Every winter, contractors and property managers lose thousands of dollars fixing snow attachments that shouldn’t have broken in the first place. Most failures aren’t caused by bad luck – they’re the result of small, avoidable mistakes.
Across the U.S., contractors, farmers, and property owners depend on their skid steers, snow pushers, blowers and blades to keep operations running. But even the toughest equipment can break down if it’s not properly maintained.
In most cases, attachment failures don’t stem from manufacturing defects. They happen because of preventable errors during operation, maintenance, or storage. Each small oversight adds stress, weakens components, and shortens equipment life – leading to costly repairs and downtime that eat into your bottom line.
Here are the seven most common mistakes that ruin snow attachments and how to prevent them before the first snow flies.
1. Skipping Pre-Season Inspection
Every professional knows the importance of preseason prep, but too many skip it when schedules get tight. Before you mount your snow pusher or blower, take 15 minutes for a detailed inspection.
Check hoses for cracks or leaks, verify couplers are clean and secure, and look for loose bolts or worn bushings. Examine cutting edges, shoes, and side plates for uneven wear. Inspect hydraulic cylinders and fittings for signs of seepage.
A quick inspection now prevents you from discovering a blown seal or broken weld halfway through a 2 a.m. snow call. Consider it insurance for uptime.
2. Running With Worn or Loose Cutting Edges
A dull or loose edge can dig into pavement, cause uneven scraping, and wear down the base of your attachment.
Tighten cutting edge bolts before every storm, and replace edges when they’re worn to about half their original thickness. Regular maintenance keeps the pusher or blade gliding cleanly and prevents premature damage to the moldboard.
3. Forgetting to Check Hydraulic Fluid and Connections
Low or dirty hydraulic fluid is one of the most common causes of attachment failure. Contaminated fluid causes erratic movement, weak performance, and eventual pump or motor damage.
Before every shift, check your hydraulic fluid levels and clarity. Milky fluid signals moisture contamination, while dark, burnt-smelling oil means it’s breaking down under heat. Always use the fluid grade specified by your skid steer manufacturer, and keep quick couplers clean to avoid debris contamination.
When you store attachments between jobs, cap your hydraulic lines. A few seconds of care keeps your system clean and running at full power all season.
4. Overpowering the Job
When snow piles up, it’s tempting to crank the throttle and push harder. But overworking your attachment or using excessive down pressure can cause more harm than good.
Excessive force can bend edges, crack welds, or blow hydraulic seals. Instead, let the attachment’s design and weight do the work. Use steady, controlled passes, and avoid sudden stops or aggressive turns.
High-performance attachments like Skid Pro’s heavy-duty snow blowers and pushers are engineered to move massive snow loads efficiently without the need for brute force. Trust the design, not the throttle.
5. Using the Wrong Attachment for the Surface
This is a big one. Using the wrong attachment for your jobsite surface leads to poor results and unnecessary wear.
For instance:
- A snow pusher works best on smooth concrete and asphalt lots.
- A snow blower is better for deep drifts or uneven terrain.
- A snow blade offers precise control on smaller lots and tight spaces.
Contractors sometimes use whatever’s mounted, but mismatched attachments strain both the machine and operator. Always match your tool to your surface and job type – and if you’re unsure, Skid Pro’s team can help you pick the right attachment for your environment.
6. Neglecting to Clean Attachments After Use
Snow work exposes equipment to some of the harshest elements – salt, sand, ice, and moisture. Leaving that mix on your attachment overnight invites corrosion.
After every use, rinse off salt and debris with low-pressure water, paying attention to joints, pivot points, and hydraulic areas. Wipe down fittings and apply a light coat of lubricant to exposed metal. Let everything dry before storage.
A few extra minutes of cleanup can add years to your attachment’s life, especially if you store equipment outdoors.
7. Poor Off-Season Storage
The off-season is where many attachments meet their end. Leaving equipment outside, uncovered, or sitting in pooled water causes UV damage, rust, and seal deterioration.
At minimum, store attachments under a weatherproof cover on a level surface with good drainage. Ideally, move them into a shed or storage bay. Disconnect hydraulic hoses, cap fittings, and give moving parts a quick shot of grease before storing long-term.
When fall comes back around, you’ll have equipment ready to work not a pile of expensive repairs waiting.
Final Thoughts: Small Habits, Big Payoffs
Snow attachments are built to handle extreme conditions but they still rely on consistent care. By avoiding these seven mistakes, you’ll extend your equipment’s lifespan, reduce downtime, and protect your investment.
Whether you’re managing commercial lots, farm roads, or large residential properties, preventive maintenance is the best way to keep your snow gear reliable and profitable.
And when it’s time to upgrade or replace, look for attachments engineered for durability and performance. Skid Pro’s snow lineup – from pushers and blades to high-flow snow blowers – is built in the USA and backed by a team that understands what real work looks like in the dead of winter.
Explore the complete range of Skid Pro’s snow removal attachments built for contractors, farmers, and property owners who need reliable performance season after season.