There are many types of heavy equipment that can be relied upon for efficient snow removal, and skid steers are among the best. While they may lack the raw power of larger vehicles, skid steers' relatively small size can also work to their favor. Outfitted with a snow plow attachment, these compact, maneuverable vehicles offer unrivaled snow management performance in more confined areas such as narrow roads and cramped parking lots.
However, using a skid steer for snow removal does come with certain dangers, which it is important to be aware of if you operate a commercial snow management company. Unless proper safety protocol is followed, property damage and injuries could occur, harming your company's reputation. Continue reading to learn how to take a safe approach to removing snow with a skid steer.
A Guide to Safe Snow Removal with a Skid Steer
To set yourself up for success, always make sure your skid steer is prepared for snow management before arriving at the job site. Double check that all fluid levels are adequate so that your skid steer doesn't become stranded in the middle of your client's lot. Examine your skid steer's tires or treads to make sure they're not too worn down, which could lead to safety issues during snow plowing. It's also crucial to check if headlights and wipers are functioning. Trying to plow snow - especially while it's still falling - when you have poor visibility is a recipe for disaster. If your skid steer's windshield wipers or lights aren't functioning, get these features fixed before using it for snow removal work.
A final step in preparation is to choose the right snow plow attachment for the job. Depending on the area being cleared, you may be better off outfitting your skid steer with a snow pusher box plow or a hydraulic wing plow. Choosing the right type of plow attachment not only allows for more efficient work, it reduces the risk of damage to your client's property and safety risks to bystanders. Hydraulic wing plows are the safer choice when maneuverability is required, while a snow pusher box plow can be more effective at quickly clearing a large open area like a parking lot. Whichever plow attachment you choose, be certain that it is securely attached so that it does not come off and cause damage or injury during operation.
For a snow removal job to be completed safely, it's critical that your skid steer operators are trained and experienced with using this type of vehicle. Driving a truck is nothing like driving a skid steer. An inexperienced operator is much more likely to tip the vehicle over, crash into a wall or even collide with pedestrians or passing vehicles. Only place experienced skid steer operators behind the wheel in order to mitigate these safety risks.
Before beginning to remove snow with your skid steer, it's important to map out the area to avoid any hazards that may be buried in snow. Use flags or snow stakes to mark things like curbs, fire hydrants, and unseen slopes to make sure that your snow plowing goes safely. You should also learn whether or not other people will be moving through the area that you'll be plowing. If so, your skid steer operators will need to exercise extra caution to avoid running into pedestrians and vehicles during their work.
When removing snow with your skid steer, one of the best ways to stay safe is by taking it slowly. While most snow removal operators take pride in their efficiency, speed should never take priority over safety. Driving skid steers too fast can result in the plow attachment causing damage to the surface of your client's property. Fast or reckless skid steer operation also increases the risks of wipeouts, tipovers, and collisions. By taking it slow and maintaining constant visibility, your operators can avoid most common safety hazards associated with plowing while still completing each snow removal job in a timely manner.
Top-Quality Plow Attachments for Your Skid Steer
If you're interested in purchasing industry-best skid steer snow plow attachments, see what Storm Equipment has to offer. Contact us today if you're interested in hydraulic wing plows, snow pusher box plows or any other equipment for your snow removal skid steers!
