12 Tips for Preparing Your Snow Plow For Winter
As the outdoor temperatures start to cool and the Fall season begins, now is a great time to get your snow plow out of storage and prepare it for the winter season. The following checklist will help you in preparing your plow for the upcoming season:
Check the following items:
___ Inspect all bolts and fasteners on the plow.
___ Inspect and re-torque all fasteners in the vehicle mount.
___ Inspect all welds in plow structure and vehicle mount.
___ Inspect plows cutting edge and plow shoes, replace if necessary.
___ Change hydraulic fluid.
___ Tighten the trip and return springs. Rule of thumb is to tighten so that a business card can be slid between the coils in the middle of the spring.
___ Grease the vertical pin, and any pivot pins.
___ Apply di-electric grease to all electrical connections on the truck and plow.
___ Inspect all the truck/plows lights, and properly adjust and align the plows headlights.
___ Prepare an emergency parts kit: hydraulic fluid, hoses, solenoid, fuses, trip/return springs, safety strobe, flares, tow strap and a shovel.
___ Have the trucks charging system and battery inspected.
___ Make sure the alarm clock and coffee pot work.
For additional details, the following maintenance videos will help you to prepare your BOSS Snowplow for the upcoming season. Be ready, snow is just around the corner!
BOSS V-Plow Storage Removal Video & Instructions
BOSS Straight Blade Storage Removal Video & Instructions
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Snow Plow Buyers Checklist
The leaves are changing in many parts of the country to vibrant reds and oranges and with
that comes the thought of the next season that will descend upon us - plowing season. Whether you are responsible for removing snow from your own personal driveway or if you are a commercial snow removal contractor responsible for multiple accounts, the purchasing of snow removal equipment is on the minds of many as we prepare for the ground to turn white.
Snow removal equipment purchases, like many other purchases, offer several options to consider before making a purchase. Here is a check list of a few questions to ask yourself before purchasing a snow plow:
1. WHAT KIND OF SNOW PLOWING WILL YOU BE DOING?
___My own driveway
___A few residential driveways
___Contracted snow removal (parking lots, side roads, residential and business lots)
Before purchasing your next snow plow, consider how you are going to use the plow and how often. Are you a homeowner that has a long driveway to clear, but don’t plan on doing commercial work? In most cases, homeowners choose a 7’ or 8’ plow as this size is adequate for light residential work. However, if you are thinking about contracted snow removal of big parking lots, side roads, long rural driveways, commercial snow removal professionals generally want a larger plow as they are focused on removing the snow quickly and efficiently in an effort to move from one job to the next.
2. WHAT KIND OF VEHICLE WILL YOU BE USING FOR YOUR SNOW REMOVAL?
___ Light Duty pickup/SUV
___ 1/2 ton pickup
___ 3/4 & 1 ton pickup
___ Heavy Duty pickup
___ Skid Steer, Front End Loader
___ Utility Terrian Vehicle (UTV)
The type of vehicle that you will be using for your snow removal is an important consideration when purchasing a snow plow. Snow plow recommendations are based upon the Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (FGAWR) of the vehicle that you own. The FGAWR is the specific weight determined by the vehicle manufacturer to be the maximum allowable weight that can be placed on the front axle. Because the vehicles axles should never be loaded beyond the manufacturer's listed FGAWR, the type of snow plow you put on the front of your vehicle should comply with these weight recommendations.
If you are plowing your own driveway or several small residential driveways, most 1/2 ton pickups and in some cases, even smaller pickups and UTV's will work. If you are doing commercial snow removal, it is recommended that you use at minimum a 3/4 ton pickup truck for this type of work. Before purchasing a blade make sure to check if the blades weight is within the FGAWR for your vehicle.
3. WHAT TYPE OF SNOW PLOW BLADE DO YOU WANT?
___ Straight Blade
___ V-Blade
In general, either plow design will get the job done. Straight blade snowplows are still a big seller as they tend to cost a bit less than V plows. But the V-plow does have the ability to angle and direct snow – as well as “scoop” snow for stacking that straight blades simply can’t do. The v-plow also handles snow that has “frozen” overnight better than a straight blade. When put into the “V” position, the plow’s arrowhead configuration can slice through hard snow better than the flat surface of a straight blade. That slicing action also makes the operation easier on the vehicle and the operator.
4. WHAT TYPE OF PLOW MATERIAL DO YOU WANT?
___ Steel
___ Poly
___ Stainless Steel
On the commercial plow side: All three materials will do the job for you, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Poly is the slickest material of the three, as such, snow will not stick to the blade and will slide off the blade easier and faster than it will with the other materials – as such, it is becoming the choice of more and more professionals out there. It is also extremely corrosion and scratch resistant.
