How to Choose the Right Compact Equipment When Entering the Snow Removal Industry

Skid-steer loaders, all-wheel steer loaders, mini track loaders and utility vehicles all have their own advantages when it comes to certain snow removal tasks

Unlike a pickup truck with a snow blade, a skid-steer loader is not only able to push snow, but lift, pile or load it for transport.
Unlike a pickup truck with a snow blade, a skid-steer loader is not only able to push snow, but lift, pile or load it for transport.

Content provided by Bobcat Co.

Snow removal experts will tell you one of the keys to success in this business is learning to use different tools that fit the specific environments you are servicing. That’s why in recent years professional snow and ice management companies have turned to compact equipment and attachments — because by interchanging attachments, they can tailor one machine to perform a variety of snow and ice removal tasks.

“Contractors use compact equipment because oftentimes a pickup truck is too cumbersome and can’t fit into tight spaces,” says Bobcat Company Loader Product Specialist Mike Fitzgerald.   

Attachments are another reason compact equipment is so versatile. No matter what tool carrier contractors choose — whether it be a skid-steer loader, all-wheel steer loader, Toolcat utility work machine or utility vehicles — they can switch between a number of attachments to sweep, plow and blow snow.

But each piece of equipment has its own advantages when it comes to certain tasks. That’s why Fitzgerald advises contractors to evaluate the type of snow removal work they intend to take on, so that they can purchase the right compact equipment for the job.

Skid-steer loaders

Featuring the ability to turn within their own length, skid-steer loaders’ maneuverability and agility make them popular for removing snow in the tightest quarters, such as crowded parking lots. They also deliver the power to perform heavy-duty work efficiently. And unlike a pickup truck with a snow blade, a skid-steer loader is not only able to push snow but lift, pile or load it for transport. “The lifting and loading capabilities and large number of attachment options enable the operator to remove snow more efficiently,” says Fitzgerald.

Attachments most commonly used with skid-steer loaders are the snow blade, snow V-blade, angle broom, push broom, snowblower, scraper, snow pusher and buckets. For further versatility, many snow removal companies opt for a snow V-blade. It can be configured five different ways — as a straight blade, V-cut blade, scoop blade and 30-degree left- or right-angle blade.

Due to time constraints, crews can’t always clear jobsites before traffic drives over the freshly fallen snow. So for snow removal jobs that require removing hard-packed snow and ice, Fitzgerald suggests using a scraper attachment. It has a self-sharpening cutting edge that easily slides under stubborn snow and ice on pavement to produce a smooth surface.

The snowblower attachment proves ideal for blowing snow away from the area, into a pile or dump truck with a truck-loading chute. And for lighter snowfalls, attach an angle broom, which is ideal for sweeping less than 6 inches of snow. In addition to clearing snow from parking lots, sidewalks and pathways in the winter, these attachments can be used for sweeping away dirt, leaves, gravel and other debris, which makes them valuable all year-round.

Snow buckets also help plow snow, but they’re best used for piling snow and loading it into a truck. Bobcat's snow bucket, which ranges in width from 54 to 100 inches, has a round back to aid in dumping.

Depending on the size of the jobsite and amount of snowfall, operators might spend hours upon hours in the machine, so comfort can play a role in productiveness. An enclosed cab with heat, selectable joystick controls and suspension seat are just a few of the features and options on Bobcat skid-steer loaders that help make operators’ jobs easier. An optional two-speed transmission also increases efficiency by shortening travel time and increasing plowing performance. 

All-wheel steer loaders

The advantage of the all-wheel steer loader — like the Bobcat A770 all-wheel steer loader — is that contractors get two machines in one. Operators can quickly change from all-wheel steer mode to skid-steer mode with the flip of a switch.

The steerable axles of the all-wheel steer loader increase comfort when riding or turning on hard surfaces and enable the operator to direct tractive effort, minimizing sliding when pushing snow. The all-wheel steer mode also greatly reduces rubber marks left by the tires when turning on concrete. 

When it comes to pushing snow, experts know that speed improves blade performance. By using the two-speed transmission on the A770, Fitzgerald says operators can choose the 12-mph high-speed setting to build momentum. The momentum and snow work together, resulting in the snow rolling with the blade rather than the blade just pushing it.

Mini track loaders

In addition to skid-steer and all-wheel steer loaders, a mini track loader provides an easy-to-operate, economically priced machine that can be used for snow removal. By adding attachments like an angle broom or snowblower to the mini track loaders, you now have machines to access and clean spaces — such as sidewalks and walkways — that are too small for larger equipment.

Toolcat utility work machines

The benefit of purchasing a Toolcat utility work machine is that it combines the best features of a utility vehicle, pickup truck and attachment carrier into one machine. It also features a hydrostatic drive system that provides high axle torque, simple shifting and excellent speed control. The high axle torque, coupled with four-wheel drive, delivers plenty of power for filling buckets, pulling implements and trailers and pushing material. Operators can easily shift between low and high on-the-fly and while under power, and they can change travel direction with a simple shuttle lever.

The machine’s four-wheel drive and weight distribution provide the traction and pushing power needed for fast and efficient snow removal. Because it has all-wheel steering and a tighter turning radius than most ATVs, the utility work machine is often used for plowing snow in tight areas, such as crowded parking lots and in between buildings. The machine can also travel as fast as 18 mph. This improves plowing capabilities by enabling snow to roll and allowing operators to quickly go from jobsite to jobsite.

Again, operator comfort offers another reason municipalities might choose a utility work machine. Its large enclosed cab — with optional heat and air conditioning — has a suspension seat, easy-to-use controls, cruise control and tilt steering. These features all improve operator comfort, help decrease fatigue and translate into more billable hours in one outing, Fitzgerald says.

In addition to the attachments mentioned previously, a spreader attachment can be mounted in the Toolcat utility work machine’s cargo box and can be used to spread salt and sand on sidewalks and pathways. The machine’s 60-inch width allows it to fit on most sidewalks and pathways, making it ideal for more municipal snow removal applications. You can blow snow into trucks using its high-flow hydraulics and a snowblower attachment with a truck-loading chute. This process works well for crowded areas where snow can’t be piled.

Utility vehicles

Quickly removing light to moderate snow on sidewalks and driveways is one of the primary missions of all six Bobcat utility vehicles. From the 4x2 3200 up to the new 4x4 3600 and 3650 hydrostatic models, these machines can move or sweep snow.

The 3650 takes attachment capabilities to a new level as the industry’s first utility vehicle with the capacity to operate front-mounted snow attachments that are PTO-driven, including a snowblower and angle broom, as well as non-PTO attachments consisting of the snow blade and bucket. Operators can control attachments with an easy-to-operate joystick — all from the comfort of the operator area, which can be enclosed in heated cabs for added protection from winter weather. 

For more information about Bobcat compact equipment and how it can be used for snow removal applications, visit www.bobcat.com.

Companies in this article
Latest