SnowEx SP-100-1 User manual

This document supersedes all editions with an earlier date.
January 1, 2017
Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00
SP-100-1 & SP-125-1
Tailgate Spreader
Owner's Manual and Installation Instructions
Original Instructions
This manual is for SnowEx®SP-100-1 & SP-125 -1 tailgate spreaders with
serial numbers beginning with 170109 and higher.
CAUTION
Read this manual before installing or
operating the spreader.

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 3 January 1, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION......................................................... 4
Owner's Information Form ....................................4
SAFETY INFORMATION............................................ 5
LOADING.................................................................... 9
Certification........................................................... 9
Approximate Material Weights.............................. 9
MOUNTING THE SPREADER ................................. 10
Assembly Instructions......................................... 10
Receiver Mount Spreader................................... 10
WIRING INSTRUCTIONS......................................... 12
ELECTRICAL DIAGRAMS
Model SP-100-1 .................................................. 13
Model SP-125-1 .................................................. 16
OPERATING THE SPREADER................................ 17
Driving and Spreading on Snow and Ice ............ 17
Spreading Tips.................................................... 17
REMOVING THE SPREADER ................................. 18
MAINTENANCE........................................................ 19
Lubrication .......................................................... 19
After Each Use.................................................... 19
At the End of Each Season or after
Extended Storage............................................ 19
Storage ............................................................... 19
TROUBLESHOOTING.............................................. 20

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 4 January 1, 2017
INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared to acquaint you with
the safety information, operation and maintenance of
your new tailgate spreader. Please read this manual
carefully and follow all recommendations. This will
help ensure profitable and trouble-free operation of
your tailgate spreader. Keep this manual accessible. It
is a handy reference in case minor service is required.
When service is necessary, bring your spreader to
your distributor. They know your spreader best and are
interested in your complete satisfaction.
NOTE: This spreader is designed to spread snow
and ice control materials only. Do not use it
for purposes other than those specified in this
manual.
Warranty Registration
Follow the directions on the SnowEx®Warranty
Registration and Customer Survey form included in
the spreader literature kit.
The registration form is also available online at
www.snowexproducts.com. Under "Support" select
"Warranty Registration."
OWNER'S INFORMATION
Owner's Name: ______________________________________________________________________
Date Purchased: _____________________________________________________________________
Distributor Name: __________________________________________ Phone:_________________
Distributor Address:___________________________________________________________________
Vehicle Model: _____________________________________________ Year: __________________
Spreader Model: _________________________ Serial #:__________________________________
Spreader Weight:_____________________lb/kg

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 5 January 1, 2017
SAFETY DEFINITIONS
NOTE: Indicates a situation or action that can lead
to damage to your spreader and vehicle or other
property. Other useful information can also be
described.
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING/CAUTION LABELS
Please become familiar with the Warning and Caution
labels on the spreader.
NOTE: If labels are missing or cannot be read, see
your sales outlet.
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.

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 6 January 1, 2017
SAFETY INFORMATION
SERIAL NUMBER LABEL
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 Assembly Part Number
Model No. 00000
Serial No. YYMMDDLLXXXXZZZZZZ
Model No. 00000
Serial No. 000000000000000000

