
Description:
A snowplow blog,snowplowing ,diesel fuel, safety lighting, on the highways. Including new products coming to market for the trucking industry.
Contents:
Canadian Snow fall breeds Innovation
After spending time researching different styles and shapes of snowplows used on todays roadways, I decided to do on article on this snow plow product. There are actually many different styles of snow plows made for different geographic areas within North America
However, after coming across a company in CANADA I felt compelled to share with you what I found and why I found it important to report on it. As you know, when we you are out pushing snow moving the majority doesn’t ever seem the same amount of time it takes to d o the final clean up. I do not know why exactly but I think it has to do with detail. Anyway, I found a snow plow manufactuer in Canada called SNO-GATE that makes a plow- gate , that can turn a plow from a regular blade to a additional box plow.
This concept does not only apply to straight blades but also to loader buckets, and ATV plows. The plows are made from heat treated steel. The way it is designed it will hold more snow than you normal plow but then fold back to the original size if needed. This concept, is a different spin then the new v plows concept.
I feel that the main design for these Canadian snowplows is prmiraly for commercial acount and can speed up your clean up time all with the same snowplow. These snowplow gates can be fitted on any size snow plow blade or snow bucket. Once you do the installation they are easy to remove if needed.
It also seems this Canadian snowplow manufacture also offers a 100% factory guarantee on there product for 3 years. According to some projections, the additions on your snowplow can increase the moving capacity by 3 times the amount you are currently plowing. This concept I believe is worth looking at for several reason including eliminating the need for different blades, snow buckets and additional trucks. After trial-testing various product designs and enhancements, the designer, has accomplished his two goals - a design that can be mated with currently existing buckets and at the same time increase the bucket's efficiency
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Small Pick Up Trucks Snowplows -it is about time:
For many years most of the big plow manufacturers focused on the need for snow plows for the full size pick up trucks. But if you haven’t notice for the past 10 years the pick up truck market has changed. The full size pick up is not the only vehicle size coming of the assembly line in today’s world. However, the demand for small truck snowplows for this market is not totally un noticed. There are some plow manufacturers out there addressing this demand. But before we get to excited let discuss the different in full size pick up truck opposed to small size pick up trucks. When I look at this type of application, one of the things I look at is the operating weight, Small size pick up trucks have less operating weight when it comes to pushing snow. You want to make sure you put the right size plow on the truck and not A 8 ft plow. Your pushing pressure can only be so much moving mass. So remember to keep the plow scaled to the right small truck. Most small snowplow truck are usually used in tight spots or for home owners driveway an not used to much in the commercial application. The small pick up trucks use a 6ft to 6.5 ft plows and are made in clear Polycarbonate, or steel . The also have light weight sub frames and are be simple to install. They even is a company that makes a plow that can hook up a snow plow to just the tow hooks and You use a remote control for the plow operating with out having to install a additional wiring harness. Remember these small truck snowplows are for light weight snow work. If used for that application you will get years of good service out of them. You can now get a complete small truck snowplow systems with a full certification for under $1300.00 Start the season with a brand new snowplow on your Toyota ,Honda, Dodge, Ford, Montero pick up truck. If you would like more information on small pick up truck plows
Truck Lights -Can You See Me Now?
Truck driving is enough of fatigue on a sunny day, but night time can add a lot more fatigue and stress. Your body uses up more energy at night to strain to see what is in front and along side of your rig. You are also fighting on coming glare and let’s not forget the famous wild life that comes out at night it can be like driving through a zoo. I know I have done it. Remember most truckers do not work 8 hours a day no, no, no try 14 hrs a day.
So I would say better lighting for drivers at night should be common sense. So let’s discuss what’s out there. I have inspected many of rigs only to find out that there are no additional driving lights on their trucks. I have also found that the ones that do have their driving lights or fog lights on their trucks somebody replaced the bulbs with regular lights, totally useless, at that point do not even turn on your driving lights.
