Parking lot snow removal presents an ongoing challenge for facilities managers, especially in regions that get heavy winter snowfall. Keeping parking lots clear of snow and ice buildup is critically important for maintaining safe access and avoiding liability issues. Slip-and-fall injuries as well as reduced access for vehicles can occur when parking lots are not properly cleared after winter storms. Thankfully, advances in snow removal equipment and methods now provide more options than ever before for optimizing winter maintenance operations. From innovative plow blades to automated deicer sprayers, new technologies are aimed at streamlining the snow-clearing process and reducing labor requirements. Additionally, new best practice techniques for strategic routing, anti-icing, and coordination of multiple pieces of equipment can lead to faster, more efficient snow removal. By staying up-to-date on the latest equipment offerings and operational methods, facilities managers can develop comprehensive snow management plans tailored to their specific needs. Investing wisely in the right snow removal tools and implementing savvy procedures can help optimize winter maintenance programs for parking lots large and small. Efficient clearing brings benefits in safety, access, and cost-savings.

Types of Snow Removal Equipment

There are now more options than ever when it comes to parking lot snow removal equipment for keeping parking lots clear. For plowing tasks, choices range from straight blades to V-plows or expandable power blades that can clean wide areas in fewer passes. Snowblowers are available in powerful gas-powered and multi-stage electric models that can efficiently clear heavy snowfall. Other important equipment includes snow pushers and box plows which can move large volumes of accumulated snow. Rotary brush power brooms are ideal for sweeping up fine snow, while pick-up brooms collect and dispose of it. The newest features on modern snow removal machinery like hydraulic wings, taller cutting edges, reversible blades, and rubber flap conditioners allow the equipment to handle more diverse conditions and surfaces. Investing in equipment with the latest innovations can lead to faster, more efficient snow removal. Facilities managers should research the newest equipment capabilities to determine what will best meet the needs of their parking lots and winter maintenance program.

Specialized Vehicles and Attachments

In addition to dedicated snow removal equipment, facilities managers can also outfit various specialized vehicles with attachments for clearing parking lots. Compact tractors, skid steers, and telehandlers offer versatility when equipped with implements like plow blades, brooms, snow pushers, and more. Front-end loaders and toolkit utility vehicles are other options that adapt well to snow management tasks with the right attachments. Tracked versions of these machines provide enhanced traction for plowing compared to wheeled models. Articulated steering on compact equipment also makes them more maneuverable in tight parking lot areas. The key is to pair the right vehicle and implements to match specific snow removal needs and parking lot features. For example, a compact tractor with a plow blade and broom is ideal for plowing larger areas and touch-up cleaning. A skid steer with a snow pusher can efficiently clear big snow piles. Optimal selection and use of specialized vehicles and attachments are crucial for efficient parking lot snow removal performance.

Ice Control Equipment

Keeping parking lots clear of dangerous ice buildup relies heavily on ice control equipment and materials. Liquid deicer sprayers and granular spreaders apply various salt, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, brine, and other deicers to prevent ice from bonding to the pavement. New automated and programmable spray systems allow for the precision application of liquids with minimal waste and labor. Additionally, equipment with pre-wetting capabilities can wet salt as it is spread for faster melting on contact with snow and ice. With the array of ice control equipment and deicing products now available, facilities managers can develop effective ice prevention strategies tailored to their specific climate and parking lot conditions.

Snow Removal Methods and Best Practices

Efficiently clearing parking lots relies heavily on utilizing the best practices and methods for snow removal operations. Strategic routing to optimize plow passes along with staging equipment in set locations can streamline efforts. Supplementing plowing with blowing or sweeping provides ideal finishing and touch-up clearing. Anti-icing high-traffic areas before a storm starts prevents ice from bonding, versus deicing after ice has already formed. Only applying the needed amount of ice melt, based on current and forecasted conditions, avoids waste and environmental impacts. Taking advantage of lulls within a storm cycle to clear snow before it accumulates deeper also optimizes efforts. Coordinating multiple pieces of equipment for different tasks improves efficiency. Following a priority clearing order focusing first on main traffic lanes ensures safety and access. Proper training and communication between team members maintain a smooth snow removal process. Adopting these operational best practices allows facilities managers to develop a comprehensive plan for parking lot snow removal tailored to their resources and needs. Well-planned methods and procedures are key to maintaining safe, accessible parking lots at the lowest cost.

Labor-Saving Automation Features

The latest snow removal equipment incorporates automation technologies that streamline operations and reduce labor. GPS and onboard sensors allow programming equipment settings and routes to optimize plowing accuracy and efficiency. Remote monitoring capabilities enable tracking equipment status and progress. Automated liquid deicer spray systems apply materials precisely based on real-time weather data. Pre-wet salt spreading integrates deicer application directly into the plowing process. These innovative automation features allow managers to oversee and adjust snow removal activities remotely while equipment operates consistently on pre-set parameters. The end result is less manual oversight needed during events, with snow and ice cleared rapidly and accurately using programmed best practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the latest equipment and techniques are revolutionizing parking lot snow and ice removal for facilities managers. Investments in automated machinery, advanced attachments, innovative deicers, and optimized methods are paying dividends through enhanced safety, efficiency, and environmental benefits. However, it is crucial to continually research emerging innovations as new technologies arise. By staying up-to-date on the newest equipment options and industry best practices, managers can develop cutting-edge snow removal programs. This allows them to provide cleared parking areas faster than ever before while minimizing costs, labor, and environmental impacts. Partnering with professional snow and ice removal companies advising on the newest innovations is key.