3 Tips for Cutting Edge and Plow Shoe Maintenance

As part of a snow company’s ongoing maintenance program, attention should be given to plow and pusher cutting edges and shoes. When managed properly, they provide better performance and protect the structural elements of the equipment. 

Routinely inspect the components for wear. Most edges can be adjusted as they wear to extend the usual life of the product. When they can no longer be adjusted, they need to be replaced.

 

Neglecting shoes and cutting edges can compromise the structural integrity of the plows, which could prove costly. Part of your maintenance (and replacement) process should be to ensure cutting edges are aligned properly. Misalignment can cause uneven wear and compromise scraping performance. 

Shoes should be replaced when worn at or below 1/4-inch thick. Replace the cutting edge before the plow frame is exposed.

 

The life cycle of the edges depends on the cutting edge material, how often the plow is used and the types of surfaces being plowed. For equipment that uses shoes and steel edges, it’s best to replace both at the same time to maximize scraping performance.

 

When replacing shoes, look for those that provide consistent wear over the life of the shoe: abrasion and impact resistance, and through hardening of the steel. 

Pay attention to bolts that may be loose, missing, corroded, etc., and equipment like trip springs that impact performance. Ensure you have extras in stock as part of your snowplow emergency parts kit.

 

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