Whenever a huge winter storm rolls through, it is understandable to want to get rid of the snow as soon as possible. Plows are usually the best and fastest way to do this. However, depending on the type of road surface, a plow can sometimes be harmful. For this reason, it is always important to select proper snow plow cutting edges.
Most standard snow plow cutting edges are made of some type of metal material. The most common cutting edges are made of steel. There are several advantages to steel edges. The most obvious advantage is the structural integrity of the edge. A steel edge lasts a long time and protects the plow.
Steel edges also have practical plowing advantages in terms of plow performance. Often time’s plows need to break through ice or very compact snow to clear the road surface. Hard steel edges are the best option for breaking up ice. Normally, other plow edges have a hard time breaking through unsalted ice.
Still, there are certain circumstances that warrant alternative cutting blades. Sensitive road surfaces often do not handle steel edges very well. People plowing private drives, tennis courts, gravel drives, and other non-standard road surfaces often opt for a rubber cutting blade or a polyurethane cutting blade. Additionally, those seeking to add additional safety measures may employ a snow plow shoe, which raises the plowing level of a plow blade by a small clearance.
Plow cutting edges should always be selected based on the type of surface that the plow will be used for most often. Typically, municipal and professional plows opt to use a steel edge, as these tend to last the longest. Those plows that are habitually used for a sensitive surface are often outfitted with a rubber or polyurethane edge. Sometimes it is a matter of personal preference.