Douglas Dynamics WESTERN IMPACT User manual

September 1, 2020
Lit. No. 74237, Rev. 00
This manual supersedes all editions with an earlier date.
Mid-Duty IMPACT™ UTV
Straight Blade Snowplow
Owner's Manual
Original Instructions
Western Products, PO Box 245038, Milwaukee, WI 53224-9538 • www.westernplows.com
A DIVISION OF DOUGLAS DYNAMICS, LLC
CAUTION
Read this document before operating or
servicing snowplow.


Lit. No. 74237, Rev. 00 3 September 1, 2020
OWNER INFORMATION
Register your snowplow online at www.westernplows.com
Owner Name: ______________________________________________________________________________
Date Purchased: ____________________________________________________________________________
Dealer Name: ______________________________________________ Phone: _________________________
Dealer Address:_____________________________________________________________________________
Vehicle Model/Year: _________________________________________________________________________
Snowplow Model/Year: _______________________________________________________________________
Snowplow Type/Size: ______________________________________________ Weight: ______________ lb/kg
Ballast: No ___ Yes ___ Amount: ___________lb/kg
Hydraulic Unit Serial Number: __________________________________________________________________
Blade Serial Number: ________________________________________________________________________

Lit. No. 74236/74237/74238, Rev. 00 4 September 1, 2020

Lit. No. 74236/74237/74238, Rev. 00 5 September 1, 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE................................................................... 6
SAFETY ..................................................................... 7
Safety Definitions.................................................. 7
Warning/Caution & Instruction Labels .................. 7
Safety Precautions................................................ 8
Hydraulic Safety.................................................... 8
Fuses .................................................................... 8
Personal Safety..................................................... 9
Fire and Explosion ................................................ 9
Cell Phones........................................................... 9
Ventilation ............................................................. 9
Battery Safety ....................................................... 9
Noise..................................................................... 9
Vibration................................................................ 9
Snowplow Weight ................................................. 9
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR SNOWPLOW .......... 10
Snowplow Components ...................................... 10
Vehicle Mount Kit ................................................ 10
Hydraulic Unit...................................................... 10
System Capacity................................................. 10
Controls............................................................... 11
MOUNTING SNOWPLOW TO VEHICLE.............. 14
Attaching the Snowplow ..................................... 14
OPERATING YOUR SNOWPLOW ........................ 15
Hand-Held Control.............................................. 15
Blade Positions ................................................... 24
Blade Drop Speed Adjustment ...........................25
Transporting the Snowplow ................................ 26
Driving and Plowing on Snow and Ice ................26
Plowing Snow ..................................................... 27
Parking with Snowplow Attached .......................28
Towing Disabled or Stuck Vehicles.....................28
Checking Hydraulic Fluid Level........................... 28
DETACHING SNOWPLOW FROM VEHICLE ...... 29
MAINTENANCE ......................................................30
Preseason Check................................................ 30
In-Season Maintenance......................................30
Postseason Maintenance.................................... 31
Storage ............................................................... 31
Hydraulic System ................................................ 32
Annual Fluid Change.................................... 32
Hose or Fitting Replacement........................33
Procedure for Installing Fittings and Hoses .. 33
Fuse Replacement.............................................. 34
Vehicle ................................................................34
Recycle ...............................................................34
Emergency Parts/Tools ...................................... 34

Lit. No. 74236/74237/74238, Rev. 00 6 September 1, 2020
This manual has been prepared to acquaint you with
the safety information, operation, and maintenance of
your new snowplow. Please read this manual carefully
and follow all recommendations.
Before installing a snowplow, make sure your vehicle
is equipped with our recommended options for plowing
snow. This will help ensure trouble-free operation of
your snowplow. Keep this manual accessible. It is a
handy reference in case minor service is required.
PREFACE
When service is necessary, bring your snowplow to
your local outlet. They know your snowplow best and
are interested in your complete satisfaction.
The illustrations found in this manual represent
typical components. They may not match your exact
installation.

