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

When you're pushing through a snow-covered lot, you're not just dealing with snow—you’re also dealing with hidden obstacles underneath it. From manhole covers and curbs to frozen snowbanks and storm drains, these hazards can put stress on your plow and truck.

That’s where a snowplow tripping system comes in. A tripping system allows part or all of the plow blade to give way when it encounters an obstacle, helping absorb impact and reduce stress on the equipment.

BOSS uses three tripping system designs: Trip-Edge, Full-Trip, and Dual Trip. The right system depends on the types of obstacles and conditions you encounter while plowing.

What Is a Plow Tripping System?

Most tripping systems rely on two key components:

• • • Tripping mechanisms that allow part or all of the blade to move

    • Pressure relief valves that help reduce stress on the hydraulic system and frame

Together, these components help protect the plow and truck while reducing the impact felt by the operator.

Trip-Edge: Low-Level Obstacle Protection

Trip-edge plows are designed to handle smaller, low-profile obstructions—generally anything under about six inches. When the lower edge of the blade encounters an obstacle such as a manhole cover, large pavement crack, or speed bump, the trip edge pivots forward and gives way.

This allows the plow to move over the obstacle without transferring the full impact to the moldboard, truck, or operator.

Benefits:

• • • Helps maintain your snow load because the upper blade stays rigid

    • Reduces operator shock

    • Trip-return spring tension can be customized for different conditions

    • Well suited for applications where low-profile obstacles are common

Full-Trip: Total Moldboard Cushioning

Full-trip plows provide protection when the plow encounters larger obstacles. With this design, the entire moldboard trips forward to help cushion the impact.

Examples of larger obstacles include:

• • • Curbs

    • Storm drains

    • Frozen snowbanks

The full-trip system allows the entire moldboard to move forward when an obstacle is encountered, helping distribute the impact and reduce stress on the plow and truck.

BOSS plows that use full-trip technology include XT plows and Super-Duty straight-blade plows.

Benefits:

• • • Provides additional cushioning when encountering larger obstacles

    • Well suited for commercial snow removal applications

    • Helps protect the plow and truck when ground hazards are difficult to see

Dual Trip: Two Layers of Protection

The BOSS DXT combines trip-edge and full-trip technology into one system.

When the trip edge encounters a lower obstacle, it trips forward first. If the impact requires additional movement, the full moldboard can also trip, providing a second layer of impact protection.

Features:

• • • Heavy-duty base cutting edge with a replaceable wear edge

    • Protection against both low-profile and larger obstacles

    • Designed for mixed terrain and unpredictable conditions

Choosing the Right Tripping System

The right tripping system depends on the conditions and obstacles you encounter most often.

No matter which system you choose, BOSS tripping technology is designed to help reduce the impact of obstacles and protect your snowplow and truck while you keep moving.

Frequently Asked Questions