With the winter season in full swing, the topic of how to shovel snow is on everyone minds. Snow plowing can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to it. Numerous questions on your mind need an answer. For instance, how should you position the vehicle, windrow, back drag, snow plowing in tight locations work, what’s the difference between plowing wet snow and thick snow, and so on? Mastering snow plowing is mostly about preparation, as it is with anything else. You’ll need to investigate and consider numerous things before you begin since you don’t want to stop and google them while plowing. So, whether you’re getting into commercial snow plowing or just doing it for your property, here are some tips from Snow plowing Downriver Michigan for you to get you started.
Table of Contents
V Plowing:
Some snowplows may retract their blades toward the vehicle, forming a V shape suitable for the first pass through dense snow. If you only need to pass through a patch of thick snow or build the first plowing lane that you’ll extend with subsequent runs, the V-position is the way to go.
Scoop Plowing:
The scoop position is the inverse of the V-position in that the blades are twisted to form an inverted V shape akin to a scoop. This stance is ideal for pushing snow and controlling and moving it more accurately. The scoop position, for example, allows you to push the snow straight ahead for a considerable distance rather than simply moving it to the side.
Angle Plowing:
The snowplow blades are positioned to the right or left side of the vehicle in this arrangement. This is an excellent position for broadening a narrow lane that you’ve just traversed with a V-position. This is also an ideal position for safely withdrawing your vehicle.
Straight Plowing:
The straight position of the snowplow is intended primarily for drawing snow backwards, typically off the sides of houses and other structures. So, in theory, it’s a relatively comfortable position. Still, it takes some practice – the snowplowing blades are lined up straight, elevated above the snow as the vehicle moves forward, and then dipped low to scoop a piece of the snow between them and the car so that it can be dragged back.
Conclusion:
There’s a lot more to say about snow plowing, but most of the more sophisticated advice is situational. If you’re not convinced you can achieve both, the general suggestion in each scenario is to favor safety over efficiency and effectiveness. Snowplowing is a difficult task, especially if you’re new to it. Therefore, it is always preferable to take your time and be conscious of what you are doing rather than rush things.