When you’re a child, the sight of roadways clogged with snow is one of winter’s greatest delights. Piles of the white stuff are a sure sign of a day off from school — but not, as adults soon find, from work.

And so it is that one of winter’s most controversial figures comes into play — the snowplow driver, a person who ensures that roads are clear, the parking lots are passable and that schools stay open. The proliferation of snowplow users and operators was once memorably lampooned on an episode of The Simpsons, but the fact is that the snowplow market is a booming business.

“The commercial snowplowing industry is getting more competitive every year,” says John Berlowski, sales manager for plow manufacturer Hiniker. “We estimate that there are over 400,000 plows in use at any given time during the season,” says Mike Stevens, vice president of sales and marketing for Sno-Way International.

“Most people who buy plows do so for vocational purposes, but there are a growing number of personal or non-vocational plow operators,” says Pete Robison, marketing manager for Meyer Products.

Most are bought for commercial use, but that’s still a lot of plows moving a lot of snow. It looks like your neighborhood’s “Mr. Plow” may have some rivals waiting in the wings. If that plow person happens to be you, it’s important to know a thing or two about choosing the right equipment for the job.

While they’re not the only options available, straight blade and V-blade plows are the most popular. “Straight blade plows have been around for a long time, more than 70 years,” says Rick Robitaille, marketing manager at BOSS. “Straight-blade plows are used for windrowing, back-dragging and stacking snow.”

“Straight blade plows are the most popular,” says Nels Niemela, vice president of sales and marketing at Blizzard Snowplows. “They are less expensive and weigh considerably less. Straight blade plows are normally purchased by home owners in rural areas and are used to clear snow from driveways and small parking areas.”
While the attachment has a simple, basic design, both designs and accessories can help to make straight blades a bit more versatile. “Straight blades come in two different styles — one type relieves the force caused by an obstacle by tripping the whole plow forward,” says Stevens. “The other style trips the bottom edge of the blade up and over the obstacle. Either of these are preferred by most users in every type of plowing situation.”

As far as attachments are concerned, “you can add wings to a straight blade plow that come off at approximately 30 degrees, creating a bucket plow or scoop,” says Robitaille. This can help make a straight plow more applicable for certain situations, but for even more flexibility, some operators turn to V- or multi-position plows.

“The V-blade offers greater versatility,” explains Berlowski. “Designed with a hinge in the center of the moldboard, each section or wing, is allowed to move
independently. Pulling both wings back puts the blade into the V position, which is most effective in making the first pass through a snowdrifted area. Pushing both wings forward sets the plow into the scoop position, which lets the operator push a larger amount of snow. This position is also very effective in stacking snow.”

"V-plows actually offer the operator three different blade positions: wedge-shaped, straight across and inverted scoop," says Robison. "So depending on what the operator needs to do, the V-blade gives him or her versatility."

The independent movement of each wing improves the ability to control where the snow goes, an advantage over a straight blade. The V also forms an effective wedge to ram through snowdrifts. “V-plows are more commonly used in commercial applications where large areas need clearing. They offer more carrying capacity than straight blades by virtue of being able to cup or scoop the snow when the wings of the plow are inverted,” says Niemela. “V-plows are also used in heavy snowfall areas where the blade can be used in the V position to plunge through deep, heavy and drifting snow.”

For those who may need a combination of piercing and stacking snow, a multi-position blade may be the way to go. “A multi-position plow can do everything a straight blade plow can do and more,” says Robitaille. “For example, a multi-position plow can achieve the ‘V’ position, the scoop position or any position in between. The advantage a multi-position plow has over a straight blade plow is that you save a lot of time.” That could be a selling point all its own — the sooner you finish your job, the sooner you can get out of the cold and grab that hot cup of coffee.

Depending on styles and options, a straight blade plow can cost between $3,500 to $5,000. V- and multi-position plows can vary between $4,000 to $7,000. Part of the price discrepancy in blades not only comes from style, but material. While most people are familiar with steel blades, polyethylene and polycarbonate blades are also becoming popular options. While this option can increase plow price, it’s generally agreed that poly blades are, in the end, more efficient. “It’s easier to push the snow load, making it easier on the vehicle’s drive train and easier on gas,” says Robitaille. “That’s because of the slick, self-lubricating surface of polyethylene.”

“Steel vs. poly is a matter of personal preference,” says Robison. “Many plow users grew up using steel moldboards and just aren’t comfortable making a change to alternative materials such as poly. Others appreciate the plowing performance and durability of poly blades.”

