Updated: 06/30/2026
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
Support the coupler with a floor jack.
Loosen the trip springs
Move the bumper stop one hole at a time
Tighten the trip springs and verify blade alignment
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.
| Symptom | Likely Cause |
| Wing tips off the ground | Bumper stop needs adjustment |
| Center section raised | Bumper stop positioned incorrectly |
| Uneven cutting edge wear | Blade not level |
| Snow left in center of pass | Center cutting edge too high |
| Snow left at wing tips | Wings too high |
Example 1: Wing Tips Raised Off the GroundIf 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 GroundIf 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. |
You'll need:
Floor jack
Socket or impact wrench
Safety glasses
Steel toe boots
Hearing protection (if using an impact wrench)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Before every season:
☐ Cutting edge sits flat
☐ Wing tips contact pavement
☐ Center section contacts pavement
☐ Trip springs properly tensioned
☐ Cutting edge wear is even
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.