8 Conditions to be Prepared for While Plowing

Weather in the Quad Cities can be unpredictable. It can also be different depending on where in the Quad Cities you are. It’s really important to know how to plow different types of snow in different types of terrain to avoid damage to your equipment. Using the wrong snow plow blade for the wrong kind of snow or not being prepared for icy conditions can leave you in a dangerous situation, or unable to work. We’d like to offer a little guidance in these circumstances.

So here are 8 different conditions, including snow types and terrain you should be prepared for while plowing.

Heavy Snow

When plowing in heavy snow, it’s important to use a plow with a larger blade to clear more snow at once. It’s also important to clear the snow regularly to prevent it from piling up and causing damage to the plow.

Light Snow

For light snow, a smaller blade may be sufficient, and the plow can be set to a higher angle to clear the snow more gently.

Wet Snow

Wet snow can be heavy and can stick to the plow blade, causing it to freeze and become difficult to remove. It’s important to use a plow with a heated blade or to periodically stop and remove any snow that has accumulated on the blade.

Ice

When plowing ice, it’s important to use a plow with a sharp, durable blade, and to lower the plow to clear the ice more effectively. It’s also important to use a de-icing solution to prevent the ice from refreezing.

Hills & Inclines

When plowing on hills and inclines, it’s important to take it slow and to be extra cautious, as the plow can be more difficult to control on these types of terrain.

Gravel & Dirt Roads

When plowing on gravel and dirt roads, it’s important to use a plow with a flexible blade to prevent damage to the road surface.

Paved Roads

When plowing on paved roads, it’s important to use a plow with a rubber cutting edge to prevent damage to the pavement.

Windy Conditions

When plowing in windy conditions, it’s important to be extra cautious and to watch for drifting snow that can make visibility difficult.

It’s important to note that every plow is different, so always refer to the operator’s manual for specific instructions on how to use it in different weather conditions and terrains.

If you’ve already run into conditions you weren’t prepared for, this may be the opportunity to get high quality replacement parts. They may last longer or better suit your needs. Sometimes, it takes experience to figure out what works best for you so don’t feel bad if you’ve made this common mistake in plowing. You can most likely keep plowing with damaged equipment, but will you keep the contract or trust of your clients if you do a less than quality job? Better to have the best plow equipment possible so you can exceed expectations. This will keep your clients and customers coming back year after year.

If you need help with parts, repair, or installations, make sure to give us a call at Quad City Spring in Moline. We’d love to help get you back on the road as quickly as possible so that you’re not losing precious time and money by being sidelined.