11/18/11

V-Plow vs. Straight Blades - by Steve Taylor


Before you consider buying a V Plow or a straight blade plow; compare the products and consider the advantages of “V” vs. Straight blade plows. Talk with other users; use your contacts in your community and your social network. A good source for finding snowplow user experience is www.plowsite.com.
Will the purchase of a Variable Position V Plow be worth the extra expense for your needs?
A big advantage for a variable position V-Plow is the ability to use it in the position most advantageous for the conditions at hand. In other words if you plow a variety of properties, driveways, parking lots, and roads, then you have the ability to use the blade in the straight, or angled position, the V position or the scoop position. For instance, you might not always need a V or scoop position, but when you do it’s there for you. 
Some of the conditions that might require the V position are deep snow, heavy wet snow, and deep drifts. The V position allows the truck to power through in a straight path without shifting to the side caused by a blade being angled one way. The force of the blade impacting a bank of snow with an angled blade can force your truck off the path and into the ditch.
Conditions where a scoop position is advantageous are when you need to move a significant amount of snow from one place to another. It can be used to either replace or supplement the work of a bucket loader.  The scoop also allows better stacking with the ability of a higher blade scooped and pushing a larger amount of snow “over the top.”
When you consider purchasing a V Plow, also consider the extra weight the plow loads on the truck and the axles. This might require you to buy a heavier rated truck and more expense.
Of course a straight blade may accomplish most or all of the conditions you will normally incur, but if you get a “Perfect Storm” with say lots of heavy wet snow, then you will be more prepared with a V Plow and you might finish your work earlier with more satisfied customers.

Guest post by Steve Taylor. Steve is a consultant in the Truck Equipment business with over 30 years in the snowplow and truck body manufacturing business. He specializes in the design and quality/reliability field and may be reached by email at steve@truckarchitect.com. You may visit his website athttp://www.truckarchitect.com/.

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