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.
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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
Instructions
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Daily Quick Check
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1
Do a visual inspection to make sure no parts are broken or missing.
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2
Inspect the lead ropes attached to the arms for wear or signs of weakness. Replace if needed.
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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.
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4
Ensure all guards and shrouds are in place.
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5
Keep sand 3 to 4 inches deep on the walking surface at all times and ensure good drainage around the hot walker.
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6
Test the safety mechanism that stops the machine to ensure it is working. See your operation manual for instructions.
Bi-monthly Maintenance
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7
Check all the nuts and bolts on moving parts for tightness.
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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.
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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.
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10
Inspect the electrical connections for any signs of burning or arcing. Call a licensed electrician if any electrical components are questionable.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you use your horse hot walker daily, it may need to be lubricated monthly instead of bi-monthly.
Loose clothing and long hair can become entangled in machinery. Use caution.