Stainless Steel has visual appeal and corrosion resistance and perhaps a slight advantage in “slickness” versus mild steel, but it is also prone to denting – any rocks you hit will leave “dings” in the blade.
Mild steel has been used to manufacture plows for decades. Steel provides durability, rigidity and overall value.
One common myth to dispel: Poly plows are not lighter than their steel counterparts. In fact, they are usually heavier. Why? Because the poly material lacks the rigidity of steel, it must be “backed” or reinforced with even more steel in order to keep its shape. As such – poly plows are commonly heavier than steel plows.
There are more considerations when it comes to purchasing a plow, but this is a great starting list. Visit on-line plowing forums or Facebook pages of the snow plow brands to learn more or speak with your local snow plow dealer for help in making your purchasing decision.
Happy Plowing!
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BOSS Snowplow Cutting Edge Replacement
On every snowplow, there will be general wear items that need to be replaced from time to time. One of those items, is the cutting edges on your snowplow. The lifecycle of a snowplow cutting edge varies depending on the amount of time the plow is used, the type and condition of the ground surface and the material grade of the cutting edge. In general, a cutting edge needs replacing before the plow frame is exposed or rubbing occurs on the moldboard.
All BOSS V-Plows offer a patented high performance cutting edge that features high-performance steel, curb guards and a snow catcher. The cutting edge design delivers extended wear resistance compared to conventional cutting edges.
However, when a cutting edge needs to be replaced, following the few simple steps outlined in the video below will help you get the job done faster and back to plowing.
BOSS SNOWPLOW CUTTING EDGE REPLACEMENT
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Extend The Life of THE BOSS Rubber Snow Deflector with Proper Installation Techniques
Visibility is a key element in snow plowing for both safety and efficiency reasons. As a result, many snow plow professionals choose to install a snow plow deflector on their BOSS Snowplow. The rubber snow deflector increases visibility and safety by keeping blowing snow off the windshield making it easier to get the job done faster.
To extend the life of the rubber snow deflector, the first and most important step is conducting a proper install. The featured video below provides a step by step instructional guide on how to properly mount a snow deflector to your BOSS Snowplow.
When installing the snow deflector remember these additional tips:
Tip #1 The snow deflector kit will include an installation manual. The manual covers various blade types. Before beginning the install, highlight the dimensions in the manual that match the size and style of plow. This will help avoid accidentally using the wrong blade dimensions during installation.
Tip #2 Remove the roll of belting in the kit and allow it to lay flat overnight before installing. This will make it easier to work with when installing the deflector on the snowplow.
Tip #3 The kit comes with four metal straps. Two of them will need to be modified to the dimensions listed in the manual. When doing this, make sure to round off the sharp corners and edges to prevent the belting from tearing during use.
Tip #4 IMPORTANT! DO NOT align the front edge of the center belting to the the bottom of the side belting. Instead make sure that the center belting has a distinct curl. Having a nice curl in the center belting will help to prevent tearing.
Tip #5 Before securing the fasteners on the center belting, raise the plow and put it into scoop mode. Make sure the center belting does not get stuck down between the blades, or tear out of the top plate.
Watching the video below and remembering the tips above will help accomplish a proper install of THE BOSS Rubber Snow Deflector and extend the life of the product.
SNOW DEFLECTOR INSTALLATION VIDEO
Links to THE BOSS Rubber Snow Deflector Installation Manuals:
BOSS V-Blade/Straight Blade Snow Deflector Installation Manual:
Snow Deflector Installation Manual
BOSS 7'6" & Under Straight Blade Snow Deflector Installation Manual:
Snow Deflector Installation Manual
BOSS 6'6" UTV PowerVXT Snow Deflector Installation Manual:
Snow Deflector Installation Manual
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Hooking Up Your BOSS Snowplow With Ease
As the saying goes, Time Is Money, this saying is particularly relevant in the snow plowing industry. Hooking up your snowplow with ease and speed, helps you get out on the road faster to begin your snow removal jobs.
Many snowplow professionals choose the BOSS brand of snowplows because of the ease of the attachment system. The simple three step hydraulic powered attachment system, called SmartHitch2, makes the Flip, Plug and Click method a favored choice.
In addition, to SmartHitch2, THE BOSS offers an optional Snowplow Sight System kit to aid in the alignment of the truck making the attachment system even faster and easier. For under $15, this optional accessory allows you to align your truck and plow for hookups on the first try, every time.
Installation of the Snowplow Sight System is simple and these step by step instructions and video will guide you through the process.
How To Install The Snowplow Sight System
Snowplow Sight System Installation Instructions
1. Begin by aligning pushbeam with coupler. Do not attach plow to truck. The coupler should remain in the unattached, down position.
2. Sit inside truck in a normal driving position. Locate a spot for Sight Pin on truck hood
directly behind the plow driver side headlight. See Figure 2.
