Snowplow Blog

How to Maintain and Store Your BOSS After Winter

kalie.johnson@toro.com (Kalie Johnson) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:00:03 GMT

Your BOSS plow works hard all winter — make sure it’s ready to do it again next year. From the DXT to the HTX and Box Plows, proper maintenance and off-season storage help extend the life of your equipment and prevent headaches next season.

Wash It Down

Give your plow a deep clean to remove road salt, grime, and build-up.

Use low-pressure water and mild soap
Focus on pivot points, cutting edges, and undercarriages
Dry thoroughly to prevent rust

Tip: Avoid pressure washers near electrical connections.

Inspect for Wear and Damage

Look over your plow for signs of wear or damage:

Cracked welds or bent frames
Loose hardware or worn cutting edges
Hydraulic leaks or damaged hoses

Check V-plows (like DXT, TEV, XT) for hinge wear and wing damage. Trip-edge and expanding plows (EXT, Drag Pro) may need closer inspection at pivot points.

Service Hydraulics & Electrical Connections

Hydraulic and electrical systems need special attention:

Lower the plow to release hydraulic pressure
Inspect lines and cylinders for wear or leaks
Apply dielectric grease to all connectors
Disconnect and store the controller indoors

Lubricate Moving Parts

Proper lubrication prevents rust and keeps components functioning:

Grease pivot pins, hinges, and lift frames
Lubricate expansion joints on EXT and Box Plows
Apply protective coating to exposed cylinders

Store It Right

Protect your plow while it rests:

Elevate off the ground using wood blocks
Cover with a breathable tarp or store indoors
Label and store all accessories and controllers

Final Tip: Book a Pre-Season Inspection

Before the first snow flies again, have your plow checked by a certified BOSS Dealer. They’ll ensure your equipment is good to go — no delays, no surprises.

Maintain now. Dominate later.

How to Maintain and Store Your BOSS Ice Control Equipment

kalie.johnson@toro.com (Kalie Johnson) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Just because winter’s over doesn’t mean the job is done. Properly maintaining and storing your BOSS salt spreaders and liquid systems ensures they’re ready to go when the temperatures drop again.

Whether you’re using a VBX+, TGS, EXACT PATH, Forge, QuickCube, or a VSI Series Liquid System, follow these simple steps to extend the life of your investment.

Clean the Hopper or Tank

Thorough cleaning prevents corrosion and product buildup.

For Spreaders:

Empty all material from the hopper.
Wash thoroughly with warm, soapy water.
Scrub the inside walls and spinner areas.

For Liquid Systems (VSI Genesis or Legacy):

Drain tanks completely.
Rinse with clean water to flush residue.
Run clean water through pumps and plumbing.

Inspect Components

Look for signs of wear before storing:

Check spinner blades and drive motors.
Inspect chains, augers, and pintle systems for damage or tight spots.
Examine tanks and hoses for cracks, leaks, or buildup.
Inspect wiring harnesses and connectors for corrosion or fraying.

Service Moving Parts

Spreaders and liquid units need light servicing after a season’s use:

Grease fittings, bearings, and any pivot points.
Lubricate spinner motor shaft (especially on VBX+, TGS, and Forge).
On VSI systems, check pump filters and flush nozzles with clean water.

Protect the Electrical System

Keep electronics safe during storage:

Disconnect and clean all electrical connections.
Apply dielectric grease to prevent moisture damage.
Remove control boxes and store indoors in a clean, dry location.

5. Store It Properly

Whether it's a tailgate spreader or a full liquid system:

Cover or store units indoors to protect from UV rays and moisture.
Elevate off the ground to avoid flat spots on frames or wheels.
Drain all remaining liquids to prevent freezing or residue issues.
Store control panels and harnesses labeled for easy access next season.

Ice control starts with off-season control.
Take care of your spreaders and sprayers now — and they’ll return the favor when winter rolls back around.

Liquid De-icing: Key Information

kalie.johnson@toro.com (Kalie Johnson) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:00:04 GMT

Liquid Deicing Guide: Smarter Snow Management in Action

Liquid deicing boosts efficiency, reduces material use, and improves winter operations when applied with the right methods and equipment.