“Our company uses a material called polycarbonate,” says Stevens. “Most poly materials are slippery — and snow does not stick to them. Plus, they do not rust.” Additionally, poly boards are saturated with color throughout the material, making nicks and scratches less noticeable.

Of course, options galore will be of no use if the plow is not placed on the proper vehicle. “Each truck manufacturer identifies items that should be added to a new truck that is going to be used to plow snow,” says Berlowski. “This is a snowplow prep package. The dealer should be able to help in selecting the recommended options. The required size of the truck is dictated by the type of plow that will be used.”

“Professionals typically use 3/4 and 1-ton trucks with 8-ft or 9-ft snowplows attached,” says Robitaille. “People using their plows for personal use use 1/2-ton and down-sized 4x4s or compact trucks with 7 ft or 7 ft, 6 in. plows. It is important that the plow size be matched to the truck size. You should never exceed the truck’s axle ratings.”

“One of the biggest concerns when using and transporting a plow is overheating,” says Brian Birch, membership administrator with the Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA). “Sometimes the plow can block air flow to the engine, causing it to overheat. Some contractors will install an additional electric fan to help keep the engine cool while plowing or transporting the plow.”

It’s important for operators to keep in mind that while they may not be using typical heavy equipment, safety is still a primary concern. Before plowing, drivers should check the vehicle’s manual, as well as the vehicle’s condition. This will help lessen the chances of putting undue stress on a truck, which could lead to mechanical failure. When traveling longer distances between plowing sites, it is important to remove the snowplow from the vehicle for transport. While it’s acceptable to keep the plow attached for short distance travel, there are a few things to keep in mind. SIMA recommends that operators position the blade so the auxiliary plow headlights are not being blocked and to angle the blade to the right, toward the curb, to reduce the chance of hitting a snow bank and being pulled into it. According to a SIMA training video, “Overheating is unlikely under normal driving conditions, but occasionally the plow may be positioned where it deflects air away from the radiator. If this occurs, stop the vehicle and raise, lower or angle the snowplow to correct the overheating. The damage from overheating can be costly, so check the truck’s temperature gauge often.” Other important points include wearing a seatbelt, keeping the blade in a stationary position during transport and turning off the plow controls to prevent any accidental movement.

Equally important is keeping your plow in good working condition. “Prior to the start of the season, replace any damaged parts,” says Berlowski. “Hook up the plow to the truck and check all hydraulic connections for leaks. Check the lights and plow controls, change the hydraulic oil and check all electrical connections both on the plow and the truck. Also, check the truck’s plow mounting hardware and tighten all the fasteners to the proper torque specifications listed in the operator’s manual.”

“Storing plows inside or at minimum under some type of cover is a good idea,” says Niemela. “Always wash your plow after each use, cleaning off the salt residue and grime from attacking the paint, wiring, etc. Use plenty of dielectric grease during the plowing season and during the offseason. This will reduce having problems with corrosion on connections, IE plugs, lighting harnesses, etc.”

Finally, it’s important to remember proper plowing techniques once you’re out on the road. “Always square off corners unless they are naturally round, and don’t leave clumps or trails of snow behind,” advises SIMA. “Re-plow the curb line if sidewalks were shoveled after a lot was plowed. Lastly, take one last look at the entire jobsite to make sure the entire area is clean.”

Of course, there’s always a question of where to put all that snow that you’ve just pushed off of the pavement. SIMA literature advises operators to build snow banks far enough back to accommodate future snowfalls. Also, pile snow on the opposite side of the property that the wind is blowing, so snow doesn’t drift back into the plowed area. If you’re plowing snow in a parking area, push it to the back, away from the street. You’ll also want to avoid staging snow in the middle of a lot. Doing so will prevent difficult removal later. It’s important to keep snow away from streets, sidewalks, building entrances/exits, steps, cars, mailboxes, dumpsters and fire hydrants. Taking extra care around utility boxes is also highly recommended.

As the weather cools down, some are predicting an unusually cold and snowy winter. Though it’s impossible to know what the future holds, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. By assessing your area now, you can have a better idea of what sort of snowplow will be right for you, as well as what sort of obstacles will be in store once plowing season comes. So hop in your truck and take a jaunt around the neighborhood, then go home and research which plow options are right for you. By the time the snow starts falling, you’ll be ready to tackle nature’s worst and make the roads clear for traffic. Sorry, kids.

Katherine Fulton is assistant editor of Compact Equipment.