Each winter that we live and work through is different, and whether it’s been a mild season with only a few chills or a sea of blizzards that has left your head spinning, it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve for the next time. Every winter that you spend clearing snow teaches you something more about the job and how best to do it, and reaching the end of the season with a laundry list of things you want to change and upgrades you want to make is pretty common!
If you’re feeling the need to upgrade your snowplow, spreader, or deicer between now and the next snowstorm, you’re not alone, and you’re probably making a wise investment! Any tool that helps you do the job better will lead to safer roads, more satisfied customers, and more jobs coming in, all good things for you. However, in the sea of options, it can be tough to identify what you need when searching for new equipment. Here’s our crash course in how to choose the right plow, spreader, or deicer for your needs!
Why Buy New
When you look at the price tag on a new snowplow, there’s probably a persistent little voice in the back of your head telling you that it’s just fine to keep using the old one. However, it’s best to trust your gut in this situation. You know when a tool you’re using isn’t doing the job as well or efficiently as it could be, and you have to remember that your choice affects not only the quality of your work, but also the safety of you and your team, as working with an old piece of equipment that’s in bad shape can sometimes cause safety risks. If your plow, spreader, or deicer is damaged, corroded, bent or broken, or requires a repair that would be prohibitively expensive, it’s safer and smarter to just get a new one!
Types of Plows
There are two main types of snowplow that you need to choose from: straight plows and V-plows. Each has their own unique applications. For instance, V-plows are useful if you need to lift and stack snow and if you frequently need to cut through snow that’s frozen overnight. Straight plows, on the other hand, can be less expensive and are better for smaller jobs or lighter snowfalls.Â
You also have to consider the material of your plow. Poly plows don’t have much rigidity, so they’re heavily reinforced, which can make them heavy. However, they are smooth and slick, meaning snow won’t stick to them as easily. Stainless steel plows also have this quality, but they’re prone to denting. Mild steel is the most likely material for snow to stick to, but they are extremely durable and long-lasting due to their rigidity and resistance to dings.
Types of Spreaders
Salt spreaders have almost as much variety to them as snowplows do. The standard walk-behind spreader that you push like a wheelbarrow is common to see, but there are also tow-behind spreaders, tailgate spreaders, and in-bed spreaders for trucks. Tow-behind spreaders, which are towed as a trailer, are great for covering large areas like parking lots, but don’t offer much accuracy. Tailgate spreaders can be small, but they can be temporarily mounted on the back of a truck and then removed later for flexibility, and they’re very easy to use. In-bed spreaders, or V-box spreaders, are built into a truck, and while they’re complicated and require a lot of moving parts, they’re an ideal option for professionals, especially those working municipal jobs where they have to salt many miles of roadways.
Types of Deicers
Using brine or liquid deicer to prepare or treat a sidewalk or roadway or to melt ice after it’s formed is often a very effective option, and there are plenty of sprayer options available to help you do just that. Handheld pump sprayers are the most basic and easy to use, although they’re highly inefficient for larger jobs. Backpack sprayers are the next step up and are a great option for houses, sidewalks, and driveways. If you’re going to be treating roads or parking lots, however, you’ll need to step it up to a tow-behind boom sprayer, which holds more liquid and covers a larger surface area, allowing you to cover the necessary space in a reasonable amount of time.
Finding Yours at Levan Machine and Truck Equipment
Confused by all the options? We don’t blame you! Finding the type of equipment that’s right for you can be a struggle. That’s why our team at Levan Machine and Truck Equipment is here to help you! With our expertise and experience, we’ll help to guide you towards the option that will fit your budget and work best for you. If you’re ready to learn more, make sure you contact us here today!