left uncleaned.
Temperature Fluctuations:
Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing create condensation on metal surfaces. This water can get trapped in small crevices, leading to corrosion that spreads over time.
Neglect:
Failing to properly clean, lubricate, and store your spreader chains during the off-season can significantly increase their susceptibility to rust and corrosion, eventually leading to a necessary spreader chain replacement.
How to Prevent Rust and Corrosion on Your Spreader Chains
Preventing rust and corrosion on your spreader chains requires a proactive approach. By incorporating regular maintenance and proper care into your winter maintenance routine, you can extend the life of your spreader chains and avoid costly spreader chain replacement.
1. Clean Your Spreader Chains Regularly
One of the most effective ways to prevent rust is by keeping your spreader chains clean. After every use, be sure to thoroughly wash the chains to remove salt, brine, dirt, and other debris that can promote rust formation.
How to Clean Your Spreader Chains:
- Use a hose or pressure washer to remove all dirt and road salt.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives that may damage the metal.
- After cleaning, dry the chains completely to prevent water from lingering in the links.
- Keeping your spreader chains clean is a simple yet crucial step in preventing rust and avoiding spreader chain replacement.
2. Lubricate Your Spreader Chains
Lubrication is essential for preventing rust, as it creates a protective barrier between the metal and the elements. Proper lubrication also helps to reduce friction, ensuring smooth operation and prolonging the life of the chain.
How to Lubricate Your Spreader Chains:
- Apply a high-quality, corrosion-resistant lubricant designed for use on spreader chains. Avoid lubricants that attract dirt or wash away easily.
- Be sure to apply the lubricant to all areas of the chain, including the pins, rollers, and bushings.
- Lubricate the chains regularly throughout the season, especially after cleaning or after prolonged exposure to wet conditions.
- By keeping your spreader chains well-lubricated, you can greatly reduce the chances of rust developing, helping you to avoid a premature spreader chain replacement.
3. Inspect Chains for Damage and Rust
Routine inspections are crucial for catching any early signs of rust or wear on your spreader chains. Regularly inspecting your chains allows you to identify and address potential issues before they lead to major problems or equipment failure.
How to Inspect Your Spreader Chains:
- Look for visible signs of rust, including red or brown discoloration, particularly around the chain links.
- Check for any cracks, weak points, or excessive wear, especially around the links and pins.
- Ensure the chain is properly tensioned and aligned to avoid additional wear.
- By catching rust early and addressing minor issues promptly, you can reduce the likelihood of needing a spreader chain replacement.
4. Properly Store Your Chains During the Off-Season
When winter is over, it’s easy to forget about your spreader chains. However, improper storage can lead to rust forming during the off-season. Proper storage is key to keeping your chains in good condition and ready for next season.
How to Store Your Spreader Chains:
- Before storing, thoroughly clean and dry the chains to remove any dirt, salt, or moisture.
- Apply a protective coating or lubricant to the chains to prevent corrosion during storage.
- Store the chains in a dry, cool location away from moisture or fluctuating temperatures. If possible, hang the chains to keep them off the ground.
- Taking the time to properly store your spreader chains can significantly reduce the risk of rust and help you avoid the need for a spreader chain replacement come next winter.
5. Replace Worn or Damaged Chains
Even with the best maintenance practices, spreader chains will eventually wear out. If you notice excessive rust, damage, or reduced performance, it may be time to consider a spreader chain replacement. Being proactive and replacing chains before they break can potentially prevent even more costly and time-consuming repairs.
Signs that you may need a spreader chain replacement include:
- Chain links that are severely rusted or corroded
- Chains that no longer fit properly or are misaligned
- Reduced efficiency in material spreading, leading to uneven distribution
- Chains that break or snap during operation
- If you encounter any of these issues, it’s crucial to replace the spreader chains as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your equipment.
The Benefits of Regular Chain Maintenance
Taking the time to care for your spreader chains and preventing rust has a variety of benefits, including:
Extended Chain Life: By preventing rust and corrosion, you can extend the life of your spreader chains, reducing the frequency of spreader chain replacement and lowering maintenance costs.
Improved Performance: Well-maintained spreader chains operate smoothly, ensuring consistent material distribution and improving the overall efficiency of your equipment.
Reduced Downtime: Avoiding rust and damage means fewer repairs and less downtime during the winter season, allowing you to keep your equipment running when it’s needed most.
Cost Savings: Proper care reduces the need for expensive repairs and replacements, saving you money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Your spreader chains are critical to the performance of your sanders and spreaders during the winter months. By taking proactive steps to clean, lubricate, and inspect your chains regularly, you can prevent rust and corrosion from causing significant damage. Proper storage and timely spreader chain replacement will also ensure that your equipment is ready to tackle winter’s toughest challenges year after year.
At United Rotary Brush, we specialize in providing high-quality spreader chains and spreader chain replacement parts to keep your equipment running smoothly all winter long. Whether you need to replace worn chains or stock up for the upcoming season, we have the products and expertise you need to keep your spreaders and sanders in top shape.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—take care of your spreader chains now, and you’ll be ready for whatever winter throws your way! Contact one of our experts at United Rotary Brush today. We have the knowledge and expertise to assist with all your important spreader chain needs.
United Rotary Brush Corporation has been the nation’s most reliable source for all of the brooms listed in this article and many other items. We supply our clients with important items, such as airport runway brooms, street sweeper brooms, snow plow edges, bucket blades, and spreader chains. It is our mission to help our clients keep their environments clean and clear of trash, debris, and any other object that might get in the way.
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With more than 80 years of manufacturing experience in the rotary broom business, our team at United Rotary Brush has clearly established ourselves as a reputable source for all your brush and broom needs. Our full line of rotary broom products will be sure to include exactly what you need.
We look forward to assisting you!
