In the middle of a winter storm, snow plow blades keep the roads open, protect drivers from the elements, minimize road damage, and stand the test of time — but only if they're made of the right materials. To cut through ice and push piles of snow, a snow plow blade must be strong, smooth, and durable. Certain materials, including rubber and tungsten carbide, are the key to effective plow edges that can handle even the worst road conditions.

What Are Snow Plow Blades Made Of?

Over time, manufacturers have developed a range of snow plow blades to account for the wide variety of possible snow and surface types. There are snow blade options for every budget and application, including these commonly preferred materials.

Rubber

Rubber snow blades are flexible and strong, making them ideal for decorative or sensitive surfaces, such as brick or new concrete. They can conform to unusual textures, such as dirt or gravel roads, which steel blades might dig up or damage.

Using rubber blades is also a good choice to scrape away slush on fragile surfaces, such as parking garage roofs with rubber membranes. However, because they're softer and less forceful than other types, they aren't as effective when dealing with ice or extremely heavy snow.

Polyurethane

If you're looking for a stronger blade that still minimizes surface damage, try polyurethane. This material is five times more resilient than rubber, still dampens vibrations, and is less harmful to roads than more rigid steel or carbide blades. Polyurethane blades are best suited to residential applications and are very smooth, so snow doesn't stick and discharges farther and faster.

High-Carbon Steel

Because high-carbon or “mild” steel is durable, cost-effective, and strong enough to take on hard snowpacks and thick ice, these inexpensive steel bolt-on edges are the go-to choice for many municipalities. Keep in mind, however, that steel is more likely to cause damage to roads, particularly if you choose a low-quality mild steel blade that can become damaged and misshapen.

Heat-Treated Steel

Heat-treated bolt-on edges are a step up from mild steel, with greater hardness (i.e. in the range of 410-512 on the Brinell scale, versus mild steel’s 271-307 rating). These edges are put through an oven-heating and cooling process that makes them much more reliable and only a slightly higher expense. It’s what we recommend in 99% of cases.

Tungsten Carbide

Tungsten carbide is the hardest snow plow edge material on the market, which translates to an extremely long wear life. A snow plow blade made from this material can cut through the toughest ice and snowpack. Although they come at a higher price point, tungsten carbide blades are a great way to clear flat roads and surfaces. However, because carbide is also a brittle material, it may not be the best choice for uneven terrain where the edge is more likely to catch and chip or crack.

What to Consider When Choosing a Snow Plow Edge Material

With so many snow plow blades available, it can be difficult to decide which ones to purchase. Consider how different snow plow blade features will stack up against your needs, including:

  • Road composition: Certain materials are more suitable for brick, concrete, dirt, asphalt, or gravel surfaces.
  • Budget: More expensive blades often withstand more wear and last longer, whereas cheaper blades will require more frequent replacements.
  • Wear life: No blades last forever, but some materials, such as heat-treated steel and carbide, are more resistant to wear.

In some cases, you get the best value by choosing blades with combined plow cutting-edge materials. For instance, the Race 150 blade has carbide encased in vulcanized rubber, making it quieter and more durable.

How Long Do Snow Plow Blades Last?

The wear life of snow plow blades depends on what they're made of, how often you use them, and where you use them. For instance, rubber blades that you use nearly every day in the winter will wear out much more quickly than steel blades that you only put to work a few times a season. Generally speaking, you can expect snow plow blades to start showing wear in as few as 6 months and plan to replace them in 18 to 24 months.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, state and local agencies spend upwards of $2.3 billion on snow and ice control operations each year. Part of that expense is buying and replacing snow plow blades. In areas with frequent snowfall, choosing blades that won't wear out quickly can lead to significant savings.

Finding the Best Blades

Whether you're looking for ways to minimize wear on snow removal blades or want a plow-cutting edge material that won't damage sensitive surfaces, Equipment Blades is ready to help. Download our product catalog to find the perfect snow plow blade for your needs.

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