3. Use a piece of tape to temporarily attach Sight Pin to truck grille or underside of truck hood at the spot you located in the previous step.
4. Use a piece of tape to attach Sight Decal to back side of plow driver side headlight. The
center “V” shape of Sight Decal should be aligned with Sight Pin when you are sitting in your normal driving position inside the truck.
5. Check alignment of Sight Pin and Sight Decal from inside truck. Adjust as necessary.
Note: Before permanently attaching Sight Pin and Sight Decal it is recommended that you try backing the truck away from the plow and aligning the plow and truck using the temporarily installed Boss Snowplow Sight System. Once Sight Decal has been applied to the headlight, you will NOT be able to move it.
6. When you have finished your adjustments, drill a 3/16” hole on both ends of Sight Pin attachment loop in truck grille or underside of truck hood. Secure with two ¼”-20 X ¾” Self-Tapping Screws and two ¼” Flat Washers.
7. Mark current location of Sight Decal on back of plow headlight.
8. After marking the location of Sight Decal, remove Sight Decal and wash the area
beneath it with a wet cloth. Be sure the area is completely dry before proceeding.
9. Remove backing of Sight Decal and apply to back of plow headlight.
10. Trim Sight Pin to a preferred height.
11. Install Sight Cap on Sight Pin.
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How To Prepare Your Snowplow For Storage
Your BOSS PLOW is designed for heavy-duty, rugged service with minimal maintenance. To ensure that it gives you the same high performance year after year, preparing your snowplow for storage over the summer months will extend the life of your BOSS snowplow.
Check out the step by step guide and video below for properly preparing your BOSS V-Blade or Straight Blade snowplow for storage. After completing these steps you can rest assured that your BOSS blade will rest well over the summer months and will be ready for you when the snowflakes fly again.
Putting the Power-V Plow into Storage
1. Before you detach your plow, grease any exposed chrome or nitro bar on the lift cylinder rod and on the angle cylinders to protect them from corrosion.
2. Follow the normal procedure for dismounting from the truck.
3. Power the lift tower forward until the lift cylinder is completely compressed. This will protect the lift cylinder from corrosion.
4. Disconnect all electrical plugs and coat each connection with dielectric grease (lights, valve assembly, pump, pump solenoid, and battery). Install all dust caps and plugs provided.
5. Touch-up any rust spots or chipped paint.
6. Loosen the trip return and the blade return springs.
7. Grease the coupler spring pins.
8. Grease the vertical hinge bushings.
POWER-V BLADE SNOWPLOW STORAGE PROCEDURES VIDEO
Putting the Straight Blade Plow into Storage
1. Before you detach your plow grease any exposed chrome or nitro bar on the lift cylinder rod and on the angle cylinders to protect them from corrosion.
2. Drive the snowplow to a storage site. Follow the normal procedure for removing the plow.
3. Power the lift tower forward until the lift cylinder is completely compressed. This will protect the lift cylinder from corrosion.
4. Disconnect all electrical plugs and coat each connection with dielectric grease (lights, valve assembly, pump, pump solenoid, and battery). Install all dust caps and plugs provided.
5. Touch-up any rust spots or chipped paint.
6. Loosen the trip return springs.
7. Grease the coupler spring pins.
8. Grease any exposed chrome on the angling cylinders to protect from corrosion.
STRAIGHT BLADE SNOWPLOW STORAGE PROCEDURES VIDEO
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Troubleshooting Your Snowplows Electrical System
For those of you new to the electrical system of your snowplow, you may have wondered how to go about testing and troubleshooting various components of the plow system. Maybe you have wanted to check the number of volts the power unit is drawing or test the wiring of a used harness or headlight adapter. It's possible that you may want to check the solenoid or simply check the power/ground on a relay or coil. Whatever the case may be, the following video will walk you thru some of the basic electrical tools that you can use when troubleshooting your snowplows electrical system.
In addition, manuals and wiring schematics are conveniently located on THE BOSS Snowplow website by visiting http://www.bossplow.com/support/technical-information
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THE BOSS Snowplow Awards Prize in Ultimate Christmas Giveaway
Poplar Grove, Ill., Subcontractor Ron Bucci Wins 9’2” Poly Power-V XT
Snow removal subcontractor Ron Bucci got an extra special Christmas present under the tree this holiday courtesy of THE BOSS Snowplow. Bucci learned on Christmas morning that he was the winner of THE BOSS Snowplow’s Ultimate Christmas Giveaway. His prize? THE BOSS Snowplow of his choosing. On Friday, Jan. 13, Bucci picked up his prize − a new 9’2” Poly Power-V XT − from Monroe Truck Equipment, 1051 W. 7th St., Monroe, Wis.