How does mechanical removal impact liquid usage?

Q: Can better plowing techniques reduce how much deicer I need?
A: Yes. The more snow and ice you remove mechanically, the less chemical product you’ll need afterward. Plows with floating edge systems or well-adjusted box plows help strip away compacted layers, setting up your liquid application for success.

What are ideal application rates for liquid deicers?

Q: What’s the standard GPA (gallons per acre) for liquids?
A:

Pre-treatment (anti-icing): 40–50 GPA
Post-treatment (deicing): 60–120 GPA

Moisture and conditions vary. Use situational management instead of fixed rates. For example, 60 GPA may be enough after a light glaze, but a thick snowpack may require 120 GPA.

Note: Many companies apply a flat 80 GPA post-storm, but this can lead to overuse or underperformance. With rate-controlled spray systems (like those from VSI), adjustments are easy and accurate.

What’s the best timing for liquid deicer application?

Q: When should I apply brine for best results?
A:

Pre-treat 24–48 hours before a storm
Extended coverage up to 120 hours if additives are used
Inter-storm application at the first sign of refreeze prevents bonding
Post-storm application should be adjusted based on how well the lot was cleared

Tip: Brine works best when it's used to prevent bonding—not after ice has fully set.

What about production and refill strategies?

Q: How can I make my operation more efficient?
A: Set up localized refill stations. Ideal distance is within 10 minutes of your farthest site—or better yet, within 5 minutes.

Remote liquid stations are:

Faster and cheaper to set up than salt yards
Easier to refill and maintain
Less dependent on loaders or storage containers

This allows fewer trucks and sprayers to handle more work, especially during storms.

How pure should my salt be for mixing brine?

Q: Does salt purity affect liquid performance?
A: Absolutely. Salt used for brine making should be at least 95% pure. Poor-quality salt can cause mixing delays, system clogs, and even ineffective melting.

If your salt is underperforming, check the specs or switch to a higher-purity blend to improve results.

MBX+ Spreader

emily.forstrom@toro.com (Emily Forstrom) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

MBX+ Spreader: Built for Big Demands, Engineered for Maximum Output

When Old Man Winter hits, municipal and commercial fleets need equipment that performs without compromise. The BOSS MBX+ Spreader is engineered for high-volume material output, long-term durability, and smart technology integration, making it one of the most advanced and easy-to-use stainless-steel spreaders in its class.

Designed for large-scale snow and ice management operations, MBX+ delivers scalable capacity, standard rate control, material and job tracking, and Cold Front Technology electrical system to help fleets reduce waste, improve efficiency, and maximize uptime.

What Is the MBX+ Spreader?

The MBX+ is a heavy-duty stainless-steel hopper spreader built for large ice control operations that require high material output and long service life. It features:

Heavy-duty stainless-steel construction
High-output pintle chain feed system
Cold Front Technology electrical system
Standard rate control & job tracking
Optional AutoSpread Control
Scalable 4, 5, and 6 yard hopper capacities

It is designed for trucks with 15,000+ GVWR and fits common flatbeds and dump bodies.

Built for Municipal-Grade Durability

Winter operations demand equipment that resists corrosion and constant use. The MBX+ features full stainless-steel construction, providing long-term durability in harsh environments where salt exposure is constant.

Key durability features include:

Corrosion-resistant hopper
Stainless steel material deflector
Easy-access grease points
Planetary 137:1 gearbox
Designed for high-volume fleet use

This is not a light-duty spreader, it is engineered for long seasons of continuous service.

High-Output Performance: Over 400 lbs Per Minute

When storms intensify, output matters.

The MBX+ features a 14” wide pintle chain system paired with a high-efficiency drivetrain capable of delivering up to 425 lbs per minute of material flow. That means:

Faster lot clearing
Consistent application
Reduced downtime
Increased productivity per pass

The system is designed for reliable performance with sand, salt, or sand/salt mixtures.

