Do you live somewhere that gets covered in snow during the winter?
If so, then you should consider the snow removal tools that you use to get rid of the snow, regardless if you’re an individual looking to shovel out your driveway or a professional whose livelihood relies on removal.
More than 11,000 adults and children are sent to the hospital every year because of snow shoveling. This task can result in bad backs, broken bones, head injuries, and even serious cardiovascular problems.
So, save yourself from the potential injury from a snow shovel, and consider a snow pusher. They are the more efficient and ergonomic method for your body.
By picking the right design for your needs and using proper technique, you will be free from the snow in no time. So, go ahead and check out our comparison on the snow pusher and shovel, and you’ll trade in your snow shovel in no time!
Presently, snow pushers are becoming the most popular option for regular people and snow removal professionals to get rid of snow during the winter time, compared to the once popular snow shovel.
So how are they different?
Snow pushers are the smaller, hand-held version of an industrial plow. It’s made of plastic with a plastic handle for you to hold, without a bottom plate. It’s much lighter than some of the snow shovels out there.
If you live in an area with a lot of snow, there are snow pushers that can be attached to a smaller vehicle or plow instead.
It isn’t designed for you to pick up snow, rather you push the snow over to the side of your driveway.
That way, snow pushers relieve any tension or stress on your back and heart. Compared to the snow shovel that results in common health problems. No matter what you use, make sure to:
There are many different features to choose from when deciding on a snow pusher. They can impact the machine performance and the total cost.
However, all are designed to get rid of snow and ice and prevent the need for extra pushing or salting.
So, whether you’re a regular person or a professional, consider your options to find the best snow pusher for your needs.
Snow pushers come in a variety of sizes with unique advancements to maximize efficiency for your specific needs.
Equipment-mounted pushers range from 6 to 30 feet. Whether you need them for skid steers or anything like wheel loaders. Snow pusher size affects the amount of snow removed and the type of precision you need.
Long pushers can move more snow the first time, but can leave behind significant amount as you go higher. That’s because they will always rest at the highest point on a surface. They float over lower areas, leaving behind extra snow.
Shorter pushers are more concentrated and precise. You can target an area and clear snow with fewer follow-ups. This is ideal for family homes or smaller industrial machines. But may still require salting.
Sectional pushers are for the professional snow removers. Those who want to move large amounts of snow with more precision, less follow-up.
They consist of sectional moldboards that form one large surface area. This allows for better action in a single pass.
By using multiple sections, an individual section can encounter any obstacles. While removing snow in that vicinity and decrease the need for a redo. Opposed to the whole pusher working at once.
There are ways that sectional pushers can be more efficient. By letting the pusher contour to any surface, regardless of any elevation changes. That, in turn, reduces fuel and labor costs while also decreasing any liability issues.
Fixed vs. Mechanical Side Panels
Like the other features, there are a variety of side panels to help you with your snow pusher needs.
Fixed side panels are perfect for keeping snow contained and eliminating snow from rolling off of the sides.
Mechanical side panels, on the other hand, can respond to any impact from obstructions, such as curbs, medians, and holes in the road. The sides can lift up and go over any large obstacles that may exist.
They also reduce machine damage, protect the entire snow pusher, and keep the operator safe. This can save you on any liability expenses and worker downtime that would otherwise be required.
Hitch Designs
There are even different hitch designs to help reduce stress on the operator and provide the quality work that you desire.
Drop-and-go hitch designs can do the snow lifting and lowering automatically, all the operator needs to do is drop the pusher. This extends the lifecycle of the snow pusher and can ensure a clean surface is left behind.
Newer hitch designs are even allowing the snow pusher to lift up and adjust to pavement for any height changes while the machine is on. This helps the equipment stay balanced, and keep even wear on the wheels and pusher.
These new hitch designs can prevent premature wear, extend snow pusher lifespans, and decrease stress for the operator.
If you’re an individual looking to remove snow in the winter time, make sure that you are using your body responsibly to accomplish the task, with the right tool in hand.
The right snow pusher will have a handle that can be used while you are standing up straight. The lighter ones might not work for ice or snow over 4 inches, but they will ease stress on your body, which is something to factor in.
Snow pushers work well to quickly clear large areas of light snow, so try to use them whenever you can to eliminate any chance of injury.
