Plowing Tips
BOSS Straight-Blades are the proven choice for professionals and homeowners alike. Built with an optimized blade curl that means snow rolls cleanly off the plow.
Angle-Position
In this position, the blade is angled to either left or right side of the vehicle. Use this position for windrowing or widening after the first pass.
How to Windrow
With the blade angled to the left or right side of the vehicle, make consecutive passes--each time throwing the snow forward and to the side. This technique is useful to clear large areas such as parking lots.
Straight-Position
In this position, the blade is positioned directly in front of the vehicle. Use this position for backdragging, removing a large windrow or cleaning up at the end of the job.
How to Backdrag
To remove snow from the edge of a building, raise the blade and drive forward to the building. Lower the blade, then back up while pulling the snow away from the building. You should backdrag only two or three truck lengths before turning around. You can then back into the cleared area and push snow forward. Your plow will be more effective when pushing snow than when backdragging over
long distances.
At the end of the job, adjust the blade to the Straight-position and push snow directly ahead--cleaning up any spill off left from previous plowing.
Deep Snow
In deep snow, raise the plow several inches off the ground to shear off the top layer. If you have a Power-V Plow, use the V-position for the first pass. Then change to the Scoop or Angle-position to widen things out. You should push just enough snow with each pass to get the job done efficiently without overloading your equipment. A good rule of thumb is to use a full blade width for two inches of snow or less, three quarters of the blade for four inches of snow and a half blade for six inches of snow or more.
Wet Snow
The best advice is this: Once you start, finish the job. Wet snow left in windrows overnight can freeze and turn into tank traps by morning.
The BOSS V-snowplow is a multi-position plow that lets you quickly and easily choose from a variety of blade positions including a scoop, straight, angle or v-position- and anything in between.
V Position
In this position the blades are retracted toward the truck. This position is normally used for making the first pass. It's ideal for plowing a lane through deep snow or punching through snowdrifts and hard-packed or windrows left by city and county plows.
Scoop Position
This position is used for carrying or controlling the snow- with the blades pushed out to form an inverted V shape. It's most useful for cleaning parking lots or other large areas where snow must be pushed straight ahead- and not to the side. It's also useful for
cleanup work at the end of the job. You'll find the Scoop-position to be the most useful for many plowing situations. And it's also a great time-saver.
Angle-Position
In this position the blades are positioned to either the left or right side of the vehicle. Use this position for windrowing or for widening the first pass.
Straight-Position
This position is normally used for backdragging-with the blades positioned directly in front of the vehicle. For example, to remove snow from the edge of a building, raise the blade and drive up to the building. Then lower the blade and back up- pulling snow away from the building.
With little experience, you'll develop your own methods for plowing and learn exactly which plow position to use for each pass.
Deep Snow
In deep snow raise the plow several inches off the ground to shear off the top layer. If you have a v-plow, use the V-position for the first pass. Then change to the Scoop or Angle-position to widen things out. You should push just enough snow with each pass to get the job done efficiently without overloading your equipment. A good rule of thumb is to use a full blade width for two inches of snow or less, three quarters of the blade for four inches of snow and half blade for six inches of snow or more.
Wet Snow
The best advice is this: Once you start, finish the job. Wet snow left in windrows overnight can freeze and turn into tank traps by morning.
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Before operating or servicing your BOSS Snowplow, you should become thoroughly familiar with the owner's manual.
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You should carry the following safety equipment for emergencies: a fire extinguisher, tool kit, tow strap, flashlight, flares, first aid kit, fuses for your vehicle, jumper cables, an ice scraper, lock deicer, extra washer fluid, a shovel and a bag of sand or salt. Also, make sure you have warm clothes that include insulated underwear, a warm jacket, hat, gloves and sunglasses.
NOTE: In case of an emergency, it is always a good idea to carry a cellular phone or two-way radio with you when plowing. -
You should also carry a snowplow emergency parts kit that includes extra hydraulic fluid, hydraulic hoses, a pump solenoid, extra cutting-edge bolts and a trip spring.