Lit. No. 74236/74237/74238, Rev. 00 7 September 1, 2020
SAFETY
SAFETY DEFINITIONS
NOTE: Indicates a situation or action that can lead
to damage to your snowplow and vehicle or other
property. Other useful information can also be
described.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
that, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. It may also be used to alert
against unsafe practices.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
that, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious personal injury.
WARNING/CAUTION & INSTRUCTION
LABELS FOR UTV STRAIGHT BLADE
Become familiar with and inform users about the
warning/caution, serial number, and instruction labels
on the back of the blade.
NOTE: If labels are missing or cannot be read, see
your sales outlet.
Warning/Caution Label
Instruction Label
Serial No.
Code Definition
YY 2-Digit Year
MM 2-Digit Month
DD 2-Digit Day
LL 2-Digit Location Code
XXXX 4-Digit Sequential Number
ZZZZZZ 5- to 7-Digit Blade Assembly PN

Lit. No. 74236/74237/74238, Rev. 00 8 September 1, 2020
SAFETY
HYDRAULIC SAFETY
• Always inspect hydraulic components and hoses
before using. Replace any damaged or worn parts
immediately.
• If you suspect a hose leak, DO NOT use your hand
to locate it. Use a piece of cardboard or wood.
FUSES
The electrical and hydraulic systems contain an
automotive-style fuse. If a problem should occur
and fuse replacement is necessary, the replacement
fuse must be of the same type and amperage rating
as the original. Installing a fuse with a higher rating
can damage the system and could start a fire. Fuse
replacement information, including fuse rating and
location, is located in the Maintenance section of this
Owner's Manual.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Follow all safety and operating instructions in
your UTV owner's manual.
Improper installation and operation could cause
personal injury, and/or equipment and property damage.
Read and understand labels and this Owner's Manual
before installing, operating, or making adjustments.
WARNING
Lower the blade when the vehicle is parked.
Temperature changes could change
hydraulic pressure, causing the blade to
drop unexpectedly or damaging hydraulic
components. Failure to do this could result in
serious personal injury.
WARNING
Remove blade assembly before placing
vehicle on hoist.
WARNING
The driver shall keep bystanders clear of the
blade when it is being raised, lowered, or
angled. Do not stand between the vehicle and
the blade or within 8 feet of a moving blade. A
moving or falling blade could cause personal
injury.
WARNING
To prevent accidental movement of the blade,
always unplug the control whenever the
snowplow is not in use.
WARNING
Keep hands and feet clear of the blade and
T-frame when mounting or removing the
snowplow. Moving or falling assemblies could
cause personal injury.
WARNING
Hydraulic fluid under pressure can
cause skin injection injury. If you
are injured by hydraulic fluid, get
medical attention immediately.
WARNING
Do not exceed GVWR, GAWR, or
maximum vehicle load capacity,
including the blade and ballast.
WARNING
Vehicle mount reduces ground clearance. Use
additional caution when driving vehicle with
mount installed. Remove vehicle mount to
restore original vehicle ground clearance at
the end of the plowing season.

Lit. No. 74236/74237/74238, Rev. 00 9 September 1, 2020
VENTILATION
BATTERY SAFETY
NOISE
Airborne noise emission during use is below 95 dB(A)
for the snowplow operator.
VIBRATION
Operating snowplow vibration does not exceed 2.5 m/s2
to the hand-arm or 0.5 m/s2to the whole body.
SNOWPLOW WEIGHT
Size Blade Assembly Wt (lb) Wt (kg)
5'6" UTV Straight Blade Snowplow 195 89
PERSONAL SAFETY
• Remove the ignition key and put the vehicle in
PARK and set the brake to prevent others from
starting the vehicle during installation or service.
• Wear only snug-fitting clothing while working on
your vehicle or snowplow.
• Do not wear jewelry or a necktie, and secure
long hair.
• Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from
battery acid, gasoline, dirt, and dust.
• Wear hearing protection such as earmuffs or
earplugs as appropriate or required.
• Avoid touching hot surfaces such as the engine,
radiator, hoses, and exhaust pipes.
• Always have a fire extinguisher rated BC handy for
flammable liquids and electrical fires.
FIRE AND EXPLOSION
Be careful when using gasoline. Do not use gasoline
to clean parts. Store only in approved containers away
from sources of heat or flame.
CELL PHONES
A driver's first responsibility is the safe operation of
the vehicle. The most important thing you can do
to prevent a crash is to avoid distractions and pay
attention to the surroundings. Wait until it is safe to
operate mobile communication equipment such as
cell phones, text messaging devices, pagers, or
two-way radios.
SAFETY
CAUTION
Batteries normally produce explosive gases
which can cause personal injury. Therefore,
do not allow flames, sparks, or lit tobacco
to come near the battery. When charging or
working near a battery, always cover your
face and protect your eyes, and also provide
ventilation.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid, which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
• Disconnect the battery before removing or
replacing any electrical components.
WARNING
Vehicle exhaust contains lethal fumes.
Breathing these fumes, even in low
concentrations, can cause death. Never
operate a vehicle in an enclosed area without
venting exhaust to the outside.
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and gasoline
vapor is explosive. Never smoke while
working on vehicle. Keep all open flames
away from gasoline tank and lines. Wipe up
any spilled gasoline immediately.

