When it comes to choosing the right snow plow, there are many factors—size, shape, and brand—that come into play when making a decision. One of the most important features you’ll need to decide on, however, is the right snow plow material. Below, we outline the pros and cons of different snow plow material types, allowing you to choose which is best for your personal needs.
Steel
Steel snow plows are a long-time industry favorite, designed to hold up through countless heavy-duty snow removal tasks. Many snow removal professionals prefer steel because it is less costly than alternative snow plow materials, and is more likely to match older plows in existing fleets. Steel snow plows are also treated with special coatings to help reduce rusting, but will eventually corrode over time as they endure prolonged wear and tear. Because of the nature of this snow plow material, these plows are also prone to noisy rattling, which could be an annoyance to some operators.
Poly
Polyethylene (or “poly”) snow plows combine the sturdiness found in steel plows with additional features that help extend snow plow life and increase productivity. Composed of a durable plastic, these plows are scratch- and dent-resistant throughout tough, winter conditions. The slick surfaces of poly plows also allow snow to easily slide off during use, reducing stuck-on snow that could hinder effective path clearing. In addition, colored-treated poly plows retain their color all the way through, so any possible wear that could occur over time will not show as prominently as it would on steel snow plows. On the flip side, poly plows tend to be more expensive than steel plows and usually end up weighing more once properly hooked up. Interestingly enough, poly proponents often choose this snow plow material based on thinking that poly weighs less than steel, but the heavy framework required to reinforce a poly plow actually makes this snow plow material heavier than its steel competitors.
Stainless Steel
Newer to the snow plow material market is stainless steel. Designed for the “dress to impress” crowd, this snow plow improves on the traditional steel plow in durability, scratch resistance, and looks. Of course, the ultra-shiny silver look isn’t for everyone, but for those looking for a change or wanting to match the chrome accents on a work truck, this snow plow material may be just the ticket.
As far as durability is concerned, stainless steel plows are created to resist rust and repel sticking snow better than regular steel snow plows, and will not fade like many colored plows do. Conversely, poly continues to dominate in scratch resistance, but the visually-appealing qualities of stainless steel could have a strong impact on buyer decisions as more options become available.
Making Your Decision
Depending on cost, durability, and visual factors, the best snow plow material could vary greatly from person to person. If you have further questions about which snow plow material is right for you, click here to contact our experts or find a Weingartz location near you.
About Weingartz
For over 65 years, Weingartz has been the trusted North American leader in sales, parts, and service of outdoor power equipment. A family-owned and operated business, Weingartz continues to serve commercial and residential buyers across Michigan and online at www.weingartz.com.
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Utica, MI 48317
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