When winter arrives, having the right snow removal equipment for sidewalks is crucial for keeping your pathways safe and accessible. Snow-covered sidewalks can be dangerous, increasing the risk of slips and falls for pedestrians. Clearing snow effectively not only keeps walkways safe but also helps avoid potential fines in areas where clearing sidewalks is a legal requirement.
It’s important to invest in high-quality, reliable tools to make snow removal easier. With so many different types of snow removal equipment available, selecting the right tools for your needs can seem overwhelming. In this blog, we’ll go over the most essential snow removal equipment for sidewalks, helping you stay prepared when the snow starts falling.
What Is Snow Removal Equipment?
Snow removal equipment includes tools and machines specifically designed to clear snow and ice from surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. It can range from simple hand tools like shovels to more advanced machinery such as snow blowers. Each piece of equipment serves a specific purpose, depending on the amount of snowfall and the size of the area that needs to be cleared.
When choosing snow removal equipment for sidewalks, think about how much snow your area usually gets, the size of your property, and how much physical effort you want to put in. The right tools can save you time and energy, while also helping to prevent injuries. Moreover, for larger areas or heavy snowfalls, professional snow removal services are invaluable. Professionals use specialized equipment that not only speeds up the process but also ensures thorough and safe removal.
9 Essential Snow Removal Equipment for Sidewalk
When it comes to clearing sidewalks during the winter months, you need the right tools to guarantee the job is done efficiently and safely. Here are nine essential pieces of snow removal equipment for sidewalks that will help you keep your pathways clear:
1. Snow Shovels
A basic but vital tool, the snow shovel is often the first go-to for many. Shovels come in various designs, including ergonomic models to reduce strain, as well as pusher shovels for light snow. For icy or heavier snow, a sturdier, metal-bladed shovel may be required.
2. Ergonomic Shovels
These shovels are designed with curved or bent handles to minimize the strain on your back and arms. They are especially useful if you have a large sidewalk to clear or expect frequent snowfall. Ergonomic shovels can help make the process of removing snow less physically demanding.
3. Snow Blowers
Snow blowers are a popular piece of snow removal equipment for sidewalks because they can clear large areas quickly. For a significant snowfall, a snow blower can be a real time-saver. Single-stage blowers are best for lighter snow, while two-stage blowers are suitable for heavier and deeper snowfalls.
4. Power Brooms
A power broom is a motorized tool with rotating bristles, perfect for sweeping away light snow, slush, or debris from sidewalks. It’s especially effective after using a snow blower to clear any remaining snow or ice, leaving a clean and safe surface. Power brooms are commonly used by professionals to ensure thorough snow removal.
5. Ice Scrapers
After shoveling, you may encounter patches of ice. Ice scrapers are designed to remove compacted ice from sidewalks, ensuring the surface is safe to walk on. They’re lightweight, easy to handle, and effective at breaking up stubborn ice.
6. Ice Melt
Ice melt is a must-have for keeping sidewalks clear and safe. It helps prevent ice buildup and quickly melts any remaining snow or ice on the surface. Products like calcium chloride and magnesium chloride are popular choices, as they work in colder temperatures and are less harmful to concrete and vegetation.
7. Salt Spreaders
To apply ice melt efficiently, a salt spreader is essential. For smaller areas, a handheld spreader works well, while larger sidewalks may require a walk-behind spreader to evenly distribute salt or other ice-melting agents.
8. Snow Pushers
For those looking for an alternative to a snow blower, snow pushers are great at pushing large amounts of snow off sidewalks. They work best with light, fluffy snow and are less physically demanding than traditional snow shovels.
9. Commercial Snow Plows
Professionals frequently use snow plows for large-scale snow removal, including sidewalks. While smaller properties may not require a full snow plow, businesses and municipalities often rely on plow trucks or ATV-mounted plows to efficiently clear large sidewalk areas and parking lots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does snow removal for sidewalks cost?
Clearing snow from your sidewalks typically costs between $25 and $75 per hour. The cost can vary based on the size of the area and the amount of snow. If you’re short on time or prefer not to shovel, hiring a professional is an easy way to keep your sidewalks safe and snow-free.
Can snow blowers damage my sidewalk?
Snow blowers, when used properly, are generally safe for sidewalks. However, if the snow blower’s blade is set too low or if the sidewalk has cracks or uneven surfaces, it could potentially cause damage. Professionals are trained to adjust their equipment settings to avoid any harm to the sidewalk surface.
What happens if you don’t shovel snow?
If you don’t shovel snow, it can quickly become a safety issue. Snow left on sidewalks can turn into ice, making it slippery and dangerous for people walking by. This increases the risk of someone slipping and getting injured. In some places, there are also rules that require you to clear your sidewalks after it snows. If you don’t, you could be fined.
Conclusion
Having the right snow removal equipment for sidewalks is key to keeping your walkways clear and safe during winter. From snow shovels and snow blowers to salt spreaders and plows, investing in high-quality equipment ensures that you can handle any snowfall with ease.
If you’re looking for professional snow removal services, contact Audet Enterprises! Our expert will keep your sidewalks clear and safe all season long. Reach out to us for all your snow removal needs this winter!
⬇️ Find us on Google Maps: Best Snow Removal in Portland, Maine ⬇️