Scalable Capacity: 4, 5, and 6 Yard Options

Operations grow, your equipment should too. The MBX+ is designed to scale.

It offers:

4-yard base hopper
Optional 1-yard bolt-on extension (5 yards)
Optional 2-yard bolt-on extension (6 yards)

This flexibility allows fleets to:

Reduce reload frequency
Increase coverage windows
Match equipment to job size
Expand operations without replacing the spreader

For growing municipalities or large commercial contractors, scalability is a major advantage.

Standard Smart Features: Control, Tracking, and Efficiency Built In

The MBX+ comes standard with integrated smart features, allowing operators to easily dial in application rates, monitor material usage, and support accurate job costing.

Standard Rate Control

Allows operators to set and adjust spread width and flow rate directly from the controller. This ensures consistent application, reduces over-salting, and helps control material costs.

Job Tracking (Up to 10 Sites)

Tracks material usage per job site for better billing accuracy, proof of service, and inventory planning. This improves accountability and helps fleets manage budgets more effectively.

Simplified Material Calibration

Ensures accuracy for different materials such as salt, sand, or blends. Providing consistent performance and reduced downtime when switching materials. Watch this video to learn how to calibrate your VBX+ spreader.

Operators can dial in application rates, monitor usage, and improve job costing directly from the controller.

Optional AutoSpread Control: Smart Speed-Based Application

For fleets looking to maximize precision and reduce waste, the MBX+ offers optional AutoSpread Control.

AutoSpread Control automatically maintains your set application rate as truck speed and spread width changes. When the truck:

Speeds up → output increases
Slows down → output decreases
Stops → flow adjusts accordingly

This ensures consistent coverage and helps prevent over- and under-salting.

Benefits of AutoSpread Control:

Reduced material waste
Improved application consistency
Better cost control
Cleaner lots
Simplified setup

AutoSpread gives fleets the ability to maintain accurate application rates per 1,000 square feet, acre, or lane mile, with the option to configure the system for metric units.

Designed for Easy Maintenance

Features include:

Flip-Up Spinner Assembly

Quick access for maintenance
Easy trailering
Off-season storage flexibility
Fast swapping between trucks

Additional Service-Friendly Features:

Dump switch for easy material removal
Quick stop button
Easy access grease points

Less downtime means more uptime during critical storm events.

Technical Specifications Overview

Capacity: 4, 5, or 6 yards
Max Feed Rate: Up to 425 lbs/min
Spreading Width: 8’–40’ (dry free-flowing material)
Hopper Height: 42.625 in
Hopper Length: 120 in
Hopper Width: 70 in
Overall Length: 139.375 in
Weight: 1,025 lbs
Chain Width: 14 in
Gearbox Ratio: 137:1 planetary
Vehicle Requirement: 15,000+ GVWR

Standard features include:

LED CHMSL lighting
Stainless deflector
Top screen
LCD controller
Pintle chain feed system

Optional accessories:

Mount/tie-down kit
Inverted V baffle
LED strobe lights
LED work lights
Vibrator (recommended for sand or sand/salt material use)

Who Is the MBX+ Designed For?

The MBX+ is ideal for:

Municipal public works departments
Highway departments
Commercial snow contractors
Large fleet operators
Campus facilities
Industrial properties

If your operation demands high-volume output, precise material tracking, and long-term durability, the MBX+ is built for you.

BOSS Snowplow is a leading manufacturer of snow and ice management equipment used by snow and ice professionals across the globe.

Eight Snow Plowing Safety Reminders

kalie.johnson@toro.com (Kalie Johnson) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:00:01 GMT

Eight Snow Plowing Safety Tips

As winter weather continues to fall, we know you’re eager to jump in the cab of your truck and restore order for your community. To keep you, your truck, your plow, and those around you safe during the plowing season, follow this BOSS safety checklist. These eight snowplow safety tips will help reduce risk, prevent costly mistakes, and support a safer working environment.

⚠️ Inspect Your Vehicle Before Plowing

It is your responsibility to inspect your vehicle before plowing to ensure it is capable of the job.

