The Right Tool For the Job – Different Snow Removal Methods

Posted: Dec 14, 2023

Now that Denver is in the midst of winter weather, snow removal companies are a common sight all over the metro area. CDOT trucks are driving around clearing our streets and highways; residential snow companies are hard at work clearing neighborhoods and private drives; and commercial contractors are clearing large parking lots and walkways around malls and shopping centers. While each job may seem identical on paper, they each have their own unique challenges that require specialized equipment, techniques, and expertise to perform well. This is why it’s vital that commercial properties look for professional commercial snow contractors to handle their snow removal needs.

In this article, we will break down why commercial snow removal requires special equipment in order to get the job done quickly and effectively:

Why Commercial Snow Removal Needs The Right Equipment

  1. Larger Vehicles and Equipment Clear Snow Faster

    One of the main differences between commercial and residential snow removal is the typical size of the work area and the size of the equipment needed to clear it. It may only take a few quick back-drags using a pickup truck with a small plow to clear a driveway, but it could take the same size truck several hours to clear a large parking lot.

    For certain jobs, however, more heavy-duty vehicles might be needed to get things done quickly and safely. Commercial snow removal vehicles like tractors, track loaders, and dump trucks for hauling snow are much larger than a normal pickup truck and can mount larger snow plows, blowers, buckets, brooms, and de-icer/salt spreaders. Larger equipment means fewer passes are needed to clear the property, which leads to fewer man hours and less fuel spent moving snow around.

    In some cases, smaller vehicles can work in teams to clear large areas faster. A lead truck might use a V-plow to start the path, with the trailing vehicles using straight plows angled outward to push the snow to the side as they pass. There is no “one size fits all” solution for commercial snow removal, which is why it’s important to find a commercial snow removal contractor who has a wide range of vehicles and equipment available to handle any job.

  2. Walkways and Other Areas Need Fast Cleanup, Too

    Commercial snow removal also differs from residential services because there tends to be much more square footage of walkways, sidewalks, curbs, ramps, and stairs. A small push-operated snow blower may be adequate for clearing a path from the front door to the driveway and the small stretch of sidewalk in front of a house, but it could take much more time for the same snow blower to clear a fraction of the walkways on a typical commercial property.

    Smaller specialized vehicles like skid steers and compact tractors can mount plows, blowers, or brooms to clear walkways in much less time than push-operated equipment, sometimes in just one or two passes. They can also usually mount tailgate de-icer or salt spreaders to multi-task, further cutting down on service times.

  3. Why Commercial Snow Removal Services Are Essential for Your Business

    Time is the most important factor for commercial snow removal; faster response times and less time spent removing snow mean that there is less chance of accidents or injuries on the property due to snow and ice. Speed and efficiency are the keys to keeping people safe, which is why it’s incredibly important to hire a commercial snow contractor to take care of your property. Look for a commercial snow removal company that has the right equipment to handle any snow removal challenge on your property. They will be able to work with you to develop an effective snow management plan, making sure that your property is safer, faster.


See the Difference Snow Management Services can make for your property

Our team of experts has the equipment and experience to keep your Denver area commercial property safe during even the roughest winter weather. With more than 29 years of experience, we can tailor a snow management plan that fits your needs and budget. We are fully equipped to offer the full range of snow and ice removal services that will keep your property safe and presentable no matter what Mother Nature brings our way.

To see how SMS can help your Denver-area business or commercial property, give us a call today at (303) 750-8867 or get in touch with us online to get started.