Let It Snow
Diversification is key no matter what business you're in. Landscape contractors living in colder climates need only look out their front windows during the winter to discover a new outlet that could bring them big profits.Industry experts will tell you that a key to success in the snow removal business is learning to use different tools that fit the specific environments you are servicing. That's why professional snow and ice management companies have turned in recent years to compact equipment because by interchanging attachments, they can tailor one machine to perform a variety of snow and ice removal tasks.
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 dumping ability and large number of attachment options enable the operator to remove snow more efficiently," says Rob Otterson, Bobcat Company market segmentation manager.
Attachments most commonly used with skid-steer loaders are the snow blade, snow V-blade, angle broom, snowblower, scraper, whisker push broom, snow pusher and buckets. The Bobcat® snow blade attachment comes in five blade widths ranging from 4 to 8 feet and is best used when pushing more than a foot of snow off a path. 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, contractors 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, Otterson suggests using a scraper attachment. It has self-sharpening cutting edge that easily slides under stubborn snow and ice on pavement to produce a smooth surface.
For clearing more than 6 inches of snow, the snowblower attachment proves ideal for blowing snow away from the area, into a pile or dump truck. And for lighter snowfalls, attach either an angle broom or whisker push broom. The angle broom can be used for sweeping less than a foot of snow, and the whisker push broom should be used for 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. The 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 features can play a role in productiveness. An enclosed cab with heat, selectable joystick controls and suspension seat are just a few of the features 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 is that landscape 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 inside the Bobcat A300 all-wheel steer loader.
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 standard two-speed transmission on the A300, Otterson 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 to the Bobcat MT52 and MT55, you now have machines to access spaces — such as sidewalks and walkways — that are too small for larger equipment.
Toolcat 5600 Utility Work Machine
The benefit of purchasing a Toolcat utility work machine is that it combines the best features of a utility loader, 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 heavy implements and trailers and pushing large amounts of 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. And for variable speed control, the drive pedal finds the exact speed needed.
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 contractors 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, Otterson 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 60.5-inch width allows it to fit between most sidewalks and pathways, making it ideal for more municipal snow removal applications. You can blow snow into trucks using a Toolcat 5600 with 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.
2300 Utility Vehicle
Also, the new Bobcat 2300 utility vehicle can move snow and sweep and move materials with its one-of-a-kind RapidLink™ attachment system. Operators can control attachments with an easy-to-operate joystick — all from the comfort of the operator area. An enclosed cab is available for added protection from winter weather.
VersaHandler Telescopic Tool Carriers
If you plan to take on larger snow removal jobs such as mall parking areas, Otterson says a telescopic tool carrier can provide the extra speed and lift you need.
The VersaHandler® telescopic tool carrier can travel as fast as 18.4 mph and is available with lift heights of 18 or 23 depending on the model. The travel speed enables the machine to more effectively push and pile a large volume of snow. And the increased lift height enables operators to pile snow higher than a one-yard loader and more easily load dump trucks.
Another advantage of telescopic tool carriers is their ground clearance, which enables them to easily travel across snow-covered areas. And the two-speed hydrostatic transmission on the VersaHandler telescopic tool carriers features a creep function, which provides dynamic braking and controlled movement while inching up and down slopes.
Otterson says the attachments most commonly used with telescopic tool carriers for snow removal are the angle broom and light material buckets.
With numerous available options and accessories, operators can tailor-fit their Bobcat tool carriers to match their snow removal crews. They can choose from a climate-controlled cab; light kits; suspension seat; alarm package; deluxe instrument panels; 2-speed; Power Bob-Tach™; advanced control system or selectable joystick controls; high-flow hydraulics, block heater, engine oil pan heater, or cold start kit; and AM/FM stereo radio.