Lit. No. 74236/74237/74238, Rev. 00 10 September 1, 2020
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR SNOWPLOW
SNOWPLOW COMPONENTS
A snowplow consists of all the components that are
readily removable from the vehicle as a unit. This
includes the blade, A-frame, headgear, and hydraulic
unit. The snowplow is ready and easy to mount when
you need to plow snow. When plowing is completed,
remove the snowplow.
VEHICLE MOUNT KIT
Mount kits have been designed for many UTVs. Due
to the differences among vehicle models, the kits are
not interchangeable.
The vehicle mount assembly is bolted to the underside
of the vehicle frame. It is engineered to provide the
primary connecting points between the snowplow
assembly and the vehicle. The weight of the snowplow
system is distributed to the frame of your vehicle by
the mount assembly.
Headgear
Jack
Stand
Connecting
Pin
Headgear
Arm
Blade
Hydraulic Unit
and Cover
Trip Spring
WARNING
Vehicle mount reduces ground clearance. Use
additional caution when driving vehicle with
mount installed. Remove vehicle mount to
restore original vehicle ground clearance at
the end of the plowing season.
HYDRAULIC UNIT
The hydraulic system gives you full control of the
snowplow from the driver's seat.
SYSTEM CAPACITY
• Unit Reservoir ................................1-1/4 quarts
• System Total ................................ 1-3/4 quarts
12V DC with +/– Connection
2000 psi Pump Relief Valve
3.0" dia 2.8 kW Motor (1.39 hp)
0.000208 gal/rev Pump
Hydraulic Hose SAE 100R1
Quill
Breather/Fill Plug
Motor
Drain Plug
Valve
Manifold

Lit. No. 74236/74237/74238, Rev. 00 11 September 1, 2020
Mounting the Control: Using the mounting bracket
and hardware, the control can also be dash mounted
or mounted on a handlebar, if preferred.
HAND-HELD CONTROL
The hand-held control is electrically powered through
the ignition (key) switch of your vehicle and are
protected by a replaceable in-line fuse.
Handle Grip Options: The handle grip on the
control can be positioned three ways – left-aligned,
right-aligned, or in the center position.
WARNING
To prevent accidental movement of the blade,
always unplug the control whenever the
snowplow is not in use.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR SNOWPLOW
Toggle Switch
(for left & right
movement)
Toggle Switch
(for up & down/float
movement)
Hand-Held Control
Attach handle
to these
tabs for
left-aligned
grip.
Attach handle
to these
tabs fo
r
right-aligned
grip.
Attach handle
to these
tabs for
center-aligned
grip.
Right-
A
ligned
Left-
Aligned
Center
Position
Handle Grip Options
Dash Mount
Attach the bracket
to the dash as
shown.
Reorient the bracket
as shown. Use the
two U-bolts to
mount the bracket
to a handlebar.
Handlebar
Mount
Three Handle Grip Positions