There are companies out there that specialize in this field. The concepts to do and the use of lights are a big aid in bad weather. I have driven trucks with special driving or fog lights and without, and the correct driving or fog lights make a big, big difference. Lets talk about the difference between fog lights and driving lights,
Fog lights provide illumination forward of the truck that enhances visibility in fog, rain, snow, or dust. Fog lights are intended to be used in conjunction with standard headlamp low beams. On the other hand driving lights are mounted to provide illumination forward of the vehicle and intended to supplement the high beam of a standard headlamp system, for forward clear projection . It is not intended for use alone or with the low beam of a standard headlamp system. But for me I feel if truck headlights are adjusted correctly an additional driving light may not be need, in my north eastern area.
However, a good fog light is a necessity. I have found a few good ones that I have used when driving KC square 57 series all season halogen 15000 candle power per beam for fog. This one interested me the PIAA 940 Dual Driving and Fog Light Kit this is driving light and fog light all in one casing which is nice for space especially in a pre cut bumper like many big rigs. Another great company is Per-lux they make 600 series for all purpose lights for big rigs. Basically it comes down to where you are driving do you need fog or driving lights on darker nights, because with these accessories it has less fatigue on you the driver and keeps then safer. Look for more free article’s of trucking snowplowing information at edgeolite.com http://edgeolite.com/more-info.htm
ATV SNOWPLOW, Its For You!
ATV snowplows can be excellent for large ranches, farms, industrial complexes and other buildings that may need both snow removal and utility hauling in one machine.
Most snow plowers do not really appreciate the maneuverability of the ATV snowplow vehicle. While other snow plows are configured mainly for the professional. ATV snow plows can be used by anyone. For this reason if you are looking to purchase a good snow plow for your winter needs, you should look for the one that will give you the horse power that you need to move large amounts of snow out of the way. The blade is an important part of your ATV when plowing snow make sure you purchase a good quality blade, with the right curve and size to match your ATV for plowing snow.
You should look at the blade and see if there is a good amount of depth in the blade curve to scoop the snow out of the road or any other surface. You might also want to keep in mind the blade can also be used in all other seasons for other types of chores that need to be completed. Some ATV’s come with a winch and many ATV snowplow equipment owners use their winches to raise the plow up and down when snowplowing. However, if you buy an ATV without the winch, ATV snowplows also come with a manual handle so you can lift the snowplow when needed.
If you are looking for an ATV snowplow there are few brands that I have found to be reasonable priced and reliable ATV, Warns and Snow Bear are a few. ATV snowplows will certainly increase in popularity as the baby boomers start to come into retirement and need help plowing themselves out as well as doing small projects around the property. For the amount of work these little machines can do dollar for dollar, I can see why many people are purchasing these ATV’s either used or new. Remember when this machine is done doing the work it can also be a recreation vehicle for fun.
Do you want more information on these great plows. Edgeolite has a directory of different ATV sites for you to review and find information on ATV snowplows and ATV snowplow accessories. Click here for more information
SNOWPLOW LIGHTS- What do you need to know?
It is that dark time of year again, and night time visibility is low. This is when we start to make decisions on what type of plow light we put on our vehicles. But before we do that we need to know a little bit about lights.
Snowplow lights come in regular sealed beam and halogen high intensity lighting, xenon. Head lights are measured in the amount of candlepower which is a way of measuring how much light is produced by a light bulb and a lumen is a way of measuring how much light gets to what you want to light! At least this gives you a small basis on what you are looking for. So when you are buying snowplow light s keep this information in mind.
The snowplow light manufacturers now make this systems with different ratings on their lights. The systems mostly used now are halogens, with separate bulbs for high beams low beams. Another thing I feel you need to keep in mind especially if you have an old plow and want to up grade your lights. Make sure your old snowplow light harness can handle the up grade. There is nothing more frustrating then installing new plow lights, and the system blows a fuse or relays and you do no know why. Especially when they usually will not blow until after 5 minutes, so just when you think you are fine the lights go out. So make sure your snowplow light harness can handle this increase.
The other thing to keep in mind is how much you want to be seen by other drivers. So you may want to start to think about installing an overhead yellow or over head strobe light. Check with your state laws there could be a requirement if you are going to install an over head strobe light. They also make them in permanent and magnetic. Personally I prefer the magnetic strobe lights It gives me the ability to choose to be removed at any time. The permanent is cheaper but requires some work to install. Please keep this in mind when buying these strobe lights and do not to get a light that is mesmerizing to oncoming drivers. You just want to notify and warn them you are there.
