Best Snow Plows for Your Plowing Business

Many snow plow professionals are seasonal contractors with other Pro businesses in the warmer months. Before purchasing a snow plow for a truck or other vehicle, evaluate these factors:

• Snow conditions: If your service area typically receives light snowfall each year, a straight blade may be sufficient, but V-plows are recommended for heavier snows or harsher climates.
• Vehicle capabilities: Consider the vehicle’s weight capacity, the blade’s mounting system and any necessary modifications. Do not choose a plow that exceeds the front gross axel weight rating (FGAWR) of the intended vehicle.
• Durability: Plowing snow is a demanding job that subjects blades to rust, dents, corrosion from salt and other damage. The most durable equipment reduces costs and downtime for maintenance and repairs.
• New or used: A new plow will have a better appearance but a used plow with no or minor damage can cost significantly less.

Most commercial snow plow businesses will rely on larger plows. Use this guideline for vehicle and plow sizes:

• Standard pickup: 6.5-7.5-foot plow
• Half-ton pickup: 7-7.5-foot plow
• Larger (3/4-1 ton) pickup: 7.5-8 foot plow

Pro Tip: Consider snow plows designed with caster wheels for easy moving and storage.

Choose the right commercial snow plow for your service area. The following are the different types of snow plows and their specialties.

• Straight blade plows are suitable for light to moderate snow removal and for clearing sidewalks, residential driveways and smaller commercial area. They require less training and may be more affordable than other types of blades but can also be less versatile.
• V-plows are ideal for heavier snow and for clearing parking lots, highways and other large areas. They can be adjusted to different angles and positions, making them more versatile but also more expensive.
• Wing plows can be folded back, making them easily adjusted for smaller or larger areas and can be used for both pushing and stacking snow. They are most efficient at plowing large, open areas, such as parking lots and airport runways, but can be the most complex to operate.
• Snow pushers are compact, hand-operated tools suitable for small-scale snow removal in tight spaces, such as sidewalks and residential driveways. They're easy to maneuver and often used in conjunction with other snow removal equipment, such as snow blowers or shovels.

Pro Tip: Many snow removal businesses use plow markers, or reflective rods attached to the sides of the plow blade. These make it easier for the operator to maneuver the plow without running into things.

When investing in a commercial snow plow, the choice of material is a critical consideration. Each option offers advantages and disadvantages, tailored to specific operating environments and preferences:

• Mild steel or carbon steel is traditionally the most common and cost effective, featuring high durability.
• Stainless steel can be the most visually appealing but is also more subject to wear and tear, which can reduce performance over time.
• Polyurethane or “poly” is increasingly popular and the most effective at resisting dents, scratches and rust. Snow is less likely to stick to polyurethane than other materials.
• Other materials used in snow plow edges include rubber, which is less durable but is suitable for delicate pavements. In addition, carbide is a highly durable but more expensive material.

Consider your plow business' specific needs, vehicle type and budget when deciding which mounting system is best for you.

• Truck-mounted plows are versatile and easy to install on the front of trucks, which can be helpful if you need to switch the plows between different vehicles in your fleet.
• Front-loader plows are designed for heavy-duty commercial use and large-scale snow removal operations. They're typically fastened to front-loader attachments on tractors or other heavy equipment.

Pro Tip: Specialty mounting kits are available for attaching snow plows to ATVs for removal jobs on uneven or unusual terrain.

When choosing the best snow plow for large snow removal, consider the following features:

• Size: Make sure the plow for a truck or other vehicle is the right size and height for the area you need to clear.
• Control system: Hydraulic controls make it easier to operate the plow and adjust its angle. Some plows have more advanced electronic controls that can be more precise but also more expensive.
• Flexibility: A plow that can adjust its angle is more maneuverable and can handle different snow conditions more effectively.
• Pusher plate: This feature, also called a containment box, helps keep snow in front of the plow, making it easier to remove.

Pro Tip: Make sure your vehicle emits as much unobstructed lighting as possible to improve visibility during heavy snows at night.

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