As the winter months roll in, businesses, municipalities, and property owners alike face the daunting task of managing snow and ice buildup. Snowplowing is essential to maintain safety and accessibility, and for those who require quick, efficient, and versatile equipment, skid steer snow plows are often the go-to solution. These powerful machines provide a range of snow removal options and come equipped with a variety of features that make them ideal for tackling tough winter conditions. We’ll explore the different types of skid steer snow plows, the key features that make them effective, and how to choose the right plow for different situations.
What is a Skid Steer Snow Plow?
A skid steer snow plow is an attachment for skid steer loaders, a type of small, agile, and versatile machine commonly used in construction, landscaping, and snow removal tasks. Skid steers are renowned for their ability to maneuver in tight spaces, making them ideal for clearing snow in areas where larger plowing equipment may not be able to operate. When equipped with a snow plow attachment, these machines can efficiently clear driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, and more, depending on the size of the plow and the machine.
Types of Skid Steer Snow Plows
Skid steer snow plows come in various styles, each designed to suit specific snow removal needs. Understanding the different types will help you choose the right one for your property or business.
1. Straight Blade Snow Plow
Straight blade snow plows are the most common type of entry level snow plow on most machines. These plows feature a single, fixed blade that is ideal for pushing snow in a straight line. The design is simple, and it is especially suitable for areas that need frequent clearing, such as driveways, smaller parking lots, or residential properties.
Pros:
- Inexpensive and straightforward to use.
- Ideal for areas with relatively low snow accumulation.
Cons:
- Less effective in heavy snowfalls or when dealing with large snow drifts.
- Limited to clearing snow in one direction.
- Can be difficult to stack snow
2. V-Plow Snow Plow
Also popular for tractors and trucks, V-plow snow plows feature a blade that splits into a V shape, allowing the snow to be pushed to the sides rather than directly in front of the plow. This design is effective for breaking through heavy snowfall or snowpack, as it can handle higher volumes of snow.
The V-plow can be adjusted to different angles, allowing operators to direct the snow to either side. This flexibility makes the V-plow a popular choice for commercial applications and areas with unpredictable snowfall patterns.
Pros:
- Meant for large snowfalls and deeper snow accumulations.
- Can push snow to the side, improving efficiency.
- Adjustable blade angles offer more versatility.
Cons:
- More expensive than straight blade plows.
- Can be harder to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Snow stacking can be challenging
3. Angle Blade Snow Plow
Angle blade snow plows are similar to straight blade plows, but like v-plows, they offer the added advantage of being adjustable. The blade can be angled to the left or right, allowing the operator to push snow in multiple directions. This is especially useful for tight areas like driveways, parking lots, carport, porte cocheres and bank or restaurant drive-thrus, where snow may need to be cleared into ditches or windrowed to be pushed to specific locations.
Pros:
- Increased versatility compared to straight blade plows.
- Can be used in tight spaces.
- Offers the ability to move snow in different directions.
- Offers back dragging options
Cons:
- More expensive than straight blade plows.
- Without significant angle, can be difficult to break through deep, heavy snowpack.
- Limited stacking capabilities
4. Box Plow Snow Plow
Box plow snow plows, also known as snow pusher plows, scoop or containment plows, are designed with an enclosed structure to capture and contain snow as it is pushed. These plows are ideal for clearing snow from wide, open areas like parking lots, as they allow for large quantities of snow to be moved quickly and efficiently. These plows are ideal for areas that experience significant snow accumulation and require high-capacity snow removal.
The containment feature of the box plow reduces the need for multiple passes, making it a great option for commercial snow removal. They are particularly useful in applications where snow is continuously pushed to the same spot, such as in industrial areas as they can often stack snow higher than other skid steer plow options due to the side panel containment and open bottom. Its design allows you to push snow up the pile and back away without needing to dump the snow.
