Snowfighting with Steel: Plowing Techniques and Tales from Grader

[MikePhua]

Introduction
Motor graders are not just summer tools for shaping gravel—they’re winter warriors in snowbelt regions. When equipped with moldboards, wings, and chains, these machines become vital for clearing rural roads, steep grades, and tight village streets. This article explores the nuances of plowing with graders, from chain selection to moldboard tactics, and shares stories of daring snow battles and clever adaptations.
Plowing Without a Front Blade
Many operators rely solely on the moldboard and wing for snow removal, especially in areas where front plows are impractical or unavailable.

• Moldboard Angling: Used to roll snow off the road surface, especially effective when paired with a wing to push snow up and over roadside banks.
  
• Wing Usage: Allows for widening roads during storms, reducing the need for post-storm cleanup and minimizing driveway blockages.
  
• Bolt Strategy: Removing every other cutting edge bolt on the moldboard helps prevent damage when striking hidden obstacles like manholes—allowing the edge to shear cleanly without harming the moldboard.
  

One Vermont operator described plowing a narrow, steep road nicknamed “the chute,” where snow piled so high it buried the moldboard and front wheels. He powered through four feet of drift, relying on gravity and grit to avoid getting entombed until spring.
Chain Selection and Tire Traction
Chains are essential for maintaining control on icy roads and steep grades. Operators debate chain types based on terrain, tire design, and wear resistance.

• Roller Grip Chains: Hardened square-edged links offer superior traction and durability, especially on hardpack snow.
  
• Ice Chains: Feature sharp edges on one side of the cross chain for better grip.
  
• Military-Style Chains: Preferred in Norway, these designs maintain slack behind the wheel, reduce vibration, and wear evenly. They include repair kits with S-hooks for quick field fixes.
  

Operators note that chain cross-links can settle into tire tread grooves, reducing effectiveness. Choosing chains that stay atop the tread pattern is key for consistent traction.
Scarfying Winter Roads
In regions with fluctuating winter weather, gravel roads can develop thick layers of ice and snow. Scarfying—cutting grooves into the surface—improves traction and sand retention.

• Serrated Moldboard Blades: Used to break up hardpack and smooth the road surface.
  
• Groove Benefits: Hold sand in place longer, reduce slipperiness, and improve vehicle control.
  
• Timing: Best done after freeze-thaw cycles when ice buildup becomes uneven and hazardous.
  

While some areas rely on traffic to wear down snowpack, others use calcium chloride-treated sand to improve adhesion and longevity.
Heated Pavement Experiments
In southern Vermont, a mountain pass with 8% grades and emergency escape ramps became the site of a heated pavement experiment. Heating elements embedded beneath the asphalt aimed to prevent ice formation on critical downhill stretches.

• Runoff Concerns: Operators questioned whether melted snow would refreeze on untreated sections, creating new hazards.
  
• Power Source Unknowns: The system’s energy supply and long-term viability remained unclear.
  

This innovation reflects growing interest in passive snow management, though practical challenges persist.
Operator Tales and Lessons Learned

• Valentine’s Day Blizzard: One operator faced 30 inches of snow on a steep chute road. With no visibility of the moldboard or wheels, he relied on momentum and experience to push through, later returning for cleanup passes.
  
• Chain Maintenance: Building chains from scratch is a labor-intensive task. Veterans recall the effort fondly, though admit it now requires more breaks—and maybe a nap.
  
• Calcium Chloride Humor: One operator joked that on quiet nights, you can hear a Chevy rust—highlighting the corrosive power of treated roads.
  

Conclusion
Plowing with a grader is equal parts science and art. From chain selection to moldboard tactics, every decision affects safety, efficiency, and road quality. The stories shared by operators reveal not just technical expertise, but a deep respect for the machines and the environments they serve. Whether battling four-foot drifts or experimenting with heated asphalt, these snowfighters prove that winter work demands creativity, courage, and a whole lot of steel.