How to Get the Most out of Snow Plow Work in Residential Areas

Residential neighborhoods may not seem as profitable to snow plow drivers as commercial work, but in many cases that pre-judgment is wrong. Residential jobs can be very profitable if the driver knows how to market his business. After answering a few specific questions, any snow plow driver will be ready to take on residential properties.

The very first step any driver must make when heading into this specific type of snow plowing work is how they plan to work. This means deciding if they are going to work for cost or quality. Working for cost typically means the driver will have competitive prices to try and beat out the other competition. Consequently, this usually means taking a lot of work at a low profit.

Alternatively, the driver can set their prices at rates that are fair to them. This might lead to less business, but those looking for a job well done will be the ones booking the driver's calendar each snow season. This tends to lead to less jobs than going the competitive route, but the monetary difference will be made up with well-paying clients.

The snow plow driver will also need to think of ways that they are different from their competitors. They need to advertise what they are known for and be sure to stick to it so clients will spread the good word about the driver's snow plowing business.

Also, any guarantees to clients should be in writing and should specify exactly what that guarantee means. For instance, if the driver promises to remove snow between a certain set of hours, but a large snowfall hits at the end of the driver's day. This should be made clear that there is no time to complete the job that specific day, and the contract makes sure to point instances like this out.

The owner of a snow plow company should also be sure to plan for each season. This means drivers know the routes they will be taking beforehand, all equipment has had the proper maintenance and is in correct working order, and that the company has a dependable service to go to in case of any breakdowns or malfunctions.

Last, a snow plow driver should take care to pay attention to the little things. On any residential job the driver should apply any and all customer requests. They should make sure to avoid burying hydrants, mailboxes, and especially parked cars, and be considerate to the rest of traffic that may be on the road. Each of these is a way to provide excellent customer service and create long lasting customers that return to the driver's snow plow business each year.

Source:  http://grounds-mag.com/snow_ice/1998_august_profits/

Since 1936, Levan Machine & Truck Equipment has provided truck equipment such as snowplows, spreaders, liftgates, central hydraulic systems, and PTO’s, as well as general truck repair and maintenance to the greater Reading Pennsylvania area.  Levan Machine & Truck Equipment is an approved vendor for the Pennsylvania Costars municipal purchasing program (Contract #025-072).

Snow Plowing Safety Tips

Snow plow operators have a very important job that must be taken seriously. They are responsible for clearing the roads of snow and ice to make them safe for everyone else to travel on. In the process of performing their job, they must also adhere to several safety protocols to ensure that no accidents occur while making the roads safe again.

There are three main steps that every snow plow driver or company needs to follow to maintain the safety of the drivers and other individuals on the roads.

1. Follow Snow Plow Operations
1. Drivers should be trained in standard operating procedures. This should include becoming familiar with snow plow routes before the winter season as well as participating in training each year to make sure the driver is fully up to date on all procedures.
2. Snow trucks and other equipment must be road ready before the season starts, and each truck should have preventative maintenance ready, such as Levan Machine and Truck Equipment, in case of breakdowns.
3. All snow plow drivers should get the correct amount of rest to avoid being tired in bad weather conditions, which could impact their safety and quality of work.
4. All snow plow drivers should avoid drug and alcohol usage.
2. All Snow Plow Drivers Should Use Defensive Driving Techniques.
1. driver should keep their hands ant 10 and 2 positions on the steering wheel in case of evasive maneuvering.
2. Be aware of what is happening down the road in order to be prepared.
3. Keep eyes moving in order to see what is happening on all areas of the road.
4. Do not become boxed in and avoid having other drivers in blind spots.
5. Keep lights and beacons in proper working condition to make sure other drivers can spot you on the road.
3. Safety Is Important
1.  Use 3-point contact method when climbing into the cab of a truck to avoid slips and falls in icy weather.
2. Where a seat belt at all times.
3. Walk around snow plow truck to check all mirrors and lights. Always make adjustments before getting out on the road.
4. Avoid unnecessary backing up procedures when possible, and always be aware of the 80 to 90 feet of dead space that is not visible behind the snow plow truck.

