In the world of commercial snow removal, every minute counts. The scale of the task is immense; for example, more than 7.6 million miles of road were plowed by the New York Department of Transportation alone in one recent winter.
Facing rising labor costs and tight weather windows, contractors are rethinking their reliance on traditional truck plows for efficient snow removal.
Enter the skid steer loader: a compact, powerful, and versatile machine that’s rapidly becoming the go-to solution for efficient snow management. Its ability to pivot in tight spaces and utilize a wide range of hydraulic attachments makes it a formidable snow removal tool.
This guide provides a complete roadmap for experienced skid steer operators, covering everything from initial setup and advanced plowing techniques to a head-to-head ROI comparison with truck plows.
Step-by-Step Setup: Preparing Your Skid Steer Snow Plow
Proper preparation is the foundation of a profitable, low-stress snow season. Taking the time to correctly configure your skid steer and blade before the first flake falls prevents costly mid-storm breakdowns and maximizes operational efficiency. Follow these critical steps to get your skid steer winter-ready.
Step 1: Select the Right Attachment
Your choice of skid steer attachments dictates your clearing strategy.
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Angle Plow Blade: Best for windrowing snow in open lots.
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Snow Pusher: A wide blade ideal for moving large volumes of snow in straight lines.
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Snowblower: Essential for casting snow over obstacles or into trucks.
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High-Capacity Bucket: Useful for stacking and loading snow piles with our quality skid steer buckets.
For additional information on selecting attachments, consider consulting the performance specifications for your specific model.
Step 2: Mount & Hook Up Hydraulics
Ensure the quick-attach plate is free of debris. Engage and lock the pins, visually confirming they are fully seated. Clean hydraulic couplers before connecting them to prevent contamination and route hoses carefully to avoid pinching during operation.
1.Add Ballast, Traction, and Snow Tires
Proper weight distribution and traction are critical for pushing power, especially on slick surfaces. Consider dedicated skid steer snow tires or chains for maximum traction on snow and ice.
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Option |
Benefit |
Consideration |
|---|---|---|
|
Rear Counterweights |
Improves balance and pushing force. |
Essential when using heavy front attachments. |
|
Tire Chains |
Excellent traction and grip on icy surfaces. |
Can damage delicate pavement. |
|
Dedicated Snow Tracks |
Superior traction from Bobcat tracks provides excellent flotation in deep snow. |
Higher initial cost. |
2. Pre-Plow Inspection Checklist for Your Equipment
A thorough walk-around is non-negotiable. Check for excessive wear on the plow blade's cutting edge, nicks on hydraulic cylinder rods, and signs of hose abrasion.
The condition of the blade is critical. Also, look for weeping or active leaks from hydraulic cylinder seals and have quality case aftermarket parts on hand for quick repairs.
3. Torque-Spec Reference
Always verify the torque specifications for your attachment's mounting hardware and blade cutting edge bolts. Consult your manufacturer's manual or a reliable industry source for proper values.
Thorough preparation is your best defense against downtime; a Bobcat skid steer that's ready before the winter storm hits is a piece of equipment that generates revenue.
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Important: A weeping hydraulic seal is more than a minor drip; it's a sign of impending failure. Ignoring it can lead to catastrophic breakdowns and dangerous spills in the field. |
Skid Steer Operating Techniques & Best Practices for Snow Removal
With a properly prepared machine, your focus as a skid steer operator shifts to technique. Efficient operation is about smart strategy, not just raw power. Mastering a few key practices will significantly reduce your time on site and improve the quality of your snow removal work. Here are some tips from experienced operators.
Push vs. Back-Drag Sequence
- Begin by back-dragging snow away from buildings, curbs, and garage doors to create a buffer zone.
- Transition to forward pushing with the snow pusher or blade, moving the cleared snow into the main lot area.
- Establish windrows, long, neat piles of snow, and push them toward your designated stacking location.
- Use the skid steer’s lift height to stack piles high and tight, conserving valuable space.
For complex lots, plan your windrow pattern, especially in a large yard or parking lot. "U" shaped lots are cleared from the back forward, while "L" shaped lots are best cleared by pushing snow away from the inside corner.
