There's Snow Place Like Home: Choosing the Right Snowplow Part 1
In many places, winter blankets the world in snow, bringing both beauty and the hassle of clearing it away. Whether you're a homeowner facing a snow-covered driveway or a municipal worker keeping streets clear, the right snowplow makes all the difference. With the proper equipment, what might seem like a daunting winter chore becomes a manageable task.
Whether you're in the market for your first snowplow or considering an upgrade, finding the right fit for your needs is essential. Here's how to choose the perfect snowplow to tackle your winter challenges effectively.
Understanding Your Vehicle
It seems obvious to state, but snowplows are not one-size-fits-all; they must be compatible with your vehicle's specifications. Here's a quick guide to help you understand what's suitable for different types of vehicles:
Light-Duty Vehicles
Smaller vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Tacoma, or Ford Ranger are best paired with lighter plows designed for home use, making them perfect for clearing driveways and smaller areas.
1/2-Ton Vehicles
Trucks like the Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can handle more robust plows designed for larger properties or light commercial jobs.
3/4-Ton and 1-Ton Vehicles
Vehicles like the Ford F-250 or Ram 3500 have the muscle to manage heavy-duty plows built for more intense, frequent snow clearing. They are suitable for both personal and commercial use.
Heavy Municipal Vehicles
Large vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) between 17,000 and 33,000 pounds are designed to tackle the heaviest snowfalls. They require robust plows designed for heavy-duty use on highways, city streets, and very large lots.
Meyer WingMan
Plow Blade Styles
Secondary to selecting the right plow size for your vehicle, choosing the right blade style is crucial to effective snow removal. Each type of blade has its strengths and is suited to different tasks. Here's a breakdown of the most common plow blade styles:
Meyer Lot Pro
1. Straight Blade Plows
As the name implies, these plows have an easy-to-operate design with a single straight blade and edge. The blade can be angled to the left or right, allowing you to push snow to the side in addition to pushing it directly ahead. This makes them ideal for the majority of the most common snow removal tasks.
Best For
Homeowners, light-to-heavy commercial, and municipal use where cost, simplicity, and versatility are priorities. Meyer offers several options for a variety of vehicle sizes, including the
HomePlow,
WingMan,
Drive Pro,
Diamond Edge,
Lot Pro, and
Lot Pro LD.
Straight Blade Advantages
- Simplicity and Reliability: Straight blades are easy to use and maintain, making them suitable for both beginners and professionals. Additionally, they are particularly effective for backdragging, making them versatile for both residential and commercial use.
- Cost-Effective: With fewer moving parts, straight blades are generally more affordable and come in many sizes, making them a popular choice from driveway to highway. They offer cost efficiency without sacrificing performance.
- Versatility: Available for a range of vehicle sizes, from light-duty vehicles to heavy commercial trucks, straight blades can handle various snow removal tasks for personal and professional use.
Straight Blade Considerations
- Limited Snow Control: While snow is pushed directly ahead, angling the plow to the left or right helps minimize spillage. However, for some tasks, multiple passes may be necessary.
- Less Effective in Deep Snow: Straight blades may struggle with deep snow or extremely heavy snowfalls, making them less effective for intense conditions.
2. V-Blade Plows
These "V"-shaped plows are designed to adjust to multiple configurations, including V, straight, or scoop, allowing them to cut through and direct snow in different directions.
Best For
Commercial operators and those needing a versatile plow capable of handling diverse and challenging snow conditions. Meyer offers the
Super-V3 and
Super-V3 LD models in this configuration.
Meyer Super-V3
V-Blade Advantages
- Flexible Positioning: Can adjust to various configurations (V, straight, or scoop), making them versatile for different snow conditions. The V option excels at cutting through heavy, deep snow, while the scoop is great for clearing wide areas with minimal passes.
- Effective Snow Management: V-blades are excellent for managing deep snow and pushing it efficiently to the side.
- Efficient Clearing: Suitable for both broad areas and precise pathways, adapting well to changing plowing needs.
V-Blade Considerations
- Higher Cost: Due to their advanced design and functionality, V-plows are typically more expensive than straight blades.
- Complex Operation: Requires more skill and experience to operate effectively, especially when switching between different configurations.
- Heavier: Generally, requires a more powerful vehicle to manage the additional weight and features.
Meyer Super Blade
3. Expandable Plows
Expandable plows are designed to adjust their width for efficient snow removal across different environments. Unlike traditional scoop or box plows, they can expand to increase their snow-moving capacity and then contract for tighter areas. This flexibility allows the plow to adapt to different plowing tasks and conditions on the fly.
Best For
Large commercial properties, parking lots, and operations that prioritize speed and efficiency in snow removal. Meyer's
Super Blade is an excellent choice in this category, designed to clear snow quickly while maintaining control.
Expandable Blade Advantages
- Variable Width: Can expand for covering wide areas and retract for maneuvering through tighter spaces.
- Increased Efficiency: Larger width options reduce the number of passes needed to clear an area, improving overall efficiency.
- High Capacity: Handles more snow in one go, making them ideal for large scale or professional use.
Expandable Blade Considerations
- Advanced Design: Although incredibly effective and versatile, expandable plows are premium grade equipment that require extra training behind the controls.
- Vehicle Requirements: The robust, heavy-duty design, often requires more powerful vehicles to effectively handle the weight and functionality.
Bringing It Home
Effective snow removal starts with choosing the right plow for the right job. In our next post, we'll explore additional features such as Trip Technology and Expandable Wings that can enhance your snowplow's safety and efficiency.
For more information on which Meyer snow plow is right for you and your vehicle, visit Meyer's
configuration tool, browse our
full-line catalog, or reach out to your
nearest Meyer dealer for assistance.