When buying new snowplow lights, ask about any warranties and guarantees that apply with their product. One thing I also want to talk briefly on is a lot of snowplow owners try to cram all kinds of light s in there fuse panel. Before adding any light make sure you have room in your fuse panel for any additional plow lights. When wire splicing make sure you solder, or use butt connectors and then heat shrink tube over all spices. Do not use any type of temporary connections. Happy snowplowing and remember Edgeolite is here to keep you safer!, and Smarter. for more information
Windshield Glare ,Blocker, it’s that time of year.
Did you ever notice as the sun goes down earlier the head light’s come on earlier, that’s a no brainer. But people just don’t realize how much smaller everything becomes in the dark.
What I mean by that is the distance our eyes can see, or how easy it is to almost become mesmerized as the 2 red dots of the cars tail lights about 500 ft in front of you just stay there like they are parked, like not moving but they are not stopped, they are moving the same speed as you.
That’s usually when someone comes up behind with there high beams on, and blinds you with the glare from their lights. Just about the same time, a passing car comes form the other way with their high beams on and now you are fighting their glare also. About this time you remember you can not run people off the road, from the frustration of not being able to see.
Now try having this problem in a snow storm or rain storm. You can certainly imagine how amplified the problem of glare gets. Well I’m not going to tell you I found a total solution, but I will tell you there are some products out that can assist you in light glare dilemma’s.
These products are not very expensive for what they can deliver, some do last longer than others and I’m not going to tell you that it is 100% cure, but I will say it is certainly an aid when battling with light glare if you use glare blockers.
The products vary, I have seen products from plastic shields to a paste you apply on your windshield each with a little different approach and application. But this time of year is the time of year to start thinking about using these products and limit your liabilities. Get rid of windshield glare and Drive safe edgeolite.com
heavy duty snowplows- whats yours?
So you are interested in a heavy duty snowplow? Not to use on your driveway I hope. Size up your equipment to the right job. Don’t use a 6 foot plow to plow a commercial parking lot or a highway. “Heavy duty snowplow” is a wide statement in general and needs to be a little more defined. I would not say that a 7 foot plow on a ½ ton truck is not heavy duty, but not the right kind of heavy duty for some snowplow jobs.
Heavy duty snowplows are used for commercial parking lot and highways and roadways. It all has to do with pressure, frequency and weight. These are the forces these large plows are overcoming. Just look at the difference in the plow , start with a look at the frame , the amount of steel on the supports, the spacing of the supports behind the mold board, look at the size of the cylinders, the hydraulic lines, the rebound springs, and the cutting edges.
Most pickup’s could not even pick up these plows let alone plow with them. These plows are designed for front axle of 12,000lbs and up. You have to remember it is one thing to plow a driveway at 10 mph with a 6-7 foot plow it’s another to plow a 12’ highway lane at 45 mph hitting all kinds of expansion joints and ice patches. These plows are continually under stress that’s where frequency comes in and harmonious vibration and shock that can easily bend steel , break welds and bend the cutting edges.
So when companies like Wausau, Snogo, Frink America, Viking-Cives , make these plows design them to with the elements as well as the work load in mind. Some of the designs that these heavy duty snowplows have are: one way plows, reversible plows , v plows, wing plows, bull nose plows. Let’s not forget airport runways and the plows that need to keep an airport clear.
So, the reason I writing this is to try to give you a better under standing of exactly what a heavy duty Snowplow really is. I see a lot of people trying to sell snowplows and calling them heavy duty and in my opinion there not. Just like a 69 Camaro and a 69 Super Sport Camaro are not the same. A snowplow and a heavy duty snowplow are not the same. But at least this article is giving you some information to go off of when looking for a heavy duty or light duty snowplow. You basically want to match the right plow to the right job and if heavy duty is what you need make sure to get it. Ask the person selling you the plow and claiming is it heavy duty to show you the difference between the heavy duty and a regular snowplow.
Snowplow For Sale -What To Look For
So you are looking for a used snowplow truck to buy? Hey what the hell it’s less then a new snowplow truck. Is it really? I guess that all depends on what you are doing and what you
are looking at to buy. The first thing I would have to think about if I was looking to buy a used snowplow truck, is what am I going to do with it? Will the snowplow truck be used for just my driveway? Will it be used for a residential snowplow account, mainly driveway work?. Or are you subcontracted by a municipality for snow removal on major road ways.
