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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/753192
www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation November/December 2016 21 Protect against hazards and obstacles How pusher components react to outside hazards, such as curbs, medians and parking lot islands, plays a large role in keeping a contractor safe and the customer's property unscathed. Some manufacturers design pushers to protect the operator and withstand harsh impacts with obstacles, all while minimizing damage to property. A pusher with a sectional moldboard, spring-loaded trip edges and mechanical side panels will lift up and over raised objects. A one-piece rigid pusher with non-moving components, on the other hand, can collide with unexpected obstacles, quickly stopping the entire unit and throwing the operator forward, resulting in possible injury. Hard jolts like this can also cause cracks in the arms of the carrier equipment. Should an operator hit a hidden curb, some pusher designs feature mounting blocks that will absorb the impact and pressure, protecting the pusher, carrier and operator. Mounting blocks protect the carrier's bushings, hydraulic system, transmission and motor. Those blocks can be replaced for considerably less money than replacing a damaged carrier and, more than that, they keep the operator safe and property protected. Besides choosing equipment that will prevent injury and property damage, contractors can take steps to evaluate their contracted property before the fi rst snowfall to increase safety. Contractors should note obstacles in the work area such as light poles, cart corrals, protruding manhole covers, speed bumps and the possibility of 24-hour parking lot traffi c. Snow removal companies can spend tens of thousands of dollars each year repairing damage done to curbing, parking lots and streets that have been hit by rigid, fi xed side panels that don't adjust to hidden obstacles. If damage does occur, it's best to document it right away. Take photos and communicate with the property management quickly to make arrangements for repairs and handling traffi c fl ow. Mark the obstacle with cones so it's visible to drivers. This keeps customers safe and maintains a contractor's business reputation. Ensure proper operation Understanding safe operating procedures for both the carrier equipment and snow pusher prevents damage. Always conduct a pre-trip inspection of the pusher and carrier machine to ensure that everything meets standards and functions properly. Just as during summer jobs, perform proper servicing to the carrier machine, double-checking for correct oil levels and tire infl ation. Operators should reference manufacturers' online resources — including instructional videos or operator manuals — for proper operation of the carrier, the model's positioning, plowing angle, appropriate snow stacking techniques and pusher attachment. Improper operation can prematurely wear pusher parts, leading to signifi cant damage. For example, the violent jarring from shaking the pusher or hitting it on the pavement to remove snow can add stress to joints and components — especially in frigid weather — resulting in costly damage. The equipment's ease of use contributes to safe operation. When operators can easily handle the pusher, it increases his or her confi dence and focus. This can reduce operational mistakes and potential damage. For example, a pusher with a slip-hitch system eliminates the hassle of adjusting the pusher each time it's dropped — the way standard hitch designs do. It moves up and down independently from the carrier and automatically and con- tinuously adjusts to the pavement grade, resulting in fewer missed areas and less follow-up plowing. This system allows even the most inexperienced operators to simply and safely operate the pusher. Create a safe and successful season Many factors impact an operator's safety, including the equipment and the customer's property. To maximize safety, snow management providers need to review all aspects of their operation — from their pusher's safety features to their plow technique. Doing so allows them to improve and make changes before they sacrifi ce safety during the hectic snow season. Randy Strait is owner and president, Arctic Snow and Ice Products. ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ARCTIC SNOW AND ICE PRODUCTS