Increase snow blade longevity with these tips

By Ryan Frey, Horst Welding general manager

It’s no secret that the longer a snow blade lasts, the better the return on investment. From proper operation to regular lubrication, there are a wide range of tactics within a contractor’s control that will extend blade longevity. Get the most use out of a blade by relying on these tips.

Match the plow to the carrier.

While it may be tempting for a contractor who just bought a new carrier to save money by using a blade already in their fleet, they could be putting efficiency and longevity at risk. Using a bigger carrier than recommended for a blade will cause stress fractures and cracks in the blade, significantly shortening its life. Meanwhile, using a carrier that’s not big enough for the blade can’t maximize the blade’s potential.

Choose reversible, carbide

cutting edges. While carbide edges cost about four times more

Be sure to use the appropriate down pressure and speed. Excessive down pressure will quickly wear out cutting edges, and when paired with faster speeds can cause significant blade damage when hitting an obstacle hidden under the snow.

To get the longest life from a segmented blades’ trip edges look for a model that connects the panels with parallel steel linkages rather than polyurethane block systems.

than steel, they can last as much as seven times longer. That means fewer replacements and less downtime. If a contractor goes through two sets of steel edges in a season, a carbide edge will last more than three seasons. That’s a half-dozen fewer stints of downtime to replace the edges, coupled with 43 per cent savings over those seasons in product cost. Reversible edges that can easily be flipped and replaced will further lengthen cutting edges’ useful life.

Combat damage from obstacles

under the snow. Segmented blades with trip edges lift over objects that might otherwise damage the blade. To get the longest life from trip edges, use a model that connects the panels with parallel steel linkages rather than polyurethane block systems. Parallel systems keep the moldboard properly aligned during use, eliminating the risk of damage when piling and stacking snow.

Cutting edges that are made with carbide and can be flipped and replaced will provide optimal longevity. Slow down and let up. In the snowremoving business, traveling fast can hasten damage rather than profits. Reduce speed while avoiding excess down pressure to prevent premature blade wear.

Keep it level. Avoid angling the snow blade forward. While doing this can occasionally clean the surface better, long-term use will be detrimental. Manufacturers design blades to be used perpendicular to the ground, so tipping the top forward will wear cutting edges and blade wings faster than if used properly.

Lubricate. Use grease with a good cold rating and moisture-repellent qualities to lubricate a blade’s moving parts and prevent components from locking up.

Tighten parts and fasteners.

Blade operation causes vibration and stress, which can loosen parts. If a loose bolt isn’t spotted and tightened — especially bolts on a blade’s cutting edge — it may shear off when going over a manhole cover or other obstacle.

Clean, inspect and paint. It’s easier to spot potential issues after cleaning and inspecting a blade. That’s also a good time to apply touch-up paint to any areas that are scratched or worn. While this goes a long way in terms of resale value, it also helps prevent rust, prolonging blade life.

Call in backup. When longevity is needed, customer support is key. The more experience a manufacturer brings to the design and engineering process, the more likely their products withstand long-term use. And, more often than not, the longer the warranty, the less worry there will be of a breakdown.

About Horst Welding and HLA Snow Horst Welding has been manufacturing innovative equipment solutions for the snow removal and agricultural markets for more than 20 years. Its HLA brand of snow removal equipment is one of the most extensive snow removal product lines on the market. The HLA brand includes its legendary two-in-one SnowWing blade, as well as SnowBlades, SnowPushers, six-way blades, fixed V-blades, snow buckets and baskets, and the ScatterShot salt and sand spreader. The HLA line also includes the revolutionary Razor blade, a floating, segmented blade for cleaner results over variable height pavements. For more information, visit www.hlasnow. com; www.horstwelding.com; sales@ horstwelding.com; 866-567-4162; Horst Loader Attachments, R.R. #3, Listowel, ON, Canada N4W 3G8. •