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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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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