January is a time of bitter cold in North America – is it snowing in your area? Snowy conditions certainly make heavy-duty work more difficult. Your snowplow is your front line of defense against heavy snow and icy roads. We have to admit, that it’s vital to inspect and replace critical snow plow replacement parts before winter sets in in order to keep operations running smoothly and prevent costly downtime. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 7 snow plow replacement parts you can’t afford to ignore this winter, and whether you own an ATV or UTV, you’ll find some useful tips for aftermarket alternatives in this article.
1. Cutting Edges: The Backbone of Effective Snow Removal
What is the direct point of direct contact with cold snow and hard ice? The top 1 of the snow plow replacement parts is definitely the cutting edge. The part is one of the most critical components of a snow plow. During the work time, the cutting edge undergoes severe wear and tear throughout the plowing season. I guess what you don’t want to see is the cutting edge becomes full, uneven, or cracked. This not only wastes time and fuel but also puts additional strain on the plow’s entire system. High-quality plow blades made from durable materials such as high-carbon steel or carbide ensure a longer lifespan and more consistent performance. Also, regular inspections are key, which means if you notice chips, excessive wear, or reduced contact with the surface, it’s time to replace it.
2. Plow Shoes: Protecting Both the Blade and the Surface
If you’ve ever seen unsightly furrows and damage on surfaces such as driveways or parking lots again, they are most likely the result of improper plow height. I’ll bet the plow shoe is often overlooked. But in reality, it plays an important role in keeping your snow plow blades and clearing surfaces healthy. I recommend that you purchase adjustable, heavy-duty plow shoes. They provide flexibility and protection by adapting to different ground operating conditions. They act as stabilizers, ensuring that the plow blade remains at the correct height and does not overly scrape uneven terrain, debris, or delicate surfaces.
3. Plow Markers: Improves visibility of plow edges
One of the annoyances of using an ATV or UTV is that it’s difficult to judge the position of the snowplow in relation to its surroundings while you’re sitting in the cab, you can’t determine the exact area you’re working on, and sometimes you’re exposed to danger. One accessory that can dramatically improve the snowplowing experience is snowplow markers. These two-foot-tall flexible poles come with bright red tips that are clearly visible even when shoveling snow in low light or at night. Their main function is to help you see the edge of the snowplow more clearly. By marking the edge of the snowplow, these markers prevent accidents and damage, such as hitting curbs, trees, or sprinkler systems. In addition, these markers are flexible, so you don’t have to worry about them breaking when they come into contact with hard surfaces. And they have a wide range of applications; they are compatible with a variety of snowplows.
4. Plow Shoes: Protecting Both the Blade and the Surface
When checking your snow plow replacement parts purchase list, don’t forget the plow shoes. The plow shoes act as a stabilizer, ensuring that the snow blow blade stays at the correct height and doesn’t excessively scrape uneven terrain, gravel, or fragile pavement. These components can be damaged if the plow shoes are not working properly, leading to costly repairs or even premature replacement. Additionally, if you don’t shovel snow at the right height, the pavement you’re working on could still have unsightly dents and damage. This is why it’s important to have adjustable, heavy-duty plow shoes that can be adapted to different road conditions, providing flexibility and protection in a variety of environments. I recommend that you check your plow shoes for wear, cracks, or uneven surfaces before you even start your winter job.
5. Snow Plow Lights: Ensuring Visibility in Harsh Conditions
If you have the need to work at night, then snowplow lights are vital for you. Especially during nighttime snow plowing or heavy snowfall, visibility can be reduced and dark working conditions can be very dangerous. So, troubleshoot faulty or dim snow plow lights well in advance of your first nighttime snow removal. Modern LED snow plow lights are highly recommended because of their brightness, energy efficiency, and longevity. Don’t forget to clean the light covers and check for flickering or dimming on a regular basis, and don’t wait until you can’t see well in a snowstorm.
6. Plowing Wing: Expend Snow Plowing Area
Among all the can’t-ignore snow plow replacement parts, snow wings are not necessary for everyone. It is a must-have for those who need to deal with larger areas of snow. Snow wings attach to the edge of the snow plow blade and extend outward to help control the snow that is pushed away. When you are plowing at a certain angle, the snow wings prevent snow from overflowing from the sides, ensuring that more snow stays in the path of the snow plow. This reduces the need for additional snow plowing and makes the snow plowing process more efficient. Even when plowing in a straight line, snow wings can help control the flow of snow and prevent snow from falling off the edge of the snow plow blade and causing trouble. Many operators like to install snow wings on one side, but if you prefer, you can install them on both sides to further improve the efficiency of the snow plow.
7. Trip Springs: Your Plow’s Safety Mechanism
The last thing to get is a trip spring. These springs act as a safety mechanism, causing the blade to tip or “trip” when it encounters a solid obstacle like a curb or large rock. This prevents damage to the blade and plow assembly. Over time, trip springs can rust, overstretch, or even break under stress. A damaged spring can affect the plow’s ability to absorb shock, increasing the likelihood of serious structural damage. Replacing a worn trip spring is more cost-effective than repairing the blade or plow assembly.
Note: Beyond moving snow, managing ice is the other important work. If your TGS SaltDogg spreader isn’t dispensing salt correctly, the variable speed controller might be the culprit. For professional de-icing, a corrosion-free controller is just as vital as a sharp plow blade.
Buy Reliable Snow Equipment Replacement Parts at FridayParts
In this article, we introduce the top 7 crucial snow plow replacement parts. Each of them plays a unique role in guaranteeing you safe and efficient snow removal. By paying attention to critical components like cutting edges, plow shoes, hydraulic hoses, lights,, trip springs, plow markers, and plow wings, you can prevent unexpected breakdowns and improve your working efficiency. Choose high-quality aftermarket snow plow replacement parts to get the best value and performance out of your machinery this winter. FridayParts only provides snow equipment parts that meet OEM-quality standards. We have a wide inventory to meet all kinds of repair and update requirements. For more professional guidance and compatible parts, feel free to visit FridayParts.com.
