When it comes to efficient snow removal, containment plows have become an industry standard. These plows are designed to maximize productivity by capturing and moving large amounts of snow in a single pass. Unlike traditional angle plows, which push snow to the side, containment plows focus on collecting and carrying snow, making them ideal for clearing parking lots, large driveways, and industrial properties. The key to their effectiveness lies in their snow containment features. Let’s explore these features in detail and understand how they improve efficiency, safety, and overall plowing performance.
What Are Containment Plows?
Containment plows are a type of snowplow equipped with wings or side panels that help trap snow within a contained space. This design prevents snow from spilling out the sides, allowing for more controlled and efficient snow removal. These plows are particularly useful for contractors and municipal snow removal teams who need to clear large areas quickly and effectively.
Unlike standard straight blade or angle plows, which require multiple passes to push snow to a designated area, containment plows significantly reduce the number of passes needed. They also allow for stacking and relocating snow piles with ease, making them an indispensable tool in modern snow management.
Essential Snow Containment Features
1. Boxed Wing Design
One of the most distinctive features of a containment plow is its boxed wing design. These side panels, often made of steel or heavy-duty polyurethane, help enclose the snow and keep it from spilling out. This feature allows the plow to capture and transport large volumes of snow in a single pass, reducing overall plowing time and increasing efficiency.
2. Floating and Spring-Loaded Wings
Some containment plows come with floating or spring-loaded wings that adjust to the contours of the ground. This ensures consistent ground contact, reducing the risk of snow being left behind. Floating wings improve plowing efficiency by maintaining an even surface clearing, especially on uneven terrain.
Whether the wings are fixed facing forward or have angling capabilities, it’s also important that they fit tightly to the moldboard to prevent “trails” where snow can slip through a gap. KAGE Innovation addresses this potential by including “snow catches” that cover gaps left for moving parts of its plows – whether for removable snow boxes or pivoting wings.
3. High-Capacity Moldboards
Moldboards on containment plows are designed to be higher and deeper than those on traditional plows. This increased capacity allows for more snow to be gathered and moved at once. Some models also feature reinforced moldboards that enhance durability, especially when working in harsh winter conditions.
Curvature of the moldboard is also important as a properly curved moldboard will roll snow in front the plow, making it easier for the equipment to push large quantities of snow than plows that simply push and compact the snow in front of the moldboard due to a lack of curvature.
4. Contouring Cutting Edges
Cutting edges on containment plows are often made from high-carbon steel, carbide, Hardox, poly or rubber. Some advanced models feature active or sectional cutting edges, which contours to the ground surface and prevents snow from dribbling out under the plow when going over uneven surfaces.
5. Adjustable Blade Angles
While containment plows primarily push snow forward, some models allow for adjustable blade angles, which provide greater flexibility in directing snow to specific locations. This adaptability is useful for varying site conditions and plowing strategies.
6. Trip Edges
Trip edges are also important to the containment process as a properly-functioning trip edge allows the plow to scrape up to and over obstacles, such as curbs, without losing the load of snow.
Benefits of Containment Plows
1. Increased Efficiency
The ability to collect and transport large amounts of snow in a single pass reduces overall plowing time. This is especially beneficial for snow removal contractors working under tight schedules or dealing with heavy snowfall conditions.
2. Cost Savings
By minimizing the number of passes required to clear an area, containment plows help save on fuel, labor, and equipment wear and tear. This makes them a cost-effective investment for businesses and municipalities.
3. Enhanced Safety
Containment plows reduce the chances of leaving behind snow windrows (piles of snow pushed to the side), which can become hazards for pedestrians and vehicles. A cleaner, more efficient snow removal process improves overall safety in parking lots, roadways, and pedestrian areas.
4. Versatility Across Various Equipment
Many containment plows are designed to be compatible with different types of machinery, from skid steers and wheel loaders to tractors and backhoes. This flexibility allows operators to choose the best equipment for their specific needs without being limited to a single type of vehicle.
5. Better Snow Placement and Stacking
Because containment plows can carry snow rather than just pushing it aside, they allow for better placement and stacking of snow piles. This is particularly useful in commercial lots where space is limited and efficient snow storage is crucial.
Snow containment features in containment plows have revolutionized the way snow removal is handled, offering superior efficiency, cost savings, and safety. The combination of boxed wings, contouring cutting edges, floating wings, and high-capacity moldboards makes these plows indispensable for clearing large areas quickly and effectively. Whether for commercial snow removal contractors, municipalities, or industrial sites, containment plows provide a reliable solution to managing heavy snowfall during the winter months.
Investing in a well-designed containment plow with advanced snow containment features can significantly improve winter operations, ensuring smoother and more efficient snow removal processes. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative features to further enhance the capabilities of these essential snow-fighting tools.
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