Check that your tire pressure is adequate to ensure proper traction.
Inspect headlights on the vehicle and plow, as well as taillights and any other lights being operated.
Check for any signs of damage on your plow, such as cracked welds or leaking hydraulics.
Review all connections between the truck and plow to make sure they are secure.
Inspect the cutting edge to check the wear point—ensure it isn’t worn to the point where the main portion of the blade meets the ground.
Confirm that the vehicle’s weight is balanced. Add weight to the bed of the truck if necessary.

⚠️ Practice Safe Plow Transportation

When transporting your plow between jobs, always position your blade correctly to avoid damage or obstruction.

Angle straight blades to the right.
Keep V-blades in a retracted position.
Keep the blade as far off the ground as possible—without blocking headlights or your vision.
Drive at 45 mph or under while transporting your plow.
Power off plow controls to avoid accidental operation during travel.

⚠️ Follow Proper Plowing Techniques

While on the job, follow these critical snowplow safety tips:

Always wear your seat belt.
Start moving your vehicle before dropping the blade.
Know where snow piles should go before you begin. Avoid piling snow near fire hydrants, mailboxes, or dumpsters.
Never rely solely on mirrors when moving in reverse—look over your shoulder.
Keep plowing speeds under 14 mph.

⚠️ Look Out for Hidden Objects

Before the snow plowing season begins, perform preseason site inspections. This helps identify and mark obstructions that may be hidden during a storm. Being mindful of your surroundings prevents damage to your truck, your plow, and the site itself.

⚠️ Know Your Surfaces

Adjust your plow shoes based on the surface you're working on:

When plowing dirt or gravel, lower the plow shoes to raise your blade and avoid scraping the surface.
When plowing asphalt or concrete, raise the plow shoes to allow the blade to scrape as close to the surface as possible.

⚠️ Avoid Overheating While Plowing

Overheating can be costly. Always check your vehicle's temperature gauge when plowing or transporting your plow. If the vehicle overheats:

Stop and correct the issue.
Adjust the height of your blade to improve airflow to the radiator.
Continue to monitor your temperature gauge.

⚠️ Use Beacon Warning Lights

Protect yourself and others from potential collisions by using a BOSS beacon warning light.

Bright flashing strobes and rotating beacons improve visibility to oncoming traffic.
They give other drivers time to slow down or change lanes.
Always activate your warning lights while plowing or operating in low visibility.

⚠️ Be Nice to the Hydraulics

When you've completed a job:

Lower the blade to the ground.
Turn off plow controls to relieve pressure on the hydraulic system.
This helps extend the life of your plow and prevents unintentional movement.

By following this BOSS safety checklist, you can improve job site safety, reduce downtime, and make sure your snow season runs smoothly. These steps can make a major difference for contractors and teams of all sizes.

BOSS Snowplow New Products for 2026–2027

Taylor Guiliani — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:05:47 GMT

BOSS Snowplow New Products for 2026–2027: MBX+, AutoSpread Control, VSI by BOSS LiquidTech Sprayers, Cold Front Technology

BOSS Snowplow 2026-2027 New Product Overview

BOSS Snowplow has introduced several new pieces of snow and ice management equipment for the 2026–2027 winter season. The new lineup includes the MBX+ municipal spreader, AutoSpread Control material management technology, a simplified VSI by BOSS LiquidTech sprayer system, heavy equipment couplers for loaders and backhoes, and expanded Cold Front Technology integration across multiple plows.

These innovations are designed to help contractors, municipalities, and property owners improve material efficiency, simplify equipment setup, and operate more reliably in extreme winter conditions.

What are the new products from BOSS?

For the 2026–2027 winter season, BOSS Snowplow introduced five new snow and ice management innovations designed to improve material efficiency, equipment durability, and fleet scalability.