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 7 January 1, 2017
CAUTION
Disconnect electric and/or hydraulic power
and tag out if required before servicing or
performing maintenance.
CAUTION
DO NOT leave unused material in
hopper. Material can freeze or solidify,
causing unit to not work properly.
Empty and clean after each use.
NOTE: Lubricate grease fittings after each use.
Use a good quality multipurpose grease.
PERSONAL SAFETY
• Remove ignition key and put the vehicle in park or
in gear to prevent others from starting the vehicle
during installation or service.
• Wear only snug-fitting clothing while working on
your vehicle or spreader.
• 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.
• 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.
SAFETY INFORMATION
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Improper installation and operation could cause
personal injury and/or equipment and property
damage. Read and understand labels and the
Owner's Manual before installing, operating or making
adjustments.
WARNING
• Driver to keep bystanders minimum of
25 feet away from operating spreader.
• Before working with the spreader, secure all
loose-fitting clothing and unrestrained hair.
• Before operating the spreader, verify all
safety guards are in place.
• Before servicing the spreader, wait for
auger and spinner to stop.
• Do not climb into or ride on spreader.
WARNING
Overloading could result in an
accident or damage. Do not exceed
GVWR or GAWR ratings as found on
the driver-side door cornerpost of
the vehicle. See Loading Section to determine
maximum volumes of spreading material.
CAUTION
If rear directional, CHMSL light or brake
stoplights are obstructed by the spreader,
the lights shall be relocated, or auxiliary
directional or brake stoplights shall be
installed.
CAUTION
During the hopper spreader installation
we recommend the addition of an OSHA
compliant Backup Alarm. This alarm is
required for OSHA governed employers.
CAUTION
• Do not operate a spreader in need of
maintenance.
• Before operating the spreader, reassemble
any parts or hardware removed for cleaning
or adjusting.
• Before operating the spreader, remove
materials such as cleaning rags, brushes,
and hand tools from the spreader.
• While operating the spreader, use auxiliary
warning lights, except when prohibited by law.
• Tighten all fasteners according to the
Torque Chart. Refer to Torque Chart for the
recommended torque values.

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 8 January 1, 2017
VENTILATION
BATTERY SAFETY
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 road. Wait until it is safe to operate
Mobile Communication Equipment such as cell phones,
text messaging devices, pagers or two-way radios.
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.
SAFETY INFORMATION
CAUTION
Read instructions before assembling.
Fasteners should be finger tight until
instructed to tighten according to torque
chart. Use standard methods and practices
when attaching spreader including proper
personal protective safety equipment.
TORQUE CHART
1/4-20 109 154
1/4-28 121 171
5/16-18 150 212
5/16-24 170 240
3/8-16 269 376
3/8-24 297 420
7/16-14 429 606
7/16-20
9/16-12
9/16-18
5/8-11
5/8-18
3/4-10
3/4-16
7/8-9
7/8-14 474 669
644 9091-8
1-12 704 995
1/2-13
1/2-20
11.9
13.7
24.6
27.3
43.6
26.9
53.3
93
148
49.4
69.8
77.9
106.4
120.0
8.4
9.7
17.4
19.2
30.8
35.0
49.4
55.2
75.3
85.0
M6 x 1.00
M12 x 1.75
M8 x 1.25
M14 x 2.00
M10 x 1.50
M27 x 3.00
M22 x 2.50
M30 x 3.50
M24 x 3.00
M20 x 2.5011.1
19.5
38.5
67
107
7.7
613
778
1139
1545
450
428
562
796
1117
M33 x 3.50
M36 x 4.00
2101
2701
1468
1952
325
M16 x 2.00 231 167
M18 x 2.50 318222
Recommended Fastener Torque Chart
Size Size
Torque (ft-lb)
Grade
5
Grade
8
Metric Fasteners Class 8.8 and 10.9
These torque values apply to fasteners
except those noted in the instructions.
Torque (ft-lb)
Grade
5
Grade
8
Size Size
Torque (ft-lb)
Class
8.8
Class
10.9
Torque (ft-lb)
Class
8.8
Class
10.9
Inch Fasteners Grade 5 and Grade 8
NOISE
Airborne noise emission during use is below 70 dB(A)
for the spreader operator.
VIBRATION
Operating snowplow vibration does not exceed
2.5 m/s2to the hand-arm or 0.5 m/s2to the whole
body.

