What? You’re telling me that you need to maintain the trip springs of our KAGE skid steer plow??! Well, not the spring itself. Coil springs require zero maintenance. The telescoping tubes that are inside the spring(s) do need a bit of lubrication once in a while. They are what guide the spring and keep it from side – deflection. We recommend that you lubricate between these tubes at least once a season to prevent any corrosion and possible seizure of the trip edge on your skid steer snow plow trip edge.
Why Would The Trip Edge Not Snap Back?
I have seen so much corrosion built up between the telescoping spring tubes that the trip edge will not readily snap back. This can be annoying to any operator that is snow plowing all night, and just wants to get done already! If the plow trips over an obstacle forcing the springs to compress, and there is debris caused by years of corrosion built up inside the tubes, the tubes may get stuck together just enough to prevent the trip edge from snapping back into place.
Is This Common? Why Don’t You Fix The Problem?
This is not common. It greatly depends on the age of the plow, and the environment it is exposed to. It is not very often that something like this is reported, but it can happen. With a bit of attention once a year – a quick squirt of lubricant, this problem can be avoided completely. Check out this thread from the experts at Plowsite https://www.plowsite.com/threads/9-ft-kage-springs.170387/#post-2278074.
How To Fix If This Does Occur During A Plow Event?
- Try elevating the plow and shaking it, just as you would if you are trying to shake the snow off. The vibration may release the seized spring assembly.
- If that fails, try putting slight down pressure on the plow while backing up. The force from back-dragging, plus the vibration of scraping the cutting edge on the pavement may loosen up the seized up spring assembly.
How To Perform Maintenance So That The Trip Edge Works Freely
Simply lubricate the telescoping tubes once a year when you put the plows away for the season. Remove the top bolts of the spring towers. Use an impact wrench to back the bolt out as far as it will go. Watch out so that the spring doesn’t hit you. Once you have the spring towers apart, lubricate the male tubes, and inside the female tubes with a bit of grease. Re-install the parts, starting with the outside spring first. Use a punch to help align the spring bolt. Hammer the spring bolt into place. An impact wrench may be helpful in getting the bolt through the second ear. Install the second spring assembly, and hammer the bolt home. Tighten the nut only until the nut is flush with the end of the bolt. Do not squeeze the ears together, pinching the spring towers. Repeat on the other side. You’re all done! Your KAGE skid steer, wheel loader, or tractor plow will be happy for another year!
Mike Stephan
President
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