Removing snow from roads and parking lots is a big job that requires heavy and powerful equipment. Sometimes, one of the greatest challenges that snow removal operators face is the safe transportation of their heavy equipment to jobsites.
It's crucial to observe proper safety protocols when transporting snow plowing vehicles like wheel loaders, skid steers, and tractors between your depot and your clients' properties. Continue reading if you'd like to learn more about how to safely load and transport the heavy equipment your operators use for snow removal.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Transporting Your Snow Removal Equipment
By following these steps, your company can efficiently load and transport snow plowing equipment to your destination in a way that is safe for your operators and everyone else on the road.
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Choose the Best Tow Vehicle & Trailer
Transporting your snow removal equipment from point A to point B requires a trailer and a tow vehicle that are up to the challenge. Heavy equipment such as a skid steer or wheel loader, outfitted with an attachment such as a hydraulic wing plow or a snow pusher box plow, can weigh many tons. First, find a flatbed, tilt or equipment trailer that is large and sturdy enough to load your snow removal equipment. Then, calculate the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of the equipment and the trailer. Whatever tow vehicle you choose needs to be rated to handle the GCWR.
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Conduct an Inspection
It would be terrible to get your snow plowing equipment out on the road, only to discover that either the equipment itself or your towing rig has a serious problem that requires an emergency stop. To prevent this situation, thoroughly inspect your snow removal vehicle, plow attachment, trailer, and towing vehicle before leaving the depot. Look for common issues like malfunctioning brake lights, dead headlights, fuel leaks, and low tire pressure. Make sure any of these problems are corrected before you depart for your destination.
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Load Your Snow Plowing Equipment
Now it's time to load your heavy equipment on the trailer. Position the trailer on a flat, level surface to avoid the risk of your snow removal vehicle tipping over during loading or transport. Use a ramp that is rated for the weight of the equipment to drive it onto the trailer, then ensure that the vehicle is perfectly centered on the trailer for even weight distribution. For improved stability while driving, lower the hydraulic wing plow, snow pusher box plow or other attachment as much as possible.
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Secure Your Load
With your snow removal vehicle loaded on the trailer, the next step is to secure the load so that it can be safely transported to your client's property. To stabilize your heavy equipment, use chains or ratchet straps that can handle the load's weight, attaching them to at least four tie-down points - one at each corner of the equipment. As an added safety measure, you may want to consider placing wheel chocks around the wheels of your tractor, wheel loader or skid steer.
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Drive Safely
Even with your heavy snow removal equipment properly loaded and secured, reckless driving - particularly during snowy weather - could lead to disastrous load shifts. It's important to train your snow removal company's drivers to travel at safe speeds and take turns slowly. Remind them to be mindful of their braking, too; the excessive added weight of the snow plowing equipment means that a towing vehicle will require a much longer distance to make a full stop.
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Unload at Your Destination
Once you arrive at the lot or road you've been hired to plow, you can safely unload your heavy equipment. Make sure all straps and wheel chocks are removed before backing your skid steer, tractor or wheel loader off of the trailer. To ensure safety, it's best to have a spotter on-site who can supervise the operator driving the snow plowing vehicle.
Are You Interested in State-of-the-Art Snow Plows?
Storm Equipment is a reliable vendor of snow plow attachments, including snow pusher box plows and hydraulic wing plows. If your snow removal company is interested in purchasing any of our snow plows, give us a call today!