“Needless to say, this was a really nice Christmas present and I can’t thank BOSS enough for their generosity,” Bucci exclaimed. “I’ve been a BOSS fan for many years and this caught me totally by surprise.”
Bucci, an electrician by trade who also works as a snow removal subcontractor during the winter months, said this new plow is his third BOSS plow. “I’ve really come to rely on them for their dependability and ease of installation,” he added. “There’s very little down time and not a lot of maintenance required. This will be a great addition to my BOSS fleet.”
“BOSS received a tremendous response to our Ultimate Christmas Giveaway sweepstakes and we’re thrilled to award this prize to Ron Bucci,” said Mark Klossner, marketing director for THE BOSS Snowplow. “We hope that Ron enjoys his new plow and we know he’ll make great use of it in the years to come.”
The Ultimate Christmas Giveaway online sweepstakes kicked off Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. CST and closed at 8:00 a.m. CST on Dec. 24. The Grand Prize winner was announced via THE BOSS Snowplow Facebook page on Dec. 25.
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Protecting Your Plow Truck's Transmission During Snow Removal
One of the most common vehicle problems encountered while plowing is damage to the transmission. Overheating the transmission fluid as well as improper use, can contribute to the problem. Keep the following tips in mind when heading out on your next snow plowing run to minimize damage to your plow truck's transmission.
- Most vehicle manufacturers do not recommend snow plowing in overdrive. Consult your vehicle owners manual to find out if plowing in overdrive is recommended--and if so, when and how.
- Plan your plowing pattern so that you are driving forward as much as possible.
- Come to a complete stop before shifting from forward to reverse.
- Wait until the transmission engages before accelerating.
- Accelerate slowly, allowing the wheels to grip the road surface for better traction. Avoid spinning the tires.
- To start a pass, start the vehicle in motion. Then drop the snowplow blade.
- Whenever possible, back into a cleared area.
- If you have a manual transmission, avoid riding the clutch while plowing.
- After plowing, let the vehicle idle for ten minutes or more to allow the transmission cooler time to cool the transmission fluid.
- If you are plowing often during the season, change your transmission fluid before and during the season. A good rule of thumb is to pull your transmission dipstick periodically and smell the fluid. If the fluid has a burnt smell, you should change the fluid as soon as possible.
- To monitor the heat in your transmission, you can install an inline transmission gauge. Once the temperature reaches 250°F, you should let the vehicle idle until the transmission fluid cools to a lower temperature.
Following these tips will help extend the life of your plow truck's transmission and keep your maintenace repair bills down during the season.
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How To Efficiently Snowplow A Parking Lot
If you are new to snowplowing, the following lists of tips will help you follow the proper etique when snowplowing a parking lot plus help you get the job done faster. If you are a seasoned veteran, what other tricks of the trade would you share with newbie's to the snowplowing business?
Plowing Parking Lots
- Make sure you know where the customer wants you to pile the snow.
- Use extra caution when plowing next to curbs.
- If a significant amount of snow is expected, plow with the storm rather than letting snow accumulate.
- Keep water drains and catch basins clear at all times.
- Do not stack snow by the road so as not to block the visibility of vehicles coming or leaving the parking lot.
- Use caution when plowing next to parked cars--as the snow can push you into the car.
- When pushing snow that is next to a building, push away from the building.
- If you are responsible for sidewalks, they should be shoveled first before you start plowing so that the snow can be plowed away.
- To start a pass, start the vehicle in motion. Then drop the blade.
- As you come to the end of a pass, lift off from the accelerator while starting to use the brake. At the same time, start to raise the blade to help stack the snow--and to make it easier on your electrical system.
- Plow areas in front of buildings and overhead doors first. With the blade raised and in the Straight-position, drive up to the building, drop the blade, and pull the snow away from the building. Then turn your vehicle around, back into the cleared area and push the snow to the outer edges of the lot.
- Push the banks back far enough to accommodate future snowfalls.
- After backdragging snow away from the buildings, it's time to start plowing the lot. Start by making a pass down the center of the lot, and then push snow in windrows to the outer edges. If there has been a significant amount of snowfall, push as much bulk off the lot as possible. Then go over it again. In large lots it may be best to break your plowing down into smaller areas.
- Do not pile snow in the middle of the lot. It will be difficult to remove later.
- Do not pile snow near handicapped parking areas.
- Plow in straight lines whenever possible and push to the outer edges of the lot. Keep the wind direction in mind--and pile snow downwind to minimize drifting later.
- Plow snow during low-traffic hours and always be cautious of cars and people in the lot.
- Once the majority of the snow is removed from the lot, it's time to do the cleanup work. Start by plowing next to curbs. Be sure to square off corners where possible, and don't leave trails of snow behind.
Happy Plowing!
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