Winter brings with it a host of challenges for road maintenance professionals, from icy conditions to heavy snowfall. Among the most critical tools in their arsenal are snow plow edges, which play a vital role in clearing roads and ensuring safe passage for vehicles. However, snow plow edges serve a dual purpose beyond just clearing snow – they also play a crucial role in preventing surface damage and pavement wear.
In this blog, we’ll explore the essential role of snow plow edges in protecting road surfaces and minimizing wear and tear. We’ll also take an up-close look at the following topics:
- Understanding Slow Plow Edges
- The Importance of Surface Protection
- Minimizing Impact on Infrastructure
- Choosing the Right Snow Plow Edges
- Maintenance and Snow Plow Edge Replacement
Understanding Snow Plow Edges
Before we delve into their protective role, let’s first understand what snow plow edges are and how they function. Snow plow edges, also known as cutting edges or blades, are the metal or rubber components attached to the bottom edge of snow plows. They come in steel and rubber, each offering specific advantages depending on the application and road conditions.
The primary function of snow plow edges is to clear snow and ice from road surfaces by effectively scraping and pushing it aside. However, their importance goes beyond just snow removal – they also serve to protect road surfaces from damage caused by the plowing process itself.
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The Importance of Surface Protection
Road surfaces are susceptible to damage during snow removal operations, primarily due to the abrasive nature of snow plowing. Without proper protection, snow plows can cause significant wear and tear on pavement surfaces, leading to potholes, cracks, and other forms of damage. This compromises the safety and integrity of the road and increases maintenance costs for municipalities and transportation agencies.
Preventing Abrasive Damage
Snow plow edges act as a barrier between the plow and the road surface, minimizing direct contact and reducing the abrasive effects of plowing. By providing a smooth and consistent surface for the plow to glide over, snow plow edges help distribute the force of the plow more evenly, reducing the likelihood of damage to the pavement.
Here are some of the most common materials used for snow plow edges:
Steel Edges: Steel edges are durable and effective at cutting through packed snow and ice, making them ideal for heavy-duty plowing operations. However, they can be abrasive on pavement surfaces and may cause more wear and tear over time.
Rubber Edges: Rubber edges are less abrasive than steel and provide a cushioning effect, reducing the impact on pavement surfaces. They are particularly effective at preventing damage to sensitive surfaces such as asphalt and concrete.
Choosing the Right Snow Plow Edges
Selecting the appropriate snow plow edges is essential to ensuring effective snow removal while minimizing damage to road surfaces. Factors to consider when choosing snow plow edges include:
Material: Consider the type of material that best suits your road conditions and pavement surfaces. Steel and rubber each offer unique advantages and should be chosen based on specific application requirements.
Mounting System: Ensure that snow plow edges are properly installed and securely attached to the plow to prevent damage or detachment during operation.
Maintenance and Snow Plow Edge Replacement
Regular maintenance and timely snow plow edge replacement are both essential to ensure optimal performance and prolong their lifespan. It is important to inspect your snow plow edges regularly for signs of wear and damage and get a snow plow edge replacement when needed to maintain effectiveness and prevent damage to road surfaces.
Snow plow edges play a critical role in preventing surface damage and pavement wear during snow removal operations. By providing a protective barrier between the plow and the road surface, snow plow edges help minimize abrasive damage and reduce the impact of snow removal on infrastructure.
Choosing the right snow plow edges and maintaining them properly are essential steps in ensuring effective snow removal while preserving the integrity of our roadways. As we continue to face the challenges of winter weather, let’s recognize the importance of snow plow edges in protecting our infrastructure and ensuring safe and reliable transportation for all.
United Rotary Brush Corporation has been the nation’s most reliable source for all of the brooms listed in this article and many other items. We supply our clients with important items, such as airport runway brooms, street sweeper brooms, snow plow edges, bucket blades, and spreader chains. 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 for highly acclaimed brands like Global, Elgin, Schwarze, XBroom, SB Manufacturing, TYMCO, Bucher/Johnston, Virnig, Bobcat, Laymor, Paladin, and many others.
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