General Snowplowing Tips and Common Sense Rules

(NAPSI)-Each year we try to keep ahead of the storm. So when it comes to removing snow from driveways it's wise to create a plan of attack.

First, become familiar with the snowplow owner's manual. It provides valuable information including maintenance procedures, operation guidelines and tips about taking your plow out of storage.

Next, make yourself familiar with the area to be plowed. Walk around the area to check for obstacles that will become hidden after it snows.

"Look for obstacles such as curbs, sidewalk edges, shrubs, fire hydrants, sprinkler heads and fences," says Rick Robitaille, marketing director for The Boss Snowplow. "Mark the obstructions that will be hard to see once snow is on the ground. This step helps prevent damage to the area being plowed, as well as to your snowplow and truck."

Finally, determine in advance, the best place to pile the snow. Choose a location large enough to allow snow to be piled there throughout the winter.

As the snow starts to accumulate, put your plan into action by first removing the snow from in front of the garage. With the blade raised and in the straight-position, drive up to the garage, lower the blade and pull the snow away from the garage door-approximately two car-lengths back.

Once complete, turn your vehicle around-backing into the cleared area-push the snow to the end of the driveway.

If the snow is deep and hard to push, raise your plow several inches off the ground to shear off the top layer first, and then make another pass to remove the remaining snow. When plowing wet snow, be sure to finish the job. Wet snow can freeze, making it difficult or nearly impossible to remove later on.

When plowing very long driveways, begin by making one pass down the middle. Widen the path by positioning the plow at an angle, which will push the snow to the side of the driveway. Be sure to make the path wide enough to accommodate additional snowfalls.

"For short to medium-size driveways, push the snow down to the end of the driveway. Finish by pushing the snow into the corners. Be sure not to leave snow on the road or on sidewalks," says Robitaille.

The following are six common sense rules all snowplow owners should follow.

• Always wear a seat belt and never plow with your head out the window.
• Try to plow during low-traffic hours, not exceeding 14 mph while plowing. When transporting your plow, keep the speed under 40 mph and position the blade so it doesn't block your plow headlights or your vision.
• "Check with city and county regulations first before pushing snow across a road, as it is illegal in many areas," advises Robitaille. "However, some areas will allow it. If allowed, push the snow far enough back to allow for upcoming snowfalls and be sure not to leave snow on the road."
• Avoid piling snow on sidewalks, water drains, catch basins, or structures; next to mailboxes, dumpsters, electrical boxes, or fire hydrants; or on other people's property. Also, don't stack snow so close to the road that it blocks cross-traffic visibility.
• When moving in reverse, don't rely only on the vehicle mirrors. Turn around and look where you are going.
• After plowing, lower the blade to the ground and turn off the plow control for safety.

For more snowplowing hints, tips and techniques, visit the Web site at www.bossplow.com.

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