When it comes to owning and operating a snow removal business, the most commonly used equipment are snow plows and ice removal systems, but those tools aren’t much help when it comes to larger jobs such as ski resort snow grooming and removing snow in remote areas. For the heavy-duty jobs, nothing works quite like a Snow Cat, but there are a few things you need to consider before purchasing one for your snow removal business.
5 Things to Consider When Buying a Snow Cat:
Weather Conditions
The most important thing to consider before you purchase a Snow Cat is what kind of conditions you’ll be using it in. Will you need to get through deep fresh snow regularly? Are steep climbs something you’ll be driving over regularly? The type of terrain and weather will make a big difference in the type of Cat you’ll need.
Size Needed
When it comes to purchasing and using a Snow Cat, size definitely matters. However, there are positives and negatives to each type. Large, wide Snow Cats are too wide to use on highways without special permits and too large to fit between trees, while smaller Snow Cats make moving heavy snow loads, using attachments, or traveling up steep hills through deep snow far more difficult, if not virtually impossible. Weigh your options and base your decision on which situations will cause you the fewest problems.
Hydrostatic or Brake-Steer
If you’re using your Snow Cat primarily for large jobs, hydrostatic styles with tracks that operate on individual hydraulic motors are the way to go. This style is the only type of Snow Cat capable of counter steering, which allows you to turn quickly and easily, making them easier to maneuver than standard brake-steer Snow Cats. However, the maintenance and repairs on a hydrostatic Snow Cat is far more expensive and the warm up time increases significantly. If you’re just looking for a unit that you can turn on and go, the conventional brake-steer style is for you.
Personal & Staff Training
There are special Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates when it comes to operating Snow Cats. Before purchasing one for your business, make sure you and all of your employees who will be driving the Snow Cat have the proper training and certifications.
Location
Finally, when considering a Snow Cat purchase, keep in mind that they are very large and difficult vehicles to transport. This might seem like an obvious consideration, but it can be very tempting to purchase a less expensive long distance Snow Cat in good condition only to realize you have to spend far more than you expected to get it shipped to you. It makes perfect financial sense to buy a Snow Cat locally with a slightly higher sticker price.
Contact Semi Service Today!
Ready to purchase a Snow Cat but aren’t sure where to start? Semi Service is here to help! We offer only the best snow removal products and equipment at the most reasonable prices in Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas. Contact us online or give us a call at (800) 442-6687 to get started!
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