Snow Plowing Techniques and Equipment for Efficient Winter Operations

[MikePhua]

Snow plowing is a critical task in regions that experience heavy snowfall, particularly in areas like the northern United States, Canada, and northern Europe. Clearing roads, parking lots, driveways, and other areas from snow buildup is not only a matter of convenience but also safety. The proper equipment and techniques can significantly impact the efficiency of snow removal operations, as well as the lifespan of the machinery used.
This article will explore various aspects of snow plowing, including the types of snow plows, effective techniques, and key considerations for operators.

The Importance of Snow Plowing
Snow plowing serves several important purposes:

1. Safety: Clear roads are essential to prevent accidents caused by snow and ice, particularly for emergency responders and daily commuters. Accumulated snow can be slippery and hazardous.
   
2. Accessibility: Clearing snow from public roads, driveways, and walkways ensures that people can safely access their homes, schools, and workplaces.
   
3. Property Protection: For private property owners, timely snow removal prevents damage to lawns, pavements, and other infrastructures. Heavy snow accumulation can lead to structural damage or water leakage during a thaw.
   
4. Economic Impacts: Keeping main roads and commercial properties free from snow ensures that businesses stay operational and the economy continues running smoothly during the winter months.
   

Types of Snow Plows
The equipment used for snow plowing ranges from small residential machines to large commercial plows. The choice of snow plow largely depends on the area being cleared, the amount of snow, and the required precision.

1. Front-Mounted Plows (Truck Plows): These are the most common and typically seen on city streets. Mounted on the front of a truck, these plows are powerful and can handle large amounts of snow. They are available in a range of sizes and configurations.
   
2. Skid-Steer Plows: Skid-steer loaders with snow plow attachments are often used for more confined spaces like driveways, parking lots, and smaller roads. They are highly maneuverable and efficient for detailed snow removal.
   
3. V-Plows: A V-shaped plow is used to break through heavy snow banks and move large amounts of snow quickly. These are often used on highways and in heavy snow regions.
   
4. Snowblowers and Throwers: For areas where plows cannot effectively clear snow (like narrow roads or heavy drifts), snow blowers are an excellent option. They chop and throw the snow far from the clearing area, keeping spaces tidy.
   
5. Broom Plows: A broom plow uses rotating brushes to sweep snow from roads or surfaces, commonly used after initial plowing to clear the last remnants of snow or when roads are icy.
   

Snow Plowing Techniques
The effectiveness of snow plowing largely depends on the technique used. Here are some methods to ensure efficient snow removal.

1. Pre-treatment of Roads: Before a snowstorm, applying salt or a mixture of brine and salt to roads can prevent snow from sticking. This allows plows to clear snow more easily.
   
2. Clearing the Right Width: When plowing, the goal should be to clear a width that allows vehicles to travel safely. Typically, it is ideal to plow slightly wider than the lane itself, as this will account for drifting snow.
   
3. Timing of Plowing: Starting early during a snowstorm helps to prevent snow from accumulating too much, making plowing easier and reducing the amount of work needed for a complete snow removal. It’s generally more effective to plow snow in stages rather than waiting until the snowstorm has ended.
   
4. Plowing in Layers: Instead of attempting to clear large amounts of snow in one pass, it’s often best to clear a portion of the snow first, then gradually work your way down to the surface. This technique helps avoid forcing the snow to harden into ice, which would make future plowing harder.
   
5. Strategic Plowing for Drainage: Proper snow plowing techniques involve ensuring that the snow is directed toward areas that won't block drainage systems. This reduces the risk of ice build-up, which can lead to flooding once the temperature rises.
   
6. Avoiding Overloading the Plow: Loading a snow plow with too much snow can cause the machine to overheat or stall. It’s important to ensure the plow has the right load for the specific vehicle and conditions.
   

Considerations for Snow Plow Operators

1. Equipment Maintenance: Snow plowing equipment is subjected to tough conditions. Regular maintenance, including checking the hydraulic system, plow blade condition, and engine health, is essential. This ensures longevity and reduces the risk of breakdowns during snowstorms.
   
2. Snow Plow Calibration: Proper calibration of plow angles and blade settings can make a significant difference in performance. Setting the blade angle to maximize snow clearing and prevent the blade from scraping the ground unnecessarily is critical for effective plowing.
   
3. Winter Tire and Track Maintenance: For machines like skid-steers or tracked vehicles, proper tire and track maintenance is essential. Worn-out tires or tracks can reduce traction and make snow removal more difficult, especially in heavy, wet snow.
   
4. Safety Concerns: Snow plow operators face particular challenges, such as low visibility, slippery surfaces, and working in harsh weather conditions. Wearing the proper safety gear, such as high-visibility jackets, gloves, and boots, is important to avoid accidents on the job.
   
5. Avoiding Damage to Roads: In some cases, plows can damage roads or sidewalks if the blade isn’t properly adjusted. Care must be taken to avoid scratching asphalt or creating divots in concrete, which can lead to costly repairs.
   

Snow Plowing in Harsh Environments
Regions like Saskatchewan, Canada, and the Northern United States are no strangers to harsh winter weather conditions, including heavy snow and freezing temperatures. Snow removal is not just a matter of convenience but essential for keeping infrastructure intact.
Saskatchewan, for instance, experiences long winters, often with temperatures dropping well below freezing. To clear the snow in these conditions, snow plowing teams rely on robust equipment like high-powered trucks and skid-steers. In these extreme conditions, snow removal must happen quickly to ensure roadways remain open for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Operators working in these regions often need to contend with snow drifts, ice patches, and the sheer volume of snow. Having the right plowing equipment, coupled with knowledge of the region’s weather patterns, is essential for effective snow clearing. Additionally, keeping snow piles away from intersections, crosswalks, and driveways is vital for public safety.

Conclusion
Snow plowing is a vital service that ensures roads remain passable, safe, and functional during winter months. The proper equipment and techniques for clearing snow not only enhance operational efficiency but also minimize safety risks. Whether you are plowing a driveway or working in a large-scale snow removal operation, ensuring that snow is cleared efficiently and safely requires careful planning, maintenance, and attention to detail.
With the right approach, snow removal can be a relatively straightforward task. However, operators need to consider the equipment, technique, and local weather conditions to optimize their snow clearing strategy. Regular training, along with ongoing maintenance and safety measures, ensures that snow plowing continues to be an effective and essential part of winter operations.