Lit. No. 74236/74237/74238, Rev. 00 12 September 1, 2020
3. Plug in plow control in vehicle; Press plow control
switch down to activate FLOAT.
4. Pull up on headgear to relieve pressure on
connecting pins, pulling blade in if needed.
5. On driver’s side, pull up on headgear to relieve
pressure on connecting pins while pulling driver-
side connecting pin out. Rotate pin toward mount,
and insert into connecting pin hole.
6. Verify that connecting pin is engaged in mount
(through outside & inside plates) and extends
approximately 1/8" through the plate.
7. Repeat on passenger's side.
8. Remove wire-lock clevis pin. Raise jack stand up.
Insert pin in bottom hole and engage wire lock.
MOUNTING SNOWPLOW TO VEHICLE
ATTACHING THE SNOWPLOW
NOTE: Use dielectric grease to prevent corrosion
on all connections.
NOTE: Use lubricant on connecting pins to ensure
ease of attach/detach.
1. Verify that plow control in vehicle is disconnected.
Slowly drive vehicle forward to engage rear
headgear arms into receiver slots, bottoming out
headgear arms in slots.
2. Plug in electrical harness.
WARNING
Inspect snowplow components and fasteners
for wear or damage whenever attaching or
detaching the snowplow. Worn or damaged
components could allow the snowplow to
drop unexpectedly.
Connecting
Pin
Wire-Lock
Clevis Pin
Jack
Stand
Hole in Headgear
Headgear
Handle
WARNING
Keep 8' clear of the blade when it is being
raised, lowered, or angled. Do not stand
between vehicle and blade or directly in front
of the blade. If the blade hits or drops on you,
you could be seriously injured.
WARNING
Keep fingers away from snowplow and UTV
attachment points.
Receiver
Headgear
Jack
Stand
Connecting
Pin Headgear
Arm
Connecting Pin
Hole
Wire-Lock
Clevis Pin
Connecting
Pin
Jack
Stand

Lit. No. 74236/74237/74238, Rev. 00 13 September 1, 2020
HAND-HELD CONTROL
Function Description of Operation
RAISE
Press the LIFT/LOWER toggle switch UP to
raise the blade and cancel the FLOAT mode.
Release switch once blade is raised. There is
no time out.
LOWER
Press the LIFT/LOWER toggle switch DOWN
to lower the blade. Place LIFT/LOWER toggle
switch in middle position to stop blade at
desired height.
OPERATING YOUR SNOWPLOW
WARNING
To prevent accidental movement of the blade,
always unplug the control whenever the
snowplow is not in use.
77669.00
LEFT/RIGHT
Toggle Switch
for
Left & Right
Movement
LIFT/LOWER
Toggle Switch
for
Up & Down/Float
Movement
Hand-Held Control
(top view)
(front view)
Function Description of Operation
FLOAT
Press the LIFT/LOWER toggle switch DOWN
to latching position. The blade will lower to the
ground surface and follow the contour of the
surface as it dips or rises. This function does
not time out.
Press the LIFT/LOWER toggle switch UP
momentarily to cancel FLOAT. Angling left
or right will not interrupt (pause) the FLOAT
function. Place LIFT/LOWER toggle switch in
middle position to stop blade at desired height.
LEFT
(Angle
Left)
Press the LEFT/RIGHT toggle switch to the
LEFT to move the blade into the angle left
position. Release toggle switch when blade is
in desired position. There is no time out.
RIGHT
(Angle
Right)
Press the LEFT/RIGHT toggle switch to the
RIGHT to move the blade into the angle right
position. Release toggle switch when blade is
in desired position. There is no time out.

