If you live or work in a climate that regularly experiences snowfall, you need to make sure that you have the best snow removal equipment and snow blowers that you can find. The ability to clear snow from walkways, roads and other spaces lets you work without hindrance or make it to the store for vital supplies. Keep reading to see the options we offer to help maintain your safety and mobility during the cold season.
Types of Snow Removal Equipment
Depending on the size of the area you need to clear, and other considerations, various types of apparatus can be more useful for your needs. Our outstanding selection encompasses everything from hand-powered to motorized tools.
Snow Plows
Snow plows are ideal for when you have to clear a large area quickly. These types of snow removal equipment come in separate units that you can attach to your pickup truck. An angled blade shunts snow off of the road to clear a path for walking and driving. They’re best used in flat areas, including roads, parking lots or fields with ground that’s strong enough to support a truck’s weight.
Use a snow plow when you have to get somewhere quickly. Their sturdy design and relative lack of moving parts makes them very reliable. Keep in mind that plows require a hitch or other setup to attach them to the truck, so you may need to make a separate purchase. While you do have to install them over the truck, the fact that they’re removable means that you can store them in a small space, and you also get to use your truck for other purposes for the rest of the year.
Snow plows are among the most expensive options for snow removal equipment . Of course, since they’re useful for clearing roads you can use them as part of a business, so there’s an opportunity to for profit to offset the cost.
Snow Blowers
Snow blowers are walk-behind units with motors that toss out snow as you move. The operation is similar to a lawn mower, although the larger models cover a wider area than typical mowers. This snow removal equipment is easy to use and ideal for sidewalks and paths from your front door to the car. You can also use them on wider lawns to have a play ares. They come in various modes, including high-powered gas engines or simple-to-use electric motors.
When purchasing a snow blower, make sure to consider how much snow you anticipate needing to clear, how frequently you plan to use it and if you’re going to be working on smooth terrain, such as grass or pavement, or rougher areas like gravel. Various models of snow blowers come equipped for more rugged operations. For more information, check out our informative snow blower buying guide.
Salt Spreaders
Salt spreaders cast salt and other ice-melting chemicals onto the ground to clear it off. Most of these snow and ice removal tools are push-behind models that work in a manner similar to seed casters or to lawn mowers. They’re relatively lightweight for easy transport, and compact enough to store out of the way during the warmer months. Human-powered spreaders are always ready to work, because there are no motors to fix.
Some models in this snow removal equipment category doe feature motors, and you can mount them on trucks, tractors or ATVs to ensure snow-free areas on your farm or the roads. One serious advantage they have over plows and blowers is that salt inhibits water from freezing, which means that your paths may stay clear longer than if you simply move the snow out of the way.
Salt is generally the least expensive option, but it can cause rust in cars or other equipment. If you want to use a spreader around sensitive machinery, check out some of the top-tier options that melt ice without causing oxidation. While they’re more expensive to purchase, using these chemicals in your spreader can greatly increase the operational life of your machines, compared to spraying salt around them.
Scrapers and Shovels
Sometimes the simplest solution proves to be the best snow removal equipment for the job. Shovels designed with large scoops make it easy to clear out long sections quickly. You can use them to get to your car from the front door, and to move snow from the driveway onto the lawn. A snow shovel is best used in areas where the roads are regularly plowed or salted by the city, since they aren’t as useful for cleaning the streets.
While a shovel is ideal for picking up snow, it’s generally poorly suited for breaking up sheets of ice over the ground. It’s a good idea to purchase a scraper to use in concert with your shovel. Scrapers with long handles let you work while standing upright, which is more comfortable and easier on your back. Picking up a scraper and shovel is an excellent idea for when you have very little snow to remove, limited space or a smaller budget. Shovels and scrapers are an excellent option for equipping an entire crew or your family to help clear walkways for the whole neighborhood.
| Type of Snow Removal Equipment | Area Coverage | Terrain Types | Power Methods | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Plow | Large | Pavement | Vehicle-driven |
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| Blower | Small to Large | Any, dependent on design | Pushed or Power-assisted |
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| Spreader | Small to Large | Any | Pushed or Vehicle-driven |
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| Shovel/Scraper | Small | Any | Handheld |
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Accessories
Whatever else it may be, clearing out snow isn’t fun. Take along heavy-duty work gloves to keep your hands insulated against the cold. Eyewear protects your vision, especially in high winds or with swirling flakes in the air. A solid pair of boots keep melting snow from making your feet wet, and it also provides traction for easier and safer walking.
Use a combination of pants and a jacket or a full bodysuit to ensure that you stay toasty even as you brave freezing temperatures. For added comfort, you can purchase a battery-powered jacket with heated panels to really keep the cold at bay. These jackets often have connections to hook up your media player so you can enjoy your favorite music while you work. If you’re working in the early morning hours or during a blizzard, make sure to wear an OSHA-approved high-visibility vest to ensure that everyone can see you.
Keeping the snow out of your way is more than just a convenience. It gives you the freedom to go where you need in an emergency, as well as the ability to get to work and earn your living. Browse our full selection of snow removal equipment today and choose the tools that are just right for your individual needs.
