A List of Snow Removal Equipment
Those living in snowy areas can use many tools, both manual and mechanical, to remove snow. Some tools have specific uses, while others remove snow in different scenarios. Be aware that the type of snow, amount of snow and the size of the area to be cleared will determine the right snow-removal tool for the job. Does this Spark an idea?
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Snow Shovel
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The standard snow shovel is one of the most commonly used pieces of snow-removal equipment. Shovels have metal or plastic blades and a loop-style handle. They are ideal for clearing sidewalks and small driveways. Use shovels with caution because many people injure their backs and suffer heart attacks each year while shoveling.
Snow Scoop
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A snow scoop resembles an oversized snow shovel. It consists of a wide, sled-like plastic blade and a large handle. An individual slides the blade into the snow, then slides the snow scoop to the dump area. Some snow scoops have wheels, which allow the user to roll, instead of slide, the scoop. No lifting is required and the snow scoop takes a sizeable amount of snow with each scoop.
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Push Broom
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Push brooms consist of a long, straight handle attached to a bristled head. They easily remove light, fluffy snow from sidewalks and driveway, but are ineffective on heavy or wet snow. As the name suggests, operators push the broom across the surface to be cleared. No lifting is required.
Roof Rake
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A roof rake consists of an aluminum blade attached to a very long aluminum handle. Roof rakes are used to pull accumulated snow off a roof to prevent excessive weight from collapsing the roof or to prevent ice dams from forming. This tool is best used when snow is fluffy.
Snow Brush
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A snow brush removes snow from your vehicle. It typically consists of a plastic or aluminum handle with a brush on one end and a plastic scraper on the other. A person brushes snow from the vehicle's roof, hood and windows with the brush. You can use the scraper end to remove ice from the vehicle's windows.
Snow Blower
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Snow blowers consist of rotating augers that direct snow into a chute that blows snow to the dump area. Consumer models consist of a gas-powered engine that the user pushes along a sidewalk or driveway. They range from about one-foot to two-feet wide. Small models resemble a lawn trimmer, while standard models are the equivalent of a winter push mower. Snow blower units are also made to attach to garden tractors and all-terrain vehicles. Road crews sometimes use industrial-sized models for cleaning streets and parking lots.
Snow Plow
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A snow plow is a heavy metal blade that mounts to a truck, garden tractor or all-terrain vehicle. It measures about the same width, or slightly wider, than the vehicle to which it attaches. The operator lowers the plow, either hydraulically or manually, to the ground to push the snow, then lifts the plow while backing up for another pass. Snow plows come in consumer and industrial models. They push large amounts of snow rapidly and are excellent choices for clearing streets, parking lots and large driveways.
Street Sweeper
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Industrial-sized street sweepers consist of large rotating angled brushes that sweep light snow to the side, just as they sweep dirt and other debris.
Grader
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This common industrial-sized road machinery, which levels gravel during road construction, is also used for snow removal. A grader first plows snow to the side, arranging it into a line, and then an industrial-sized snow blower whisks up the snow and blows it into a ditch or large truck.
Tractors and Skid Loaders
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Rural residents, particularly farmers, may use tractors or skid loaders with a bucket to scoop up large amounts of snow to quickly clear driveways or other areas.
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References
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