Advanced Snow Plowing Techniques for Rural and Municipal Roads

[MikePhua]

The Evolution of Snow Removal Equipment
Snow plowing has transitioned from simple blade attachments on tractors to highly specialized equipment tailored for different terrains and snow conditions. Historically, motor graders were the backbone of rural snow removal, especially in the Midwest and northern states. Brands like Caterpillar and Champion dominated the market with machines like the 140M AWD, which offered precision control and the ability to cut through deep drifts with V-plows and wing blades.
In recent decades, tandem axle trucks equipped with front plows, belly blades, and sanders have become the preferred choice for many municipalities. These trucks offer greater speed, better snow throw distance, and the ability to carry deicing materials, making them more versatile than graders in many scenarios.
Grader Versus Truck in Snow Management
Grader advantages:

• Superior control on gravel roads
  
• Effective at cutting hardpack and ice layers
  
• Ideal for shaping snowbanks and maintaining road crown
  
• Chains improve traction in deep or wet snow
  

Truck advantages:

• Faster road coverage
  
• Greater snow displacement from shoulders
  
• Integrated sanding and salting systems
  
• Better suited for paved roads and urban routes
  

Operators often use a hybrid approach: trucks for initial clearing and sanding, graders for cleanup and reshaping. In areas with heavy snowfall, loaders may be deployed to push back accumulated berms when trucks can no longer throw snow far enough.
Wing Blade Techniques and Snowbank Management
Wing blades are essential for widening cuts and managing roadside accumulation. However, improper use can create ridges that trap future snow and complicate subsequent plowing.
Best practices:

• Keep the wing level with the road base during initial passes
  
• Raise the wing gradually as snow depth exceeds road elevation
  
• Avoid dragging the wing in the ditch, which creates uneven berms
  
• Maintain a consistent plowing speed between 12–18 mph for optimal blade performance
  

One operator in South Dakota noted that cutting too narrow through a drift causes collapse back into the path, requiring multiple passes. A wide initial cut prevents this and reduces fuel consumption.
Belly Blades and Underbody Scrapers
Belly blades, also known as underbody scrapers, are mounted beneath plow trucks and are particularly effective in late-season snow or sticky conditions. These blades can remove compacted snow and ice without damaging the road surface.
Advantages:

• Long cutting edge life (often a full season)
  
• Minimal wear compared to plow shoes
  
• Effective in warm, wet snow where front blades may clog
  
• Can be fixed or hydraulically articulated depending on truck model
  

Operators report that belly blades can build up snow under the truck in sticky conditions, requiring occasional clearing with the front plow. Still, their efficiency in maintaining gravel roads makes them indispensable in many northern counties.
Cost Considerations and Equipment Rates
Running a plow truck involves hidden costs beyond fuel and labor:

• Salt and sand corrosion on boxes and spreaders
  
• Frequent shoe and cutting edge replacement
  
• Licensing, insurance, and DOT compliance
  
• Seasonal wear on tires and suspension
  

Suggested hourly rates:

• Single axle truck with sander: $80–$95/hour
  
• Tandem axle truck with full plow setup: $95–$110/hour
  
• Motor grader with wing and V-plow: $90–$105/hour
  

Operators must factor in downtime, maintenance, and off-season utility. Some contractors repurpose plow trucks for summer hauling to offset idle time. One operator traded his lowboy for a tandem with tag trailer to maintain year-round revenue.
Custom Shoe Fabrication and Edge Reuse
Plow shoes wear rapidly on gravel roads, often lasting only 25 hours. To extend life, many operators fabricate shoes using scrap cutting edges.
Fabrication tips:

• Weld old cutting edge segments onto shoe base
  
• Use hardened steel for longevity
  
• Rebuild shoes annually or biannually depending on snowfall
  
• Maintain consistent shoe height to avoid uneven wear
  

This method reduces cost and improves durability. A Minnesota-based contractor reported doubling shoe life using this technique, especially on V-plows.
Regional Trends and Equipment Adaptation
In Minnesota and surrounding states, belly blades have become standard on municipal trucks since the mid-1990s. Surplus DOT trucks often come equipped with these features, making them attractive for private contractors.
In contrast, regions like New York see fewer belly blades outside airport operations. Auction trends show increasing adoption in rural counties, especially where gravel roads dominate.
Operators in high-snow regions often maintain a fleet mix:

• Tandem trucks for speed and sanding
  
• Graders for shaping and deep snow
  
• Loaders for pushing back berms
  
• Compact plows for sidewalks and tight areas
  

Conclusion
Snow plowing is both an art and a science, shaped by terrain, equipment, and weather variability. Whether using a grader with a wing or a tandem truck with a belly blade, success depends on technique, timing, and adaptability. By combining traditional methods with modern innovations, operators can keep roads safe, reduce wear on equipment, and meet the ever-growing expectations of the traveling public. In winter work, precision isn’t just about the blade—it’s about knowing when, where, and how to cut through the storm.