The Best Snow Removal Equipment for Commercial Properties: Best Practices and Mistakes to Avoid
Minnesota winters bring heavy snow and icy conditions that challenge businesses every year. Removing snow and ice the right way keeps your property safe, accessible, and looking sharp. Picking the right equipment makes winter easier and faster. It clears snow quickly, keeps people safe, and helps you save on property care.
At Twin City Outdoor Services (TCOS), we provide top-quality commercial snow removal. We focus on making snow removal stress-free for businesses. Our skilled team works with advanced machinery to handle Minnesota’s toughest winters. From big parking lots to narrow sidewalks, we focus on precision, safety, and speed.
Key Takeaways
- Learn how to select the best snow removal equipment for commercial properties
- Understand how different machinery fits specific property needs
- Explore sustainable, efficient practices that protect your property and environment
Why Choosing the Right Snow Removal Equipment Matters
Winter storms can slow down any business, but having the best equipment for snow makes the job easier. It helps move large amounts of snow quickly and keeps your property safe and open.
- Work faster: Efficient tools can clear light snow or handle large snow volumes without wasting time.
- Stay safe: Using proper machinery keeps sidewalks and parking lots safe during winter work.
- Clear snow away: Powerful attachments push snow away efficiently, preventing buildup.
Good snow equipment isn’t just about clearing snow. It’s about keeping your property safe, functional, and stress-free all winter.
Top Equipment for Commercial Snow Removal
Choosing the best snow removal equipment is essential for keeping a commercial property safe and easy to access during Minnesota’s harsh winters. The right tools make winter work easier, help move large amounts of snow, and keep your property clear throughout the winter.
We are now going to explore some of the most important tools, why you need these, and what to look for when they are in use.
Skid Steer Loaders
Best for: Large parking spots and open areas
Why It Works Well: Highly agile and versatile, skid steers can use v-blades, snow buckets, or other snow removal attachments to push snow away quickly.
Things to Watch Out for: Requires skilled operators for best results
Wheel Loaders
Best for: Heavy snow accumulation
Why It Works Well: Efficient at removing large snow volumes, delivering powerful snow clearing with high-quality snow machines.
Things to Watch Out For: Their size may limit access to tight spaces, such as walkways or smaller areas
Snow Pushers
Best for: Pushing large snow volumes
Why It Works Well: Efficient for open areas, snow pushers throw snow aside quickly without scattering it, helping property managers stay on top of snow removal.
Things to Watch Out For: Less effective on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or sloped areas
Snow Blowers
Best for: Sidewalks, walkways, and narrow areas
Why It Works Well: Two-stage snow blowers, whether electric snow or gas-powered snow blowers, clear light snow and wet snow efficiently while protecting surfaces.
Things to Watch Out For: Might struggle with heavy snow or deeper accumulations in large areas
Salt Spreaders
Best for: Ice management and de-icing
Why It Works Well: Tools like drop spreaders help with deicing and prevent ice dams, making walkways and parking lots safer during snow and ice events.
Tractors & Ventrac Tractors
Best for: Heavy-duty snow removal across commercial properties
Why it works well: Ventrac tractors and other heavy-duty tractors can clear large amounts of snow efficiently throughout the winter, perfect for big lots and long driveways.
Things to watch out for: Operators need training to use attachments like plows and augers safely. Also, overuse can lead to surface damage, especially during winter maintenance.
What Are Some Sustainable Snow Removal Practices?
Sustainability is becoming a key priority in all industries, including snow removal. Snow removal doesn’t have to harm the environment. There are plenty of ways to make your snow and ice removal process more eco-friendly.
- Electric Equipment: Battery-powered snow blowers and electric snow removal machines reduce emissions. They also minimize noise, making them a greener choice for commercial snow removal.
- Eco-friendly De-icing: Switch to eco-friendly ice melt to avoid damaging your landscape or concrete. It’s safer for plants, pets, and the environment.
- Efficient Salt Usage: Instead of throwing salt everywhere, use drop spreaders to apply it evenly. This saves salt and prevents overuse.
- Snow Pushing vs. Plowing: Snow pushers can be a more sustainable alternative to snow plows, as they move large amounts of snow without scattering debris. This makes the job faster and cleaner.
- Proper Equipment Maintenance: Regularly check and clean your snow removal equipment to keep it running smoothly. It helps your machines last longer and keeps them efficient.
Mistakes You Must Not Make While Handling Different Snow Removal Machinery
Using snow removal equipment the wrong way can cause problems. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
- Choosing the Wrong Attachment: Make sure you’re using the right tools to maximize production rates and efficiencies while maintaining optimal quality standards.
- Overloading Equipment: Don’t overload your snow plows or snow removal machines. It can cause damage.
- Using Too Much Salt: Using too much ice melt can harm your landscape and surfaces. Always follow instructions.
- Skipping Maintenance: Don’t forget to maintain your snow removal machines. Regular checks keep everything running smoothly.
- Not Training Operators: Make sure everyone knows how to use the equipment safely. Proper training helps avoid accidents and ensures everything works well.
Important Questions Asked About Removing Snow
How do I choose the right snow removal equipment for my commercial property?
The right equipment depends on your property’s size and snow conditions. For large areas like parking lots, snow plows, skid steers and/ or wheel loaders are best. For narrower spaces such as sidewalks or walkways, a snow blower or snow removal attachments are ideal. Make sure the equipment suits the snow volume and the terrain.
What maintenance is required for snow removal equipment?
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your equipment in good shape. Clean your snow removal machines after each use. Check oil, fuel, and moving parts. Replace worn-out filters or belts. Regular checks help prevent breakdowns and ensure your equipment runs smoothly all winter.
How do I ensure the safety of my team during snow removal operations?
Safety starts with proper training. Make sure operators know how to use snow removal equipment safely. Equip them with safety gear like gloves and boots. Inspect equipment before use to avoid accidents. Clear walkways of obstacles and put up safety signs in snow removal areas.
Final Words
Snow removal can feel like a complex and heavy task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right equipment and support, your commercial property can stay safe and accessible all winter.
Remember, winter is easier when you have the right team behind you.
At Twin City Outdoor Services (TCOS), we specialize in reliable snow management. We use professional snow removal equipment that fits your needs. Our goal is to make winter work simpler for you.
If you want your property to stay clear and safe all winter, reach out to TCOS today for a free consultation. We’d be happy to help you find the best snow removal solution for your property.