Why the right snow removal attachment makes all the difference for your skid steer
By Chris Storr, Key Account Executive for Blue Diamond Attachments
Winter weather months are drawing near, and those in the seasonal snow removal business are preparing for what is coming.
It’s a given that skid steer loaders can quickly transform into a powerhouse snow removal machine, but choosing the right attachment is paramount in getting the most out of your skid loader.
The right snow removal attachment can turn your skid steer loader into a winter workhorse. With so many available, choosing the best snow removal attachment for your specific needs requires careful consideration.
From blades, blowers, brooms, spreaders and pushers, each attachment serves a unique purpose. At Blue Diamond Attachments we recommend considering the following as you choose what’s best for your snow clearing needs.
Assess your environment and snow type
First and foremost, the environment in which the skid steer is used must be evaluated. For example, are you clearing tight residential driveways, wide commercial lots or long rural paths? Is the snowfall light and fluffy or dense and wet?
Below are some quick pointers in assessing the environment.
Light snowfalls and small areas: A traditional snow blade, angle blade or broom might be enough.
Heavy snow and wide-open spaces: A snow pusher or snow blower can handle high volumes more efficiently.
Ice and hardpack: Consider a replaceable cutting edge or a high-capacity snow blower. Be sure when choosing a blade that you match it to the power level of your skid steer loader.
Hydraulic flow and loader specs
Not all skid steers are built the same. High-performance attachments like snow blowers and some angle plows require high-flow hydraulics, while other attachments can be used on low or high-flow hydraulic units. Before you purchase a snow removal attachment, be sure to check:
Hydraulic flow rating of your machine. Mismatched flow rates can lead to inefficient snow removal or damage to the skid steer loader or attachment.
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Rated operating capacity. Overloading your skid steer can lead to tipping, machine damage and increased possibility of on-site accidents. Matching the weight of the snow removal attachment to the skid steer’s rated operating capacity is essential for preventing these issues.
Attachment width relative to the loader’s wheelbase — too wide and it becomes hard to control, too narrow and you lose efficiency. As a rule, all attachments should be wider than the track or tire path.
Time and efficiency
In snow removal applications, time is money. By design, these attachments are meant to sit idle for long periods of time during non-snow months and are ready to mobilize with little maintenance when snow starts falling. For the most part, they are also designed for easy transport from place to place. So, choosing the right attachment to get on to that next job faster makes your decision even more critical.
As you assess your needs, consider the following:
For fast snow clearing: Snow pushers are highly efficient for large areas.
For thorough clearing: Snow blowers, spreaders and brooms ensure walkways, driveways and parking lots are completely free of snow buildup.
For versatility: V-plows or angle plows adjust to the snow conditions on the fly, providing you with the best of both worlds.
Operator visibility and safety
- Snow removal often happens in late night or early morning lowlight, low-visibility conditions.
- The right attachment should always:
- Provide clear sightlines from the cab.
- Be equipped with reflective markers or built-in lights as needed.
- Include trip-edge protection to prevent sudden stops if a curb or object is hit.
If you are ready to buy
Whether you’re clearing driveways and parking lots or keeping backroads clear, choosing the right tool comes down to knowing your environment, understanding your machine and matching your job requirements to the capabilities of the attachment.
To be sure you’re choosing what’s best for your needs, have a conversation with your dealer.
A well-matched snow tool not only boosts productivity but extends the life of your skid steer, helping keep you and your operators safe and efficient all winter long.
Established in 1995 in Knoxville Tennessee, Blue Diamond Attachments manufactures attachments for construction, landscaping land clearing and agriculture.
It’s family of snow removal equipment includes blowers, pushers, plows, brooms, blades and buckets for skid steer loaders and tractors.
To learn more about Blue Diamond Attachments snow removal attachments, visit bdasnow.com.
