Follow These Basic Tips and Best Practices When Plowing Snow

Jan 25, 2021


Follow These Basic Tips and Best Practices When Plowing Snow

There is something about watching snow fall from the safety of your home! Unfortunately, it doesn’t last long before you have to go out to remove the snow from your driveway and sidewalks.

Most homeowners use a snow shovel or snow blower to remove small to medium sized areas covered in snow. But, a snow plow on a truck or ATV is the best way to quickly remove large volumes of snow. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when plowing snow.

How To
We suggest you mark any objects with a flag, such as hydrants, large rocks, and pipes. You should also line the edges of your driveway with flags.

Useful tips on driving a snow plow truck or ATV:

  • Practice moving the blades around before tackling your first snow pile.
  • Angle the plow to one side to push snow off in that direction. Approach the pile so now more than three-fourths of the blade is covered in snow.
  • Use the “backdrag” technique to remove snow piled against a structure.

Things Not to Do

  • Pile now on someone else’s property
  • Pile snow on a street or sidewalks
  • Pile snow by mailboxes, dumpsters, water drains, or fire hydrants

Straight Blade Plowing Tips
Straight blades are built with an optimized blade curl that allows snow to roll off the plow.

  • Angle Position: In this position, the blade is angled either to the left or right side of the vehicle. Use this position to widen after the first pass.
  • Straight Position: In this position, the blade is positioned directly in front of the vehicle. Use this position for back dragging, removing a large windrow, or cleaning up at the end of the job.
  • Deep Snow: In deep snow, raise the plow several inches off the ground to shear off the top layer. If you have a Power-V Plow, use the V-position for the first pass. Then change to the Scoop or Angle-position to widen things out.

V-Plowing Tips
V-snowplows are a multi-positioned plow that lets you choose from a variety of blade positions.

  • V Position: In this position the blades are retracted toward the truck. This position is normally used for making the first pass.
  • Scoop Position: This position is used for carrying or controlling the snow- with the blades pushed out to form an inverted V shape. It’s most useful for cleaning parking lots or other large areas where snow must be pushed straight ahead- and not to the side.
_______________________________

Central Counties Co-op’s Lawn & Garden Center is your one-stop shop for all of your winter maintenance needs. We offer a wide selection of quality equipment, products and services to help you get your yard in top shape, no matter what season it is. Our store carries snow blowers and offers small engine repair.
 

Read More News

Aug 28, 2023
Fall clean-up is essential to preserve the look and health of your lawn and landscape. A little work can help your yard and garden look it’s best when the snow melts away this spring. Here’s what you need to know about how to clean up your yard in the fall.
Aug 28, 2023
While you can’t make it rain during these critical times, there are ways to manage drought-stressed fields to help curb yield losses and keep corn growing strong between rainfalls.
Aug 28, 2023
And just like that, harvest is right around the corner! Fall can be an exciting but, busy time of the year, which can lead to quick decisions and tired minds. Nothing is worth the well being of you, your family, and your employees. Use these safety tips to prepare accordingly for the season and keep friends and family safe on the farm.