A Flurry of Choices How to select the right snow pusher for your equipment By Randy Strait
These days, it seems every com- pany is stretched to do more
with less. To get “more” – efficiency, productivity, profit – companies are attempting to become increasingly streamlined and resourceful. When it comes to facility mainte-
nance, more are choosing to take on tasks themselves, rather than contract out – especially when it comes to snow and ice removal. But between govern- ment liability regulations and skyrock- eting salt prices, it’s not enough to just plow the snow; it must be plowed thoroughly and effectively. The most vital step to taking on or facility’s snow
improving your
removal operation is having the prop- er snow pusher. The right one will move more snow, increase operator ease and safety, and reduce repair expenses, not to mention costly down- time. The right pusher also positively impacts the life of the machine power- ing it, whether a small skid steer or larger loader. Some facility managers think the
biggest, most expensive snow pusher is the answer. Others look for the smallest, cheapest one they can possi- bly use. But it’s more than a matter of size: Snow pushers now offer numer- ous advancements and features designed to maximize efficiency. With so many options, from different “moldboard” and
“hitch” designs to cutting blades and side panels, the decision can be overwhelming. But simply taking the time to look at features and evaluating how each can contribute to an effi- cient snow-clearing strategy will ensure the best pusher choice is made.
Sizing It Up Snow pushers come in a variety of styles and sizes. Equip-
ment-mounted ones are commonly called containment plows or box plows. They typically range in size from 6 feet for smaller machines such as skid steers, up to 30 feet for larger equipment such as wheel loaders. Pusher size primarily affects how much snow is removed
and with what precision. Longer, one-piece containment plows will move larger quantities of snow the first time, but will leave
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behind a significant amount as they ride on the highest ground. A longer snow pusher will always rest at the highest point
on a surface and float over lower areas, leaving behind inches of snow and resulting in the need for follow-up plowing, usually from a pickup operator with a smaller pusher. And it’s highly likely that salting will be needed. A shorter snow pusher is more concentrated and precise.
Operators are able to better target an area and clear more snow with less follow-up. They also are ideally suited for common, smaller pieces of equipment like skid steers and compact loaders. The downside of shorter pushers is that more total passes are
required to remove the same amount of snow. They will still miss small areas such as dips in roads or parking lots. And some degree of salting will be required. However, some manufacturers, to offer the benefit of moving more snow yet with greater precision and less follow-
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