Lit. No. 74236/74237/74238, Rev. 00 14 September 1, 2020
BLADE POSITIONS: STRAIGHT BLADE
SNOWPLOW
The UTV straight blade snowplow can be used in
these plowing positions.
Straight Blade
Use straight blade for wide-path plowing or
stacking snow.
Angled Blade
Move the blade in either direction for general plowing
and widening.
OPERATING YOUR SNOWPLOW
BLADE DROP SPEED ADJUSTMENT
The quill in the front of the valve manifold adjusts the
blade drop speed.
NOTE: The blade will not drop when quill is fully
tightened (clockwise). Turn OFF the plow control,
turn the quill 1/8 turn outward (counterclockwise),
then proceed with blade drop speed adjustment.
1. Lower the blade to the ground before making
adjustment.
2. Turn the quill IN (clockwise) to decrease drop
speed. Turn the quill OUT (counterclockwise) to
increase drop speed.
WARNING
Keep 8' clear of the blade when it is being
raised, lowered, or angled. Do not stand
between vehicle and blade or directly in front
of the blade. If the blade hits or drops on you,
you could be seriously injured.
Quill

Lit. No. 74236/74237/74238, Rev. 00 15 September 1, 2020
DRIVING AND PLOWING ON SNOW
AND ICE
Refer to the vehicle owner's manual instructions for
driving in snow and ice conditions. Remember, when
you drive on snow or ice, your wheels will not get good
traction. You cannot accelerate as quickly, turning
is more difficult, and you will need longer braking
distance.
Wet and hard-packed snow or ice offers the worst tire
traction. It is very easy to lose control. You will have
difficulty accelerating. If you do get moving, you may
have poor steering and difficult braking, which can
cause you to slide out of control.
Here are some tips for driving in these conditions:
• Drive defensively.
• Do not drink, and then drive or plow snow.
• Plow or drive only when you have good visibility
for operating a vehicle.
• If you cannot see well due to snow or icy
conditions, you will need to slow down.
• If you are tired, move indoors and rest.
• Keep your windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean to see around you.
• Dress properly for the weather. Wear layers of
clothing. As you get warm, you can take offlayers.
OPERATING YOUR SNOWPLOW
TRANSPORTING THE SNOWPLOW
1. Completely raise the blade.
2. Adjust the blade height for maximum vehicle
headlamp illumination.
3. Adjust the blade to the straight position.
NOTE: Overheating is unlikely under normal
driving conditions, but occasionally the snowplow
may be positioned so that it deflects air away from
the radiator. If this occurs, stop the vehicle and
raise, lower, or angle the snowplow slightly to
correct overheating.
NOTE: Only the driver should be in the vehicle
when the snowplow is attached.
WARNING
Position the blade so that it does not block
the vehicle headlamp beams.
Do not change blade position while traveling.
You could suddenly lower the blade
accidentally.
WARNING
Drinking then driving or plowing is very
dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions,
attentiveness, and judgment can be affected
by even a small amount of alcohol. You can
have a serious or even fatal collision if you
drive after drinking. Please do not drink and
then drive or plow.

Lit. No. 74236/74237/74238, Rev. 00 16 September 1, 2020
PLOWING SNOW
NOTE: Only the driver should be in the vehicle
when the snowplow is attached.
General Instructions
1. Before plowing, make sure you know of any
obstructions hidden beneath the snow, such as
curbs, sidewalk, shrubs, fences, or pipes sticking
up from the ground. If you are unfamiliar with the
area to be plowed, have someone familiar with the
area point out obstacles.
2. If possible, and when you have good visibility,
plow during the storm rather than letting snow
accumulate.
3. Do not exceed 10 mph (16 km/h) when plowing
snow.
4. When you are stacking snow, begin raising the
blade as you come close to the stack. This will let
the blade ride up the stack.
CAUTION
Never stack snow with the blade angled. This
could damage the snowplow or the vehicle
bumper.
CAUTION
Plowing speed should not exceed 10 mph
(16 km/h).
WARNING
Never plow snow with head outside of the
vehicle window or rollover protection system.
Sudden stops or protruding objects could
cause personal injury.
CAUTION
Wear a seat belt when plowing snow. Hidden
obstructions could cause the vehicle to stop
suddenly, resulting in personal injury.
CAUTION
Flag any obstructions that are hard to locate
under snow, to prevent damage to product or
property.
Hard-Packed Snow
1. On blades equipped with a shoe kit, raise the
anti-wear shoes so that the cutting edge comes
into direct contact with the pavement.
2. Use lowest gear to place maximum power behind
the cutting edge.
3. An angled blade is more effective for removing
hard-packed snow.
Deep Snow
1. Shear offtop layers by plowing with the blade
raised 3 to 4 inches for the initial pass.
2. Bite into the edges using only partial blade width
until the job is cut down to size for full-blade
plowing.
Rule of thumb:
3" of snow — plow with entire blade width
6" of snow — plow with 3/4 blade width
9" of snow — plow with 1/2 blade width
Experience and "feel" are the best guides.
3. When plowing deep snow, be sure to keep the
vehicle moving.
4. Ballast is suggested for maximum traction. Secure
ballast behind the rear wheels. Do not exceed the
vehicle's GVWR and GAWR.
5. For increased traction, use tire chains where legal.
Clearing Driveways
1. Head into the driveway with the blade angled and
plow the snow away from any buildings. Widen the
driveway by rolling the snow away from buildings.
2. If a building is at the end of the driveway, plow to
within a vehicle length of the building. Push as
much snow as possible offthe driveway.
3. With a raised blade, drive through the remaining
snow to the building. Drop the blade and back
drag snow away from the building at least one
vehicle length. Repeat if necessary.
4. Back the vehicle to the building and plow forward,
removing the remaining snow. Check municipal
ordinances for proper disposal of snow.
OPERATING YOUR SNOWPLOW

