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.

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
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Instructions

  1. 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.