Choosing the Right Snow Plow: Key Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Selecting the perfect snow plow isn’t just about picking a blade and getting to work. To ensure you choose the right equipment for your needs, there are several factors to consider. Here are the top questions to guide your decision and help you find the best plow for your specific circumstances.
1. What Type of Accounts Are You Serving?
Consider the nature of the properties you’ll be clearing—are they residential, commercial, or industrial? Each has unique demands. Residential accounts may require smaller, more maneuverable plows, whereas commercial or industrial sites often benefit from larger, more robust plows that can handle heavy usage.
2. What’s Your Region’s Snowfall Like?
The amount and type of snow in your area is critical when choosing a plow. If you’re in a region that averages 10-12 inches a year, you might not need the same heavy-duty plow as someone who deals with 120-300 inches annually. Additionally, consider the snow type—light, powdery snow requires less force to move, whereas wet, heavy snow (often described as “concrete”) demands a plow that’s sturdy and powerful enough to handle it.
3. Are There Space Restrictions?
Finally, consider the layout of your accounts. Are there gates, tight corners, or limited space to maneuver? If so, you’ll need a compact, highly maneuverable plow that can handle restricted areas without sacrificing efficiency.
4. Does Your Machine Have the Right Tires?
Snow tires can significantly improve traction, making it easier to push and pile snow. If your machine isn’t equipped with snow tires, you might struggle to achieve optimal performance in slippery or packed-snow conditions. Upgrading to snow tires can enhance stability and control, particularly on icy surfaces.
5. How Many Snow Piles Are Needed?
Assess the number of snow piles you’ll need to create on-site. If there are multiple areas where snow can be pushed and piled, you may be able to work more efficiently. However, if you’re limited to only a few locations, you’ll need a plow that can handle long pushes without losing power, as extended travel can slow down the operation and add wear to the equipment.
6. Is Your Loader Equipped with a 3rd Function Valve?
Your loader needs a 3rd function valve to run a hydraulic wing plow. The plow does not come with a hydraulic pump. It comes with a diverter valve to divert the provided hydraulic flow from the loader. Having this standard on loaders is becoming more popular, but not always the case.
7. Do You Have a Quick Coupler?
A quick coupler is required to run a hydraulic wing plow. The following are common quick couplers. Skid steer coupler, IT 28, IT 28, Cat Fusion, JRB 416, JRB 418, JD, ISO.
8. Will This Be the Only Plow on Site?
If this plow will be the only one at an account, you may need to invest in a versatile, all-purpose model that can handle a variety of snow-clearing tasks. If other plows will also be on-site, you could focus on specialized tasks, like clearing tight spaces or long stretches, and choose a plow specifically suited for those purposes.
9. Are There Space Restrictions?
Finally, consider the layout of your accounts. Are there gates, tight corners, or limited space to maneuver? If so, you’ll need a compact, highly maneuverable plow that can handle restricted areas without sacrificing efficiency.
Conclusion
By asking these key questions, you’ll gain clarity on the type of plow best suited to your specific needs, ensuring you make an investment that supports your snow-removal goals efficiently and effectively. From account types to equipment compatibility and regional snow conditions, each factor plays an important role in making your plowing operations as smooth and effective as possible.
