Winter brings beautiful snow-covered landscapes, but it also presents challenges for maintaining safe and functional roads. Snowplows are critical in managing snow and ice on roadways, but an often-overlooked nuance in their operation is knowing when and why the plow must be raised. We see the road signs all winter long in areas where snow is a threat, and while it may seem counterintuitive, there are key scenarios where raising the plow is crucial for road safety, equipment preservation, and efficient snow management.
Preventing Road Damage
Snowplows are equipped with sharp blades designed to scrape snow and ice off the road surface. When the plow is kept down unnecessarily, particularly on roads that have already been cleared or are lightly snow-covered, it can scrape and damage the asphalt or concrete underneath. This not only accelerates the wear and tear on the road but can also lead to costly repairs and hazards such as potholes.
Preserving Equipment
Keeping the plow down when it's not needed increases friction, putting excessive strain on the vehicle and the plow blade. This can lead to faster blade wear, hydraulic system stress, and even damage to the plow itself. By lifting the plow when it's not actively removing snow, municipalities can extend the lifespan of their equipment, reduce repair costs, and ensure readiness for future snowstorms.
Minimizing Hazardous Ice Formation
Pushing the plow unnecessarily on dry or near-dry roads can create grooves in the road surface. These grooves can collect moisture from melting snow or rain, which may refreeze into ice. By raising the plow when appropriate, operators help maintain a smooth road surface, reducing the risk of black ice formation.
Protecting Road Markings and Infrastructure
Many roads feature painted lane markings, reflectors, or embedded sensors for traffic management. Plows kept down on these roads can scrape away markings, dislodge reflectors, or damage embedded equipment. This creates additional maintenance costs and compromises road safety until repairs are made.
Avoiding Excessive Salt and De-icer Usage
When the plow continuously scrapes down to the pavement, it may lead to an over-reliance on salt or chemical de-icers to maintain road safety. These substances can have environmental consequences, including soil and waterway contamination. By properly managing plow height, snow management teams can minimize the need for excessive treatments.
Ensuring Efficiency in Snow Removal
In some scenarios, raising the plow allows for better maneuverability and efficiency. For example, when crossing intersections or repositioning for another pass, keeping the plow down can waste time and energy by unnecessarily scraping cleared areas. Strategic use of the plow increases the efficiency of snow removal operations.
When Should the Plow Be Raised?
- Dry or partially cleared roads: To prevent unnecessary scraping and damage.
- Transitioning between streets: To avoid carrying snow or debris into intersections.
- Avoiding obstacles: Such as manhole covers, curbs, or uneven pavement.
- Light snowfall scenarios: Where the road surface doesn’t require full plowing.
Effective snow management requires a balance between removing snow efficiently and protecting the road infrastructure, equipment, and environment. Raising the plow at the right times ensures that roads remain safe, cost-effective to maintain, and ready for winter's challenges. Drivers and snowplow operators alike benefit from understanding the logic behind this seemingly small but vital adjustment in winter road management practices.