How to Clear Heavy Snow From a Driveway With a Plow
Moving heavy snow piled up on your driveway can be a challenging, time-consuming project. However, it is also a necessary one if you live in a climate with significant snowfall. Having a plow helps make the job substantially easier; you won't hurt your back pushing or lifting the heavy snow with a shovel. Whether you have a snow plow on a lawn tractor, a large farm tractor or an all-terrain vehicle, the process of clearing the snow is similar. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Make a straight pass down the middle of your driveway with the snow plow. If you live in a rural area, you may have open space at the top end of your driveway. If this is the case, push the snow into a pile in this location. Otherwise, push it into a pile either toward the road or toward your garage, leaving it just short of either location.
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Turn your plow to face the pile of snow at either end of your driveway and push it to the side of the driveway to form a bank.
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Move your plow to one end of the cleared track and turn 90 degrees so that your blade is perpendicular to the track you previously cleared. Push the snow away from the track toward the edge of the driveway, where you can pile it up into a snowbank. If your driveway is not wide enough to turn your plow 90 degrees to your original pass, push the snow at a 45-degree angle.
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Push all the snow on one side of the cleared track away from the driveway into a bank. Turn the snow plow around and repeat the process on the other side of the driveway.
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Make subsequent passes up and down your driveway to clear away excess snow. If possible, have a family member assist you by shoveling away the small piles you make.
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Tips & Warnings
It's important to set the blade of the plow to the correct height. If it's too low, it will dig into the driveway and scratch the asphalt or move the gravel. If it's too high, you won't clear enough snow.
If your snow has a snowblower attachment, use it to blow the snow away from your driveway's edges. Over the course of a long winter, the snowbanks along your driveway can get high and be a visibility hazard when you are backing your car out on to the road.
Wear adequate winter clothing, including boots, snow pants, a jacket, mittens and headgear, while plowing snow. Earplugs are also suitable if the plow is loud.
Though it may be tempting, do not push the snow into the road. It can be dangerous and you may receive a warning or fine from your city.
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