MBX+ – A stainless steel 4–6 yard spreader built for municipal fleets and high-output material application.
AutoSpread Control – Smart spreader technology that automatically adjusts material output based on vehicle speed.
VSI by BOSS LiquidTech Sprayers – Liquid deicing sprayers that allow contractors to scale tank capacity and accessories.
Heavy Equipment Specific Couplers – Simplified coupler systems for loader and backhoe box plows that eliminate chains and binders.
Cold Front Technology – BOSS’s advanced electrical system designed to improve plow reliability in extreme cold conditions.
SL4 Headlights – The brightest plow headlights on the market featuring ClearBeam Technology
SmartTouch+ Universal Controller - Offering universal control over your BOSS plows and spreaders.

Next, we'll go into more detail on each piece of new snow and ice management equipment.

What are the main features of the MBX+ spreader?

The MBX+ is a municipal-grade stainless steel spreader from BOSS Snowplow designed for commercial fleets and municipal snow removal operations. The spreader features a 4-yard capacity that can scale to 5 or 6 yards, allowing contractors to grow their fleet capacity without replacing equipment. This spreader brings superior durability and performance engineered with:

Stainless-steel construction
High-output pintle chain with flow rates of over 400 lbs of material per minute
Standard Cold Front Technology Electrical System

By adding the MBX+ to your fleet, you’ll have a spreader ready to scale with your business and outlast even the harshest winter conditions for years to come.

What is AutoSpread Control?

AutoSpread Control is a smart material application system from BOSS Snowplow that automatically adjusts salt or material output based on vehicle speed. Available on MBX+ and VBX+ spreaders, AutoSpread helps contractors apply material more consistently and reduce waste.

This means when you speed up, slow down, or stop, AutoSpread Control will match the material being put down automatically to help you save material and money.

What has changed with BOSS Liquid Tech Sprayers?

VSI by BOSS LiquidTech Sprayers are designed for contractors using liquid deicing and anti-icing solutions to improve material efficiency and reduce salt usage. And now, BOSS has simplified the way you select a liquid sprayer by splitting the powerhead and the tank. Customize your sprayer set up in four simple steps:

1. Pick a tank
2. Select your control kit
3. Add the powerhead
4. Choose your accessories

In short, by splitting the powerhead from the tank, you can now scale your liquid capacity as your business grows and select only the accessories you’ll need.

What are the new Heavy Equipment Couplers from BOSS?

BOSS has introduced new heavy equipment couplers for loader and backhoe box plows, designed to simplify attachment and improve efficiency.

No chains
No binders

Spend less time fighting your equipment and more time doing what matters—clearing snow and keeping your accounts open.

What equipment now comes standard with Cold Front Technology?

Cold Front Technology is BOSS’s advanced electrical system designed to improve plow reliability and performance in extreme winter conditions.

This year, we made Cold Front Technology standard on more equipment than ever. Now available on:

EXT
10’ DXT
HD Straight Blade

Also available on:

XT
DXT
TEV
Super Duty

Along with Cold Front Technology, you also get:

SL4 Headlights – Our brightest LED headlights with ClearBeam Technology that provides 200 degrees of vision to give you a clear view beyond just the front of your truck.
SmartTouch+ Universal Controller – The latest BOSS equipment controller featuring universal compatibility to operate all BOSS Cold Front Technology compatible equipment and two programmable auxiliary buttons.

BOSS Snowplow 2026–2027 Product Summary

Product	Category	Key Benefit
MBX+	Municipal spreader	High-capacity stainless steel material spreading
AutoSpread Control	Spreader technology	Automatically adjusts material output to vehicle speed
VSI by BOSS LiquidTech Sprayers	Liquid deicing system	Sprayer component configuration for scalable operations
Heavy Equipment Couplers	Loader/backhoe box plow attachments	Faster plow connection without chains or binders
Cold Front Technology	Electrical system	Improved reliability in extreme winter conditions and paired with SL4 headlights and SmartTouch+ Universal Controller

In short, the 2026–2027 BOSS Snowplow product lineup introduces new snow and ice management equipment designed to improve material efficiency, durability, and fleet scalability.

From the MBX+ municipal spreader and AutoSpread Control technology to the redesigned LiquidTech sprayer system and expanded Cold Front Technology, these innovations help commercial contractors and property owners operate easily and more efficiently during winter storms. BOSS is always here to BACK YOU UP.

