How to Adjust a Snowplow Cutting Edge: 4 Simple Steps

Updated: 06/30/2026

How to Adjust a Snowplow Cutting Edge: 4 Steps to Level Your BOSS V-Plow

Quick Answer:

The cutting edge is the replaceable steel wear bar along the bottom of your snowplow blade that makes direct contact with the pavement to scrape away snow and ice. Because truck makes, models, suspension heights, and mounting configurations vary, your BOSS V-plow may not sit perfectly level after installation. If the cutting edge isn't aligned properly with the ground, it can wear unevenly, reduce scraping performance, and require premature replacement.

Here's a quick summary of how to adjust the cutting edge:

Adjustment Steps

1. 1. Put on the appropriate safety gear.

   2. Support the coupler with a floor jack.

   3. Loosen the trip springs

   4. Move the bumper stop one hole at a time

   5. Tighten the trip springs and verify blade alignment
      
      

Why is My Snowplow Cutting Edge Not Level?

Different truck makes, models, suspension heights, and mounting configurations can affect how a snowplow sits after installation. If your cutting edge isn't making full contact with the pavement, the blade may wear unevenly and leave snow behind.

Fortunately, adjusting the cutting edge on a BOSS RT3 V-plow only takes a few minutes using the front bumper stop adjustment. 

Signs Your Cutting Edge Needs Adjustment

Example 1: Wing Tips Raised Off the Ground If both wing tips sit above the pavement while the center section contacts the ground, adjust the bumper stop toward the truck one hole at a time until the blade sits level.	Example 2: Center Section Raised Off the Ground If the center cutting edge is lifted while the wing tips touch the pavement, move the bumper stop toward the center section one hole at a time until the cutting edge makes even contact with pavement across the whole blade.

Before You Begin:

You'll need:

• • Floor jack

  • Socket or impact wrench

  • Safety glasses

  • Steel toe boots

  • Hearing protection (if using an impact wrench)
    
    

Follow these steps to adjust the alignment of the cutting edge on your v-plow: 

Step 1: Support the Coupler with a Floor Jack

To begin adjusting the bumper stop, first use a floor jack to support the coupler. The purpose of this is to take the pressure off of the bumper stop so you can adjust it.

Step 2: Loosen the Trip Springs

There are four trip springs that need to be loosened. Lower the jack to the floor to release tension on the bumper stop. Now you're ready to adjust the alignment of your cutting edge.

Step 3: Adjust the Front Bumper Stop

Lowering the Center Section

Move the bumper stop:

• • Forward

  • Toward the center section

  • One hole at a time

Result:

The center edge lowers until level.

Lowering the Wing Tips

Move the bumper stop:

Toward the truck

Away from the center section

One hole at a time

Result:

The wing tips lower until level.

Step 4: Tighten the Springs and Check Alignment

Finally, you can tighten the trip springs. The plow should be level to ground. If not, repeat Step 3 by moving the bumper stop either forward or backward another hole until proper alignment has been obtained. 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my snowplow cutting edge wearing unevenly?

Uneven cutting edge wear can sometimes be caused by the plow not sitting level on the ground. Adjusting the front bumper stop restores proper blade alignment.

How do I know if my V-plow is level?

Place the blade on a flat surface. The cutting edge should make even contact with the pavement across both wing tips and the center section.

How often should I check my cutting edge alignment?

Inspect blade alignment after installation, after changing trucks or undercarriages, and whenever uneven cutting edge wear becomes visible.

Does bumper height affect cutting edge alignment?

Yes. Different truck makes, suspension setups, and mounting configurations can change blade angle, making adjustment necessary after installation.

Can uneven cutting edge alignment damage my snowplow?

It typically won't damage the plow immediately, but it can accelerate cutting edge wear, reduce scraping performance, and increase replacement costs over time.

 

Snowplow Cutting Edge Inspection Checklist

Before every season:

☐ Cutting edge sits flat

☐ Wing tips contact pavement

☐ Center section contacts pavement

☐ Trip springs properly tensioned

☐ Cutting edge wear is even

 

Keep Your Snowplow Performing At Its Best

A properly adjusted cutting edge improves scraping performance, extends cutting edge life, and helps protect your investment. After any new installation or truck change, take a few minutes to verify blade alignment before the first snowfall.

If you need additional assistance, contact the BOSS Technical Service team or visit our support page.

 

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