What Does a Snow Plower Do? Understanding Snow Plow Operations

A snowplow removes ice and snow from roads, driveways, parking lots, airfields, highways, and railroad tracks. To become a snow plow operator, you need a valid license to operate the equipment. Experience safely driving larger vehicles is crucial. Plowing snow is physically demanding. You sit in a small space for hours.

As a snow plow driver, you operate the truck that shovels snow off roads. This seasonal work requires being on call during snowstorms.

Snowplows mount on vehicles to clear snow and ice from outdoor surfaces, usually for transportation. They are known as winter service vehicles. Pickup trucks and front end loaders can also remove snow. Snowplows can mount on rail cars to clear railway tracks.

Responsibilities include:

  • Performing equipment maintenance
  • Following safety regulations
  • Clearing sidewalks
  • Operating plow trucks

The first snow plow was used in Milwaukee in 1862.

To clear roads, driveways, and walkways, plowing prevents dangerous ice formation. It is safer than using methods that damage surfaces. Snow plows effectively clear snow without harming roads, plants or insects.

Benefits of Snow Plowing

  1. Clears The Way – Protective edges on plows prevent road damage.
  2. Prevents Icing – Averts falls by stopping ice formation.
  3. Uses Safe Methods – Avoids damaging the environment.
  4. Protects Infrastructure – Infrastructure remains intact.
  5. Maintains Access – Ensures post-snowfall accessibility.

The first snow plows were horse-drawn carts with wooden blades to clear city streets. Trains also used plows. Manual shoveling was the method prior to plow trucks.

Today’s snow plows mount on trucks to clear large areas efficiently. They push snow to the road sides, often requiring multiple passes in heavy snow. Drivers work long shifts, often at night, and take care not to damage lawns or other infrastructure.

After plowing, homeowners should rake debris on lawns in early spring. However, natural snow should be left unless it bends or breaks plants, to let it melt gradually.

Snow Plow Safety

  • Allow plows space since they move slowly.
  • Don’t pass on the right.
  • Avoid rear-ending; stay back 200 feet.
  • Plows require room to operate safely.

Cities may have different regulations regarding snow depth for plowing than those for homeowners. The general practice is to plow when snow sticks and could potentially freeze on driveways, preventing icy buildup.

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