The answer to this questions is of major importants. OK, for the first application if your plowing just you own driveway an older snowplow truck that is being retired is fine, as long as all the major components work proper like the brakes, 4 wd, and the snowplow it self. If you are doing residential work you want thoroughly check out the snowplow truck prior to buying because now that truck is your reputation.
Homeowners do not like to be told their driveway won’t be ready for them to go to work because your truck broke down. So when you are looking for a snowplow truck for sale you want to check out all the major components. Also run the plow makes sure everything works as it is suppose to. The other thing to keep in mind the brand of the truck, yes that’s right. You do not want to buy a snowplow truck that is a special model because you will feel the pain when you need to get a part for it and you have to wait a few days instead of being in stock. Remember the auto parts stores stock what sells best not what doesn’t.
The next thing to consider is if you are subcontracted by a municipality, this is usually being paid be the hour for your snowplow truck and you. Remember, this is not start and stop type of plowing this is usually continuous plowing on town road ways. They will usually give you a certain section in your town to plow. When you are looking at snowplows for sale , you again want to keep this in mind.
You do not want a six foot snowplow, you will want a truck with an 8’ foot snowplow blade and with a rubber deflector. Good luck trying to plow a roadway with out a snowplow deflector on it at 30 mph or better. If you are looking at snowplow for sale this is what to look at, and do, pre-trip the truck first of all and that should cover all lights , tires ect. Then get on your creeper and start looking underneath check drive shafts, brake lines, cooler lines, wiring harness, fuel tank straps, exhaust and exhaust hangers, and check for fluid leaks. DO this inspection with the engine cold and then at operating temperature.
After dong that then cycle the plow many times not just once or twice why?, because, it takes a few cycles to warm up the hydraulic oil in the the snowplows system and then that’s usually when the seals start to leak, and need to be replaced. After the inspection, if everything seems up to snuff and in good working order then make the seller a fair offer. Try not to wait to long, because if the truck is in good shape and everything is fine someone will buy it. Time is money you do no want to spend the plow season looking for a truck especially if you found what you are looking for. I will come out with more on this topic on our snowplow Blog in the next few weeks in the mean, time happy hunting. Tags: snowplow for sale, snowplows for sales ,snow plow trucks for sale, snow removal equipment for sale http://www.edgeolite.com/snowplow-for-sale.html
Snowplows- Then and NOW!
Snowplow creators were issued their patents for snow plows in the 1800s. Several years passed before the plow designs were put to use. The plow made of wood was attached to a cart drawn by a team of horses through the snow covered streets. until the steam trains arrived and made their appearance several years later. They pushed their way through heavy drifts with giant plows attached to their front ends. Salt was used in a few cities, but was not appreciated because it ruined the streets for sleighing and damaged the shoes and clothing of pedestrians.
Plows were a necessity to city dwellers, enabling winter transportation to recover more rapidly from storms than in previous years. However, this solution was accompanied by a new round of problems, some of which remains with us today. Plowing cleared the main streets for traffic, but effectively blocked the side roads and sidewalks with huge, uneven mounds of compacted snow. Does this sound familiar to you? Businessmen and shop owners initially hailed the success of the plow, but later complained and even brought lawsuits against the plowing companies.
Gas and diesel engine’s also changed the snowplow machine , leading to motorized dump trucks and plows in the early 1900’s . Many cities rushed to update their snow removal fleets, abandoning most of their horse-drawn carts. In conjunction with the new trucks, cities began to use (Caterpillar tractors) known as “HOLT-Cat” equipped with plow blades. To haul the snow away, they used steam shovels, cranes, and railway cars to get the snow off the streets and dumped into the rivers, and water ways. However, the need for laborers was a must to make sure the areas where snow removal machine could not get, the laborers could. Then Barber-Green snow loader, was successful and several cities purchased snow loaders that same winter. The snow loader was an ingenious piece of machinery. Riding on tractor treads, it was equipped with a giant scoop and a conveyor belt. As the snow was plowed, it was forced up , caught by the conveyor belt which carried it up and away from the street into a chute at the top where it was dropped into a dump truck parked underneath. It effectively made snow removal easier and more effective for the cities by making the process much less labor and time intensive.
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