All driveways are not created equal. Gravel driveways are in a league of their own. Inexperience in plowing gravel driveways can result in what looks to be success until the sun comes out and temperatures rise. No one wants to discover there’s more gravel in the yard or ditch than the driveway when the snow melts away.
Here are a few tips to help remove snow, not gravel, and have success with your snow plowing business when plowing gravel driveways.
Skid Shoes Can Help
When a driveway is relatively level, setting skid shoes close to the ground can help you avoid most of the gravel. One key to successfully plowing gravel driveways is finding the right balance to get most of the snow with as little gravel as possible is important. Skid shoes are a great plow accessory to help keep the blade from going all the way down to the drive which results in less displaced gravel.
It is also important to get to know your client and their individual preferences. Some clients may be stricter than others about how much gravel is displaced. If you know a certain client is quite particular about their lawn, that client may appreciate your efforts in keeping as much of the gravel as possible out of the yard. An extra inch or two of snow on the drive may be a welcome trade for the condition of their drive – and especially their lawn – in the springtime.
Keep the Blade Higher Than Normal
Sure, snow removal is just that…removing snow. But plowing gravel driveways is difficult because you are removing as much snow as possible while trying to avoid picking up gravel. When you plow gravel with snow, it’s often found after the spring melt and can disrupt residential or business areas while it’s moved.
The higher you keep your blade while plowing gravel driveways, the less gravel you’ll pick up. Making blade-height adjustments based on how level the ground is for each location is important as well. There is not a one-height-fits-all adjustment for plowing gravel driveways as they are by nature uneven.
Plan to Make Multiple Passes
It may be more time consuming, but planning to make multiple passes when plowing gravel driveways is the most efficient way to remove more snow and less gravel. Aim your blade high to make your initial pass and avoid gravel. This means that each pass will leave snow behind. Then, to clear the excess snow, you’ll need to lower the blade slightly and make another pass.
It may not be the quickest method, but when you plan to make multiple passes, you can move more snow while being less likely to move excess gravel. A little extra time for multiple passes can really pay off in the long run with satisfied clients.
Start at the Center
Another helpful tip when plowing gravel driveways is to work your way out from the center. Then angle your blade or use an angled blade to help push the snow to the sides. This technique will help you push displaced snow further to the edges with each pass.
You May Not Clear It All
The final thing to keep in mind about plowing gravel driveways is accepting that gravel driveways aren’t about perfection. In order to keep from ruining the gravel, you will have to trade perfection for leaving a thin layer of snow. If you keep plowing, you will eventually start taking more gravel than snow from the driveway.
It can be very helpful to get out and do a quick check of the snow depth. You may not clear it all, but you’ll be able to confirm how close you are to the gravel and if the driveway is clear enough to call it a day.
Contact Semi Service Today
Don’t get left out in the cold, we can help answer your questions! The snowy season is here, so let our experts help you sooner rather than later.
Contact us online or give us a call at (801) 895-4419 to get started today!
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