Source: http://lhtac.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Winter-Maintenance-Activities-Snow-Plowing-Safety-Tips-for-Your-Drivers-Vol-18-No-5.pdf

Since 1936, Levan Machine & Truck Equipment has provided truck equipment such as snowplows, spreaders, liftgates, central hydraulic systems, and PTO’s, as well as general truck repair and maintenance to the greater Reading Pennsylvania area.  Levan Machine & Truck Equipment is an approved vendor for the Pennsylvania Costars municipal purchasing program (Contract #025-072).

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Cooperative Purchasing Program

COSTARS is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's cooperative purchasing program administered by the Department of General Services (DGS) Bureau of Procurement. The COSTARS program provides registered local public procurement units as well as state-affiliated entities and suppliers a tool to find and do business with each other effectively through the use of a contract established by DGS.

There are several thousand registered members taking advantage of existing Commonwealth contracts. The goal of the program is to provide contracts with competitive pricing, while providing increased opportunities for suppliers and eligible participants.

Learn More: http://www.levanmachine.com/truck_repair_equipment/costars.aspx

Since 1936, Levan Machine & Truck Equipment has provided truck equipment such as snowplows, spreaders, liftgates, central hydraulic systems, and PTO’s, as well as general truck repair and maintenance to the greater Reading Pennsylvania area.  Levan Machine & Truck Equipment is an approved vendor for the Pennsylvania Costars municipal purchasing program (Contract #025-072).

Protecting Your Plow Truck's Transmission During Snow Removal

One of the most common vehicle problems encountered while plowing is damage to the transmission. Overheating the transmission fluid as well as improper use, can contribute to the problem. The following tips will help extend the life of your plow truck's transmission.

• Plan your plowing pattern so that you are driving forward as much as possible.
• Come to a complete stop before shifting from forward to reverse.
• Wait until the transmission engages before accelerating.
• Accelerate slowly, allowing the wheels to grip the road surface for better traction. Avoid spinning the tires.
• Whenever possible, back into a cleared area.
• To start a pass, start the vehicle in motion. Then drop the snowplow blade.
• After plowing, let the vehicle idle for ten minutes or more to allow the transmission cooler time to cool the transmission fluid.

Source: http://info.bossplow.com/Blog/bid/114654/Snowplow-Tips-Protecting-Your-Truck-Transmission-During-Snow-Removal

Levan Machine &Truck Equipment provides Snow Removal Equipment Installation, Repair &Maintenance, Truck Body & Equipment Installation, General Truck Repair & Maintenance, Fleet Management Services, Certified Truck Frame Modifications, and Custom Welding & Fabrication services to the greater Reading Pennsylvania area.

Troubleshoot Wheel Balance and Front End Alignment Problems

How do you determine whether your truck has a wheel balance problem or an alignment issue?

First of all, does the truck shake/vibrate at all speeds or only at specific speeds or ranges?  If shaking occurs at all speeds, this indicates a bent wheel or problem with the tire.  If the vibration only occurs at certain speeds, the problem is more likely to be one or more wheels out of balance.  Furthermore, if the vibration is most noticeable in the steering wheel, this indicates a problem with the front wheels, whereas if you feel the vibration in the seats, the problem is most likely in the rear wheels.

Source: http://trucks.about.com/cs/repairmaintenance/a/wheel_balance.htm

LevanMachine & Truck Equipment is the machine shop of choice in the Greater Reading, PA area.  We offer custom machining, fabricating, and prototyping, as well as repair and balancing services.

Snowplow Maintenance Tips

Before taking your plow into the snow, be sure you've carefully checked it over.  In addition to usual vehicle maintenance (checking fluid levels, tire pressure, and engine belts), snow plows require specialized upkeep. 

