A snow plow’s blade can also be used for pushing dirt. However, you have to be careful not to scrape or dig into the surface underneath the dirt. For this reason, when you start pushing the dirt, let the snowplow be a few inches above the ground then you can adjust accordingly once most of the dirt is gone.
You may be asking yourself, “Can I push dirt with a snowplow?” This post will answer this question comprehensively and look at why it may or may not be a good idea to use a snowplow to push dirt.
Push Dirt with a Snowplow
Snowplows are heavy-duty pieces of equipment designed to clear snow and ice from roads in the winter.
A snow plow’s blade can also be used for pushing dirt. However, you have to be careful not to press down on your driveway or whatever surface the dirt is on.
For this reason, when you start pushing the dirt, let the snowplow be a few inches bout the ground then you can adjust accordingly once most of the dirt is gone.
This technique isn’t recommended for dirt that is very packed down, and it’s not meant to clear large areas of dirt, but you can use a snowplow blade to push small amounts of loose dirt around the yard, like after planting new grass or dealing with landscaping projects.
This can be useful if your shovel keeps getting stuck in the dirt and you need to move the pile of the earth around.
Tips for Pushing Dirt with a Snowplow
Go Slow
You don’t want to scrape the surface underneath the dirt or dig holes you want to fill. Slowly and smoothly push the dirt around until it’s in place or where you want it to go.
This is especially the case when you still have a huge pile. You can gradually increase your speed as more dirt goes where you want it to.
Keep Safety in Mind
As with any heavy equipment, safety should always be a priority when operating a snowplow for anything other than its intended purpose of clearing snow and ice from roads. You can’t just let go of the plow when you’re pushing dirt because it will only take one slip up to cause an injury.
Adjust the height of the blade accordingly
As mentioned earlier, you will need to raise the blade about an inch or so before starting to push the dirt. You should also raise it higher if you are trying to get rid of a big pile.
If you are pushing a huge pile of dirt, you might want to raise the blade even higher and start from the sides as you push the pile toward the center. This way, you won’t have to worry about digging holes or scraping up your surface underneath.
Tilt the snowplow blade to about 40-45 degrees
Do this when you have moved most of the dirt, and there is a risk of scraping the surface. Tilting the blade will significantly reduce or eliminate any possible scraping or damage to the surface.
Listen while you plow
You may want to turn off your radio and listen to the blade as you plow. This way, you are more likely to hear/feel it digging, scraping, or digging into the surface underneath.
You can then make adjustments to prevent further damage. Also, make sure you wear appropriate safety gear; this includes hearing protection, goggles, and gloves.
Accessories that Can Help
Plow Shoes: These are a set of brackets that can be attached to the bottom part of your blade. They help you push/lift dirt and other small objects instead of pushing them around with the plow’s weight.
Ripper Attachment: This is another useful accessory for those who want to use their snowplows as rippers or tillers, which is something you can do with the right attachments.
Poly Edges: You may want to consider adding poly edges to your blade if you are going to use it for moving or pushing dirt. These prevent the snowplow’s metal from digging into/scraping up surfaces underneath where you want to push dirt.
Back Drag Edge: You can plow in reverse using this type of edge. It is ideal for when you want to push dirt and don’t have a lot of room behind your snowplow to turn it around, especially if the blade is in the up position.
Pushing Dirt with Snowplow FAQs
Will pushing dirt with snowplow damage the blade?
It is unlikely that a blade will be damaged with a little bit of dirt being pushed around. However, it is possible if the blade digs in deeply and scrapes up your surface underneath when you’re trying to push large amounts of dirt at once or over uneven ground such as small mounds.
Does pushing dirt with a snowplow void the warranty?
It shouldn’t unless you have damaged the blade in some way. However, it is possible that you will void the warranty if your blade shows any signs of damage or has been bent after using it for this purpose.
Does pushing dirt with a snowplow effect cutting performance?
The short answer is no; however, there may be an increased risk of potential problems like smudging if you push dirt with a snowplow blade that has not been prepped for the task.
Final Thoughts
You can push dirt with a snowplow, but as discussed, you have to take precautions to avoid damaging the blade and/or scraping and digging into surfaces underneath.
