Level Up Your Snow Clearing: Why Homemade Snow Plow Wings Are a Game Changer
Let's be honest, clearing snow can be a real grind. Whether you're wrestling with a walk-behind blower or pushing serious iron with a truck-mounted plow, that seemingly endless white stuff just keeps piling up. You push a pass, and what happens? Snow spills off the sides, forcing you to make extra passes, doubling your work and your time. It's frustrating, right? This is where snow plow wings homemade come into play – a brilliant, cost-effective solution that can seriously transform your winter battles.
Why Go Homemade with Your Plow Wings?
Now, you might be thinking, "Can't I just buy wings?" And sure, you can. There are plenty of commercially available options out there. But let me tell you, they often come with a hefty price tag that can make your wallet wince. We're talking hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of dollars depending on the brand and design. And that's where the beauty of DIY truly shines.
When you decide to build your own snow plow wings, you're not just saving a significant chunk of change; you're also gaining something invaluable: customization. Every plow setup is a little different, every property has its unique challenges, and every budget has its limits. Going homemade allows you to tailor the wings precisely to your plow, your vehicle, and your specific needs. Maybe you need something extra robust for heavy, wet snow, or perhaps a lighter poly design for sensitive surfaces. With DIY, you call the shots. Plus, there's that incredible satisfaction that comes from stepping back, seeing your creation, and knowing you built that beast. It's truly empowering.
What Exactly Are Plow Wings, Anyway?
Okay, before we dive into the nitty-gritty of building, let's quickly clarify what we're talking about. Snow plow wings are essentially extensions that attach to the outer edges of your existing snow plow blade. Think of them like little extra arms that reach out, scooping up more snow and directing it forward and off to the side, rather than letting it escape behind the main blade.
The magic they perform is twofold: First, they significantly increase your plowing width. That means fewer passes to clear the same area, saving you time and fuel. Second, they act like a funnel, keeping the snow contained and moving efficiently, which is especially helpful when you're trying to stack snow high or push it long distances. Instead of having snow curl off the ends and fall back into your cleared path, the wings keep it on the blade, making for a much cleaner, more efficient push. It's like having a bigger plow without having to buy a whole new one!
Getting Started: Design and Material Considerations
Alright, so you're sold on the idea. Now, where do you begin? The first step in any successful homemade project is planning. Don't just grab some scrap metal and start welding!
Material Choices: What's Your Flavor?
The material you choose will largely depend on your plowing needs and available tools. * Steel: This is the most common and robust option. If you've got welding skills and access to steel plate, angle iron, or square tubing, you can build some incredibly tough wings. Steel wings are durable and can handle heavy-duty abuse. The downside? Weight. You need to consider if your plow and truck can handle the added heft. Rust is also a consideration, so a good coat of paint is essential. * Polyethylene (UHMW-PE): This is a fantastic alternative, especially if you want to keep weight down or are plowing delicate surfaces. Poly material is slick, meaning snow slides off it beautifully, and it won't scratch concrete or pavers. It's also much easier to cut and shape without welding, often requiring just drilling and bolting. It's generally more flexible and forgiving than steel, though not quite as indestructible for impact. * Hybrid: Why not combine the best of both worlds? You could build a sturdy steel frame for rigidity and attachment points, then clad it with poly sheeting for the actual snow-contacting surfaces. This offers strength, slickness, and potentially reduced weight.
Attachment Methods: How Will They Hang On?
This is crucial. Your wings need to be secure, but ideally, also removable or adjustable. * Bolt-on: Simple and effective. Drill holes in your plow's moldboard or push frame, and bolt the wings on. Ensure you're using heavy-duty hardware and reinforcing plates if needed to prevent tear-out. * Pin-on/Quick-attach: A bit more complex to fabricate, but extremely convenient. This allows you to quickly attach or remove the wings using pins, much like some commercial plows. It usually involves fabricating receivers on the plow and corresponding tabs on the wings. * Hinged/Adjustable: For the truly ambitious! Some designs incorporate hinges or adjustable struts, allowing you to change the angle of the wings on the fly. This gives you incredible versatility for different snow conditions or stacking needs. This level of complexity might be for your second set of wings, though!