First, it's important to inspect the plows' cutting edge and the plow shoes; letting the cutting edge get over-worn can result in costly repairs.  To ensure proper traction, check to make sure you have the correct amount of ballast on the rear of the plow.  You should also check the battery regularly, since wet conditions and salt from the roads can corrode the connections.  Examine bolts for tightness and make sure that none of the welds have cracks. You also want to be sure that the hydraulic hoses do not have leaks and make sure that your snowplow lights and turn signals are always working properly.

Source: http://www.articles3k.com/article/347/153738/Important_Things_To_Do_To_Prepare_Your_Snowplow_For_Plowing_This_Season/

LevanMachine & Truck Equipment provides snow removal equipment installation,repair and maintenance to the greater Reading, PA area, as well as general truck maintenance and repair, truck body installation, and fleet management services.

Snowplow repair in Fleetwood, PA

At Levan Machine Company, we pride ourselves in our many snow plow repair services. We repair any snow plow from any company, including Boss and Henke. We insure that your repair is fast, which keeps downtown to a minimum, so you can be back on the road in no time! Not only that, but we also offer 24 hour emergency repair in-season, because you never know when tragedy may strike! We offer our services in Fleetwood, Allentown, Leigh Valley, and Reading, PA. Contact us today for a full listing of all our services!

Our services include

• All makes of Snowplows Repaired & Maintained
• All makes of Spreaders Repaired & Maintained
• Quick Turnaround
• 24-hour Emergency Repair Service Available (In-Season)
• Hydraulic Hoses Made
• Meyer Power Unit Test Bench
• Boss Snowplows & Spreaders Installed
• Henke Highway Plows Installed
• Airflo Spreaders Installed
• Truckcraft Spreaders Installed
• Swenson Undergate Spreaders Installed

THE BOSS Snowplow to be profiled on ’World’s Greatest!’ TV show

IRON MOUNTAIN - As a testament to the company's 25-year track record for product innovation and quality design, THE BOSS Snowplow has been selected by How 2 Media to be featured on the television series "World's Greatest!"

"World's Greatest" is a 30-minute show produced by How 2 Media and dedicated to highlighting companies, products, places, and people. Companies profiled are selected through a rigorous interview process. Each show is viewed by millions nationwide and features a fast-paced tour around the world with behind-the-scenes footage, informative interviews, and exciting visuals.

"THE BOSS Snowplow is exactly the type of company that we like to feature on 'World's Greatest,'" said Executive Producer Gordon Freeman."They're an innovative company that over the years has pioneered a number of revolutionary features and equipment additions for snowplows, and each and every one of their snowplows is designed and manufactured in Michigan's Upper Peninsula where they know snow."

As part of the show, How 2 Media will be sending a film crew to the company's manufacturing facilities in Iron Mountain, Michigan to get the story behind the story on how the plows are made and tested, and to show the "World's Greatest!" viewers why BOSS was selected as the best in the snowplow category.

"We're proud to be part of the 'World's Greatest' and honored for the selection," said Mark Klossner, marketing manager for THE BOSS Snowplow." This program gives us the opportunity to highlight our company's strong heritage of achievement and share our story of manufacturing excellence with television viewers across the country."

Following filming, BOSS was scheduled to be featured on the "World's Greatest" in an episode airing on the ION Network this month. The network has a viewership of more than 95 million households.

Since 1985, THE BOSS Snowplow has made snowplowing efficient and easy with innovative products focused on quality, reliability, craftsmanship and performance. All BOSS Snowplows are designed, built and put to the ultimate performance test in the U.P. where winters - and deep snow - are a way of life.

THE BOSS snow-removal products and accessories are manufactured in an approved ISO 9001:2008 registered facility and are available to professionals and homeowners through the company's nationwide network of distributors.
Source

Leaf Pick-Up, Snow Removal Plans Affected By Heavier Snow

Southington Town Manager Garry Brumback hoped that the predictions would stand true and there would be little to no accumulation. The town wasn't so lucky. 

