What does an unprecedented volcanic eruption have in common with skid steer snow removal equipment? 2022 and 2023 were some of the wettest winters on record, from British Columbia to the Sierra Nevada, from the Rocky Mountains to the Appalachians. It was a year for the record books.
On January 15, 2022, a major event took place in the Pacific Ocean: Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai erupted, sending large amounts of water into the air. The eruption caused a sonic boom so powerful it circled the earth twice as it released 58,000 Olympic-sized pools of water into the stratosphere. That’s 38.3 billion gallons of water floating in the clouds from a single event.
NASA atmospheric scientist Luis Millán said: “We’ve never seen anything like it.” He and his team estimate that the volcanic eruption sent about 10% of the water already present in this atmospheric layer. His team also estimated that it will take up to 5 years for precipitation to work with weather patterns around the world. What this means is wetter than expected weather for the next few years.
If you’re lucky enough to have a skid steer, there are several types of snow removal attachments that will make snow removal faster and more efficient.
key points
- Learn about attachments and their use
- Know your needs to choose the right attachments
- Know the cost of attachments
There are five categories of snow removal attachments for your skid steer: blades, blowers, pushers, buckets, spreaders. Each category has its purpose and some of the categories have a subcategory. We’ll go over them to help you make your decision about how to remove snow.
Each category is divided into benefit categories such as: speed, capacity, accuracy, compatibility, etc.
PALMS
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Snow blades for mini carts
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Mini Load Snow Shovels |
There are many benefits to using a snow plow, including:
1. Speed: Snow plows are often faster to clear large amounts of snow. With their wider blades and ability to push large volumes of snow to the side, they can cover a lot of ground quickly.
2. Heavy Duty Capability: Snow plows are generally designed to withstand heavy snowfall and icy conditions. They are built to withstand the weight and pressure of dense, compacted snow and can effectively clear even deep accumulations. Blades and plows are effective in all snow conditions.
3. Wide coverage: Snow plows usually have wider blades, which means they can clear wider paths in a single pass. This helps speed up the snow removal process, especially in large parking lots, extensive streets or driveways.
4. Steerable Blades: Many snowplows have the option of tilting or tilting their blades to direct snow to specific areas of choice. This feature allows for more flexible snow management, such as creating snowbanks alongside or in designated areas. Snow blades come in many variations, including V-blades and autowings.
BLOWERS
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Snow blowers for minicarts
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Snow tow trucks |
The advantages of using a snow blower are:
1. Versatility: Snow blowers can handle different types of snow conditions, including light and fluffy snow, heavy, wet snow, and even ice. They often have adjustable settings to accommodate different snow depths and densities.
2. Greater throwing capacity: Snow blowers have the ability to throw snow a greater distance compared to a snow blade, allowing for efficient snow removal even in larger areas. This can be especially useful in situations where there are limited spaces to push the snow to one side.
3. Improved Accuracy: Snow blowers offer more precise control over where the snow is directed. They often have adjustable chute rotations and deflector angles, which allow for precise placement of cleared snow, such as moving it away from a driveway or walkway.
4. Ability to clear tight spaces: Snow blowers, especially the smaller, more maneuverable models, can easily navigate narrow paths, tight corners, and areas with obstacles such as parked cars. This makes them suitable for residential areas with limited free space.
5. Reduced stress and physical effort: Snow blowers are designed to be self-propelled, which means they require less physical effort compared to pushing or shoveling snow with a snow blade. This can help prevent back injuries and reduce the overall fatigue associated with manual snow removal.
It’s worth noting that the specific benefits of a snow blower can vary depending on the type and size of the machine, as well as the specific requirements of the snow removal task.
The price ranges from $10,000 to $18,000
PUSHERS
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Snow blowers for minicarts
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Miniature snow blowers |
The advantages of using a snowmobile are:
1. Efficiency: Snow blowers tend to push and clear snow more efficiently. Its design allows a larger surface area to come into contact with the snow, making it easier to push it away.
