Mastering Winter: Your Expert Guide to Snow Removal in New Hampshire

What are the common problems encountered during snow removal?

Every storm presents a unique set of challenges. Being aware of the potential pitfalls is the first step toward overcoming them. A professional snow removal operation must be prepared to handle these common problems:

1. Equipment Breakdown: This is the number one problem that can derail an entire operation. A hydraulic line bursting, an engine failing to start, or a plow attachment breaking mid-storm is a contractor’s worst nightmare. It leads to breached contracts, unsafe properties, and a damaged reputation. This is why relying on professionally maintained, commercial-grade equipment is non-negotiable for any serious snow removal service.

2. Hidden Hazards: Once the ground is covered, the landscape is completely transformed. Curbs, speed bumps, fire hydrants, manhole covers, and expensive landscaping features all disappear under a blanket of snow. Hitting one of these obstacles can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your equipment and the client’s property. Effective snow removal requires knowing what lies beneath.

3. Heavy, Wet Snow or Ice Layers: Not all snow is created equal. A foot of light, fluffy powder is far easier to manage than six inches of heavy, wet snow, which can overload smaller equipment. Worse yet is the dreaded "ice sandwich"—a layer of ice hidden beneath or within the snow. This requires specialized snow removal techniques and equipment that can scrape down to the pavement without causing damage.

4. Limited Snow Storage: Especially in retail or multi-family housing properties, space is at a premium. Piling up massive mounds of snow can eliminate valuable parking spots and create dangerous blind spots for drivers. A strategic snow removal plan must account for where to put the snow, which often requires equipment that can stack it high and tight or even assist in hauling it off-site. For industry-leading strategies on snow stacking and management, the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) provides excellent resources for professionals.

5. Operator Fatigue: Snowstorms don't operate on a 9-to-5 schedule. Snow removal professionals often work for 12, 18, or even 24 hours straight to keep properties clear and safe. Fatigue is a serious risk that can lead to poor decision-making, accidents, and incomplete work. A solid operational plan must include provisions for managing operator fatigue.

How to prepare for snow removal?

The old adage, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail," could have been written for the snow removal industry. The work you do in September and October directly determines your success in January and February.

1. Comprehensive Site Inspections: Before the season begins, walk every inch of every property you will be servicing. Take photos and detailed notes. Map out all the hidden hazards discussed earlier. Identify the optimal locations for snow piles, noting any drainage areas or sensitive landscaping to avoid. This pre-season diligence is a cornerstone of professional snow removal.

2. Develop a Storm Action Plan: Create a detailed plan for each property. This should include plowing patterns, designated clearing priorities (e.g., emergency entrances first, then main thoroughfares), and communication protocols. Who do you call if there's an issue? How do operators report their progress? A clear plan eliminates guesswork in the heat of a storm.

3. Secure Your Equipment Early: The worst time to find equipment is when a blizzard is already in the forecast. The best machines are booked weeks or months in advance. A key part of preparation is assessing your needs and securing your seasonal rentals early. This guarantees you have the right tools ready to go and allows you to familiarize your team with the specific models they'll be using for their snow removal tasks.

4. Stockpile Essential Supplies: Don't wait until shelves are empty to buy your essentials. Stockpile an adequate supply of rock salt, sand, or eco-friendly de-icers. Ensure you have plenty of fuel, hydraulic fluid, and other necessary maintenance items on hand. Preparing your supplies is just as important as preparing your heavy equipment for snow removal.

5. Stay Informed on Weather Forecasts: Modern weather forecasting is an incredible tool. Subscribing to a reliable meteorological service or closely monitoring sources like the NOAA National Weather Service allows you to anticipate storm intensity and duration. This advanced knowledge helps you schedule operators, prepare equipment, and communicate proactively with clients about your snow removal plan.

What are the safety precautions for snow removal?

Safety is the most important aspect of any snow removal operation. The combination of heavy machinery, slippery conditions, and low visibility creates a high-risk environment. A culture of safety is essential.

1. Rigorous Pre-Shift Inspections: Before any machine is put to work, the operator must conduct a full walk-around inspection. This includes checking tire pressure, fluid levels, lights, backup alarms, and the condition of attachments. This simple 15-minute routine can prevent a catastrophic failure.

