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Henke's Bob Lacy answers questions at the Delaware DOT   In hopes of better educating our dealers and customers, Henke offers technical information regarding product set-up and operation. Check back as this information will be updated and changed periodically or feel free to call Henke with any questions regarding our products.           Parts manuals available for download are listed here For any additional parts info, please contact Steve Brushwood.

Summertime Snowplow Maintenance Tips PDF End of Season Maintenance Snow equipment in many parts of the country got a real workout this year. Now that plows are stored for the summer, it's a good time to assess the plow's condition, make repairs and do some preventative maintenance. This is a list of things we often see in equipment shops across the country: Ground engaging components: Cutting edges & Guards; Replace any broken cutting edges, unevenly or excessively worn cutting edges, and broken or worn wear guards.    Running Gear; Replace broken, worn, or missing running gear shoes, and any damaged adjuster leg components. Grease internal threads and sliding members (it's best to disassemble and grease directly; zerks aren't as effective at greasing these areas)    Hardware; replace missing or broken bolts. Proper torque is important! Use grade 8 plow bolts for steel cutting edges. Hydraulics: Hoses; Plug or cap any QC fittings or any open hose ends. Inspect hoses for any leaks or potential leaks. Secure hoses with hose clamps.    Cylinders; check for leaks, and any chrome rod dents or scratches. (If v-stack rod end seals are leaking, a _ turn of the pack nut will often stop a small leak). Apply a light coat of oil or grease on exposed rod surfaces. Frame and Moldboard: Joints; check pins, bushings, and pivot bolts for wear. Make sure all keepers are in place. Make sure shear bolts and pins are same as original equipment (usually a grade 2 or grade 5.) Some drivers don't like replacing shear pins and will install grade 8 replacements to avoid replacing during a storm. These items are designed to shear to protect the driver and the equipment. Weldments; check for cracks Setup: Replace worn or broken parts found by above inspections   Position plow in storage/parking space on solid surface. Adjust running gear (if equipped) to hold plow frame at the level needed to reconnect to truck. This will also properly set running gear for plowing operation. Check Replacement Stock: Make a note to order replacement stock at some time before mid-fall season. (I'm amazed at how many normal wear items, like cutting edges, we ship out UPS Overnite just as the first storm hits!) TIME TO SET UP YOUR PLOW PDF In Season Maintenance Line up the truck behind the plow, with the hitch lift arm in the lowest position. The plow should be horizontal, with pin holes at the same height as the truck hitch pins. Drive the truck into the hitch, so that the pins can be engaged. Engage the pins. Loosen one end of the chain at the chain lock, and set the chain length so the chain arc is 2" above the hook, and fasten the loose end back into the chain lock. Center the sliding chain block into the high point of the chain arc, and place the sliding chain block on the life arm hook. Using hitch arm truck hydraulics, lift up on the chain, keeping the plow edge parallel to the ground, so that the edge is at least 12" off the ground (carrying position). If 12" is not available, make arm or chain adjustments. Lower to operating position. Circle frame should be parallel to the ground. Adjust running gear, so that the weight of the plow falls evenly on cutting edge and running gear. This is the normal plowing position. Test plow reversing function to see that hydraulics and stops work correctly. Check for cutting edge layback angle, which should be 15 degrees tilted back from perpendicular. Adjust layback if necessary. Degree of layback may be adjusted for various cutting edges and conditions. Carefully check trip mechanism against stationary object, and adjust if necessary. Cycle the lift-to-carry position and reversing function several times. If the plow drops on one end, set sliding chain block pin to restrict chain travel. Do not back up the truck while the plow is in plowing position. Return plow to the carry postion, where cutting edge is 12" off the ground and parallel to the ground. This is the normal carry position.

REMEMBER THESE FIVE IMPORTANT STEPS Line up, pin up, and adjust chain   Adjust running gear for even weight distribution   Adjust layback for best snow lift Check for horizontal puch in plowing position   Lift to carry position before moving Download an Acrobat PDF version of these instructions.

TIME TO MOUNT YOUR TRUCK HITCH The bumper must be removed temporarily or permanently to prepare the truck chassis frame for hitch mounting. The major hitch mounting angle must be bolted directly to the truck frame, or to structural frame extensions. Bumper brackets are usually not strong enough for carrying the load of the hitch and plows. If truck frame extensions are required, these should be the largest structural angles or channels which can be bolted inside the truck frame. For instance, two 1/2 x 6 x 4" angles 24" long, are the logical structural angles to provide a 6" to 12" frame extension. The hitch mounting angle is then bolted to the extension. Before the hitch mounting angle is securely mounted, and when the truck bed is in an unloaded condition, there should be 14" between the ground and the hitch bottom hole. If there is not 14", the hitch mounting angle may have to be relocated up or down on the hitch to provide the 14" dimension. The purpose of the 14" dimension is to permit the plow push frame to be horizontal with the ground, when the truck is loaded. The plow push frame swivel plate can be turned upside down to help accommodate different truck frame heights. Lower brace arms are provided to attach the bottom of the hitch to the truck frame. Braces may have to be modified to accommodate the specific truck model. In all cases, the rear portion of the braces must be structurally attached to the truck frame. Upper brace arms are also provided for tilt hitches. For safetly considerations, please note that the truck portion of this hitch weighs approximately 625 pounds. When it is being positioned on the truck frame prior to bolting, it should be top chained from a crane or forklift so it can not slide forward during installation. Steel on steel slides easily, especially off a narrow surface. The hitch installer must be aware of this potenial danger. After the plow is attached and slightly raised off the ground, putting full load on the truck hitch and front axle, check the following" Inspect all bolts, lockwashers, and nuts for tightness. Inspect brace arms for any deformitites (indication of possible misalignment) Check truck front end for overloading. Check to see the plow push frame is horizontal with the ground. After the first hour of use in plowing conditions, repeat the same inspection sequence as above. Future inspection should be made on a scheduled basis, as vibration could loosen any fastener at any time.

Download an Acrobat PDF version of these instructions.