BOSS Snowplow is a leading manufacturer of snow and ice management equipment used by snow and ice professionals across the globe. These products represent the official BOSS Snowplow product launches for the 2026–2027 winter season.

Tripping Explained: What’s the difference?

kalie.johnson@toro.com (Kalie Johnson) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:00:02 GMT

Tripping Systems Explained: Trip-Edge vs Full-Trip vs Dual Trip

When you're pushing through a snow-covered lot, it's not just the snow you're dealing with—it's the hidden obstacles underneath. From manholes and curbs to frozen banks and storm drains, these hazards can seriously impact your plow, your truck, and your bottom line.

That’s where plow tripping systems come in. They’re designed to absorb impact, reduce damage, and keep you in control. But not all tripping systems are the same.

Here’s a breakdown of the three tripping systems BOSS Snowplow offers: Trip-Edge, Full-Trip, and Dual Trip—so you can choose the best setup for your job.

What Is a Plow Tripping System?

A tripping system is designed to reduce the impact when your plow hits hidden or solid objects. Instead of stopping abruptly—or damaging your equipment—the plow blade “trips,” or gives way, to absorb the force.

There are two main components in most tripping systems:

Tripping mechanisms (which allow part or all of the blade to move)
Pressure relief valves, which help reduce stress on the hydraulics and frame

These systems don’t just protect your plow—they help keep operators safer and reduce long-term repair costs.

Trip-Edge: Low-Level Obstacle Protection

Trip-edge plows are built to handle smaller obstructions—anything under about six inches. When the lower edge of the blade encounters things like:

Manhole covers
Large cracks
Speed bumps

…it pivots forward, allowing the plow to glide over the obstacle without jolting the entire moldboard or truck.

Benefits:

Maintains your snow load (the upper blade stays rigid)
Reduces operator shock
Customizable trip-return springs for different conditions
Perfect for narrow streets, parking lots, and older pavement

Full-Trip: Total Moldboard Cushioning

When the hazards are bigger, full-trip plows offer more complete protection. With this design, the entire moldboard trips forward when you strike something taller—like:

Frozen snowbanks
Storm drains
Curbs

This motion spreads out the impact force, helping protect both your plow and truck.

Used On:

BOSS V XT plows (with high-flared wings for max snow throw)
Super-Duty straight blade plows (designed for durability and rigidity)

Benefits:

Best for wide-open areas with less visibility to ground hazards
Full moldboard trip provides more cushioning on bigger impacts
Durable for commercial-grade plowing

Dual Trip: The Best of Both Worlds

BOSS is the only brand offering a true Dual Trip system—available on the DXT plow. This system features both trip-edge and full-trip protection, giving you layered defense for any type of obstacle.

When you hit a low obstacle, the trip-edge absorbs the force. If that’s not enough, the full moldboard also trips, giving you a second layer of impact reduction.

Features:

Heavy-duty base cutting edge (with replaceable wear edge)
Ideal for mixed terrain and unpredictable conditions
Maximum protection in both light-duty and high-impact plowing

Best For:

Contractors clearing a wide range of environments
High-volume snow management
Anyone who doesn’t want to choose between trip systems

Choosing the Right Tripping System

When comparing trip-edge plow vs full-trip plow, it really comes down to what kind of snow removal you’re doing:

Stick with Trip-Edge for low-profile hazards and snow load retention
Go Full-Trip if you’re dealing with larger obstructions or wide-open sites
Choose Dual Trip (DXT) when you need maximum, all-around protection

No matter the system, BOSS tripping technology is designed to help you do Whatever It Takes—without damaging your equipment in the process.

THE RUNDOWN: Liquid Deicing Results in Less Cleanup VS Salt/Sand

kalie.johnson@toro.com (Kalie Johnson) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:00:02 GMT

Reduce Cleanup with Liquid Deicing: A Cleaner Winter Solution

When people think about snow removal, they usually focus on plowing and salting—but one of the most overlooked parts of winter maintenance is what comes next: the cleanup. After a storm, the condition of sidewalks, entryways, and interior floors can make or break a client’s impression of your work.