As a winter Nor'easter hit Connecticut on Wednesday and stalled over the state, dropping nearly five inches of snow in parts of Southington, the town was forced to change its plans in order to address hazardous road conditions and making leaf collection more difficult. 

Brumback said the original plan was to plow only main roads, attempting to avoid both unnecessary costs and helping to keep the town on schedule with leaf collection after operations were suspended at noon on Wednesday.

Initially the town had planned to just plow main roads, leaving the leaf piles uncovered to allow for collection to resume at 7 a.m. on Thursday. 

"The storm has stalled on Connecticut resulting in more snow than earlier predicted…therefore the Highway Department is calling in contractors at 10 p.m. (Wednesday) and plow all roads, mains, hills and subdivisions. We will do the best we can with leaf pickup but there is too much snow to not plow," Brumback said in an email.

With the unpredictible weather pattern, however, Brumback said it's unknown when the town will begin collections again, but the goal is to start up Thursday at some point. 

Source: http://southington.patch.com/articles/leaf-pick-up-snow-removal-plans-affected-by-heavier-snow

Mid-Atlantic mountains brace for Sandy snowstorm

As megastorm Sandy battered the Mid-Atlantic coast with rain, flooding and high winds, the inland mountains braced for a nasty snowstorm. States of emergency were declared Monday in North Carolina and West Virginia.

Winter storm warnings have been posted for the southern Appalachians, from Maryland to Tennessee, through Wednesday morning. Four to 8 inches of wet snow are expected above 2,000 to 2,500 feet, and up to a foot on mountain peaks. Wind gusts of 40 mph to 65 mph are predicted.

North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue has declared a state of emergency in 24 western counties.

"People need to continue to take this storm seriously as we face flooding in the East and significant winter weather in the West," Perdue said. "I urge North Carolinians in the impacted areas to take the necessary precautions to stay safe in this storm."

Her emergency declaration also prohibits price-gouging.

Asheville city equipment is being outfitted for snow removal, a spokeswoman told the Asheville Mountain Xpress. In Boone, Watauga County, Emergency Management Director Steve Sudderth told the Associated Press that the snow was mainly sticking above 4,000 feet, where the locals are used to it. Boone gets nearly 3 feet of snowfall each winter.

"Life is good," he said.

Life's also good for the state's ski resorts.

Sugar Mountain plans to open Wednesday, the earliest in its more than 40 years, the AP says.

The mountainous areas of Kentucky, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia are also girding for snow.

West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin declared a stateside state of emergency and activated National Guard troop as forecasters expanded a blizzard warning to at least 14 counties, with up to 3 feet of snow possible. Flooding is expected in the eastern Panhandle.

In southeastern Kentucky, the winter storm warning was in effect in Harlan, Letcher and Pike counties.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/10/29/hurricane-sandy-snow-western-north-carolina/1666997/

With winter on the way, now is the time to make sure you’re well prepared to operate your snowplow equipment safely and effectively. Now is a great time to get your snowplow out of storage and prepare it for the winter season. The following maintenace videos will help you to prepare you BOSS for the upcoming season. Be ready, snow is just around the corner!

With winter on the way, now is the time to make sure you’re well prepared to operate your snowplow equipment safely and effectively. Now is a great time to get your snowplow out of storage and prepare it for the winter season.

The following maintenace videos will help you to prepare your BOSS for the upcoming season.  Be ready, snow is just around the corner!

Thank a snow plow driver, they do more than you think

Ever seen a ten-wheel dump truck take a bunny hop? That's what can happen when snow plows encounter an especially hard section of an ice-packed street.

Drivers who hit the road before plows have removed snow and ice from surfaces can cause that situation by packing the precipitation down. And that has 29-year veteran Prince George's County snow plow driver Dave Howard begging drivers to stay off roads until they've been treated.

Howard recalls totaling a parked car once when his truck bunny-hopped because the plow hit packed ice. He says the car got shoved sideways onto a curb, the driver side wheels collapsed underneath it, leaving one side of the car sitting on hubcaps. And he says he was only going 15 miles an hour.