2. Prioritize Visibility: Ensure all equipment has fully functional headlights, work lights, and amber warning beacons. Operators should wear high-visibility clothing at all times. Keeping windows and mirrors clean and clear is a simple but critical step in maintaining situational awareness during snow removal.

3. Manage Operator Fatigue: As mentioned, fatigue is a major safety hazard. Implement a clear policy for managing long shifts, including mandatory rest breaks and, if possible, rotating operators. A well-rested operator is a safe and efficient operator. For comprehensive guidelines on workplace safety in inclement weather, the OSHA's Winter Weather page is an invaluable and authoritative resource.

4. Know Your Machine's Limits: Every piece of equipment has its limits. Pushing a machine beyond its capacity can lead to breakdowns or dangerous situations. Train operators to understand the equipment's capabilities and to work within them, especially on steep grades or in deep, heavy snow. This is a crucial aspect of safe snow removal.

5. Always Maintain Situational Awareness: Operators must be constantly scanning for other vehicles, pedestrians, and unexpected obstacles. Never assume a property is empty, even in the middle of the night. Safe and effective snow removal demands constant vigilance.

What equipment is used for snow removal?

Having a diverse fleet of powerful, reliable equipment is what separates amateurs from professionals. At NorthPoint Equipment Rentals, we provide the core machines that form the backbone of any successful snow removal operation.

• Skid Steers: These are the versatile all-stars of the fleet. Their compact size and agility make them perfect for clearing tight spaces, sidewalks, and areas around buildings. When equipped with a snow pusher, they can clear small-to-medium parking lots with incredible efficiency. With a hydraulic snowblower attachment, they become the ultimate tool for deep snow or for properties with zero space for piles.

• Tractors: Compact and utility tractors are the dependable workhorses, offering excellent traction and operator comfort for long shifts. Their power makes them ideal for running large snow pushers on medium-to-large properties. The enclosed, heated cabs are a major advantage for keeping operators warm, alert, and productive during harsh winter storms.

• Front-End Loaders: When you need to move mountains of snow, you bring in the heavy artillery. Front-end loaders are essential for the largest commercial and industrial properties. Their primary role is often post-storm management—stacking snow into high, consolidated piles to free up parking space or loading it into dump trucks to be hauled off-site. For any large-scale snow removal contract, a front-end loader is a must-have.

The key is to match the machine to the job. A diverse fleet, which is easily assembled through a flexible rental plan from our equipment rentals catalog, allows you to deploy the most efficient tool for every unique property and storm condition.

What are the environmental impacts of snow removal?

In today's world, a professional operation must also consider its environmental footprint. Traditional snow removal practices can have several negative impacts, but modern strategies and equipment can significantly mitigate them.

• Salt and De-Icer Runoff: The most significant impact comes from salt. While effective at melting ice, excess salt runs off into local waterways, impacting aquatic life. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), road salt can pollute drinking water and is toxic to many freshwater organisms. The solution is smart application. Use calibrated spreaders to apply the minimum effective amount. Furthermore, using a snow pusher, which scrapes closer to the pavement, can drastically reduce the amount of salt needed to achieve a safe surface.

• Emissions and Fuel Consumption: Running heavy equipment around the clock consumes a significant amount of diesel fuel. You can reduce this impact by using modern, well-maintained, fuel-efficient machines. Planning efficient plowing routes to minimize unnecessary driving also helps cut down on fuel usage and emissions.

• Noise Pollution: Operating heavy machinery in residential areas overnight can be disruptive. While unavoidable, using newer, quieter equipment and being mindful of operational hours when possible can improve community relations.

By being conscious of these factors, you can perform your snow removal duties responsibly and position your business as an environmentally aware industry leader.

Your Partner for a Successful Winter

Winter in New Hampshire is a challenge, but with the right knowledge, preparation, and equipment, it’s a challenge that can be met and conquered. By understanding the common problems, preparing meticulously, prioritizing safety, and choosing the right tools, you can build a snow removal operation that is not just successful, but also safe, efficient, and profitable.

The team at NorthPoint Equipment Rentals is ready to be your partner this winter. From our locations in Tilton and Ashland, we provide the high-performance, expertly maintained equipment you need. Don't wait until the forecast calls for a blizzard.

Contact us today to discuss your seasonal rental needs and let us help you build the perfect fleet to master the snow removal season.