2. Precision: Snow blowers provide better precision when clearing snow. They allow more control and precision when maneuvering around obstacles such as curbs, sidewalks or parked cars.
3. Safety: Snow plows usually have a containment or curb design that helps prevent snow from spilling or falling off the sides. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries caused by snow and ice flying from the plow.
4. Versatility: Snow plows aren’t just about pushing snow. They are often designed with the ability to pick up and haul debris, making them useful for a variety of tasks beyond snow removal.
5. Cost: Snow pushers generally have a lower operating cost compared to snowplows. They require less maintenance and have lower initial costs, making them a more cost-effective option.
It is important to note that the choice between a snowplow and a pusher depends on the specific needs and conditions of your snow removal task.
The price ranges from $1,500 to $12,000
CUBES
Using a lift bucket for snow removal can also have several advantages:
1. Height Advantage: A lift bucket allows the operator to lift the bucket high into the air, providing a better vantage point for clearing snow from hard-to-reach areas such as tall structures, roofs or elevated surfaces. This can be especially beneficial for commercial properties, where complete snow removal is necessary.
2. Greater reach: Bucket lifts usually have an extended reach, which means they can access areas that may be difficult to reach with other snow removal equipment. This is especially useful for clearing snow in narrow or confined spaces, such as narrow paths or alleys.
3. Precise Control: Lift buckets offer precise control over the movement and position of the bucket, allowing for precise and targeted snow removal. Operators can safely and effectively clear snow from specific areas without causing damage to surrounding structures or objects.
4. Time and labor savings: The height advantage and extended reach of a lift bucket can save time and labor compared to other snow removal methods. Operators can clean large areas or elevated surfaces more efficiently, reducing the overall time and effort required.
5. Safety: Using a bucket lift for snow removal can minimize the risk of injuries associated with manual labor or working at height. Operators can perform the task safely from inside the lift vehicle, protected from harsh weather conditions and potential hazards on the ground.
6. Versatility: Bucket lifts can be used for other tasks beyond snow removal, such as lifting and moving materials, performing maintenance or accessing elevated areas. This versatile functionality makes them a versatile tool for various applications.
It is essential to ensure proper training, comply with safety regulations and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using a bucket lift for snow removal to ensure safe and effective operation.
The price ranges from $1,200 to $4,500
SPENDERS
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Salt spreaders for minicarts
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Miniature salt shakers |
Using a spreader to melt ice and snow offers several advantages:
1. Efficient and uniform distribution: Spreaders are designed to evenly distribute salt, sand or melted ice over a large area, allowing for efficient coverage. This helps melt ice or snow quickly and efficiently without wasting materials.
2. Time-saving: Spreading melted ice manually can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Using a spreader significantly reduces the time and effort required to apply the molten gel, especially when dealing with larger areas. This makes it a valuable tool for commercial properties or larger residential driveways.
3. Washable: By providing even coverage, spreaders help control the amount of melted ice or de-icer used. Proper distribution minimizes wastage and ensures that only the necessary amount is applied. Consequently, using a spreader can result in cost savings in ice melting or deicing products.
4. Improved Safety: Spreading melted ice evenly over surfaces helps create safer conditions by reducing the risk of slips and falls. The specific application of melted ice helps prevent the formation of ice or slippery spots, promoting better traction for pedestrians and vehicles.
5. Versatility: Spreaders can be used with a variety of materials, such as salt, sand, or a combination of the two. This versatility allows the use of spreaders to be customized based on specific requirements, such as the severity of ice or snow accumulation and the type of surface.
6. Uniform Melting: Spreaders help ensure that the melted ice or de-icer is applied consistently over the entire surface, resulting in a uniform melting process. This consistency minimizes the potential for uneven melting or freezing, which can create dangerous conditions.
While using a spreader to melt ice and snow offers numerous benefits, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper operation and maintenance. It is also essential to use appropriate and environmentally friendly melting or deicing products to minimize the impact on surrounding plants, animals and groundwater.
The price ranges from $5,500 to $11,000
If the next few years produce big snow blows like 2022 and 2023, having the right miniature and accessories will save time and your back.
