Snow Plowing vs Snow Pushing
Posted by Maranda Wilson on 4th Dec 2016
With the holiday season in full-swing, snow will be (or is already) in the forecast for many of our customers. At the first sign of snowfall, it is best to be already prepared with snow pusher and plow attachments. This is especially important if people are relying on you to clear the roadways in time for their morning commutes.
Despite the fact that most heavy machinery users already own a standard bucket, we strongly advise against using it for snow removal because it runs the risk of damage to the property, equipment, and even personnel.
Snow Plow:
Favored for its versatility, the snow plow uses a blade to maneuver by pushing snow either forward or to the side. Ideal for clearing snow from driveways or roads because of its ability for back dragging and being a faster solution compared to attachments such as a bucket. Controlled using hydraulics, the blade’s angle can be adjusted from side to side, as well as where to deposit the snow. Best for lighter snowfalls. For sections of bad asphalt, the plow may have a tendency to drag against such sections and cause further damage.
Snow Pusher:
Similar to a snow plow in that it relies on a pushing motion, the main difference is that it is fully enclosed. Consisting of multiple scrapers as opposed to a single blade, the snow is trapped into a box-like attachment. The soft scrapers on the bottom edge ensures a cleaner, more snowless, result. Best utilized in open areas such as parking lots, since the attachment is meant to transport and stack large amounts of snow. Consider this attachment if you are looking more to transport snow versus merely pushing it off to the side. It is likely to run out of traction/power when used with a smaller machine. When used correctly, this attachment is typically less stressful for the machine as it is straight forward pushing and has less moving parts compared to the snow plow. Also as a multipurpose attachment, it is ideal for moving waste water, manure, feed lots, and flow clean-up.
Our offerings:
Skid Steer Angle Snow Plow by Virnig
- Designed to hug the contours of the ground
- Two-cylinder hydraulic angle design
- Heavy duty construction allows full down pressure
- Oscillation and adjustable cast skid shoes allows edge to follow uneven surfaces
- Corrosion, dent and flake resistant NitroSteel® cylinder rods made in the USA
- Trip edge containing four compression springs and hinge points
- Design allows for 5 1/2" of total wear on the standard 5/8”x8” reversible, replaceable bolt-on wear edge
Skid Steer Snow Pusher by Virnig
- Unique floating side plates, floating frame link and side-to-side oscillation keeps rubber edge in constant contact with the ground eliminating slippery, icy residue
- Bracing on pusher sides and long-wearing ½” thick x 3” wide skid shoes ensues attachment longevity
- 11/2”x10” reversible, replaceable rubber edge with 6” of total wear
- Rubber edger offers optimal surface protection while delivering pushing power
Skid Steer Low Profile Snow Pusher by Virnig
- Better visibility because it is a foot shorter than the standard snow pusher
- Floating side places and side-to-side oscillation keeps rubber edge in constant contact with the ground eliminating slippery icy residue
- Edge never needs adjusting; it only needs to be reversed or replaced
Skid Steer Snow Pusher Attachment by FFC
- Optional pull back kit draws snow away from buildings, fences and confined areas
- Optional bucket lip mount available for 10’, 12’ and 14’ models
- All six models feature a height of 39.5” and a depth of 49.3”
Skid Steer Snow Blade Attachment Hydraulic Angle by FFC
- Hydraulically angles 30 degrees in either direction
- Reversible and replaceable wear edge
- Adjustable skid-shoes
- Spring-loaded trip mechanism
- 23” 7-gauge steel blade
- Heavy structural steel frame
- Standard hydraulic angle
- Optional manual angle
- Optional rubber wear edge
Skid Steer V-Plow Snow Plow Attachment by FFC
- Full floating frame, which allows the blades to follow the ground contour without catching manhole covers
- Each blade is sequence controlled; each blade can be operated half independently from within the skid steer loader without additional controls
- Allows
for the following angles
- Straight
- V
- Scoop
- Angles up to 30 degrees in each direction
- Reversible cutting edge
- Spring loaded trip mechanism
- Blade floats 5” and tilts 5” to follow ground contour
- Adjustable skid shoes
- Ships with hoses, flat faced couplers, and universal skid steer adaptor mount
Heavy Duty Series: Skid Steer Snow Plow by Berlon
- Stainless steel mold board resists rust from scratches and wear
- Reversible bolt-on cutting edge 8” high, 3/4” thick (hardened)
- Trip feature protects the surface in case the operator runs into a curb or object
- Shock absorbers eliminate the blade from snapping back when the blade trips
- Powder coated frame
- Side steps
- Hydraulic angle adjustment allows you to blade in either direction and deflect the material to one side or the other
- Adjustable skid shoes reduce blade wear and gravel removal when plowing