Whether you love it or hate it, there’s little hope for avoid snow in the winter. Depending on what area of the country you live in you may see a little bit of snow or you may have piles and piles of it dumped on you, but with the arrival of colder weather, snow usually follows.
Think your area of the country doesn’t get snow? Think again. From Minnesota to Michigan to New York to Arizona, snow effects everyone everywhere.
With the arrival of snow comes the need for snow plowing and snow removal. The snow plowing industry saw a 2.4 percent growth between 2012 and 2017 and the number is even greater in areas where snow is a harsh reality such as in Minnesota or in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
With that in mind, here are some helpful tips for snow plowing and snow removal companies to make things easier once the white stuff hits.
- Timing: It’s generally recommended that snow plowing is done right after a snow fall. On days when snow fall is heavy, a few cursory passes keeps snow from piling up or getting too deep. Letting snow sit too long allows it to get hard and dry, especially in extreme cold. On the flipside, you’re likely to encounter slushy, sloppy conditions when the weather is warmer. Keep in mind that wet snow is much heavier than fluffy, dry snow. As a frame of reference, six inches of wet snow equals the weight of about 38 inches of dry snow.
Bottom line: When snow falls, don’t wait. Get out there and start plowing. - Study Up: Those involved in snow plowing may make it look easier and effortless, but it’s actually very difficult. With that in mind, it can be very important to read the manual for your snow plow and the manual for the vehicle you’re attaching it to. The last thing you want are any surprises when the snow finally hits. You want to know exactly how the plow handles on the vehicle you’re attaching it to, so take time to learn the manuals.
- Get good tires: Another important piece (or pieces) of equipment for snow plowing is a good set of snow tires. Whether you’re plowing your driveway or an entire parking lot, you want to make sure your vehicle has a good grip on the road. On the days with the heaviest snowfall, you want to have good traction and be able to push back against the snow you’re plowing.
- Following a path: Depending on what type of area you’re plowing, it can be a very challenging job once there are piles and piles of snow to move. For a parking lot or a driveway, it’s a good idea to stake out a path with brightly colored ground stakes before the snow arrives. That way when the white stuff comes, you know exactly where you’re going and which obstacles you’ll need to avoid.
- Picking a plow: Having a snow plowing business can be a very profitable side business and it’s important to figure out which type of plow you’ll need.
A front mount plow mounts to the front end of a vehicle and is installed with a front receiver hitch or a mounting kit. This type of plow offers plenty of control and visibility. Some models can be easily taken off or put on so that you can use a vehicle for other purposes.
A rear mount plow attaches to the rear of a vehicle and can either push or pull snow to a spot. They can pull snow easier than front mount plows and if you’re looking to clear a path out of your driveway, this is the plow for you.
Overall snow plowing makes snow removal much easier. A 2015 study found that an average of 11,500 people in the United States are treated for injuries they obtain while shoveling snow. Additionally, snow shoveling is responsible for as many as 100 deaths each year in the US. Take the hassle out of snow removal and contact your local snow plowing company to make the winter much more bearable.