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You should check your vehicle's tire pressure, engine belts for cracks and tightness, hoses for leaks and vehicle fluid levels including the engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, battery, radiator coolant and windshield washer fluid. Examine the battery terminals for corrosion and make sure the connections are tight. Make sure the vehicle windshield wipers and defrosters are in good shape and working properly. Check the vehicle headlights, brake lights and turn signals to be sure they are in good working order, and make sure your strobe light is working if you have one. Also, look under the vehicle for obvious signs for leaking fluid.
NOTE: You should never run out of fuel, so make sure your fuel tank is full before going out to plow. -
You should check your vehicle's tire pressure, engine belts for cracks and tightness, hoses for leaks and vehicle fluid levels including the engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, battery, radiator coolant and windshield washer fluid. Examine the battery terminals for corrosion and make sure the connections are tight. Make sure the vehicle windshield wipers and defrosters are in good shape and working properly. Check the vehicle headlights, brake lights and turn signals to be sure they are in good working order, and make sure your strobe light is working if you have one. Also, look under the vehicle for obvious signs for leaking fluid.
NOTE: You should never run out of fuel, so make sure your fuel tank is full before going out to plow. -
To comply with the federal requirements for front and rear weight distribution- and for good traction while plowing- make sure your vehicle has the proper amount of ballast. Ballast should be placed rearward of the back axle toward the tailgate of the vehicle, and it should be properly secured in place.
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Check your snowplow to make sure all bolts are tight. Look for cracked welds and hydraulic fluid leaks. Make sure the plow lights and turn signals are aligned properly and are in good working order.
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Check your snowplow cutting edge. An over worn cutting edge can result in costly repairs to the blade later.
General Practices
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When transporting a snowplow, angle the blade to the right (toward the curb). This will reduce the chance of catching a curb or a snowbank that could pull your vehicle into it.
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Never operate a plow while transporting it to and from a job site. It’s a good idea to keep the plow control turned off in order to prevent accidental operation.
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When transporting a plow, position the blade so as not to block the plow headlights or your vision.
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Do not exceed 40 mph when transporting a plow. Do not exceed 14 mph when plowing.
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When transporting a plow or while plowing, check the temperature gauge often. Overheating the engine can be costly. If the vehicle overheats, stop and correct the problem. If overheating occurs while transporting, stop and adjust blade position to allow more airflow to the radiator.
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Before it snows, walk around the area you will be plowing to check for obstacles that will become hidden when snow is on the ground. Look for things such as bumper stops and speed bumps, curbs, sidewalk edges, shrubs, water drains, fire hydrants, fences and pipes sticking up from the ground. To prevent damage to the area being plowed as well as to your snowplow and truck, mark any obstructions that will be hard to see when there’s snow on the ground.
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Always wear a seat belt when operating a motor vehicle and never plow with your head out the window.
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When moving in reverse, don’t rely on the vehicle mirrors. Turn around and look where you’re going.
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When plowing in dirt or gravel, lower the plow shoes. This will raise the blade so you don’t scrape the surface away. When plowing on asphalt or concrete, raise or remove the plow shoes so that you scrape as close to the surface as possible.
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When you’re finished plowing, lower the blade to the ground and turn the plow control off for safety. This will also take stress off the hydraulic components.
Protecting Your Transmission
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One of the most common vehicle problems encountered while plowing is damage to the transmission. Overheating the transmission fluid as well as improper use, can contribute to the problem.
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Most vehicle manufacturers do not recommend plowing in overdrive. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual to find out if plowing in overdrive is recommended—and if so, when and how.
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Plan your plowing pattern so that you are driving forward as much as possible.
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Come to a complete stop before shifting from forward to reverse.
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Wait until the transmission engages before accelerating.
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Accelerate slowly, allowing the wheels to grip the road surface for better traction. Avoid spinning the tires.
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To start a pass, start the vehicle in motion. Then drop the blade.
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Whenever possible, back into a cleared area.
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If you have a manual transmission, avoid riding the clutch while plowing.
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After plowing, let the vehicle idle for ten minutes or more to allow the transmission cooler time to cool the transmission fluid.
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If you are plowing often during the season, change your transmission fluid before and during the season. A good rule of thumb is to pull your transmission dipstick periodically and smell the fluid. If the fluid has a burnt smell, you should change the fluid as soon as possible.
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To monitor the heat in your transmission, you can install an inline transmission gauge. Once the temperature reaches 250°F, you should let the vehicle idle until the transmission fluid cools to a lower temperature.