Things to Pay Attention to When Choosing a Truck Plow Attachment

Choosing the right plow truck attachment is an important decision that can have a major impact on workflow efficiency, overall safety and the life of both the plow truck and the equipment. Whether you are a professional snow removal contractor or a homeowner getting ready for the winter, it’s important to know what you are looking for so that you can get the most for your money and spend it in a way that actually helps you keep more money in the long run.

1. Compatibility

The compatibility of the plow with your truck is one of the first things to think about. Not all plows are universal, so refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for a proper fit. Truck’s weight capacity, frame robustness, and pulling capacity are all part of what will make or break a truck’s ability to manage the load of a plow. If you have a heavy duty truck that falls in the 1-ton category, you will likely have one of these larger plow sizes, whereas lighter duty trucks may be outfitted with smaller more lightweight counterparts. Using a plow that is too heavy for your truck will test the truck’s suspension, transmission and brakes and can result in costly repairs.

2. Shape

The plow shape is another important factor. Straight-blade plows, or standard plows, are the most popular and are designed to clear big, open areas such as parking lots and long driveways. They also are very strong at pushing snow a good distance straight ahead. V-plows have a pivoting joint that allows the plow to angle into a V-shape, so that it can also be used to push and scoop snow. This design is great for packing in heavy, wet snow or on uneven ground. At the food end, pusher plows are smaller and can be used primarily for clearing sidewalks or small residential spaces. Knowing the primary use case can help you choose the best plow type.

3. Material

The blade and construction material of the plow blade is another factor that affects durability and performance. The majority of the blades are constructed with steel or polyurethane. Steel blades are durable and can withstand abuse such as ice and debris, but can rust so they need to be frequently lubricated and cared for. Of course you will also find plastic and polyurethane blades are best for resisting rust, lightweight and while they may not hold up to amount of snow or rough use as well as steel they may work for your situation. A few offer a mix of materials (for example, a steel frame with a poly cutting edge), for a combination of strength and low weight.

4. Terrain Type and Weather Conditions

The choice also depends on the type of terrain and the weather conditions in your region. Plows with trip-edge feature are best when you are plowing on a gravel road or on rough terrain. With this system, the blade can kick up and pivot up if it contacts an obstruction, saving the plow and the truck in the event of collision. For regions that get heavy snowfall, a plow with a powerful hydraulic system and generous capacity is going to keep you clearing snow without the need to call a tow truck. Also what type of lift system hydraulic or manual as it will also play into how easy it is to use. Their hydraulic system offers superior control and less physical fatigue, which makes them the right choice for professional use.

In summary, to make the right choice of plow, the ideal plow for your work and the conditions in which you'll work needs to be carefully considered. When you focus on compatibility, toughness and utility, however, you can rest assured your plow not only answers your current demands, but has the longevity to help out for many winters to come. Remember that doing a bit of research and checking with the specialists will pay dividends in terms of having a warm and stress-free home during the harshest winter weather.