How to Maximize Your Efficiency with Snow Plow Attachments
Efficiency is important when it comes to commercial snow removal. Finishing a job as efficiently as possible allows your operators to move onto the next one quickly and maximize your revenue. However, clearing heavy snowfalls from roads and parking lots can be challenging work, especially if more snow is falling as your crew is working.
By using the highest quality snow plow attachments and applying the right techniques, snow plowing contractors can clear snow as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Continue reading to learn more about how snow removal operators can maximize their efficiency.
Use the Best Snow Plow Attachments
There are many different snow plow attachments that are compatible with heavy equipment such as skid steers, tractors, and wheel loaders. Two of the best options for snow removal are hydraulic wing plows and snow pusher box plows.
Hydraulic wing plows are state-of-the-art snow removal technology with side wings that can extend or retract hydraulically, allowing a single plow to switch between straight blade, scoop, and windrow configurations. This gives these plows the flexibility needed for operations where you need to clear large areas quickly but also adjust to narrow lanes, tight spaces, or awkward angles.
Snow pusher box plows are more traditional snow plow attachments that feature fixed sides to trap snow in front of the blade, making them extremely effective for pushing large volumes straight ahead. For wide open areas like parking lots, snow pusher box plows present the most efficient way to clear deep or heavy snow.
The Best Plowing Patterns for Parking Lots
Plowing a parking lot is usually pretty straightforward. There may be certain obstacles like curbs and light posts to avoid, but mostly this process consists of efficiently pushing as much snow as possible into a designated dump zone.
When working with snow pusher box plows, begin at the edges or middle of the lot, pushing snow toward dump zones. For the most efficient work, use long, straight passes with minimal turning. Avoid back-and-forth “patchwork” plowing since pusher plows are fastest when moving forward in long runs.
If plowing a parking lot with hydraulic wing plows, use scoop mode to contain more snow per pass and reduce spillover. Start along the lot's perimeter and work inward toward the snow dump zones. As needed, adjust the plow wings to funnel snow toward piles without spilling into cleared areas.
The Best Plowing Patterns for Roads
Roads can be more challenging to plow and often require some finesse since they are narrower surfaces which may come with many curbs and obstacles. To maximize efficiency when plowing streets, rely on hydraulic wing plows. Use windrow mode with one wing angled forward to move snow off to one side continuously. Adjust the trailing wing inward to avoid leaving a windrow edge behind. This plowing pattern will allow you to efficiently clear snow from any road.
Snow pusher box plows are generally less ideal for roads due to their lack of angling. However, box plows can still be effective for clearing snow from straight, multi-lane streets. On such roads, snow pusher box plows can use straight pushing to move snow to the end of a lane or into an intersection for removal.
Tips for Working Around Obstacles & Curbs
Roads and parking lots often have many curbs and other obstacles for snow plows. Striking these obstacles can result in damage to both the operator's equipment and the client's property. While it may be tempting to complete a snow removal job as quickly as possible, efficiency should not come at the cost of carelessness.
Fortunately, the adjustable shape of hydraulic wing plow blades makes it easy for them to work around obstacles. Hydraulic wing plows have a float mode that helps avoid catching on raised curbs, but operators should still stay at reduced speed in areas with lots of curbs or other obstacles. Retract the plow wings fully when approaching light poles, signposts, or cart corrals to prevent wing damage. If there are islands in a parking lot, rely on short, controlled pushes around the islands before returning to longer passes.
When operating snow pusher box plows, you must take extra care to avoid collisions with obstacles. Always watch corner edges around lots and roads; side plates can easily hit curbs if alignment is off. Approach obstacles head-on if possible, then back up and realign. Try to keep at least a foot away from curbs on the first pass, then do a cleanup pass to prevent catching on uneven concrete.
When to Use Back Dragging vs. Pushing
Snow removal technique ultimately comes down to two main actions: pushing snow forwards and dragging snow backwards. Both of these snow plowing techniques can maximize efficiency in different scenarios.
Pushing snow is the most efficient tactic in wide open areas, long lanes, and any space with a clear snow stacking location. Snow pusher plows excel here since they can trap snow and carry it in fewer passes. Hydraulic wing plows can also push, but they should be run in scoop mode to mimic a pusher’s snow capture ability.
Back dragging is the most efficient approach to snow plowing in small lots, tight stalls, or in front of loading docks and garage doors where you can’t push snow forward. Hydraulic wing plows excel at back dragging; use them with their wings retracted or slightly scooped for better control when pulling snow backward. Avoid using snow pusher box plows for extended back dragging because they aren't designed for it and can ride up over snow.
Prepare for Maximum Efficiency with High-Quality Snow Plow Attachments
To provide the most efficient snow removal services, outfit your fleet with the best in state-of-the-art snow plows. Contact Storm Equipment today if you're interested in purchasing any of our hydraulic wing plows or snow pushers for your commercial snow removal services.
