Comparison
| Approach | How it works | Driveway burial | Edge risk | Time | Best when |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Push to centre | Push snow inward into an island or the middle | Low, if there is space in the middle | Higher near islands and curbs | Fast | A large paved circle or an open centre |
| Push out | Push snow to the outer edge, around the bulb | Higher, as snow lands in front of driveways | Lower on the pavement but higher at curbs | Medium | Wide verges and few driveways |
| Pull back | Back-drag or pull snow out of the bulb to the entrance, or to a place off the road | Lower, if a storage place exists | Lower, since the blade is working away from fixed objects | Slower | Tight bulbs, with a place to leave snow near the entrance |
Choosing a pattern
The pattern decides how often the edge meets the curb, which is the wear that matters.
- Look at the layout: island or none, curb type, driveway count and verge width.
- Decide where the snow can go without blocking driveways or hydrants.
- Choose the pattern for that place and write it on the route sheet.
- Walk it once in daylight with the driver.
- Review after the first storm and change the pattern if complaints or strikes occur.
Edge and safety tips
Turnaround damage is mostly the edge against a fixed object.
- Lift or slow at islands and curbs, and watch for parked cars.
- Use a spotter for backing in tight bulbs.
- Check the edge after any strike.
Limits
Snow depth, wind and local rules change the answer. The table is a way to start the conversation, not a rule. Talk to residents’ representatives about where snow can be placed.
Telling residents
A short notice to residents explaining where snow will be placed, and why, prevents many complaints. Include a contact number and a request to keep cars off the road during snow.
Boundary: No measurements or local rules are cited; check the contract and local rules on where snow may be placed.
Further reading on this site.
Salt, Brine and Abrasives: Choosing De-Icing Materials for a Fleet ↗Protecting Concrete From De-Icing Chemicals: What Facility Managers Should Know ↗Carbide snow plow blades ↗Plowing Along Curbs: Protecting Edge Ends and Curb Faces ↗Fresh Overlay and New Asphalt: First-Winter Plowing Settings That Avoid Raveling ↗Speed Humps and Traffic-Calming Devices: Edge Strikes and Protection Options ↗
