Your Guide to the Best Commercial Snow Plow Options from Kunes
When winter hits hard, your fleet needs to be ready. Whether you’re a municipal buyer, property manager, or a snow removal contractor, choosing the best snow plow for your commercial fleet can directly impact performance, downtime, and overall operational costs—while also ensuring customer satisfaction and keeping property safe. Selecting a plow with a performance edge can make a significant difference in winter operations.
The snow plow market offers a range of options designed to meet the specific needs of commercial fleets.
This guide breaks down key considerations, customization tips, and comparison points to help you make the smartest investment for your trucks.
Introduction to Snow Plows
Snow plows are the backbone of efficient snow removal for commercial properties, municipalities, and contractors facing heavy snowfall. Investing in a reliable commercial snow plow is essential for keeping roads, parking lots, and driveways clear and safe throughout the winter. Today’s commercial snow plows, such as the Meyer Super Blade, are engineered for heavy-duty performance, offering features like adjustable width and industry leading ground clearance. These advanced blades are designed to tackle the toughest snow removal tasks, ensuring that your fleet can handle even the most demanding conditions. When selecting a commercial snow plow, it’s important to consider not only the type of plow but also its construction and features, so you can match the right plow to your specific snow removal needs and maximize efficiency all season long.
Types of Snow Plows
Choosing the right type of snow plow is crucial for ensuring efficient snow removal across different environments. Straight blade plows are a popular choice for clearing large, open areas like parking lots, thanks to their simplicity and effectiveness. For more versatility, V plows can be configured into a “V” shape to break through deep snow or a “scoop” shape to move snow to the side, making them ideal for tackling heavy accumulation and tight spots. Parallel lift plows are designed to handle uneven surfaces, providing a smooth ride and consistent contact with the ground without the need for a hydraulic float system. By understanding the strengths of each plow type, you can select the right plow for your fleet’s specific snow removal tasks, ensuring efficient snow removal and minimizing the number of passes required to clear snow from your properties.
Factors to Consider for Fleet Snow Plows
Blade Size and Type
The right blade size depends on your vehicle type and job scope.
- Straight blades (7.5’–10’): Versatile and cost-effective, ideal for general plowing. Blade sizes at the lower end are suitable for half ton trucks, while larger straight blades can be used on 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks.
- V-plows: Offer angle versatility for complex spaces and heavy snow. Commercial grade plows in this category are designed for demanding jobs and are compatible with GVW trucks and ton trucks.
- Wide or expandable blades: Great for large lots, parking structures, and long runs. Aggressive contractor grade moldboards are ideal for contractors who need to clear large amounts of snow quickly and efficiently.
Larger contractors and municipalities may require the most robust plows for their fleets, ensuring reliable performance for heavy-duty snow removal tasks.
Mounting System Compatibility
Different trucks require different mounting options. Consider compatibility with:
- RAM 2500/3500, Ford Super Duty, and Chevy Silverado HD
- Fleet standardization: Choose plows that can easily switch between vehicles if needed.
Look for fleet-optimized systems with quick-connect mounts and multi-vehicle brackets. Some mounting systems and accessories, such as shoe kits, are designed for easy installation, reducing setup time for your fleet.
Vehicle Integration and Fit
Ensure the snow plow integrates with your fleet’s existing wiring, alternator capacity, and front-end strength, and that it is durable enough for repeated use and harsh winter conditions.
Always consult OEM plow prep packages or dealer compatibility charts (especially for RAM, Ford, and Chevy commercial fleets).
Snow Plow Materials and Construction
The durability and performance of a snow plow depend heavily on its materials and construction. Commercial grade plows, like those in the Western and Meyer lines, are built with rugged straight blades crafted from powder-coated steel or stainless steel, offering superior resistance to rust and corrosion. Key features such as vertical ribs and aggressive contractor-grade moldboards provide added strength, allowing these plows to withstand the rigors of heavy snowfall and demanding commercial use. For night plowing, standard LED lights and a fleet flex electrical system ensure better visibility and smooth operation, even in low-light conditions. These construction details are essential for a reliable commercial snow plow that can deliver consistent results and stand up to the toughest winter weather.
