Guide To Buying A Snow Plow

As winter weather gets more and more extreme over the years many commercial enterprises now see the value of owning their own snow plows. Whether it’s for personal use or for a business venture, buying a snow plow can help make your life immensely easier. 

At Bobcat of York/Fredrick/Hagerstown/Adams County, we want our customers to always be happy with their purchases. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to buying a snow plow. If you want to check out some of the best snow plows and snow plow attachments on the market, visit our dealerships in Pennsylvania and Maryland. We invite all our patrons from Lancaster, PA, and Baltimore, MD. 

A Compatible Vehicle

A snow plow won’t get much done without a vehicle to hook it up to. The type of snow plow you choose will depend on the type of vehicle you’ll use to power it. Check the front gross axle weight rating (FGAWR) of the vehicle to decide how much the plow can weigh. The bigger a plow, the heavier it is and the higher the FGAWR rating you’ll need to operate it.

If you’re buying a snow plow for commercial work, you’ll need something that’s powerful. Most likely, you’ll need at least a ¾ ton pickup truck with an FGAWR that can handle the larger plows. Your snow plow should also be at least 8 feet wide. If you need a snow plow only for your own business, a half-ton truck should be enough to get the job done. Most manufacturers have a selection of tools to help you figure out which plow is right for you. 

Straight or V-Blade?

Both straight and v-blade snow plows will get work done, but there are some differences between them that you should know about. The most common option on the market is the straight blade snow plow because of its affordability and general applicability. 

With a v-blade, you get multi-position capabilities that make them able to plow snow a little bit differently. You can turn your v-blade into a scoop, which makes it more suitable for plowing heavy drifts. You can also shift your plow into the “V” position, which sets the blade at an angle to scrape off frozen snow with ease due to its wedge-like configuration. Most professionals choose v-blade snow plows. 

Steel or Poly?

You can get snow plows made of different materials. One of the most common options is a snow plow made of stainless steel. While it’s resistant to corrosion, it can get dented easily. When new, these machines look so great, but with some usage, they become dinged-up and less attractive. Mild steel is a good alternative because it offers increased durability and rigidity while still being affordable.

A snow plow made of poly material will provide the slickest platform for plowing; the snow doesn’t stick to the blade and slides off easily as compared to other options. It’s also more resistant to scratches and dents and offers the best corrosion resistance. However, poly models are usually heavier than steel due to needing more backing reinforcement to keep their shapes.

A snow plow is a worthy investment for most business owners or for those looking to start a snow plow business. We hope this guide helps you make the right choice when it comes to models and manufacturers. If you’d like additional information, visit Bobcat of York/Fredrick/Hagerstown/Adams County in Pennsylvania and Maryland. You can also check out our selection of snow plows and snow plow attachments for sale. We welcome our friends from Lancaster, PA, and Baltimore, MD