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 9 January 1, 2017
APPROXIMATE MATERIAL WEIGHTS
Material Density
(lb/ft3)
Rock Salt (Dry) 80–90
Weight of spreader and mount must be added
to struck material weight to determine total
spreader weight. Do not exceed maximum
material capacity as shown on the safety label
(see Safety Information section).
Use only bagged rock salt with the spreader.
Other forms of spreading material are not
compatible with the tailgate spreader.
NOTE: If spreader and ice control material loading
is in doubt, weigh vehicle for compliance with
vehicle ratings.
LOADING
This manual covers vehicles which have been
recommended for carrying the spreader. Please see
your local dealer for proper vehicle applications.
CERTIFICATION
WARNING
Overloading could result in an accident or
damage. Do not exceed GVWR or GAWR
as found on the driver-side cornerpost of
vehicle.
WARNING
New untitled vehicle installation of a spreader
requires National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration altered vehicle certification
labeling. Installer to verify that struck load of
snow or ice control material does not exceed
GVWR or GAWR rating label and complies
with FMVSS.
CAUTION
Read and adhere to manufacturer's
ice-control material package
labeling including Material Safety
Data Sheet requirements.
WARNING
Do not overload vehicle. Use chart below
to calculate weight of material. Weights of
material are an average for dry materials.
CAUTION
Never use wet materials or materials with
foreign debris with any of these spreaders.
These units are designed to handle dry, clean,
free flowing material.

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 10 January 1, 2017
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
The spreader shall be installed according to
instructions supplied. Your local outlet is trained to
provide this service and service your spreader with
factory original parts.
1. Place the drive assembly on a flat, level surface.
Attach the receiver mount to the drive assembly
as shown below using four 1/2" x 1-1/2" cap
screws. Tighten the fasteners according to the
torque chart.
2. Mount the support frame to the drive assembly
using the six supplied 5/16" x 1" cap screws and
the four supplied 5/16" locknuts. Tighten the
fasteners according to the torque chart.
MOUNTING THE SPREADER
3. Mount the throat support to the support frame at
the two lower holes by using the four supplied
5/16" x 1" cap screws and 5/16" locknuts. Tighten
the fasteners according to the torque chart.
Support Frame
5/16" Locknuts
5/16" x 1" Cap Screws
Drive Assembly
Receiver Mount
1/2" x 1-1/2"
Cap Screw
5/16"
Locknut 5/16" x 1"
Cap Screw
Support
Frame
Throat Support

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 11 January 1, 2017
RECEIVER MOUNT SPREADER
The spreader shall be installed according to
instructions supplied. Your local outlet is trained to
provide this service and service your spreader with
factory original parts.
Insert the assembled unit into the receiver hitch and
secure with the supplied hitch pin and hairpin cotter.
MOUNTING THE SPREADER
4. Drill four holes in the hopper using the
support frame holes as a template. Place the
backing plate inside the hopper.
5. Fasten the hopper to the support frame by running
the four supplied 5/16" x 1" cap screws through
the backing plate, hopper and support frame from
inside the hopper. Attach using the four supplied
5/16" locknuts. Tighten the fasteners according to
the torque chart.
Hopper
5/16"
Locknut
5/16" x 1"
Cap Screw
Hairpin Cotter
Hitch Pin
Receiver Mount
Receiver Hitch
CAUTION
During removal or mounting, securely grip
spreader to avoid dropping.
CAUTION
Before drilling holes, check to be sure that no
vehicle wiring or other components could be
damaged.