Customizing Your Plow Setup
Adjustable Controls
Modern commercial plows now feature:
- Backlit joystick or touchscreen controls
- Programmable angles and pressure settings
- Cab-mounted smart controllers with diagnostics
These improve plow efficiency while reducing operator fatigue.
Safety Features
- Trip-edge or full-trip blades to protect both plow and vehicle
- LED light kits and deflectors for visibility
- Automatic shutoffs and overcurrent protection
- Heated cab features or accessories to help operators stay warm during extended plowing sessions
Vehicle Tech Integration
High-end snow plows offer integration with GPS tracking, telematics, and fleet management platforms. This is essential for route optimization, tracking plow times, and verifying service for commercial clients.
Snow Plow Operator Training
Proper training is vital for snow plow operators to ensure both safety and efficient snow removal. Operators should be well-versed in the plow’s features, including adjustable width and trip edge mechanisms, and know how to operate the equipment in challenging conditions such as deep snow and narrow driveways. Comprehensive training programs should cover routine maintenance, safe operating procedures, and best practices for clearing snow from various surfaces, including parking lots and side streets. By investing in thorough operator training, businesses can ensure their snow plow fleet is used effectively, reducing the risk of accidents, minimizing property damage, and delivering reliable, efficient snow removal for every job.
Snow Plow Maintenance and Repair
Keeping your snow plow fleet in top condition requires regular maintenance and timely repairs. Essential tasks include inspecting and replacing worn components like the shoe kit, lubricating moving parts, and checking the plow’s electrical system for any issues. Proper off-season storage and handling are also important to prevent corrosion and extend the life of your equipment. By prioritizing maintenance and addressing repairs promptly, you can minimize downtime and ensure your snow plows are always ready to tackle the most demanding snow removal tasks. This proactive approach not only protects your investment but also guarantees reliable and efficient service for your customers throughout the winter season.
Side-by-Side Model Comparison
Plow Model | Blade Type | Vehicle Compatibility | Best For | Cost Range | Reliability |
Western Pro Plus | Straight Blade | RAM/Ford/Chevy HD | General fleet use, open lots | $$ | ★★★★☆ |
Boss DXT | V-Plow | RAM 2500+/Ford Super Duty | Deep/heavy snow, plowing snow in narrow areas | $$$$ | ★★★★★ |
SnowEx 8611PP | Expandable | Medium/Heavy-Duty Trucks | Large parking lots, open lots, fewer passes on large surface area | $$$$ | ★★★★☆ |
Fisher XV2 | V-Plow | All major HD trucks | Municipal or heavy use, snowiest municipal roads, cul de sacs | $$$$ | ★★★★★ |
Meyer Lot Pro (part of the Meyer line) | Straight Blade | Light-to-medium trucks | Parking lots, plowing snow in narrow areas, cul de sacs | $$ | ★★★★☆ |
All models are designed to plow snow efficiently. The Fisher XV2 and Boss DXT are a reliable choice for plowing snow in the snowiest municipal roads and heavy conditions. The SnowEx 8611PP's expandable blade allows for fewer passes when clearing large surface areas, making it ideal for large parking lots and open lots. The Meyer Lot Pro, as part of the Meyer line, is well-suited for parking lots, narrow areas, and cul de sacs.
Cost vs. Performance: What’s Worth It?
- If you're managing larger lots or heavy-duty municipal routes, invest in V-plows or expandable blades.
- For standard commercial contracts, a reliable straight blade with basic controls can offer the best ROI.
- Downtime costs more than a few thousand in upfront savings—opt for quality and support over budget-only solutions.
Fleet-Ready Snow Plows at Kunes Commercial
At Kunes Commercial, we specialize in pairing snow plows with fleet-ready trucks from RAM, Ford, and Chevrolet. Our team will:
- Help spec out plow packages by model and trim
- Offer custom mount solutions and electrical compatibility support
- Provide access to fleet financing and upfit incentives
Ready to Upgrade Your Snow Plow Fleet?
Kunes makes it easy to equip your trucks for the season ahead. Whether you need a RAM 5500 with a V-plow, a Chevy 2500 with a straight blade, or a fleet-wide installation strategy, we have you covered.