When winter unleashes its icy grip, and snow blankets our roads and parking lots, snow plows become our frontline heroes. They ensure safe and clear pathways for vehicles and pedestrians. Snow plow operators know that efficient snow and ice management is critical. A key component of these snow removal machines is the cutting edge or blade. This is the portion that comes into direct contact with the frozen precipitation.
Obviously, you want to keep your snow plow operating at its best. To do so, it’s essential to understand the importance of maintaining and caring for the cutting edge. In this blog post, we’ll provide valuable maintenance tips for snow plow edges, ensuring they perform optimally and stand the test of winter’s challenges.
The Significance of Snow Plow Edges
The cutting edge, also known as the plow blade or edge, is a primary component of a snow plow. This part of the snow plow makes direct contact with the snow and ice. The edge is typically made of steel or other durable materials and is mounted along the plow’s bottom edge.
Snow plow edges serve several essential functions:
Snow and Ice Removal: The cutting edge cuts through and removes accumulated snow and ice. Edges are commonly used for roads and parking lot surfaces.
Surface Protection: A well-maintained cutting edge helps protect the underlying surface from damage. Without the edge, the plow’s contact can cause issues for paved surfaces.
Efficiency: A sharp and properly maintained cutting edge allows the plow to work efficiently, reducing the time and effort required for snow removal.
Safety: Effective snow and ice removal helps create safer driving conditions by reducing the risk of accidents and slips.
Cost-Effectiveness: Regular maintenance and proper care of the cutting edge can extend the lifespan of the plow and reduce operational costs. A longer lifespan means you will not have to invest in a snow plow edge replacement anytime soon.
Maintenance Tips for Snow Plow Edges
Maintaining your snow plow’s cutting edge is crucial to ensure it operates at peak performance. Here are some helpful maintenance tips:
Regular Inspections:
Conduct visual inspections of the cutting edge before and after each use. Look for signs of wear, damage, and general condition. Early detection of issues can prevent costly repairs and extend the edge’s lifespan so that you don’t need a snow plow edge replacement.
Sharpen the Edge:
A sharp cutting edge is more efficient at cutting through snow and ice. Regularly sharpen the snow plow edge to maintain its cutting effectiveness. Many operators use a file, grinder, or honing stone for this purpose.
Proper Height Adjustment:
Ensure that the cutting edge is properly adjusted in terms of height and angle. A misaligned edge can lead to uneven wear and reduced plowing efficiency.
Inspect and Replace Hardware:
Check the bolts, nuts, and fasteners that secure the cutting edge. Replace any damaged or worn hardware to ensure your snow plow edges remain securely attached to the plow.
Use a Deflector:
Consider using a deflector to prevent the snow from piling up in front of the plow blade. This can reduce the overall load on the edge and extend its lifespan.
Proper Storage:
Store the plow with the cutting edge raised slightly off the ground to prevent it from resting on the edge, which can cause unnecessary wear.
Use a Wear Shoe:
Some snow plow edges include wear shoes or skid plates. These components help protect the cutting edge and the surface being cleared. Ensure wear shoes are in good condition and replace them as needed.
Replace When Worn:
It’s crucial to replace the cutting edge when it is significantly worn or damaged. Operating with a worn-out edge not only reduces efficiency but can also damage the surface being plowed.
Custom Edges for Unique Conditions:
Consider using specialized cutting edges for specific conditions. For example, serrated or carbide-tipped edges are ideal for heavy ice or tough snow.
Keep Records:
Maintain a maintenance log to track the condition of your cutting edges. This helps you schedule replacements and track performance over time.
Benefits of High-Quality Replacement Snow Plow Edges
Choosing high-quality replacement cutting edges is essential to maintaining the efficiency and performance of your snow plow. United Rotary Brush offers a range of benefits that make their replacement edges the top choice for snow plow operators:
Quality and Durability:
United Rotary Brush replacement cutting edges are manufactured to meet or exceed industry standards. They are built to withstand the rigors of snow plowing and offer exceptional durability, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Wide Selection:
United Rotary Brush provides a wide range of replacement cutting edges, including various sizes, materials, and configurations to suit different plow models and applications. Their expert team can assist you in selecting the right edge for your specific needs.
Customization:
If your plow has unique requirements, United Rotary Brush can provide custom snow plow edge solutions tailored to your specifications. This ensures a perfect fit and optimal performance.
Quick Availability:
Minimizing downtime is essential for snow plow operators. United Rotary Brush’s efficient manufacturing and distribution processes mean that snow plow edge replacements are readily available when you need them.
Expert Support:
United Rotary Brush’s team of experts is available to provide guidance, advice, and support throughout the cutting edge replacement process. They can help you identify the right edge for your plow and provide installation and maintenance tips.
Cost-Effective:
While United Rotary Brush offers high-quality replacement cutting edges, they do so at competitive prices. This makes it a cost-effective choice for snow plow operators looking to maximize their budget.
Proven Performance:
Many snow plow operators have trusted United Rotary Brush for years, and their cutting edges have consistently demonstrated excellent performance in various snow removal applications. They are long-lasting, so it will be quite some time before you need a snow plow edge replacement.
Proper maintenance of your snow plow edges is essential. You can ensure the safety and efficiency of your snow plow through preventative maintenance. This is a cost-effective way to manage your snow and ice removal operations.
Regular inspections and sharpening are key components to long lasting snow plow edges. The appropriate care can extend the life of your cutting edge and help it perform at its best.
When the time comes to replace your cutting edge, United Rotary Brush offers high-quality, durable, and customizable replacement options that can enhance the performance and lifespan of your snow plow edges. Choose United Rotary Brush for reliable, cost-effective, and expert-backed cutting-edge replacement solutions, and keep your snow plowing operations running smoothly.
Don’t compromise on the quality of your cutting edges — trust in the proven excellence of United Rotary Brush.
United Rotary Brush Corporation has been one the nation’s most reliable sources for all of the brooms listed in this article and many other items. We supply our clients with important items, such as airport runway brushes, street sweeper brooms, snow plow edges, spreader chains, and more. It is our mission to help our clients keep their environments clean and clear of trash, debris, and any other object that might get in the way.
For more information about our expansive inventory of gutter brooms, tube brooms, main brooms, strip brooms, wafer brooms, and more – contact us today at (800) 851-5108. You can also go online to see our full assortment of products from highly acclaimed brands like Global, Elgin, Schwarze, XBroom, SB Manufacturing, TYMCO, Bucher/Johnston, Virnig, Bobcat, Laymor, Paladin, and many others.
We look forward to assisting you!
