Dealer Round Up – Best for Strip Mall Parking Lots

When it comes to clearing snow from strip mall parking lots, the right equipment can make all the difference in efficiency and effectiveness. Snow removal contractors must carefully select the best trucks, plows, and spreaders for the job, particularly when managing small to medium-sized lots, typically ranging from one to two acres. We’ve gathered insights from experienced snow removal equipment dealers to help you determine the best gear for the job.

October 13, 2024 | Staff Editor

The Right Vehicle for the Job

For small strip mall parking lots, trucks are often the vehicle of choice, but as William Fries from Xtreme Fabrication explains, there’s a limit to their efficiency.

“You’re really looking at more of an F450 for carrying capacity. Something like the Western Wideout, Wide Out XL, the Fisher XLS, the Buyer SnowDogg 810 Power Plow, or the BOSS Power Expanding Plow would be the most efficient,” says Fries.

However, once you move beyond that two-acre range, Fries suggests it’s time to consider more heavy-duty equipment. “You stop screwing around with trucks and get equipment like a skid steer or wheel loader. You make more money, and it’s far more efficient,” he adds.

Equipment Beyond Trucks: Skid Steers and Payloaders

Jerre Heyer of Jerre’s Service echoes this sentiment, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on trucks. He stresses the importance of specialized equipment for larger areas:

“If you’re trying to do an entire strip mall or a larger plaza, anything over an acre with a pickup truck, you’re overtaxing the truck and plow. You should be using a skid steer or compact loader. Trucks are great for prep work and final clean-up, but trying to do it all with one truck will just kill it.”

Heyer’s advice is clear: For larger lots, don’t rely solely on trucks—integrate more powerful, dedicated equipment.

Switch and Go for Versatility

For Erik Flores of Push-N-Pull, versatility is key in strip mall snow removal. He recommends incorporating a “switch and go” product for flexibility in operations.

“I’m a huge proponent of the switch and go product. It’s going to require a class 5 vehicle, and I really like the new Chevy medium duties, even the 6500, which has a 23,000 GVW. With the switch and go, you can go from dump body to salt spreader in five minutes with just one guy,” Flores explains.

He also recommends an 8-6-11 XLS stainless steel plow for its ability to extend up to 11 feet, making it ideal for larger parking lots. “That’s the best weapon in the arsenal right now,” he adds.

Expandable Plows for Parking Lots

For contractors strictly handling parking lots, expandable plows are often the top choice. Gene Stork from Storks Plows highlights their efficiency, saying, “Your Western Wideout, Fisher XLS, and SnowEx Expandable are by far the most efficient blades for parking lots. They help you keep up with the snow.”

However, for contractors who handle both parking lots and driveways, Stork suggests looking at a V-plow. “The V-plow is the best option for versatility. It allows you to break through heavy snow in the vee position and scoop snow for better carrying capacity. It doesn’t hold as much as an expandable, but it’s a solid option for mixed-use.”

Trucks: Choosing the Right Size

The choice of truck is also a critical decision for contractors. Stork advises that for parking lot work, a one-ton truck or larger is necessary. “If you’re doing parking lots, you need at least a one-ton truck. For driveways, you can use a three-quarter ton, but for serious commercial use, stick to the heavier trucks.”

Greg Saltz from NESS Auto also points out the efficiency of using larger trucks for bigger lots: “The bigger the lot, the bigger the truck you’ll need. The new 6500 Chevys or F600s with a good 10-foot plow and a three to four yard sander are going to be the most efficient.”

Brine Sprayers: The Future of Snow Removal

The snow removal industry is also seeing a shift toward the use of brine for deicing instead of traditional spreaders. Fries emphasizes the importance of this technology:

“I wouldn’t say a spreader is the best choice anymore. I’d be looking at putting a brine sprayer on. Brine gives you more versatility and you can do more with just one guy in a truck. It’s the future of snow removal.”

Conclusion

The insights from these experienced dealers show that while trucks are useful for small-scale snow removal, larger equipment like skid steers, payloaders, and class 5 vehicles with switch-and-go capabilities are crucial for bigger parking lots. Expandable plows offer efficiency, while brine sprayers represent the future of deicing. For contractors looking to make snow removal faster and more profitable, upgrading their equipment to handle larger areas and adopting new technologies will be key.