A properly maintained hydraulic system helps your snowplow operate reliably throughout the winter. As part of routine BOSS Snowplow maintenance, hydraulic fluid should be changed once per season to help maintain proper system performance.
Old hydraulic fluid can become contaminated with water, dirt, and metal particles. Contaminated or degraded fluid can contribute to poor plow performance, slower hydraulic response, increased wear on hydraulic components, and potential system problems during winter storms.
BOSS recommends changing hydraulic fluid once per season as part of routine snowplow maintenance.
Inspecting hydraulic fluid regularly can help identify potential issues before they lead to costly repairs or downtime.
For best performance, use manufacturer-approved snowplow hydraulic fluid designed for cold-weather operation. BOSS Hydraulic Fluid is designed for use in BOSS snowplow hydraulic systems and is available directly from BOSS.
As part of the general maintenance of your BOSS Snowplow, it is recommended that you change the hydraulic fluid once per season. The following how-to video walks you through the proper way to change the fluid on your BOSS Snowplow.
Step-by-Step Hydraulic Fluid Change
1. Drain the Old Hydraulic Fluid
Remove the old hydraulic fluid from the system according to the instructions for your BOSS Snowplow model.
2. Refill With New Hydraulic Fluid
Refill the hydraulic system with the appropriate hydraulic fluid for your plow.
3. Purge Air From the Hydraulic System
Operate the hydraulic system as directed in your owner's manual to help remove trapped air.
4. Check Fluid Levels
Check the hydraulic fluid level and top off as necessary according to your plow's specifications.
5. Properly Dispose of Used Hydraulic Fluid
Dispose of used hydraulic fluid according to local regulations and applicable recycling or disposal requirements.
Not sure if it's time to replace your hydraulic fluid? Watch for these common warning signs:
Slower-than-normal plow response
Jerky or inconsistent blade movement
Unusual hydraulic noises
Difficulty lifting or angling the blade
Dark, cloudy, or milky hydraulic fluid
Visible contamination inside the reservoir
If you notice any of these symptoms, inspect your hydraulic system and consider replacing the fluid before the next storm event.
BOSS recommends changing snowplow hydraulic fluid once per season as part of routine maintenance. More frequent changes may be necessary if the fluid becomes contaminated or the plow sees especially demanding use.
Use the hydraulic fluid specified for your snowplow rather than a general-purpose hydraulic oil. Snowplow hydraulic fluid is formulated for the cold-weather conditions in which snowplows operate.
Hydraulic fluid capacity varies by plow model. Consult your BOSS Snowplow owner's manual for the correct fluid capacity and filling instructions.
Clean hydraulic fluid is typically clear or lightly colored. Dark, cloudy, or milky fluid may indicate contamination and should be inspected and replaced as needed.
Contaminated hydraulic fluid, trapped air, low fluid levels, or cold-weather viscosity issues can affect snowplow performance. If your plow is operating slowly, inspect the hydraulic fluid and system and refer to your owner's manual for troubleshooting guidance.