By Nick Arndt
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Know How to Change Snow Attachments in
Common Weather Conditions
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rooms, blowers, pushers, and plows. Snow and ice contractors often rely on numerous snow attachments to get their essential work done. Most dealerships offer numerous types and brands of snow attachments, giving customers great opportunity to choose the right attachment or combination of attachments to suit their unique needs. The attachment needed typically depends on three things: the type of property, the contract agreement, and the weather conditions.
First Considerations Before even heading out to blow, plow, or sweep away the snow, companies need to think about attachments when making an equipment purchase. Attachment flexibility is especially important for smaller, growing companies that may need one piece of equipment to accomplish several tasks and accommodate a variety of attachments. Compact equipment like skid steers and tractors have several options for attachments and commonly used by contractors who demand flexibility. Conversely, established
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companies with many similar accounts can usually justify job-specific equipment, often larger equipment like wheel loaders. These large machines typically don’t ever swap out attachments during a weather event or in response to varying conditions. They’re used for one task, servicing large areas with a snow pusher. Those who are brand loyal to a certain type of equipment manufacturer will find that the machines’ hitches or connecting elements (such as electrical plug-ins, connecting pin sizes, and hydraulic fittings) are designed only to work with attachments from that same manufacturer. However, standard aftermarket hitches are sometimes available and can be designed to work with various manufacturer attachments. Take, for example, a Zuidberg Brand Front Hitch system built for most brands and models of compact tractors. This solution allows an end-user to run any number of standard Category 1 implements. Before making an equipment purchase, consider both current and future attachment needs, and choose a hitch solution that will adapt to your snow management business. While equipment, type of hitch, and brands of attachments chosen will be different for every contractor, one tip is advised for all to ensure an easy attachment swap on the job: practice.
SNOW PRO | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020
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9/28/20 1:29 PM
