How to Choose the Right Snow Plow for Your Skid Steer or Wheel Loader
As any commercial snow removal contractor knows, huge amounts of wet, heavy snow can fall at any time during the winter. When this happens, it's crucial to choose a snow plow that's up to the challenge. Selecting the right snow plow for your skid steer or wheel loader will help you get the job done efficiently and move on to the next one. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to choose a snow plow that is perfect for your needs.
What Snow Plow Do I Need? Key Takeaways:
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For large, open areas like parking lots and industrial yards, a snow pusher box plow is the most efficient choice for moving high volumes of snow quickly.
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For jobs requiring precision and the ability to navigate obstacles like curbs and tight corners, a hydraulic wing plow is the superior option.
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Your final decision should be based on three factors: the type of properties you service, your operator's skill level, and your equipment budget.
Match the Plow to the Property
The type of surface your company usually plows should be the main determining factor in choosing a snow plow for your wheel loaders or skid steers. You don't want to be stuck with a big, clunky plow when you're trying to scrape snow off of a windy road. Similarly, a snow plow built for precision isn't necessarily the best choice to efficiently clear a wide open lot.
For clearing snow from parking lots and other wide areas, there are two main things a snow plow needs: high-volume pushing capacity and efficiency. In such an environment, your best option is a snow pusher box plow. These sturdy, traditional snow plows allow skid steers and wheel loaders to efficiently move large volumes of snow out of a wide open space.
When working in tighter spaces, like roads or narrow parking lots with lots of curbs, the most important factors for choosing a snow plow are maneuverability and precision. Hydraulic wing plows are the superior option here. Specially engineered for convenient back-dragging and obstacle avoidance, these state-of-the-art plows excel at clearing roads and other compact spaces.
Hydraulic Wing Plow vs. Snow Pusher Plow
All About Snow Pusher Box Plows
- What They Are: A simple, fixed-box design meant for one thing: pushing massive amounts of snow forward.
- Pros: Snow pushers are extremely durable and highly efficient in open spaces. They're also easy for new operators to learn, have lower maintenance needs, and are more affordable.
- Cons: Box plows are not versatile. They can only effectively push snow forward; they cannot windrow or back-drag very well, and they're difficult to use in tight spaces.
- Best For: Wide open lots such as shopping mall parking lots, shipping depots, and industrial lots.
All About Hydraulic Wing Plows
- What They Are: A central plow with two hydraulically controlled "wings" that can be angled independently using their floating edge system.
- Pros: Hydraulic wing plows are incredibly versatile; they can operate as a straight blade, box plow, or scoop. These plows are excellent for back-dragging away from garage doors, can windrow snow, and navigate obstacles with ease.
- Cons: Hydraulic wing plows are more expensive, with more moving parts that require regular maintenance. It will also take a more skilled operator to use one of these plows efficiently.
- Best For: Narrow and obstacle-heavy spaces such as residential roads, commercial properties with many curbs and islands, and tight alleyways.
Other Key Factors in Choosing a Plow Attachment
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Your Machine's Size & Power: It's important for the size of a plow attachment to be well-matched with the weight and horsepower of the plow vehicle. A plow that's too big for a skid steer will be inefficient and place strain on your equipment. Trying to use a plow that's too small for your wheel loader can also result in inefficient plowing.
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Maintenance & Longevity: Any snow plow attachment will require routine maintenance to stay in good operating condition throughout its life. However, the moving parts of hydraulic wing plows have increased maintenance needs compared to simpler snow pusher box plows.
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Reputable Brands to Consider:
Frequently Asked Questions
What size snow pusher do I need for my skid steer?
A good rule of thumb is to choose a snow pusher plow attachment that is about 2 feet wider than your skid steer's bucket. This way, you'll cover your tire tracks with each pass and finish the snow removal job more efficiently.
Can I use a wing plow to stack snow high?
Yes, the scoop configuration of a hydraulic wing plow is excellent for containing snow, and allows you to stack snow higher and more neatly than a traditional straight blade.
Is a more expensive plow worth the investment?
This depends on your business. If you clear snow for a wide variety of properties, the efficiency gained from the more expensive hydraulic wing plow can pay for itself in saved time and labor over a single season. However, if you mostly plow wide open lots, you can save yourself money by relying on a box plow attachment.
Purchase the Snow Plows You Need from a Trusted Vendor
The right plow is the one that best matches your typical job site. A snow pusher excels in open lots, while a hydraulic wing plow dominates in tight spaces and areas with obstacles.
At Storm Equipment, we carry an inventory of high-quality snow plow attachments for skid steers and wheel loaders. Contact us today if you're interested in purchasing any of our snow plow attachments!