Lit. No. 74236/74237/74238, Rev. 00 17 September 1, 2020
OPERATING YOUR SNOWPLOW
CHECKING HYDRAULIC FLUID LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a hard, level surface. Lower
the blade to the ground.
2. Remove the breather/fill plug.
NOTE: Remove breather/fill plug slowly to relieve
any pressure in reservoir.
3. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. The fluid
level should be 1/2" to 1" below the top of the
reservoir. Add the recommended hydraulic fluid, if
necessary. Do not overfill.
4. Reinstall the breather/fill plug.
For hydraulic fluid type and filling instructions, see the
fluid change instructions under "Hydraulic System" in
the Maintenance section of this manual.
CAUTION
Do not mix different types of hydraulic fluid.
Some fluids are not compatible and may cause
performance problems and product damage.
Breather/Fill Plug
Drain Plug
Reservoir
PARKING WITH SNOWPLOW ATTACHED
Whenever you park your vehicle, completely lower the
blade to the ground.
TOWING DISABLED OR STUCK VEHICLES
Do not use any snowplow components as an
attachment point when retrieving, towing, or winching
a disabled or stuck vehicle.
WARNING
Lower the blade when the vehicle is parked.
Keep 8' clear of the blade. Temperature
changes could change hydraulic pressure,
causing the blade to drop unexpectedly or
damaging hydraulic components. Failure to
do this can result in serious personal injury.

Lit. No. 74236/74237/74238, Rev. 00 18 September 1, 2020
DETACHING THE SNOWPLOW
1. With blade straight, lower snowplow to the ground.
Press plow control switch down to activate FLOAT.
2. Remove wire-lock clevis pin. Fully lower jack
stand. Insert wire-lock clevis pin in jack stand hole
that aligns with hole in angle frame. Engage the
wire lock.
3. On driver's side, pull up slightly on headgear
to relieve pressure on connecting pin while
removing the pin. Rotate pin and insert into hole in
headgear.
4. Repeat on passenger's side.
5. Unplug electrical harness. Unplug plow control in
vehicle.
NOTE: After each disconnection of the snowplow,
reapply dielectric grease to the electrical plugs to
maintain the protective coating on the terminals.
6. Back vehicle away to disconnect headgear from
receivers.
Wire-Lock
Clevis Pin
Connecting
Pin
Jack
Stand
DETACHING SNOWPLOW FROM VEHICLE
WARNING
Keep 8' clear of the blade when it is being
raised, lowered, or angled. Do not stand
between vehicle and blade or directly in front
of the blade. If the blade hits or drops on you,
you could be seriously injured.
WARNING
Inspect snowplow components and bolts
for wear or damage whenever attaching or
detaching the snowplow. Worn or damaged
components could allow the snowplow to
drop unexpectedly.
Connecting
Pin
Wire-Lock
Clevis Pin
Jack
Stand
Hole in Headgear
Headgear
Handle

