Quick Edge: Rapid Underbody Plow Cutting Edge Changing System

Project summary:

At the present time, cutting edges on snowplows are bolted to the plow blade with three or four fasteners. To ensure clear pavement plowing, substantial downward force is placed on the cutting edges, resulting in rapid wear and frequent replacement of the cutting edge. The process of changing cutting edges is time consuming, tedious, and exposes vehicle maintenance personnel to the risk of personal injury when changing the heavy cutting edges. The limited space available forces mechanics to work in awkward positions, and leads to back and joint injuries. This project explores an alternative to the current bolting process. The new system is designed with the objectives of reducing time and manpower required to change blade edges, and of decreasing the risk of injury as compared to the current labor-intensive bolting process. The alternative system has been designed and fabricated, and presented to Mn/DOT.