Howard is among emergency crew members preparing early for winter weather. More than 400 workers in Prince George's County participated on Friday morning in a snow and ice dry run exercise.

Snow plow trucks hit the road. Drivers became familiar with assigned routes. Supervisors huddled around a conference table coordinating the response of myriad county agencies. Clerks monitored the Automated Vehicle Locator system that tracks plow truck progress in real time, showing vehicle locations as dots on maps.

In a room, one wall is covered with a video screen that shows a selection of maps, web sites, weather reports, plow and supervisor vehicle locations, road temperatures and intersection cameras.

Cameras attached to plows and inspector's trucks also flashed on the wall occasionally and on various computer screens in the room. Those vehicle cameras are part of the multifaceted AVL system.

AVL also allows plow drivers such as Vanessa Gordon-Watson to report safety issues she encounters on her route. All she has to do is touch an icon representing, for example, downed power lines, a pothole, or a branch in the road.

That simple touch shoots a report with a GPS tagged location to the customer service center that can send an appropriate response. So, the next time you see a snow plow driver you can thank them. They're not just pushing snow - they're making roads safer other ways too.

BOSS Snowplow Cutting Edge Replacement

On every snowplow, there will be general wear items that need to be replaced from time to time.  One of those items, is the cutting edges on your snowplow.  The life cycle of a snowplow cutting edge varies depending on the amount of time the plow is used, the type and condition of the ground surface and the material grade of the cutting edge.  In general, a cutting edge needs replacing before the plow frame is exposed or rubbing occurs on the moldboard.  

All BOSS V-Plows offer a patented high performance cutting edge that features high-performance steel, curb guards and a snow catcher.  The cutting edge design delivers extended wear resistance compared to conventional cutting edges.  

Source: http://info.bossplow.com/blog

More information: http://www.levanmachine.com/truck_repair_equipment/snowplow.aspx

ODOT trucks, plows to don green safety lights this winter

The state transportation department’s salt-and-plow trucks are about to get green lights as a safety measure to prevent motorists from rear-ending them.

About one-third of the 25 trucks that scour the interstate, U.S. and state highways that run through Stark County will have the lights installed by winter as part of a state law enacted Sept. 10, according to Justin Chesnic, ODOT District 4 public information officer.

“Studies suggest that green lights are more easily detected by the human eye than other colors,” Chesnic said. “ODOT snowplow trucks are rear-ended nearly four times more than snowplow trucks in Ohio’s neighboring states. Better visibility will lead to safer roadways as the motoring public can quickly and easily identify these vehicles in adverse weather conditions.”

Ohio is the first Department of Transportation in the nation to use the green lights, according to an ODOT fact sheet. Red and yellow lights are only for police, law enforcement, firefighters and other emergency responders.

“Of the 1,700 snow plows across the state, the goal is to get about 500 installed this year,” Chesnic said.

SALT READY

The salt reserves are already full with 15,000 tons, a material made cheaper by a change in the bidding process, Chesnic said.

Salt here is costing about $37.13 a ton this year. In the past, it has cost up to $70 a ton, Chesnic said. The salt this year is supplied by Cargill Salt in Cleveland, and it is mined from under Lake Erie.

The cost reduction stems from the change in how salt companies may now bid on salt contracts, Chesnic said.

“We’ve opened the bidding up to make it more competitive,” he said.

Salt companies previously were allowed to bid only by county. Now they can also bid by county, district and region.

Last winter, ODOT sprayed the state-maintained highways with 140,195 gallons of brine and spread just under 10,000 tons of salt, Chesnic said.

Snow Plow Buyers Checklist

The leaves are changing in many parts of the country to vibrant reds and oranges and with
that comes the thought of the next season that will descend upon us - plowing season.  Whether you are responsible for removing snow from your own personal driveway or if you are a commercial snow removal contractor responsible for multiple accounts, the purchasing of snow removal equipment is on the minds of many as we prepare for the ground to turn white.

