Snow can rear its ugly head when you least expect it. When it does, that’s not the best time to start your research. Before the fluffy white stuff falls, why not take a minute to familiarize yourself with some basic facts about different types of snow plows? After all, some snow is too deep and thick for a snow plow. Consider the three distinct grades of snow plows, separated by the types of jobs they are best for:
Commercial snow plows: These are used for roadways, commercial parking lots, and large driveways. They require professional installation. Commercial plows are often hydraulic and electric, so you can control them from inside your vehicle.
Residential snow plows: Residential plows are smaller versions of the above. They are easier to install and less cumbersome overall , while still being effective on driveways and other big jobs.
All-terrain plows: All-terrain plows are smaller, lighter, and better for use on a variety of terrains. They are great for areas with occasional snow as they install and uninstall quickly.
Next, look at the three basic plow designs.
Straight plows form a solid line that looks very much like a manual snow shovel. Available in steel, aluminum, and polycarbonate, they are used to move snow away from buildings. V-plows have a tell-tale “V” shape and are best for tougher jobs like hard-packed snow, ice, or for making that first indentation into a snow bank.
Box plows are more like construction equipment that is also used for snow. These plows use a kind of scoop to pick up the snow so it can be dumped elsewhere.
Finally, be aware of the functionality of the various types of snow plows.
Manual plows are popular because they are easy to put on and take off when the need arises.
Electric plows require permanent installation of certain parts on the vehicle. The trade-off is that electric plows are reliable and easy to operate fully from inside the cab.
Hydraulic plows are similar to electric, but run on hydraulics (a liquid version of pneumatics). Again, hydraulic plows require professional installation and leave their mark on your vehicle all year.
All Set For Winter?
With some awareness of the various types of snow plows, choosing one should be as easy as figuring out your needs. Consider the terrain, how much snow you expect, and whether or not you want to permanently modify your vehicle. If your head is spinning and you would just like to call someone to plow snow for you, hop on TalkLocal. We make snow removal experts a few mouse clicks away. You do not have to search endlessly to find one in your area.
