Basic Training

By CE Contributing Authors September 1, 2009 View Profile

NOTE: These definitions are specifically for snowplows that go on machinery — not trucks. Fit one of these hard-working snowplows or salt accessories to your skid steers, tractors, wheel loaders or compact track loaders and watch great winter work results.

1. Power V-Plow — The hydraulically-powered moldboards can be positioned in the V forward position as illustrated, V’ed back, straight or angled to windrow left or right. Some manufacturers offer a joystick controller to configure the plow with the touch of a button. V-Plows are available in a wide range of sizes for sidewalk applications up to large open areas like parking lots. A good brand (like Machinability’s V35 Series) will offer plows available in 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 12 ft. On the larger scale, V-plows are available in 10, 11, 12, 14 and 16-ft sizes.

2. Power Side Wing Plow — Hydraulically-powered wings can rotate 180 degrees allowing you to transform your plow from a straight pusher to a pusher box plow or even a back drag plow with the push of a button. The hydraulic cylinders on the moldboard allow you to position the plow to windrow. You can even mount these plows onto smaller tractors or big wheel loaders. Some manufacturers have short 5-ft wings, which allow you to scoop under trailers and dock doors.

3. Box Plow — This is an economical plow suited to push large volumes of snow with ease. They can be hooked to your bucket, or simply bolt on a quick coupler for any quick-attach system or skid steer mount on the market. These plow styles are usually available in 8-, 10-, 12-, 14- and 16-ft models. With replaceable bolt on wings and bolt on front braces, you can be rest assured that your plow will last you longer than conventional box plows.

4. Straight Plow with Trip Moldboard — This is another economical plow suited for straight pushing and windrowing. The trip moldboard style of snowplow relieves impacts by pivoting the entire plow forward.

5. Straight Plow with Trip Edges — Typically used in sidewalk applications, these hydraulically-powered blades can be run straight or angled for windrowing and running down sidewalks. Available in 5- and 6-ft sizes with tripping edges for protection against obstructions.

6. Extendable Plow — A rare, but extremely versatile plow that is capable of being configured to suit your needs on the fly. A joystick handle allows you to control all eight hydraulic cylinders to extend, angle and even independently guillotine the side plates. The plow can be windrowing and still keep the wings pointing in the direction of travel. When you approach a laneway, guillotine the end plates closed to halt the flow of snow. Multiple sizes are available allowing you to alter the width of the plow from 8 to 14 ft or from 10 to 17 ft, which allows you to travel down narrower roadways.

7. Drop Salter — Standard three-point hitch drop salters are available in PTO-driven or hydraulically-driven versions. These simple and compact units are excellent for reliably depositing controlled amounts of salt. Manually adjustable, spring steel tensioners allow you to control the deposition rate based on your application.