How to Maintain a Horse Hot Walker

Horse hot walkers contain many integral moving parts that need regular maintenance to avoid major mishaps that can maim or even kill a horse or human. A quick safety check is needed before each use of the hot walker and more in-depth servicing needs to be done at least every 60 days to keep the machinery in good working order.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Replacement lead ropes
• Stockpile of sand
• Shovel or small motorized implement for moving sand
• Operation manual
• Wrenches
• Grease gun
• White lithium grease
• Gear oil

Daily Quick Check

1. Do a visual inspection to make sure no parts are broken or missing.
2. Inspect the lead ropes attached to the arms for wear or signs of weakness. Replace if needed.
3. Listen for any unusual noises in the machinery after it is started. Turn it off immediately if you hear an unusual sound and look for the source.
4. Ensure all guards and shrouds are in place.
5. Keep sand 3 to 4 inches deep on the walking surface at all times and ensure good drainage around the hot walker.
6. Test the safety mechanism that stops the machine to ensure it is working. See your operation manual for instructions.

Bi-monthly Maintenance

7. Check all the nuts and bolts on moving parts for tightness.
8. Lubricate all moving parts at the supplied grease zerks (fittings). Check the oil in the motor that turns the mechanism if it has a mechanical engine. Grease the shaft that turns the gearbox and fill the gearbox with oil of the weight recommended by the manufacturer.
9. Depress the belt that transmits power from the motor or engine to the gearbox. If it deflects more than a quarter-inch or so, it needs to be tightened. Loosen the pulley and adjust it at the pivot point, then re-tighten the pulley.
10. Inspect the electrical connections for any signs of burning or arcing. Call a licensed electrician if any electrical components are questionable.

Tips & Warnings

• Loose clothing and long hair can become entangled in machinery. Use caution.
• If you use your horse hot walker daily, it may need to be lubricated monthly instead of bi-monthly.