Tree no match for polycarb plow blade

June 5, 2003
A snow-plow blade made from polycarbonate (PC) sheet reportedly took on a tree at 60 mph and didn't break, says Dwayne Shaufler, vice president of Sno-Way International Inc., Hartford, Wis. (www.sno-way.com).

The high-impact Makrolon GP polycarbonate snow-plow moldboards can take a 30° glancing blow that would dent or bend one made from steel. The chemically resistant PC also won't rust when exposed to caustic de-icing agents and is UV stabilized. PC-equipped plows have been in service for over 15 years.


A snow-plow blade made from polycarbonate (PC) sheet reportedly took on a tree at 60 mph and didn't break, says Dwayne Shaufler, vice president of Sno-Way International Inc., Hartford, Wis. (www.sno-way.com). "The truck and plow frame were seriously damaged, but the Makrolon (general-purpose) PC sheet popped back into shape after it was removed from the plow's mangled frame. A steel blade would have been completely destroyed by a similar accident."

Smooth, clear Makrolon GP sheets are manufactured by Sheffield Plastics Inc., a Bayer Co., Sheffield, Mass. (www.sheffieldplastics.com). They provide a slippery, low-friction surface. Snow rolls off more quickly and easily compared to steel blades. This reduces wear and tear on both equipment and vehicles, according to Shaufler. "PC also resists de-icing salts and chloride concoctions that rust or pit steel plows."

PC plow blades range in length from 6 ft for the Predator ST model designed for small trucks and SUVs to about 9 ft for HTv91 on 3/4 and one-ton heavy-duty 4X4 trucks. The PC sheets can be shipped folded and will rebound flat. But they take a contoured curve once they are attached to the retainer on the plow's steel frame.

Makrolon GP is a UV-stabilized PC that is UL 94 VO rated for gauges 0.220-in. thicknesses and greater in clear, and 0.236-in. thicknesses and greater for colored. Other applications include containers, doors, and see-through walls as well as electrical components and enclosures, machine guards, and security glazing.
-- Jean M. Hoffman

Sponsored Recommendations

Altech's Liquid Tight Strain Relifs Catalog

March 13, 2024
With experienced Product Engineers and Customer Service personnel, Altech provides solutions to your most pressing application challenges. All with one thought in mind - to ensure...

Industrial Straight-Through Cable Gland

March 13, 2024
Learn more about Altech's cable glands and all they have to offer for your needs!

All-In-One DC-UPS Power Solutions

March 13, 2024
Introducing the All-In-One DC-UPS, a versatile solution combining multiple functionalities in a single device. Serving as a power supply, battery charger, battery care module,...

Smooth Sorting with SEW-EURODRIVE!

Feb. 22, 2024
Sorting systems are essential when it comes to warehouse automation, material handling, and distribution. SEW-EURODRIVE’s automated sorting solutions increase capacity, reliability...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!