A lot of factors contribute to road damage during the snow season when the pavement is being attacked not only by the harsh elements but also by rough treatment from mechanical snow and ice removal operations. While some of these damaging forces — like time, traffic, temperature and precipitation — are unavoidable, others can be minimized…at least to an extent.

Road damage can be worsened when you use low-quality snowplow blades that perform poorly and, in some circumstances, transmit excess force to the surface, causing unnecessary wear. Protecting pavement from deterioration while minimizing the need for repairs can be easy if you look closely at your cutting edge.

There are several steps you can take to decrease the level of wear inflicted on the surface you’re plowing. One option is to move from low-bid blades to a higher-quality wear part. But you can also doublecheck other factors — like your blade attack angle.

Check your angle

An attack angle is the angle at which the snowplow blade hits the ground. The correct angle can positively influence snow and ice removal. It allows your blades, guards and shoes to hit the ground correctly and results in higher performance and longer blade wear life.

However, there’s more to it than simply setting the angle. Getting the best results means knowing what angle is best for the surface type and which plow blades are best for those surfaces. Many studies have been conducted to determine the optimal attack angle for snowplows and cutting edges.

The first research into this area was done at the University of Iowa in 1996. Extensive tests, both in the lab and using precise sensors on snowplows in the field, determined that the best overall attack angle for most surfaces is about 65°, whereas 55° is suitable for plowing unpaved gravel surfaces and scooping heavy snow, and 75° is best for plowing paved surfaces or asphalt and scraping hard-packed snow or ice.

If you don’t have the right attack angle, your blades won’t be as effective for snow removal and can gouge the surface and peel it away. It can rip out the chip seal, center markings, paint and reflectors, creating potholes; it can also scratch decorative surfaces.

Preventing attack angle damage

Above all, ensure you’re using the correct attack angle with your blade for the surface you’re plowing. However, the correct angle depends on your blade’s footprint.

The goal is to create an aggressive attack angle that will scrape the surface when using a single blade. When snowplowing, determine your situation and assess which angle is best suited for the current conditions.

It’s important to adjust your attack angle when you increase the footprint on the blade by adding cover blades, guards or moldboard shoes. The attack angle can become too aggressive when weight is added, causing surface damage. Adjust and decrease the attack angle once you’ve stacked your blade to be sure it’s correct.

Having an attack angle that’s off by even a few degrees can cost you time and money. Measure your attack angle and ensure the cutting edges are properly installed to get the best performance from your blades and maximize your investment.

Optimum cutting edge attack angles

Recommended plow angles were determined from laboratory and closed-road tests conducted by the University of Iowa in 1996/1997. Electronic sensors attached to plows during operation determined the level of stress applied to the moldboard under varying road conditions (snow or ice) and attack angles.

Curtis Winrod is the territory manager for Winter Equipment. Learn more at www.winterequipment.com.