As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, winter looms on the horizon, bringing with it the promise of snow, ice, and all the challenges that come with keeping roads safe and navigable. For municipalities, road maintenance teams, and private contractors alike, this means one thing: it’s time to ensure that your spreaders and sanders are ready for the task ahead. And at the heart of these essential winter machines are the spreader chains, the critical components that ensure your spreaders and sanders function smoothly and efficiently.
In this blog, we’ll explore why spreader chains are so vital, how to prepare your equipment for the harsh winter months, and why United Rotary Brush is your best source for top-quality spreader chains.
The Vital Role of Spreader Chains
Spreader chains are the unsung heroes of winter road maintenance. These chains are responsible for moving the sand, salt, or other de-icing materials from the hopper to the spinner, which then distributes the material evenly across the road surface. Without a properly functioning spreader chain, even the most powerful and well-maintained spreader or sander would be rendered useless, leaving roads icy and dangerous.
How Spreader Chains Work
In a typical spreader or sander, the spreader chain is part of a conveyor chain system within the hopper. As the conveyor chain moves, the material is pulled through the hopper to the back of the machine, where it’s dropped onto the spinner. The spinner then disperses the material across the roadway, helping to melt ice and provide traction for vehicles.
The efficiency and effectiveness of this process depend heavily on the condition of the spreader chain. If the chain is worn, rusty, or improperly tensioned, it can cause uneven distribution, clogging, or even complete mechanical failure.
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Why Preparing Your Spreaders and Sanders is Crucial
With winter fast approaching, now is the time to inspect, repair, and replace any worn components on your spreaders and sanders. Neglecting this essential maintenance can lead to costly downtime, dangerous road conditions, and potentially hazardous situations for both your crew and the public.
- Preventative Maintenance Reduces Downtime
The last thing any road maintenance crew needs during a snowstorm is a broken-down spreader or sander. Downtime in the middle of a storm can have serious consequences, including icy roads, accidents, and a backlog of work that could take days to catch up on. By conducting thorough inspections and replacing worn parts now, you can prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure your equipment is ready to go when you need it most.
- Proper Maintenance Enhances Efficiency
A well-maintained spreader or sander not only runs more smoothly but also operates more efficiently. This means you can cover more ground in less time, using less material, and ultimately saving money. Spreader chains that are in good condition contribute to consistent material flow, reducing waste and ensuring even coverage on the roads.
- Safety is Paramount
Winter road maintenance is all about safety. Ensuring that your spreaders and sanders are in top condition is critical to keeping roads safe for drivers. Worn or damaged spreader chains can cause uneven material distribution, leading to icy patches on the road that could result in accidents. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of spreader chains help ensure that your equipment is operating safely and effectively.
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Preparing Your Spreaders and Sanders for Winter
So, how do you get your spreaders and sanders ready for the winter season? Fortunately, our team at United Rotary Brush has the answers you need to get prepared for when the weather turns frigid. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare:
- Inspect Spreader Chains for Wear and Tear
The first step in preparing your equipment for winter is to thoroughly inspect your spreader chains. Look for signs of wear, such as rust, kinks, or stretched links. If the chain is showing any of these signs, it’s time to replace it. United Rotary Brush offers a wide range of high-quality spreader chains that are built to withstand the harsh conditions of winter road maintenance.
- Check Chain Tension
Proper chain tension is crucial for the smooth operation of your spreader or sander. If the chain is too loose, it can slip or come off the sprockets, leading to uneven material distribution or mechanical failure. On the other hand, if the chain is too tight, it can cause excessive wear on the chain and sprockets, reducing the lifespan of your equipment. Adjust the tension according to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure optimal performance.
- Lubricate the Chains
Lubrication is key to preventing rust and reducing friction, which can extend the life of your spreader chains. Use a high-quality lubricant that is designed for use in cold temperatures, as standard lubricants can thicken or freeze in sub-zero conditions. Be sure to lubricate the chain after each use to keep it in top condition.
- Inspect Sprockets and Rollers
In addition to the spreader chain itself, it’s important to inspect the sprockets and rollers for signs of wear. Worn sprockets can cause the chain to slip or jump, leading to uneven material distribution. If the sprockets or rollers are worn, replace them along with the spreader chain to ensure smooth operation.
- Check the Hopper and Spinner Assembly
While the spreader chain is the heart of the system, the hopper and spinner assembly are also critical components that need to be in good working order. Inspect the hopper for any signs of damage or rust, and make sure the spinner is functioning properly. Clear any debris from the spinner to ensure even material distribution.
- Test the Equipment Before the First Snowfall
Finally, don’t wait until the first snowfall to test your spreaders and sanders. Once you’ve completed your inspections and made any necessary repairs or replacements, run a test to make sure everything is working as it should. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your equipment is ready to tackle whatever winter throws your way.
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Why Choose United Rotary Brush for Your Spreader Chains?
When it comes to spreader chains, quality and reliability are paramount. United Rotary Brush has been a trusted name in the industry for years, providing top-quality spreader chains that are built to last. Here’s why you should choose United Rotary Brush for your spreader chain needs:
- High-Quality Materials
United Rotary Brush uses only the highest quality materials in the manufacturing of their spreader chains. This ensures that the chains are durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of winter road maintenance.
- Precision Manufacturing
United Rotary Brush employs state-of-the-art manufacturing processes to ensure that each spreader chain is made to exacting standards. This precision manufacturing results in chains that are perfectly suited to the demands of your spreaders and sanders, providing smooth, reliable operation every time.
- Extensive Product Range
Whether you’re looking for a specific type of spreader chain or need a replacement for a particular make or model of spreader or sander, United Rotary Brush has you covered. Their extensive product range includes chains for all major brands and models, ensuring that you can find the perfect fit for your equipment.
- Expert Support and Service
At United Rotary Brush, customer satisfaction is a top priority. Their team of experts is always on hand to provide advice, answer questions, and help you find the right products for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a specific chain or need assistance with installation or maintenance, you can count on United Rotary Brush to provide the support you need.
- Proven Track Record
United Rotary Brush has a proven track record of delivering high-quality products that meet the needs of their customers. Their spreader chains are used by municipalities, road maintenance teams, and private contractors across the country, and have earned a reputation for reliability and performance.
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Conclusion: Be Prepared for Winter with United Rotary Brush
Winter is just around the corner, and now is the time to make sure your spreaders and sanders are ready for the challenges ahead. By conducting thorough inspections, performing necessary maintenance, and replacing worn components, you can ensure that your equipment is ready to keep roads safe and clear all winter long.
And when it comes to spreader chains, trust United Rotary Brush to provide the high-quality products you need. With their extensive product range, expert support, and commitment to quality, United Rotary Brush is your go-to source for all your spreader chain needs. Don’t wait until the first snowfall – get your spreaders and sanders ready for winter today with United Rotary Brush.
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.
For more information about our expansive inventory of gutter brooms, tube brooms, main brooms, strip brooms, wafer brooms, and more – contact us today at (800) 851-5108. You can also go online to see our full assortment of products for highly acclaimed brands like Global, Elgin, Schwarze, XBroom, SB Manufacturing, TYMCO, Bucher/Johnston, Virnig, Laymor, Paladin, and many others.
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.
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