How Do PU, UHMW & HDPE Poly Snow Plow Cutting Edges Compare?

When it comes to snow plowing, the cutting edge plays a critical role in ensuring the effectiveness of the job. The cutting edge – not to be confused with the blade – is the part of the plow that makes direct contact with the snow and ice. It is attached to the bottom of the snow blade.

Cutting edges need to be durable, wear-resistant, and capable of handling various surfaces under harsh weather conditions. Poly snow plow cutting edges have become increasingly popular due to their unique combination of strength, flexibility, and wear resistance. But did you know there are multiple “poly” materials available for snow plow cutting edges. 

That’s right. 

Poly cutting edges are made from high-performance polymers, typically Polyethylene (PE) or Polyurethane (PU), designed to offer superior wear resistance, low friction, and the ability to handle heavy impacts. Unlike traditional steel cutting edges, poly cutting edges provide a softer, more flexible surface that can help protect the road surface and extend the life of the plow itself.

There are several different types of poly materials used for cutting edges: Polyurethane -which KAGE offers for its plows – and two types of Polyethylene, known as UHMW and HDPE.

Let’s take a look at why KAGE uses polyurethane cutting edges over the polyethylene versions.

1. UHMW (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene)

What It Is: UHMW is a type of polyethylene that is characterized by a very high molecular weight. This gives it increased toughness, wear resistance, and impact strength.

• Wear Resistance: UHMW is durable enough for applications where the cutting edge is subjected to extreme wear from heavy snow, ice, and debris.
• Low Friction: The smooth surface of UHMW helps reduce friction, allowing the plow to glide over the surface with less resistance
• Non-Marking: UHMW won’t leave marks on paved surfaces, which is important for maintaining the aesthetics and integrity of roads.
• Self-Lubricating: The material is often self-lubricating, meaning it requires less maintenance and is less likely to get caught on obstacles.

UHMW cutting edges are commonly used on paved roads, driveways, and urban areas where damage to the road surface or frequent wear from heavy plowing is a concern.

2. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

What It Is: HDPE is another form of polyethylene but with a lower molecular weight than UHMW  but still offers strong resistance to impact.

• Cost-Effective: HDPE is more affordable than UHMW
• Durability: HDPE is not as tough as UHMW and should be limited to moderate snow and ice removal tasks.
• Lightweight: HDPE is lightweight compared to metal cutting edges, which can improve fuel efficiency for snow plowing trucks.

HDPE cutting edges are commonly used for lighter snow plowing applications, such as residential areas, small parking lots, or lightly trafficked roads.

3. Polyurethane (PU)

What It Is: Polyurethane is a versatile polymer known for its elasticity, impact resistance, and resilience. It has a high abrasion resistance and is capable of withstanding prolonged use, even in extremely cold temperatures. It’s commonly used for more demanding industrial snow plow cutting edge applications.

So what makes Polyurethane better than these polyethylene counterparts? 

• High Impact Resistance: Polyurethane absorbs impact better than polyethylene, making it ideal for situations where there are frequent hard contacts with debris or rough surfaces. UHMW is more brittle and prone to cracking under heavy impact or extreme pressure.

This makes PU a better option in areas where there are frequent hard contacts with debris, rocks, large ice chunks or uneven surfaces. 

• Elasticity: PU cutting edges are more flexible than UHMW, allowing them to conform better to the surface being plowed and reduce the risk of damage to both the plow and the road and providing a more consistent plow action. The more rigid UHMW material is less effective for snow removal on more difficult conditions like packed ice. A PU cutting edge is better at hugging the contours of a rough, frost-heaved road, while UHMW may leave behind some residual snow or ice due to its stiffer nature.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Polyurethane tends to perform better in extreme cold because it doesn’t become brittle at low temperatures. UHMW becomes increasingly more brittle as temperatures drop leaving it prone to cracking at very low temperatures (especially if it is exposed to repeated heavy impacts).
• Versatility: It can handle a wide range of plowing conditions, from light snow to heavier snowfalls and ice. Polyurethane excels in situations where the plowing involves mixed snow and ice, especially in conditions where ice build-up is prevalent. 

