Selecting the right snow removal equipment is of utmost importance, especially when you are in the snow removal business. You understand this all too well because your work often involves battling through challenging conditions like blizzards and low visibility. You have to deal with various types of snow: heavy snow, wet snow, and icy snow. Further, the volume of snow and the type of surface you are clearing add additional layers of complexity to the task, each requiring its own specific approach and solution.
To effectively combat these various conditions, you need more than just an ordinary snow removal tool; you need the best equipment available. In this article, we will delve into the world of winter weather and explore the top snow removal equipment options. We will also discuss which equipment is best suited for tackling specific types of snow and ice. So, are you ready to discover the tools that will help you conquer winter’s worst? Let’s get started.
Best snow removal equipment
1. Snow thrower
A snow thrower is a machine used to clear snow from driveways and walkways. It works by scooping up the snow and then throwing it aside, creating a cleared path. They come in various sizes, from small, handheld models for light snow, to large, powerful ones for heavy snowfall.
Best for: Removing large amounts of snow quickly and easily.
2. Snow blower
Similar to a snow thrower, a snow blower is designed to clear snow from surfaces, but it uses an impeller to blow the snow out of a chute instead of throwing it to the side. Snow blowers are available in single-stage and two-stage models, with the latter being more suitable for deep snow and larger areas. A snow blower is more powerful than a snow thrower.
Best for: Handling heavier snow and ice
3. Loaders
Loaders are versatile machines used in various construction and snow removal applications. Skid-steer loaders, all-wheel steer loaders, backhoe loaders, and wheel loaders are all types of loaders. They can be equipped with snow removal attachments like snow buckets and snow pushers to efficiently clear snow from roads and parking lots during winter.
4. Mini track loader
A mini track loader is a compact version of a loader that moves on tracks instead of wheels. It’s ideal for navigating tight spaces and can also be fitted with snow removal attachments, making it handy for clearing snow from sidewalks and small areas.
Best for: Compact and lightweight, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
5. Utility vehicle
Utility vehicles, often equipped with four-wheel drive, are used for transporting people and equipment in snow-covered areas. They can be equipped with snow removal attachments such as snowplow blades and salt spreaders to maintain roads and pathways in snowy conditions.
Best for: Transporting snow, salt, and other snow removal supplies.
6. Skid-steer loader
A skid-steer loader is a compact, versatile machine with four wheels (or tracks) and the ability to turn in place. It’s commonly used in construction and snow removal. Skid-steer loaders can be fitted with various attachments, including snow removal tools, to clear snow from a variety of surfaces.
Best for: Handling tight spaces
7. All-wheel steer loader
An all-wheel steer loader is similar to a skid-steer loader but with the added capability of all-wheel steering. This allows for greater maneuverability and stability, making it useful for precise snow removal tasks in tight spaces.
Best for: Stability
8. Backhoe loader
A backhoe loader is a heavy equipment machine that combines a front loader bucket and a rear-mounted backhoe for digging. While it’s primarily used in construction, it can also be equipped with snow removal attachments for clearing snow from roads and parking lots
Best for: Digging out driveways and walkways that have been buried in snow.
9. Wheel loader
A wheel loader is a larger construction machine with a front-mounted bucket. It’s often used in heavy-duty snow removal operations for clearing larger areas, such as highways and industrial sites. Wheel loaders can be equipped with snow buckets and other attachments for efficient snow clearing.
Best for: Scooping up large amounts of snow
Snow removal tools
1. Snow auger
A snow auger is a tool designed to drill through thick layers of ice and snow. It’s commonly used to create holes for fence posts or for ice fishing. It’s a handy tool for tasks that require breaking through frozen surfaces.
Best for: Drilling holes in thick ice and snow, making it easier to break up and remove.
2. Salt spreader
Salt spreaders are essential for winter road maintenance. They distribute salt or ice melt evenly on roads and walkways to melt ice and improve traction, making them safer for pedestrians and vehicles.
Best for: Melting snow and ice, making it easier to remove.
3. Snow removal tools
This category includes various handheld tools like snow shovels, ice scrapers, and snow rakes. Snow shovels are used to manually clear snow from driveways and walkways, while ice scrapers help remove ice from car windshields. Snow rakes are long-handled tools used to remove snow from roofs to prevent heavy snow buildup.
4. Snow shovel
A snow shovel is a handheld tool with a flat, wide blade designed for manually clearing snow from driveways, walkways, and other surfaces. It is a simple yet effective tool for smaller snow removal tasks.
Best for: Ordinary snow removal
5. Snow rake
A snow rake is a long-handled tool with a telescoping pole and a wide, flat blade or rake-like attachment at the end. It is used to reach and remove snow from roofs to prevent excessive snow buildup, which can be hazardous.
Best for: Removing snow from roofs and other elevated surfaces.
4. Ice melt
Ice melt is a chemical substance used to melt ice and provide traction on slippery surfaces. It is often spread on walkways and driveways to prevent accidents and make surfaces safer during icy conditions.
Snow removal equipment attachments
1. Snow buckets
Snow buckets are specialized attachments for loaders that are used to scoop and transport large amounts of snow. They are efficient for clearing wide areas quickly.
Best for: Scooping up and moving snow
2. Snow pushers
Snow pushers are attachments that can be fitted to loaders or utility vehicles. They have a wide, flat blade that efficiently pushes snow out of the way, making them suitable for clearing parking lots and large surfaces.
Best for: Pushing snow out of your way
3. Snowplow blade
A snowplow blade is a heavy-duty attachment used to clear roads and highways. It’s mounted on the front of a vehicle and can be angled to push snow to the side as the vehicle moves forward.
Best for: Plowing snow off the road
Invest big: Get your own equipment
If you are renting snow removal equipment or using it on a lease, the time has come for you to buy your own equipment. Why? It is very simple logic. You have business only during the winter season. Winter is your opportunity to grow your business, increase revenue, and stand out from the competition.
But how can you stand out from your competition when you will be standing in a queue to lease or rent equipment during the peak season? Get your own equipment to avoid this line. We understand it is a significant investment, but it will be worth it in the long run. The only thing you have to do to maintain the longevity of your equipment is make sure preventative and predictive maintenance is performed regularly.
Road ahead
Choose the snow removal equipment that will best fit your specific needs and your job location. Most importantly, get your own equipment instead of renting or leasing. That will be your biggest step towards successful growth and increased revenue. Having your own equipment allows you to immediately respond to your customer’s service request—standing out among your competitors and improving customer satisfaction.
If you want to move from preventative maintenance to a more predictive maintenance-based model, reach out to Zuper today! We have
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