Always follow a proper cold-start procedure: cycle glow plugs as needed, allow the engine to warm up, and gradually work the hydraulics to bring the fluid up to operating temperature before applying full power to the Bobcat machine, especially where salt and ice are factors on paved surfaces.
Ensure all LED work lights are clean and positioned to illuminate your work area and machine extremities. Keep a squeegee in the skid steer cab to quickly clear the vestibule of fog or frost for maximum operator visibility. Smart technique is the ultimate force multiplier, allowing you to clear more snow in less time.
When working in confined spaces like a residential driveway or narrow access points, reduce your speed and make careful, controlled movements to avoid damaging property or putting unnecessary stress on the machine.
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Pro Tip: For maximum efficiency on complex lots, keep a snowblower attachment on your trailer. A quick swap to a snow blower can save an hour of tedious pushing with a blade in tight corners. |
Key Safety Tips and Compliance Rules for Operators
A profitable snow season is a safe one. The fast-paced, often low-visibility nature of snow removal demands a strict commitment to safety protocols.
A recent study highlighted the risks, as it identified 312 skid steer-related injuries over five years, a stark reminder for all equipment operators. Begin every shift with a thorough site walk-through, marking hidden obstacles like curbs and manholes on surfaces before they get covered by snow and ice.
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PPE is Mandatory: Equip all skid steer operators with proper winter weather PPE, including thermal, water-resistant gloves, and high-traction, anti-slip boots to prevent falls on ice.
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Lock-Out/Tag-Out: Always follow LOTO procedures when servicing or adjusting attachments like a snow blade. Never place hands near the sharp blade edge or hydraulic cylinders without ensuring the machine is de-energized and secured.
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Daily Seal Inspection: A small hydraulic leak can quickly become a major failure and a dangerous slip hazard on concrete or asphalt surfaces. A daily visual inspection from inside and outside the cab is critical. Keep spare Bobcat aftermarket parts on hand for quick equipment fixes.
Disciplined safety practices are not just about compliance; they are a direct investment in protecting your skidsteer operators, your equipment, and your bottom line.
Inexperienced operators should receive thorough training before handling heavy equipment in cold conditions, as the combination of reduced visibility and slippery ground can create hazardous situations.
Skid Steer Maintenance & Parts Sourcing Strategy
Winter operation is brutal on machinery. A proactive maintenance and parts strategy is essential for maximizing the uptime of your skid steer equipment when every hour of operation counts.
Post-Shift Inspection of Your Snow Tires and Blade
After each shift, inspect the cutting edge for wear, check hoses for new signs of chafing, and verify the condition of the tracks or snow tires.
Even the best snow tires can be damaged by hidden objects. Addressing small issues with quality Caterpillar aftermarket parts immediately prevents them from becoming major failures for your tractor during the next snow plowing event.
Check the wheels regularly for ice buildup and damage, and inspect the steel cutting edge for chips or cracks that could compromise clearing efficiency.
Grease & Electrical Care for Your Skid Steer Cab
Follow a daily greasing schedule for all pivot points on the machine and attachment. Apply dielectric grease to all electrical connectors for lights and controls to prevent corrosion from salt and moisture, which is critical for all Bobcat operators. Keep essential maintenance stuff organized and easily accessible in your service vehicle for quick field repairs.
Cost-Smart Cylinder Care
Hydraulic cylinders are the muscles of your operation. When a seal fails, the machine is down. Sourcing complete OEM cylinders is slow and expensive. Using high-quality, off-the-shelf John Deere aftermarket parts can significantly reduce downtime, allowing your mechanic to perform a quick and cost-effective repair on your skid steer.
How to Pick the Right Skid Steer Snow Plow Attachment
The choice between a skid steer and a truck plow isn't about which is "better," but which piece of equipment is right for the job, your business model, and your growth strategy. While skid steers excel in tight spaces such as driveways, wheel loaders may be more suitable for larger operations requiring higher capacity.
Consider the unique demands of your service area, whether you're clearing open lots, multi-level parking decks, or residential properties.
For advanced snow removal applications, refer to our Guide to Skid Steer Attachments That Require High Flow to determine if your machine has the hydraulic capacity needed for specialized equipment like high-powered snowblowers or angle brooms.
Regardless of your choice of equipment, a commitment to rigorous safety from the cab and diligent maintenance is paramount to a successful cold season.