Lit. No. 74236/74237/74238, Rev. 00 19 September 1, 2020
MAINTENANCE
Your snowplow is designed for rugged, dependable
service. However, like the vehicle on which it is
mounted, it needs regular care and maintenance.
PRESEASON CHECK
Before the snow season, check your equipment to
make sure it is in working condition.
• Clean and tighten all electrical connections and
coat with dielectric grease to prevent corrosion.
• Check the hydraulic system for leaks and cracked
or damaged hoses.
• Drain the hydraulic system and refill it with
recommended hydraulic fluid. For hydraulic fluid
type and filling instructions, see "Annual Fluid
Change" in the Hydraulic System section of this
Owner's Manual.
• Replace worn or damaged parts.
• Check all mounting points and tighten fasteners
on both the snowplow and the vehicle.
• Repaint the blade assembly and attachments, as
necessary, to protect the metal.
• Install auxiliary and flashing lights for compliance
and visibility in accordance with local regulations.
• Check the vehicle for proper operation.
• Inspect and test your battery. Recharge or replace
it as necessary.
• Ballast may be necessary, or beneficial, on some
vehicles to provide maximum traction, braking,
and handling.
WARNING
Lower the blade when the vehicle is parked.
Keep 8' clear of the blade. Temperature
changes could change hydraulic pressure,
causing the blade to drop unexpectedly or
damaging hydraulic components. Failure to
do this can result in serious personal injury.
• Any ballast material (such as sand and blocks)
must be solidly secured to the vehicle, preventing
it from moving under harsh plowing conditions.
IN-SEASON MAINTENANCE
• Store the control in a protected location when it
is not in use. Do not leave it in the vehicle. The
control can fail prematurely if it is exposed to the
elements when not in use.
• Before each storm and frequently throughout
season, check that all fasteners, mounting bolts,
and hydraulic and electrical connections are tight.
Also check all plugs and seals for leaks. Repair as
necessary.
• Lubricate all moving parts for ease of operation.
POSTSEASON MAINTENANCE
• Clean and paint blade and attachments as needed.
• Coat ram rods with general purpose petroleum
grease.
• Lubricate all pivot points (for example, the
connecting pin assembly) with general purpose
petroleum grease.
NOTE: Coat all electrical connections with
dielectric grease to maintain the protective
coating on the terminals.
STORAGE
Your snowplow is designed to be moved into a storage
location using your vehicle and plow attachment
system. For easier reattachment, store the snowplow
on a hard, level surface.
WARNING
Vehicle mount reduces ground clearance. Use
additional caution when driving vehicle with
mount installed. Remove vehicle mount to
restore original vehicle ground clearance at
the end of the plowing season.

Lit. No. 74236/74237/74238, Rev. 00 20 September 1, 2020
3. Remove the drain plug.
4. Completely drain the reservoir and reinstall the
drain plug.
5. Fill the reservoir to 1/2" to 1" from the top
with high-performance hydraulic fluid rated to
–40°F (–40°C), or other fluid conforming to
Military Specification MIL-H-5606 A, such as
Mobil Aero HFA or Shell AeroShell®Fluid 4.
6. Reinstall the breather/fill plug.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
Annual Fluid Change
1. Perform this operation with the snowplow attached
to the vehicle. Park the vehicle on a hard, level
surface.
2. Remove the breather/fill plug.
NOTE: Remove breather/fill plug slowly to relieve
any pressure in reservoir.
Breather/Fill Plug
Drain Plug
Reservoir
CAUTION
Change the fluid at the beginning of each
plowing season. Failure to do this could
result in condensation buildup during the
non-plowing season.
CAUTION
Do not mix different types of hydraulic fluid.
Some fluids are not compatible and may cause
performance problems and product damage.
AeroShell®is a registered (®) trademark of Shell Oil Company.
MAINTENANCE
Other manuals for WESTERN IMPACT
1
Table of contents
Other Douglas Dynamics Snow Blower manuals