When it comes to distributor trucks and spraying equipment, you must be self-reliant and maintain good over-wintering practices to save your spring startup.
Plan for that by wiping down spray bars at the end of every shift. Before putting the machine in the company garage for winter, use a good release agent or WD-40 to wipe down each spray bar and nozzle of tack wagons and sealcoat machines. Use pumps to push anti-freeze through the bars if you’ll be housing equipment outdoors or in a spot that sees frigid temperatures.
Wipe down lights, mirrors and backup cameras so no buildup is left caked to sensitive surfaces. Put a shower cap or hair net over lights and backup cameras to protect them from dust and grime in the shop over winter.
For simple machines such as line stripers, turn the nozzle on the striper to prevent drying in the tip on a regular evening, but make sure you’ve drained the tubes completely and pushed solvent through before storing equipment for winter.
What other steps do you take to ensure your spraying equipment doesn’t clog into disarray during the downseason? You are welcome to take part in the conversation for extra ideas on the AsphaltPro Facebook page.
For more tips like this, be sure to subscribe to our Toolbox Tips weekly newsletter!