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 12 January 1, 2017
WIRING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mount the rear plug bracket on the back of the
vehicle. Locate the harness toward the center of
the bumper as it will reduce the amount of debris
getting onto the plug. Apply dielectric grease to
the plug.
2. Route the wires from the back to front using zip-ties
or clamps (not supplied). Do not secure to brake
lines, fuel lines or near exhaust, engine or moving
parts. Use the heavy-duty zip-ties along the frame
and lighter duty zip-ties everywhere else.
3. Drill a 3/4" hole in the firewall near the steering
column. Be sure to check for wires and
components in the way (both sides of the firewall)
before drilling the hole.
CONTROL AND HARNESS DIAGRAM – MODEL SP-100-1
4. Run the data cable into the cab. Zip-tie the wire
under the dash so it does not get in the way of
the brake or accelerator pedal. Leave enough of
the data cable outside of the dash so the operator
can hold the control pendant in hand. Install the
pendant mounting base and bracket. Stick the
hook/loop fastener to the pendant and pendant
base.
5. Connect the harness to the back of the control.
Zip-tie loose control harness and move to the
engine compartment. Do not mount close to any
heater vents.
6. Connect power leads to the battery:
Red: POSITIVE (+)
Black: NEGATIVE (–)
Always connect to the primary battery if using
a dual battery system. Secure loose loom to
any other large or medium vehicle harness with
medium duty zip-ties to secure the wiring harness.
7. Push the ON/OFF button on the control to check
for power. When confirmed, turn power OFF. The
electrical portion of the installation is complete.
CAUTION
Before drilling holes, check to be sure that no
vehicle wiring or other components could be
damaged.
CAUTION
Do not alter, modify or install additional
components in shaded areas shown below.
Failure to comply may interfere with airbag
deployment or cause injury to operator in an
accident.

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 13 January 1, 2017
CONTROL AND HARNESS DIAGRAM – MODEL SP-100-1
WIRING DIAGRAM: MODEL SP-100-1
Control Power Cable
Spreader Control
Switch Assembly
Vehicle Harness
Spreader Harness
IMPORTANT: Do not modify harness length. Any
modifications will void warranty.
1. All external connections must have dielectric grease.
2. Read lead labels before attaching to power source
or ground.
3. No other devices may be spliced into wiring harness.
4. Any repairs to wiring harness must be done with
heat shrink butt connectors.
Spreader Harness
AB
43"
33"
9"
1"
Load View
4 Way Connector
Black
Red Blue
Green
Black Pos. A Red Pos. B
Load View
38"

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 14 January 1, 2017
Vehicle Harness
Battery Harness
Label "B (–)"
144"
3"
6"
Label "B (+)"
2"
189" ± 3"
Blue
Orange
Black
Red
M(+) Label
M(–) Label
CONTROL AND HARNESS DIAGRAM – MODEL SP-100-1
HARNESS DIAGRAMS: MODEL SP-100-1

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 15 January 1, 2017
CONTROL AND HARNESS DIAGRAM – MODEL SP-100-1
HARNESS DIAGRAMS: MODEL SP-100-1
Red Red
Red
Red
Red
Red
Black
Black
Black Black
Black
Black
Key Way on this End
Key Way
Key Way
Switch Circuts are:
Left – On
Middle – None
Right – On Load View
Control
Switch Assembly
Gate Switch
ON/OFF
Spreader Power
ON/OFF Spinner Speed
ON/OFF

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 16 January 1, 2017
ELECTRICAL DIAGRAM – MODEL SP-125-1
25
AMP
25 Amp
Breaker
Battery
Double Female
Remove jumper for use
with VAR-020 Variable
Speed Control Kit
3" Jumper
ON/OFF
Switch
Rubber
Switch
Boot
Wiring Harness
3/8"
Terminal
Ring
Fuse Holder
WIRING DIAGRAM: MODEL SP-125-1
IMPORTANT: In the off-season, remove the control
and put in a cool, dry place. The interior summer
temperatures could damage the circuit board and
void the warranty.
Wiring Instructions for Model SP-125-1
1. Install switch at desired location.
2. Run the spreader/vehicle harness from the rear of
the vehicle to the switch area. Attach the female
spade red wire to the switch. Leave the black wire
for Step 5.
3. Route the power harness from the battery to the
switch/control.
4. Attach the red lead to the POSITIVE (+) side of the
battery and the black lead to the NEGATIVE (–)
side of the battery.
5. Attach the female spade red wire on the switch
terminal. Using 3" double female black wire
jumper, attach the black wire from the power
harness to the black wire of the vehicle harness.
6. Install the rubber weatherproof boot on the switch
before finishing the installation.
7. Insert dielectric grease on the terminals of SAE
plug at rear of vehicle.