If you're looking to deliver cleaner lots with brine and reduce the mess that comes after a snow event, liquid deicing is a smart, professional solution.

The Problem with Granular Salt

Granular rock salt is often overapplied, especially in high-traffic areas like sidewalks and entrances. When used in excess, it doesn’t just melt ice—it also creates problems like:

Salt tracking into buildings
White residue left on floors and carpets
Slippery surfaces from leftover product
Long-term damage to infrastructure

The result? Facilities that stay dirty long after the snow is gone—and increased cleaning costs to go with it.

Why Liquid Deicing Leads to Cleaner Properties

Using a liquid deicer—typically a salt brine solution—provides even coverage with less material. It starts working immediately and dries clean, leaving behind no granules to be tracked indoors.

Compared to granular salt, liquid deicing offers:

Up to 75% less salt use for the same or better result
Minimal tracking into buildings
Surfaces that are dry and clean post-storm
No residual piles of salt sitting on sidewalks for days

🖼️ Visual suggestion: A side-by-side image of a brine-treated entrance vs a salt-treated one after a storm—highlighting leftover salt, tracked mess, or floor damage.

Lower Janitorial and Maintenance Costs

Contractors and businesses that switch to brine often report notable cost savings. In fact, some have reduced janitorial costs by as much as $2,000 per season simply by cutting down on post-storm cleaning.

Less mess also means:

Reduced wear on entryway flooring and tile
Longer-lasting mats and finishes
Fewer labor hours spent sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping

It’s a simple change with real impact—both visually and financially.

Protect Floors and Infrastructure

Rock salt isn’t just messy—it’s abrasive. Over time, it can degrade:

Concrete
Grout and tile
Entry thresholds
Interior metal fixtures

Because liquid deicing dries clean, it helps preserve the life of your surfaces while keeping interiors looking better for longer.

A Better Selling Point for Contractors

If you’re a snow professional bidding on contracts, cleanup matters. Highlighting how you’ll use brine to reduce salt mess and protect flooring can set your service apart—especially for clients who manage retail, office, or healthcare spaces where cleanliness is a priority.

Liquid deicing doesn’t just work during the storm—it helps after, too. For cleaner lots, less indoor mess, and happier clients, switching from rock salt to brine can be one of the simplest upgrades to your winter service.

Want help explaining the benefits of liquid deicing to your customers? Let me know and I’ll help you turn this into a visual one-pager or proposal insert.

Importance of Material Application

kalie.johnson@toro.com (Kalie Johnson) — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Mastering Material Application: A Key to Snow and Ice Contractor Success

As winter sets in and snow and ice blanket roads and walkways, mastering proper salt application becomes critical. Snow and ice contractors must balance ice melt efficiency, safety, cost, and environmental responsibility—making material application management one of the most important aspects of successful winter operations.

At BOSS Snowplow, we understand these challenges firsthand. That’s why we’re committed to building durable equipment for harsh winter conditions and supporting contractors with tools that improve performance, compliance, and sustainability.

Why Material Application Management Matters:

1. Safety: Proper material application is essential for ensuring the safety of both contractors and the public. By effectively using de-icing materials like salt, sand, or brine, slippery conditions on roads, walkways, and parking lots can be minimized, reducing the risk of accidents.

2. Cost Effectiveness: Efficient material application management translates to cost savings. By accurately calibrating equipment and targeting specific problem areas, contractors can minimize waste and ensure optimal resource utilization, thus maximizing their profitability.

3. Environmental Impact: Responsible material application practices are key to minimizing negative environmental effects. By using environmentally friendly deicing materials and controlling application rates, contractors can reduce chemical runoff into water bodies, mitigate damage to vegetation, and preserve infrastructure integrity.

4. Compliance: Snow and ice contractors must adhere to regulations and standards set by local authorities. Proper material application management ensures compliance with these regulations, safeguarding against penalties and upholding professional integrity.

