Snow Pusher Bucket Project for Heavy Equipment

[MikePhua]

Snow removal is an essential task during winter months, especially in regions where heavy snowfall is common. In such conditions, equipment like skid steers, tractors, and wheel loaders become indispensable tools for clearing roads, parking lots, and large open spaces. Among the various attachments available for these machines, the snow pusher bucket is one of the most efficient designs for handling heavy snow loads, offering both speed and precision in snow clearing.
This article outlines the design and construction of a custom snow pusher bucket, an ideal solution for dealing with heavy snowfalls in large-scale operations. The discussion covers the benefits of snow pusher buckets, essential design considerations, and offers guidance on how to convert an existing bucket into a snow pusher.
Understanding the Snow Pusher Bucket
A snow pusher bucket is an attachment designed for heavy machinery, often added to skid steers, loaders, and tractors, for clearing snow in commercial or residential spaces. Unlike traditional snow plows, snow pushers are engineered to push large volumes of snow to one side without the need for lifting and dumping. This makes them especially useful in high-traffic areas where frequent snow clearing is necessary.
Key features of a snow pusher bucket include:

• Large, Wide Cutting Edge: A wide edge allows for pushing more snow in a single pass, increasing efficiency.
  
• Heavy-Duty Construction: The bucket is typically made from reinforced steel to withstand the impact of hitting hard, frozen snow or ice.
  
• Adjustable Skids: These skids ensure that the bucket maintains proper clearance from the ground, reducing wear on the cutting edge and minimizing damage to paved surfaces.
  
• Side Walls: High side walls are often included to help contain and direct the snow as it is being pushed, preventing it from spilling out over the sides.
  

The primary advantage of a snow pusher bucket is its efficiency in clearing large amounts of snow quickly without the need to lift and dump the snow, which reduces the number of passes needed and minimizes the time spent on the job.
Designing a Custom Snow Pusher Bucket
For those who already own heavy equipment but wish to convert their existing buckets into a snow pusher, the process involves modifying the bucket with several key features. Below are some essential considerations for designing a functional snow pusher bucket:

1. Material Selection:
   • Steel: The frame and cutting edge should be made from high-grade steel that is resistant to bending and corrosion. The material must be able to handle the weight and force associated with pushing large snow banks.
     
   • Reinforced Edges: Adding reinforcements to the bucket’s edges, especially the front lip, is crucial. Snow and ice can put tremendous pressure on the edge, and a simple steel lip might wear out prematurely.
     
2. Cutting Edge Design:
   • Curved vs. Straight Edge: While straight cutting edges are common, a curved edge allows for better snow management and helps in directing the snow more effectively to one side.
     
   • Replaceable Edge: Over time, the cutting edge will wear down. Including a replaceable edge design ensures that the snow pusher bucket lasts longer and can be easily maintained.
     
3. Side Walls:
   • High side walls are often necessary to keep the snow contained as it is pushed, especially for heavier snow loads. The side walls should be angled slightly to prevent snow from escaping over the sides. Some snow pusher buckets also have adjustable or removable sidewalls for easier cleaning.
     
4. Skids and Wear Bars:
   • Adjustable Skids: These help control the height of the bucket relative to the surface. Adjusting the skids allows the operator to work on varying surface types without scraping them.
     
   • Wear Bars: These are often mounted on the bottom of the bucket to minimize wear from direct contact with the ground.
     
5. Mounting Mechanism:
   • Ensuring a secure mounting system that matches your specific loader or skid steer model is vital. The mounting bracket should be solid and easily adjustable for secure attachment and detachment.
     

Building the Snow Pusher Bucket
Building your own snow pusher bucket requires certain tools and materials, as well as a detailed plan for each step of the process. Here’s a basic outline for creating a snow pusher bucket:

1. Gather Materials:
   • Steel for the frame and cutting edges.
     
   • Wear-resistant material for the bottom of the bucket.
     
   • Mounting brackets and hardware for the attachment.
     
   • Welding supplies for constructing the frame and cutting edges.
     
2. Measure and Cut:
   • Measure the existing bucket’s dimensions, ensuring that your snow pusher fits well with your equipment.
     
   • Cut the steel sheets and bars according to the design specifications.
     
3. Assemble the Frame:
   • Weld the steel frame together, ensuring that all joints are strong and aligned.
     
   • Attach the mounting brackets securely, keeping in mind the equipment’s attachment points.
     
4. Install the Cutting Edge:
   • Weld or bolt the cutting edge to the front of the bucket, ensuring it is solid and reinforced.
     
   • Make sure the edge is positioned at an angle that allows the snow to be efficiently pushed to one side.
     
5. Attach Skids and Sidewalls:
   • Install adjustable skids to the base of the bucket. This allows for easy control of the bucket height.
     
   • Attach side walls to the bucket, making sure they are high enough to contain the snow but not too high to hinder efficient snow clearing.
     
6. Final Adjustments:
   • Test the bucket with your machine to ensure that it attaches correctly and that the skids provide the necessary clearance.
     
   • Adjust the skids and side walls as needed for optimal performance.
     

Challenges in Snow Pusher Bucket Projects
Building a snow pusher bucket or modifying an existing one comes with several challenges that operators should be aware of:

1. Material Selection: Choosing the right materials for the cutting edge and the overall frame is critical. The wrong choice of steel or other materials may result in poor durability and a reduced lifespan.
   
2. Weight Considerations: A snow pusher bucket can become quite heavy, especially when it is reinforced. Ensuring that the equipment can handle the added weight without compromising its lifting capacity is essential.
   
3. Design for Different Snow Conditions: Snow consistency can vary greatly depending on location and time of year. Wet, heavy snow may require a stronger bucket, while light, fluffy snow can be handled with a lighter, more flexible design.
   
4. Cost vs. Benefit: While building a custom snow pusher bucket can be cost-effective compared to purchasing a ready-made one, it requires a considerable investment of time and effort. Additionally, there is always the risk that the final product may not perform as expected.
   

Benefits of a Custom Snow Pusher Bucket

1. Cost Efficiency: For those with the skills and tools to build their own, a custom snow pusher bucket can be a more affordable option than buying a commercial one.
   
2. Personalized Design: Customization allows for modifications that suit specific operational needs, such as size, weight, and handling of different types of snow.
   
3. Durability: With careful attention to materials and construction, a custom-built snow pusher can outlast off-the-shelf products.
   

Conclusion
Building a snow pusher bucket for heavy equipment is a practical solution for snow removal in large areas. By designing a custom bucket that matches specific operational requirements, operators can save time and increase efficiency during winter months. However, it’s essential to carefully plan the project, taking into account material quality, design features, and the needs of the machine. With the right approach, a custom snow pusher bucket can become an invaluable tool for tackling the challenges posed by heavy snowfalls.