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 17 January 1, 2017
DRIVING AND SPREADING ON SNOW
AND ICE
Follow your 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 offer 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.
CAUTION
Drinking and then driving or spreading is
very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions,
attentiveness and judgement 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 then
drive or spread ice-control materials.
Here are some tips for driving in these conditions:
• Drive defensively.
• Do not drink, then drive or spread ice-control
materials.
• Spread 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 and keep
more space between you and other vehicles.
• Slow down, especially on higher-speed roads.
Your headlamps can light up only so much road
ahead.
• If you are tired, pull off in a safe place and rest.
• The spreader's size and location reduce driver
visibility to the rear of the vehicle. We recommend
an OSHA compliant backup alarm for all governed
employers.
• 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 off layers.
SPREADING TIPS
• Spread ice melters with the storm to prevent
unmanageable levels of ice.
• Never exceed 10 mph (16 km/h) when spreading.
• For a heavier pass, drive slower.
• Never operate spreader near pedestrians.
• Calculate spread pattern when near vegetation.
OPERATING THE SPREADER

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 18 January 1, 2017
1. Unplug the spreader harness from the vehicle
harness.
2. Remove the hitch pin from the receiver hitch.
3. Remove the spreader from the vehicle and stand
in an upright position. This may require additional
support.
CAUTION
During removal or mounting, securely grip
spreader to avoid dropping.
REMOVING THE SPREADER
CAUTION
Empty the hopper before removing the
spreader.

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 19 January 1, 2017
MAINTENANCE
LUBRICATION
To keep your spreader running smoothly, observe the
following recommendations:
• Lubricate bearings after every 20 hours of use.
• Apply a small amount of light oil to latches as
needed.
AFTER EACH USE
• Wash out the hopper and rinse off all external
surfaces.
• Apply dielectric grease on all electrical
connections to prevent corrosion.
AT THE END OF EACH SEASON
OR AFTER EXTENDED STORAGE
• Wash out the hopper and rinse off all external
surfaces.
• Apply dielectric grease on all electrical
connections to prevent corrosion.
• Lubricate all grease fittings with good quality
multipurpose grease.
• Oil or paint all bare metal surfaces.
• If motor cover is removed for any reason, use
silicone sealant to ensure weather proofing of
enclosure.
STORAGE
Store the spreader in a clean, dry location and away
from direct sunlight.
WARNING
Never remove the spreader with material in
the hopper.
CAUTION
• When replacing parts use only original
manufacturer's parts. Failure to do so will
void warranty.
• The control is a solid-state electronic unit
and is not serviceable. Any attempt to
service will void warranty.
• There are no serviceable parts in the motor/
transmission assembly. Any attempt to
service will void warranty.
• When pressure washing motor enclosure
area, stay at least 36" away from motor
enclosures.
CAUTION
Disconnect electric power at spreader
electrical wiring harness connection and tag
out if required before servicing or performing
maintenance.
CAUTION
DO NOT leave unused material in
hopper. Material can freeze or solidify,
causing unit to not work properly.
Empty and clean after each use.

Lit. No. 75312, Rev. 00 20 January 1, 2017
TROUBLESHOOTING
TAILGATE SPREADER
Spreader
does not run. Fuse blown Jammed auger
Check switch.
Material issue
Dead short in
wiring
Auger
interference
Reconnect or
replace cable.
Check battery.
Fix or replace
Corrosion at
connection
Material will not
flow.
Bad motor;
contact distributor.
Loose
connection
Corrosion
Test direct power
(12 Volts) to motor.
Load test battery.
Replace all
corroded
connections.
Apply dielectric
grease.
Material issue
Too much
Amp draw.
Bad motor/trans
assembly
4- to 20-Amp draw,
no load — good
20+ Amp draw,
no load — bad
Bad electrical
connection
Tighten or replace Apply dielectric
grease.
Replace wiring.
Bad transmission;
contact distributor.
Turn shaft by hand;
should turn freely.
Electrical
connection
Bad motor;
contact distributor.
Loose or
unplugged.