Your snow plow buying guide to choosing the right plow, spreader, and snow-management system for your truck or skid-steer.
The Season Starts Here
As fall colors fade and the first flakes begin to fall, snow-removal contractors and homeowners alike start thinking about plow season. Whether you’re managing a fleet of trucks or just clearing your own driveway, choosing the right snow-plow setup makes all the difference in speed, efficiency, and cost.
Before you buy, ask yourself a few key questions.
1️⃣ What Kind of Plowing Will You Be Doing?
⭑ My own driveway
⭑ A few residential driveways
⭑ Contracted snow removal (parking lots, roads, or commercial lots)
Homeowners typically need a 7- or 8-foot plow—enough for residential driveways without overloading smaller trucks.
Commercial operators clearing large parking lots or long rural drives usually go bigger—8½ to 10 feet—to move more snow in fewer passes and get to the next job faster.
2️⃣ What Vehicle Are You Using?
The plow must fit your vehicle’s Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (FGAWR). That number—set by the manufacturer—defines the maximum weight your front axle can handle.
| Vehicle Type | Recommended Plows | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ½-ton pickup or SUV | Light straight or HTX V-plow | Stay under FGAWR |
| ¾-ton & 1-ton | Full-size V or winged plows | Ideal for commercial work |
| Skid-steer / loader | Box pusher or LiveEdge plow | Great for lots & yards |
| UTV / compact tractor | 4’–6’ straight blade | For sidewalks or small areas |
Always verify the plow’s total weight against your vehicle’s FGAWR before you buy.
3️⃣ Blade Style — Straight, V, or Winged?
| Type | Best For | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Blade | Residential/light commercial | Simple, lower cost, fewer hydraulics |
| V-Plow | Mixed commercial/residential | Can scoop, V-cut, or go straight; slices through refreeze and drifts |
| Expandable / Winged | Large lots, HOAs | Expands from 8’ to 10’+ for wide passes and faster work |
👉 Pro Tip:
The BOSS DXT offers a dual-trip design for maximum protection and flared wings for exceptional snow throw, while the XT’s full moldboard trip makes impact absorption smoother for high-speed clearing.
4️⃣ Blade Material — Steel, Poly, or Stainless?
Each option has its strengths:
- Steel: Strong, proven, and affordable.
- Stainless: Corrosion-resistant with a premium look.
- Poly: Slick surface sheds snow faster and resists scratches—but often heavier because it’s reinforced with steel backing.
5️⃣ Lighting, Controls & Mounts (BOSS Highlights)
- SmartTouch Controls: Glove-friendly, fast, intuitive.
- Enclosed Hydraulics: Freeze-resistant and low-maintenance.
- LED Headlamps (SL3/SL4): Crisp visibility in blowing snow.
- SmartHitch2 Mount: One-person hookup in seconds.
6️⃣ Skid-Steer, Loader & Tractor Plows
Metal Pless LiveEdge Technology
For large commercial lots or logistics yards, LiveEdge segmented cutting edges follow pavement contours for a cleaner scrape and less salt waste—up to 50% savings on material.
Top Picks:
- PlowMaxx: Hydraulic wings + optional LiveEdge = unbeatable efficiency.
- LiveBoxx: Box pusher with carbide inserts for high-capacity cleanup.
- AgriMaxx / MaxxPro: Specialty designs for sidewalks, DCs, and tight clearances.
7️⃣ Spreaders & De-Icing Solutions (BOSS VBX & TGS Series)
| Type | Capacity | Ideal For | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tailgate (TGS Series) | 3–11 cu-ft | Small lots, driveways | BOSS TGS 600/800 |
| Hopper (VBX / Forge) | 1.5–3 yd | Medium to large lots | VBX 6500/8000 |
| Liquid / Pre-wet Capable | Varies | Cold-temp efficiency | Forge 2.0 Stainless |
💡 Pre-wet systems improve melt rates, reduce bounce, and stretch every load of salt further.
8️⃣ Pre-Purchase Checklist
✅ Check weight limits (FGAWR or Rated Operating Capacity)
✅ Ensure blade width covers truck track at full angle
✅ Verify LED lighting and sealed connectors
✅ Choose trip system (full, edge, or dual)
✅ Match cutting edge & wear parts to conditions
✅ Confirm compatibility with your mount system
9️⃣ Total Cost of Ownership
- Durability: Carbide LiveEdge edges last longer and cut salt costs.
- Corrosion Protection: Stainless or powder-coated frames extend lifespan.
- Uptime: BOSS enclosed hydraulics and SmartLock cylinders reduce weather-related downtime.
🔟 Recommended Setups
| Scenario | Recommended Setup | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed lots & travel lanes | BOSS DXT 8’2”/9’2” + VBX 8000 | Fast, dual-trip, versatile |
| Large retail & logistics yards | Metal Pless LiveBoxx or PlowMaxx + Forge 2.0 | Clean finish, less salt |
| Compact tractors & sidewalks | Berlon Snow Blade or MaxxPro Sidewalk + TGS 300/600 | Maneuverable & efficient |
🔧 FAQs
V-Plow or Straight?
V-Plow wins for versatility—scoop, windrow, or cut through packed drifts.
Trip-Edge or Full-Trip?
Trip-edge keeps snow contained; full-trip protects your vehicle.
BOSS covers both (XT = full, DXT = dual).
What’s LiveEdge?
A segmented floating cutting edge that contours to uneven pavement for cleaner passes and less salt—exclusive to Metal Pless.
Ready to Get a Quote?
Not sure which setup fits your work?
Send us your vehicle make, lot size, and snow conditions—we’ll spec a custom system using BOSS, Metal Pless, or Berlon gear, guaranteed to fit and perform.
Leave a Reply