How to Plow Snow with a Pickup Truck

Snow removal can be time-consuming and extremely difficult if you have a large parking area or a long driveway to clear off. Personal snow plows make this arduous task significantly less difficult by taking the work off your shoulders and placing it on the plow. While these plows are available for everything from pickup trucks to ATVs, this article will focus on how to use a home plow mounted on a pickup truck.

Plowing Snow with a Pickup Truck

Before plowing, lower the blade (if the system requires you to do so). Now all you have to do is drive forward to plow, and back your vehicle in reverse to leave the snow where you piled it.

To ensure you save fuel and time, take a measured approach. If you are plowing a large parking area, begin at the outermost edge from where you plan on piling the snow. Then, working one side to the other, systematically move the snow toward your pile. Depending on the depth of the snowfall or the last time you plowed, you may have to return to some areas you've already plowed to catch leftover snow.

If you are plowing a long drive, begin at the bottom of the drive and make your way up to the top of wherever you plan on depositing your snow. Again, work systematically from one side to the other.

Depending on the type of home plow you purchase, you may have the ability to adjust the angle of the blade. This will allow you to plow snow off to the side rather than straight ahead. For those who have long driveways, plowing at an angle may be the ideal solution.

Plowing Tips

When snow is thick, wet, or compacted, driving slowly will allow the blade to dig in further. This will save you time and fuel as you will not have to make so many passes with your plow.

After removing your home plow for regular daily vehicle use, use a hitch plug to ensure your hitch doesn't fill with snow, ice, or other debris. This will make reattaching your home plow a breeze when you need it most.

When traveling long distances with your home plow, take a moment to ensure all pins and other safety devices are securely in place, and that the plow is locked tightly to the hitch.

Some plows may cover your headlights when placed in the 'non-use' position for travel. Keep this in mind if you plan to travel in the evening or at night with your plow attached.

Lower your plow to ground level to begin plowing.

Push the snow to your desired location.

Work from side to side to quickly and efficiently clear snow from your yard or driveway.

Plows that can change angles give you more plowing options.

Make sure the plow is in its raised position before driving on public roads.

Use a hitch plug to prevent snow and ice accumulation between plowing sessions.