Using Graders for Snow Plowing: Best Practices and Tips

[MikePhua]

Snow plowing is one of the essential winter maintenance tasks that helps ensure safe roads, streets, and pathways. Graders, known for their versatility and powerful engines, are often the machines of choice for large-scale snow clearing operations. These heavy-duty machines are equipped to handle not only rough terrain but also large volumes of snow and ice, making them indispensable in municipalities, construction sites, and highways. In this article, we will explore the use of graders for snow plowing, focusing on the best practices, equipment features, and the techniques that make them effective.
Graders and Their Role in Snow Plowing
Graders, or motor graders, are a type of heavy construction equipment designed primarily for grading and leveling surfaces. They have a long blade mounted on the frame, which can be adjusted to different angles, allowing operators to shape roads and other surfaces. This functionality makes graders excellent for snow plowing, especially on larger areas that require precision and consistency in snow removal.
While graders are not as commonly used for smaller residential snow removal, they excel in clearing large stretches of roadway, airport runways, and industrial sites. Graders can handle snow accumulation that is not just deep but also compacted or mixed with ice. Their ability to work efficiently on uneven and sloped surfaces further increases their versatility in snow management.
Key Features of Graders for Snow Plowing

1. Long Adjustable Blade: The primary feature of a grader is its long, adjustable blade. This blade can be angled to move snow to the side, creating a smooth path without causing damage to the underlying surface. The blade can also be tilted for more effective scraping or to manage different snow conditions.
   
2. Articulating Frame: Many modern graders have an articulating frame, allowing the operator to maneuver the machine more effectively around curves and obstacles. This is especially useful in urban areas or on winding roads where sharp turns are frequent.
   
3. Hydraulic System: The hydraulic system enables precise adjustments of the blade height, angle, and position, giving operators greater control over snow removal. This system is critical for clearing snow from different surfaces, including asphalt and gravel.
   
4. Large Tires or Tracks: Depending on the model, graders come with large, rugged tires or rubber tracks. These tires are designed for all-terrain performance, allowing the grader to maintain traction on slippery or icy surfaces while minimizing damage to the road.
   

Best Practices for Snow Plowing with Graders
Plowing snow with a grader requires more than just turning on the machine and clearing the snow. To ensure efficiency and minimize wear on both the machine and the road surface, operators must follow certain best practices.

1. Pre-planning and Setup: Before starting the snow plowing process, operators should assess the area to be cleared. Marking curbs, manholes, and other obstacles can help avoid damaging the equipment or road surface. Setting the blade to the right height and angle is crucial for optimal snow removal.
   
2. Starting at the Center: It’s best to begin plowing from the center of the area and work outward. This method helps avoid pushing snow onto areas that have already been cleared. For roads, operators can start in the middle and push snow to the shoulders, ensuring a consistent snow level across the road.
   
3. Layer-by-Layer Approach: For deep snow accumulation, it's important not to try to remove everything in one pass. Instead, operators should plow in layers, gradually reducing the snow height with each pass. This prevents the grader from getting bogged down in large snow banks and allows for smoother snow removal.
   
4. Speed Control: While graders are powerful machines, they should not be rushed. Operating the grader too quickly can lead to uneven snow clearing, excessive wear on the equipment, and a higher risk of accidents. Slow and steady operation helps maintain control and improves the effectiveness of the plowing job.
   
5. Managing Ice and Hard Pack Snow: One of the challenges of snow plowing is dealing with compacted snow or ice. In such cases, the grader blade can be tilted to scrape more effectively. However, adding salt or a de-icing solution to the surface before plowing can reduce ice formation and make it easier to clear stubborn patches.
   

Additional Equipment for Graders in Snow Plowing
In addition to the grader itself, operators can attach several other pieces of equipment to improve snow removal:

• Wing Blades: These are additional blades that can be attached to the side of the grader. Wing blades help push snow farther to the side, enabling the grader to clear wider paths in a single pass.
  
• Snow Plow Attachments: Some graders can be outfitted with snow plow attachments, turning them into specialized snow clearing machines. These attachments can be particularly helpful when clearing snow from large parking lots or narrow roadways.
  
• Snow Brushes: Snow brushes or sweepers can be added to help clear residual snow that remains after the main plowing. These tools are effective in removing fine snow dust and ensuring a clean surface.
  

Challenges of Using Graders for Snow Plowing

1. Weather Conditions: While graders are versatile machines, their performance can be impacted by severe weather conditions. Blowing snow, for example, can reduce visibility and make it difficult for operators to maintain a straight path. It’s important to consider these factors when operating the grader, especially during snowstorms.
   
2. Road Damage: Graders are heavy machines, and the weight can sometimes damage road surfaces, particularly when snow is wet and heavy. To minimize road damage, operators should adjust the blade height to avoid scraping the asphalt too aggressively.
   
3. Fuel Consumption: Graders consume a significant amount of fuel, especially when running for long hours in cold temperatures. Operators should plan fuel consumption carefully to ensure uninterrupted snow clearing.
   

Conclusion
Using graders for snow plowing is an effective way to manage large-scale snow removal, particularly on roads, highways, and industrial sites. Their ability to handle deep snow, ice, and challenging terrain makes them an essential tool for winter maintenance. However, like any piece of heavy equipment, they require skilled operators who are knowledgeable about best practices for snow removal.
By understanding the key features of graders, following best practices, and utilizing additional equipment, operators can ensure that snow plowing tasks are completed efficiently and safely. With proper care and maintenance, graders will continue to serve as a reliable tool for clearing snow for many winters to come.