Snow removal equipment purchases, like many other purchases, offer several options to consider before making a purchase.   Here is a check list of a few questions to ask yourself before purchasing a snow plow:

1.  WHAT KIND OF SNOW PLOWING WILL YOU BE DOING?

___My own driveway

___A few residential driveways

___Contracted snow removal (parking lots, side roads, residential and business lots)

Before purchasing your next snow plow, consider how you are going to use the plow and how often.  Are you a homeowner that has a long driveway to clear, but don’t plan on doing commercial work?  In most cases, homeowners choose a 7’ or 8’ plow as this size is adequate for light residential work.  However, if you are thinking about contracted snow removal of big parking lots, side roads, long rural driveways, commercial snow removal professionals generally want a larger plow as they are focused on removing the snow quickly and efficiently in an effort to move from one job to the next.  

2.  WHAT KIND OF VEHICLE WILL YOU BE USING FOR YOUR SNOW REMOVAL?

___ Light Duty pickup/SUV

___ 1/2 ton pickup

___ 3/4 & 1 ton pickup

___ Heavy Duty pickup

___ Skid Steer, Front End Loader

___ Utility Terrian Vehicle (UTV)

The type of vehicle that you will be using for your snow removal is an important consideration when purchasing a snow plow.  Snow plow recommendations are based upon the Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (FGAWR) of the vehicle that you own.  The FGAWR is the specific weight determined by the vehicle manufacturer to be the maximum allowable weight that can be placed on the front axle.  Because the vehicles axles should never be loaded beyond the manufacturer's listed FGAWR, the type of snow plow you put on the front of your vehicle should comply with these weight recommendations.  

If you are plowing your own driveway or several small residential driveways, most 1/2 ton pickups and in some cases, even smaller pickups and UTV's will work.  If you are doing commercial snow removal, it is recommended that you use at minimum a 3/4 ton pickup truck for this type of work.  Before purchasing a blade make sure to check if the blades weight is within the FGAWR for your vehicle.

3.  WHAT TYPE OF SNOW PLOW BLADE DO YOU WANT?

___ Straight Blade

___ V-Blade

In general, either plow design will get the job done. Straight blade snowplows are still a big seller as they tend to cost a bit less than V plows. But the V-plow does have the ability to angle and direct snow – as well as “scoop” snow for stacking that straight blades simply can’t do. The v-plow also handles snow that has “frozen” overnight better than a straight blade.  When put into the “V” position, the plow’s arrowhead configuration can slice through hard snow better than the flat surface of a straight blade. That slicing action also makes the operation easier on the vehicle and the operator. 

4.  WHAT TYPE OF PLOW MATERIAL DO YOU WANT?

___ Steel

___ Poly

___ Stainless Steel

On the commercial plow side: All three materials will do the job for you, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Poly is the slickest material of the three, as such, snow will not stick to the blade and will slide off the blade easier and faster than it will with the other materials – as such, it is becoming the choice of more and more professionals out there. It is also extremely corrosion and scratch resistant.

Stainless Steel has visual appeal and corrosion resistance and perhaps a slight advantage in “slickness” versus mild steel, but it is also prone to denting – any rocks you hit will leave “dings” in the blade.

Mild steel has been used to manufacture plows for decades. Steel provides durability, rigidity and overall value.

One common myth to dispel: Poly plows are not lighter than their steel counterparts. In fact, they are usually heavier. Why? Because the poly material lacks the rigidity of steel, it must be “backed” or reinforced with even more steel in order to keep its shape. As such – poly plows are commonly heavier than steel plows.

There are more considerations when it comes to purchasing a plow, but this is a great starting list. Visit on-line plowing forums or Facebook pages of the snow plow brands to learn more or speak with your local snow plow dealer for help in making your purchasing decision.  

Happy Plowing!

Via: http://info.bossplow.com/Blog/bid/135001/snow-plow-buyers-checklist?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=629490c9-4f75-4c34-828e-1baf05346cbb