In regions that experience frequent freeze-thaw cycles, where plowing involves scraping off hard, compacted snow and ice, PU edges tend to handle the pressure better and remain intact.

• Cost: While polyurethane cutting edges often cost more upfront due to the manufacturing process and higher material costs, they offer a longer service life in cold and high impact environments.
• Wear Resistance: While UHMW is known for great wear resistance under most conditions, Polyurethane offers better wear performance in environments where the plow is exposed to abrasive surfaces like gravel roads or mixed debris. The added elasticity of PU can allow it to maintain its shape and resist the wear caused by harsh, abrasive materials more effectively than UHMW. 

In areas with gravel roads or where sand is used for de-icing, PU lasts longer and maintains its integrity because it resists gouging better, while UHMW suffers wear more quickly on such surfaces.

One of the many reasons KAGE president Mike Stephan ultimately chooses polyurethane is because after using UHMW cutting edges, he said, “I burn that stuff up!”

• Road Surface Protection: Polyurethane offers better road surface protection than UHMW because of its flexibility. PU can absorb more of the shock and pressure that comes from plowing, reducing the risk of gouging or scraping the underlying road surface. UHMW, being stiffer, can cause more abrasion to the pavement or leave scratches under harsh conditions.

If a snowplow is being used on sensitive or newly paved asphalt, a polyurethane edge will offer a smoother plow action and reduce the chances of damaging the road, while UHMW might leave visible scratches over time.

Best For: Polyurethane cutting edges are ideal for areas that experience mixed conditions, including areas with varying snow depths, ice, and occasional contact with debris or road surfaces.

Comparing Poly vs. Steel Cutting Edges

While poly cutting edges offer a number of advantages, traditional steel cutting edges are still widely used in heavy-duty snow removal applications. Steel is strong, durable, and can handle extreme conditions, but it tends to be harsher on road surfaces, can cause wear and tear on plowing equipment, and can leave visible marks on pavement.

Poly cutting edges, on the other hand, provide several benefits over steel:

• Surface Protection: Poly cutting edges are gentler on asphalt, reducing the risk of damage such as gouging or scraping.
• Less Maintenance: Poly edges generally require less maintenance compared to steel edges, which can rust or bend.
• Lower Noise: Poly edges are quieter than metal, reducing the noise pollution during plowing operations.

How about Polyurethane vs. Rubber Cutting Edges?

When comparing polyurethane snow plow cutting edges to rubber cutting edges, there are several factors to consider.

• Durability/Lifespan: Rubber cutting edges tend to wear out more quickly than polyurethane, especially when used on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt.

Polyurethane edges last longer than rubber in high-impact or abrasive environments because they resist wear and tear from contact with the ground, debris, and ice.

Rubber cutting edges are designed for light use on softer surfaces, such as gravel or dirt roads. Therefore, their edges wear down faster when subjected to heavy pressure on abrasive surfaces.

• Performance: Both poly and rubber cutting edge options prevent gouging and surface damage. However, poly offers more efficient scraping and clearing while the more flexible rubber is known to leave more residual snow, including on smoother surfaces.
• Cost/Maintenance: Polyurethane will have a higher upfront cost. However, with increased durability and performance, it should be considered a longer term investment. This is especially important when you consider the maintenance involved in more frequent replacements of the rubber edges due to wear and tear.

Poly cutting edges are the most effective choice for snow plowing delicate surfaces due to their combination of durability, performance, and road surface protection.

Ultimately, investing in a poly cutting edge leads to smoother operations, reduced maintenance, and enhanced performance for years to come, making it a smart choice for professional contractors looking to improve their snow removal processes.

KAGE offers polyurethane cutting edges ranging from 4.5 feet to 10 feet in length. For more information on these poly cutting edges give KAGE a call at 844-314-5243 or order your poly cutting edges online.