December 6, 2015
Top 6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Steel Edge Containment Plow
The yearly fluctuation of salt prices and availability has led to an increased interest in steel edge containment plows over the past several years. For those new to the industry, steel edge plows differ from your standard rubber edge styles by having a steel cutting edge instead of rubber and also typically feature a trip-mechanism. As this style of plow continues to grow in popularity so has the number of manufacturers offering their own versions. Here are some things to consider when making your decision.
- Property Type – Some commercial properties can have a number of imperfections such as birdbaths and swells. Consider steel edge containment plows that are not restricted by the wear shoes and can contour to the imperfections in the surface.
- Snowfall – Properties that see a significant amount of icy snow paired with a heavy traffic will often deal with hard pack, which can sometimes be difficult for rubber edge snow pushers to remove. An increase in hard packed snow and ice can also increase your salt and labor costs.
- Trip Mechanism – A steel edge containment plow without a trip mechanism can put your equipment and even operator at risk if an obstacle is hit. Buyers should also consider the type of trip mechanism on their steel edge snow pusher. Most trip mechanisms consist of steel tension springs, which are effective but are susceptible to wear from salt and chemicals. Some manufacturers also offer trip springs made of salt and chemical resistant materials such as poly-urethane.
- Restrictions – Does the steel edge snow pusher you’re considering have limitations such as speed or stacking restrictions? These restrictions can negatively affect the time it takes to clear a property and the ability to manage snow piles.
- Maintenance – Consider the reputation of the company that manufactures the steel edge containment plow you are considering. Are parts readily available? How is their customer service? Some steel edge containment plows are known to have complicated components, which if they fail during a snow event, can put the customer in a very difficult position. Make sure to find out how well the manufacturer backs up their product with warranties in case of an issue.
- Cost – There are a variety of steel edge snow pusher options for customer that can meet any price point. Models that utilize hydraulics to change side plate configuration can be very effective but will also cost considerably more in both time (maintenance) and money. Other steel edge options can be light on the wallet but made of cheaper materials and only last a few seasons. Some manufacturers offer snow pushers at a more “middle of the road” price point that are less versatile than hydraulic snow pushers but are durable and clear hard pack snow well.
With costs and competition on the rise it’s important for snow and ice management contractors to know their options when buying equipment. Do your research and utilize available resources such as manufacturer websites, online forums, and social media pages to see what other contractors are saying. Best of luck in your search and here’s to a successful and profitable winter.