Shape and Angle: Getting the Flow Right
This is where the "art" comes into play. You generally want your wings to extend forward and slightly outward from the main plow blade. The angle is critical for directing snow flow. Too shallow, and snow will spill over; too steep, and it might just push straight instead of funnelling. A good starting point is usually a 30-45 degree angle relative to the main blade, but you'll want to observe how your plow operates and adjust accordingly. Often, a slight curvature or a multi-angle design works best.
Tools and Skills You'll Need
Let's talk shop. What kind of arsenal will you need to tackle this project? * Measuring and Marking Tools: A good tape measure, square, straightedge, and a Sharpie are non-negotiable. "Measure twice, cut once" is your mantra here. * Cutting Tools: Depending on your material, you'll need an angle grinder with cutting discs (for steel), a chop saw (for tubing), or a circular saw/jigsaw (for poly). * Drilling Tools: A robust drill and a good set of bits are essential for creating mounting holes. A drill press is a huge plus for accuracy. * Welding Equipment (if using steel): MIG welder, stick welder, appropriate safety gear (helmet, gloves). If you're not a welder, this might be a good time to learn or buddy up with someone who is! * Fasteners: Heavy-duty bolts, nuts, washers, possibly rivets for poly. Don't skimp on quality here; these will be taking a beating. * Safety Gear: Always, always, always wear eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and appropriate clothing. We want functional wings, not missing fingers!
The Build Process: A Simplified Roadmap
- Sketch it Out: Draw detailed plans with dimensions. Think about how the wings will attach to your specific plow.
- Mock-Up: Use cardboard or plywood to create a full-scale mock-up of your wing design. This lets you visualize the size, shape, and attachment points before cutting expensive materials. Test it against your plow.
- Source Materials: Buy your chosen steel, poly, hardware, and any other components.
- Cut and Shape: Carefully cut your materials according to your plans. Take your time, especially with initial cuts.
- Fabricate Mounts: Create the brackets or attachment points that will connect the wings to your plow. This might involve bending, drilling, or welding.
- Assemble: Weld or bolt the wing components together. If you're building a framed wing with a poly skin, attach the skin to the frame.
- Test Fit: Crucial step! Mount the unfinished wings to your plow. Check clearance, angles, and ensure everything sits properly. Make adjustments before painting or final assembly.
- Finish Strong: Grind down any sharp edges, clean off any rust, and apply a good quality primer and paint (especially for steel) to protect against the elements. If using poly, consider reinforcing edges.
Tips from the Trenches
- Over-engineer, don't under-engineer: Snow plowing is brutal. Build things stronger than you think they need to be. Use thicker steel, bigger bolts, and more welds than you initially planned.
- Watch the Weight: Especially for smaller trucks or plows, keep an eye on the added weight. You don't want to overstress your suspension or plow lift system. Poly wings can be a great option here.
- Consider the Ground Clearance: When your plow is fully lifted, will the wings clear everything? You don't want them dragging on the ground when you're driving.
- Start Simple: If this is your first big fabrication project, don't try to build the most complex, articulating, hydraulic wings right off the bat. Start with a simple, fixed bolt-on design, master that, and then iterate.
- Learn from Others: YouTube, snow plowing forums, and even looking at commercial wing designs can offer a ton of inspiration and practical advice. Don't reinvent the wheel if someone's already figured out a great solution.
Maintenance for Longevity
Your homemade snow plow wings, like any hard-working piece of equipment, will need some TLC. After each plowing season (or even mid-season if you're really pushing them), inspect all welds, bolts, and attachment points for fatigue or damage. Touch up paint on steel wings to prevent rust, and replace any worn-out poly sections or cutting edges. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way in ensuring your custom wings last for many winters to come.
The Ultimate Payoff
Building your own snow plow wings is more than just a money-saving venture; it's a journey into problem-solving, skill-building, and ultimately, greater efficiency. Imagine the satisfaction next winter when the snow starts falling, you hit the pavement with your custom-built rig, and watch that snow flow perfectly, clearing wider swaths in less time. You'll be high-fiving yourself, I guarantee it. So, grab your tools, fire up your imagination, and get ready to conquer winter like never before with your very own snow plow wings homemade. It's a project that pays dividends in both pride and productivity!