Whether you're clearing snow from your own driveway or running a commercial snow removal business, purchasing BOSS Snowplow equipment is a valuable investment. Before making your decision, there are several key factors to consider ensuring you select the right plow for your needs.
Buy a Quality Plow and Establishing a Relationship with Your Local Dealer
The relationship you create with your snowplow dealer is important from the moment you make your purchase and throughout the lifespan of your equipment. Dealers provide installation and setup services, so it’s worth confirming whether these are included or come at an additional cost. Beyond the initial sale, your dealer will be an essential resource for maintenance, spare parts, and repairs. Establishing a strong connection with a trusted dealer ensures that your snowplow continues operating efficiently in the toughest winter conditions.
What Kind of Plowing You Will be Doing and What is Right for You
Once you’ve chosen a dealer, the next step is determining which plow best suits your needs. If you are plowing your own driveway or helping friends and family, a smaller plow will be sufficient. Options such as the HTX 7’ or 7’6” Straight Blade, along with the HTX 7’6” or 8’ V-plows, provide reliable snow-clearing performance. If you own a UTV or ATV, you may want to consider the 5’6” and 6’6” Steel XT V-plows or the 4’, 5’, and 6’ Straight Blade options, which offer effective plowing capabilities for personal use. Those looking to plow commercially, whether clearing parking lots, long rural driveways, or side roads, will need at least an 8’ plow. Some popular choices include Super-Duty Plows available in multiple sizes, along with larger options for heavy-duty vehicles. If you need to clear snow quickly and efficiently, a V-plow is a great choice. Models like the DXT, TEV, and XT plows provide multi-position functionality, making the job easier and allowing you to move efficiently from one account to the next.
Improve your scrapping performance while back dragging with our optional D-Force. By using a hydraulic accumulator to store pressure, this easy-to-use optional accessory maintains consistent hydraulic downforce, providing optimal power to plow through and scrape tough areas, even in the worst conditions. D-force is an available option for DXT, HTX Straight Blade and Super-Duty Trip-Edge and Full-Trip plows. Contact your local dealer for more details and pricing.
Straight vs. V
Both straight and V-plows are tough enough to handle demanding snow removal jobs, but they have different advantages. Straight blades are simpler to use and operate. However, the multi-position capabilities of a V-plow allow it to direct snow more effectively. The "scoop" position enables a V-plow to stack snow more efficiently, while the "V" position helps it cut through hard snow better than a straight blade. This makes clearing snow easier on the plow, truck, and the operator.
Plow Materials – Poly Vs. Mild Steel Vs. Stainless Steel
For commercial snowplowing, all three major plow materials such as poly, mild steel, and stainless steel are viable, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Poly is the slickest material, preventing snow from sticking and allowing for faster clearing. It is also highly resistant to dents, scratches, and corrosion. Mild steel is the industry standard, known for its durability and rigidity, though it can develop rust over time despite its protective zinc powder coating. Stainless steel provides better corrosion resistance than mild steel and has a slight advantage in slickness, but it is more prone to dents and scratches, which can affect both aesthetics and performance.
Ease of Use
Attaching a plow to a vehicle in harsh winter conditions can be challenging. When shopping for a plow, consider the ease of use of the attachment system, as these may vary. A simple and efficient attachment system will make your job much easier. If you are a snow contractor managing a fleet, you’ll want to ensure that the plow system allows for quick switching between multiple trucks. For further details, contact manufacturers directly.
Lighting and Control Systems
Visibility plays a vital role in snow removal, especially during low-light conditions or major snow events. BOSS offers two premium headlight systems to meet the needs of different electrical setups. The trusted SL3 LED Headlights, available on plows with traditional 13-pin electrical systems, provide dependable brightness and durability in tough conditions. New for the 2025–26 season, the SL4 LED Headlights, available on Cold Front Technology electrical systems, deliver enhanced brightness and clarity, offering superior visibility during heavy snowfall and nighttime operations.
The control system is equally important, serving as the operator’s primary interface with the machinery. BOSS SmartTouch2 Controller available with 13-pin systems, is known for its ergonomic design and responsive performance. For users operating Cold Front Technology, the SmartTouch+ Universal Controller brings an updated interface, enhanced functionality, and universal compatibility to all CFT V, straight blade, and D-Force plows, making plowing even more intuitive and efficient.
The BOSS Cold Front Technology electrical system replaces the traditional 13-pin plug with a single connector that combines power/ground cables and control wires. This streamlined design not only simplifies installation but also enhances long-term durability in harsh winter conditions. When paired with the trusted SmartHitch2 system, it makes the Flip, Plug, Click attachment process much more efficient.
Additionally, BOSS SmartLock Cylinders hydraulically "Lock" to prevent the wings creeping out while back dragging.
With a range of dependable features like the SmartTouch2 Controller and SL3 LED Headlights, alongside newest innovations such as Cold Front Technology, SL4 LED Headlights, and the SmartTouch+ Universal Controller, BOSS Snowplow ensures reliability, safety, and efficiency for snow removal professionals.
What Kind of Vehicle Are You Going to Use?
Choosing the right plow depends on the vehicle you plan to use. Every vehicle has a Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (FGAWR), which determines how much weight it can support on the front end. To prevent overloading, it’s crucial to stay within this limit when attaching a plow. Commercial snowplowing typically requires at least a ¾-ton pickup truck to handle the weight of larger plows. For personal use, a ½-ton truck, or even smaller vehicles in some cases, can work just fine. UTV and ATV plows also provide effective snow-clearing solutions for residential driveways. Many plow manufacturers offer online selection tools to help determine the best plow for your vehicle.
New Vs. Used
Purchasing a new plow ensures you’re getting equipment in mint condition, but buying used can be a cost-effective alternative, particularly for those starting a new snow removal business. Many reputable dealers offer high-quality used plows that have been thoroughly inspected and any maintenance performed. If considering a used plow, check for signs of major wear, such as bent blades or damaged beams. Normal scratches and paint chips are expected and can be touched up, but serious structural damage may impact performance. A trustworthy dealer will ensure that the plow is in good working condition before you make a purchase.
There are many factors to consider when buying a snowplow, but this guide provides a solid foundation to help you make an informed decision. For more details, visit www.bossplow.com or contact BOSS Snowplow directly.