DETAIL K2 AVAL8219 Mode D'emploi page 17

OPERATION
PLOWING PARKING LOTS
NOTE: Always begin the season plowing parking lots as widely on all sides
as you can. As the season progresses, maintenance of the width of the cleared
area is easier if there is more room to move the subsequent snowfalls to.
Procedure:
z As a rule, plow outward from the centre to one edge, then start again from the
centre and plow outward to the other side.
z Set the plow at 38° and drive down the centre of the parking lot to the far side.
z Stop before ramming the snow pile. Do not use the plow to stack the snow.
z Raise the plow blade.
z Reverse to the spot you started from.
z Plow an overlapping run parallel to the first.
z Raise the plow and continue in the same vein until one half of the parking lot is
cleared.
z Get out and re-set the plow to 38° on the opposite side.
z Starting from the centre again, plow overlapping strips towards the other edge
of the parking lot.
TIPS AND TRICKS
Staking – Before snow even begins to fall, use stakes or wands to mark the edges
of places that need to be plowed, so that you can plow safely and neatly without
damaging the surrounding lawns and gardens. You can also mark hydrants, utility
boxes, gas meters, sewer vent pipes, etc.
Drains – Through the season, ensure driveway drains remain clear and
unobstructed, allowing snow an escape when it melts and less opportunity to re-
freeze.
Speed – Plowing requires a safe, manageable speed limit, generally 15 km/h (10
mph). Faster speed reduces your visibility by pushing or blowing snow onto the
windshield. If you hit an obstruction while plowing, the faster you're going, the
greater the potential for personal injury or damage to equipment.
Plan – Think of the season ahead when determining where to push snow. Start
snow banks back far enough that you have room for future snowfalls. Also, try to
push snow away from buildings first, if possible.
Stacking – As you near the far side of the lot, reduce speed and raise the blade to
prevent scraping turf, as well as to help stack the snow. Do not stack snow with the
blade set at an angle.
Overloading – Allow the snow depth and water content to determine the width of
your pass, or how much blade overlap you use for each pass. Move just enough
snow with each pass to clear efficiently without overloading your equipment the
plow or vehicle.
Back-dragging – A common technique used in plowing driveways more than
three car lengths long, back-dragging may not be practical with a winch operated,
gravity-lowered plow. It involves driving forward to the starting point (usually the
garage door), dropping the blade, and pulling the snow back at least the length of
your vehicle plus plow (about two car lengths). Repeat the process across the full
width of the driveway. Turn around and back into the area just back-dragged clear
and push the snow to where the snow will be piled.
Angle – A blade set at an angle is more effective for cutting and clearing hard-
packed snow.
Traction – Ballast and snow chains, where allowed, are effective ways to increase
traction. Plowing deep snow requires a steady movement of the vehicle.
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