Pros:
- Highly effective at moving large amounts of snow on large, commercial snow removal jobs
- Ideal for open spaces like parking lots where snow needs to be stacked
- Can eliminate the need for multiple passes, leading to quick and efficient snow clearing
- Great for stacking snow with minimal lifting required, reducing wear on the equipment.
Cons:
- Limited back dragging capabilities
- Requires more storage space when not in use
Key Features to Look for in Skid Steer Snow Plows
While the type of plow is important, there are several features that can make a skid steer snow plow even more effective. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a plow:
1. Adjustable Blade Angles
Many skid steer snow plows come with the ability to adjust the angle of the blade, allowing for greater control and flexibility during snow removal. Being able to adjust the blade to different angles can help in directing the snow to specific areas, such as the edge of a driveway or parking lot. The greater the angle, the easier it is to break through heavy snow and push it to the side for windrowing.
2. Hydraulic or Manual Controls
Skid steer snow plows can be operated with either hydraulic or manual controls. Hydraulic controls are generally preferred, as they allow for more precise adjustments while the machine is in motion. Manual controls are more basic and can be slower to adjust but may be sufficient for less demanding snow removal tasks.
3. Skids or Shoes
Skids or shoes are an important feature for protecting the surface underneath the snow when plowing. These are attached to the bottom of the plow and help prevent the blade from digging into the pavement or gravel. This is especially important when clearing snow from surfaces that you don’t want to damage, such as driveways, sidewalks or parking lots. Metal skid shoes are known for their wear resistance, but can also be abrasive to the substrate, leaving scrape or rust marks behind. Polyurethane skids are non-abrasive and prevent damage to the substrate, including rust residue.
4. Heavy-Duty Construction
Snowplows for skid steers should be built to withstand the harsh conditions of winter, heavy impact and pressure. A heavy-duty plow with high-strength steel construction will be more durable and capable of handling large snowfalls without bending or breaking.
5. Shock Absorption System
A shock absorption system can help reduce wear and tear on the plow and the skid steer itself, especially when clearing compacted snow or ice. This system helps cushion the impact when the blade hits obstacles like curbs or rocks. Shock absorption can come in many forms including hydraulic crossover relief, trip edges or moldboards, floating cutting edges or floating poly skids. KAGE’s SnowFire Xtreme 2-in-1 Angle Blade and Box Plow system is equipped with all of these forms of shock absorption.
Choosing the Right Skid Steer Snow Plow
When selecting the best snow plow for your skid steer, consider the following factors:
- Size of the Area: Width of the plowing space plays a major factor on choosing your skid steer plow. The wider the area, the more options you have and the more the width of your plow matters. Angle blades and v-plows will do the best job rolling snow off to the sides. Box plows will relocate the most snow. KAGE’s SnowFire 2-in-1 systems offers the most options both the angle blade and box plow functions and are available in sizes ranging 54-inches to 12 feet wide.
- Snow Accumulation: If you live in an area with heavy, frequent snowfall, a V-plow or 2-in-1 system – like the SnowFire and SnowFire Xtreme – will be the most efficient options.
- Maneuverability Needs: If you need to clear snow in tight spaces, an angle blade plow or straight blade plow will be most suitable. These also allow the best back dragging capabilities. With a 54-inch SnowFire power angling snow blade, you can quickly and easily clear sidewalks and tight drive-through spaces.
- Budget: While more advanced plows like V-plows and 2-in-1 snow blade and box systems are more expensive, they can save time and labor in large-scale snow removal projects. Add in the industry-leading shock absorption safety features of the SnowFire Xtreme system and you’ve got a worthwhile investment that also saves you from costly repair expenses and potentially hospital bills.
Skid steer snow plows are an indispensable tool for anyone dealing with winter snow removal. The variety of plow types, along with essential features like adjustable blade angles, hydraulic controls, shock absorption and durable construction, make these machines incredibly versatile and efficient. By choosing the right type of plow for your specific snow clearing needs, you can ensure that your property stays safe and accessible all winter long.
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