5. Customer Satisfaction: High-quality material application leads to improved customer satisfaction. Contractors who consistently provide safe and well-maintained winter conditions are more likely to retain clients and receive positive referrals, thus bolstering their reputation and business success.

6. Performance and Efficiency: Effective management of material applications enhances overall performance and efficiency. By avoiding issues such as overuse or underuse of materials and ensuring even distribution, contractors can deliver superior service quality and faster response times, thereby enhancing their competitive edge.

7. Risk Management: Proper application and management of materials are crucial for reducing liability risks. When materials are used promptly and appropriately, the likelihood of accidents or injuries is minimized, mitigating potential legal issues, and safeguarding the contractor's business interests.

Material application management is the cornerstone of success for snow and ice contractors. We recognize the importance of this aspect of winter maintenance and are committed to supporting contractors in mastering it. With the release of our VBX+ and upcoming SR MAG spreader controls, we provide tools that empower contractors to track materials dispensed and optimize their operations for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. BOSS is here to back you up every step, ensuring you can tackle winter's challenges with confidence and success.

Pre-Storm Snow Plow Equipment Checks

emily.forstrom@toro.com (Emily Forstrom) — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:30:51 GMT

Pre-Storm Snow Plow Equipment Checks That Save You When the Storm Hits

When a winter storm is bearing down, the last thing any snow and ice management contractor wants is unexpected equipment downtime. A blown hose, loose connection, or dead battery can cost hours when conditions are at their worst—and those hours add up fast. The good news? A thorough pre-storm equipment check can prevent most of these issues before your trucks ever leave the yard.

Smart prep isn’t just about protecting your equipment—it’s about keeping crews moving, routes on schedule, and customers satisfied.

Start With the Basics: Snow Plow Equipment Pre-Storm Checks

Before heading out, take a few minutes to run through these critical checks:

Inspect electrical connections and harnesses for wear, corrosion, or loose fittings
Power up controllers and test or confirm function
Check hydraulic lines, wear points, and moving parts
Verify lights, visibility, and safety equipment

These quick checks alone can catch issues that might otherwise sideline a truck mid-storm.

Dig Deeper: Complete Pre-Storm Snow Plow & Truck Inspection Checklist

For maximum reliability, a more detailed inspection should be part of every pre-storm routine:

Inspect all bolts and fasteners on the plow
Inspect and re-torque fasteners in the vehicle mount
Inspect all welds in the plow structure and vehicle mount
Check the cutting edge and plow shoes; replace if necessary
Change hydraulic fluid as recommended
Tighten trip and return springs (a good rule of thumb: a business card should slide between the coils at the center of the spring)
Grease the vertical pin and all pivot points

Each of these steps helps reduce wear, prevent failures, and ensure consistent performance when equipment is under heavy load.

Prepare for the Unexpected: Emergency Snow Plow Parts Kit

Even with the best prep, things can happen. Having an emergency parts kit on hand can be the difference between a quick fix and hours of lost time.

Consider stocking:

Hydraulic fluid and hoses
Solenoid and fuses
Trip and return springs
Safety strobe and flares
Tow strap and a shovel

Also, don’t forget to have the truck’s charging system and battery inspected. Cold temperatures are unforgiving, and electrical issues tend to show up at the worst possible time.

The Final (But Important) Check

Make sure the alarm clock and coffee pot work. Long nights, early mornings, and tough conditions demand sharp, alert operators.

Built for the Storm: Why Pre-Storm Snow Equipment Inspections Matter

Pre-storm inspections take time—but they save far more time once the snow starts falling. A prepared truck is a productive truck, and preparation is what keeps operations moving when winter is at its worst.

BOSS backs you up.

Pre-Storm Equipment Checklist: Key Takeaways for Snow Contractors

Consistent pre-storm inspections help reduce breakdowns, extend equipment life, and keep snow plow trucks operating efficiently during peak winter events. From checking hydraulic systems and electrical connections to inspecting cutting edges and fasteners, proactive maintenance is one of the most effective ways to protect uptime and profitability during snow season.