Professional Snow Removal Equipment: 12 Tools You Need

1. Snow shovel

Of course, you’ll need a snow shovel to clear small areas like sidewalks, driveways, and pathways.

Pick up shovels of varying sizes to handle different volumes of snow—and choose ones that are comfortable to use. Some models have ergonomic designs or bent handles to reduce back strain from shoveling.

Shovels with metal blades are more durable and help you chip at ice. They’re a must-have among professional equipment for removing snow. But you might start with a plastic-bladed shovel if you’re on a budget. An electric snow shovel can make your job easier if you’re willing to spend more. 

Cost: $20–50

2. Snow pusher

A snow pusher is designed to push and glide snow off surfaces. With blades that are broader and flatter than shovel blades, pushers help you clear large areas of snow faster.

Some pushers have wheels that help you control and maneuver your pushing movements for easier snow collection. 

Handheld pushers work great for sidewalks and driveways. Or you can use an attachable snow pusher that mounts to your loader or vehicle if you usually work on big lots. 

Cost: $50–90

READ MORE: Snow removal pricing formula: how much to charge

3. Snow blower

By suctioning in snow and expelling it out of a chute, snow blowers let you clear large areas of snow fast. Blowers are best for long driveways, patios, and decks.

For heavy-duty work and better efficiency, opt for a gas snowblower. You should look for:

• A single-stage snow blower for lighter snowfalls
• A dual-stage snow blower to get more clearance and handle heavy and wet snowfalls
• A self-propelled snow blower to make snow clearing even more efficient and less physically demanding

Cost: $500–2,000

4. Snow plow

Snow plows are usually affixed to vehicles or ATVs and have large, angled blades that push accumulated snow to the side of a road. Use a standard snow plow to clear long driveways and a commercial snow plow for large commercial areas like parking lots.

There are three common types of snow plows:

• Straight blade snow plows have a plow at the front with a flat, straight blade and work well for clearing driveways.
• V-blade snow plows have a dual-blade design that forms a “V” shape, which is ideal for cutting through deep or hard-packed snow with ease.
• Back plows attach to your vehicle’s rear, helping you pull snow away from obstacles and speed up snow removal.

When selecting professional equipment like a snow plow, think about the blade width you’ll need for your typical job. You should also consider the blade’s durability and whether the plow is compatible with your vehicle or ATV.

Cost: $1,500–4,000

You can buy a plow at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, especially during winter months. Also look for retailers that specialize in this type of equipment, such as Meyer and Boss. To buy used, check local classified ads like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.

5. Ice scrapers

Ice scrapers might not get the same fanfare as other equipment needed for your business, like snow blowers or plows. But these trusty tools can be lifesavers.

Whether you’re tackling frozen driveways or a layer of ice on someone’s rooftop, having the right scraper can make all the difference. There are two ice scrapers you’ll want to purchase—manual ice scrapers and power ice scrapers.

Manual ice scrapers are the humble workhorse of your toolkit. They’re lightweight, easy to store, and perfect for detail work where power tools might be overkill. Need to chip away at stubborn ice on a set of stairs or along the edges of a sidewalk? A sturdy, handheld scraper with a sharp blade will give you the precision and control you need.

When you’re staring at a thick layer of ice covering a parking lot or driveway, a motorized power ice scraper will do the heavy lifting for you. It uses rotating blades or high-frequency vibrations to slice through even the most stubborn ice sheets. Power scrapers are a dream on large surfaces like asphalt driveways.

Think about the types of surfaces you’ll be working on and how much ice you’ll need to handle. If your business serves a mix of residential and commercial clients, invest in a variety of scrapers. Use a power scraper for big jobs and a set of manual ones for those trickier, more delicate areas.

Cost: $20–50 manual scraper, $150–500 power scraper

To buy manual ice scrapers, visit hardware stores like Ace Hardware. For both manual and power ice scrapers, check home improvement retailers like Home Depot and snow removal retailers like Northern Tool. You can also browse online marketplaces like Amazon.

6. Roof rake

Snow roof rakes help you safely pull snow off rooftops—even without a ladder—using a flat blade with an extended handle. Raking a roof prevents ice dams from forming and removes heavy snow that can cause structural damage.

Look for a lightweight roof rake that won’t cause back strain but has durable enough material to handle ice removal. Some rakes have adjustable handles so you can reach roofs of different heights.

Cost: $40–100

7. Ladder

To safely remove snow from customer rooftops, use a durable, non-conductive ladder. One made of material like fiberglass will offer stability in cold conditions.

Look for ladders rated as professional equipment. These will feature slip-resistant rungs, wide base support, and ice-resistant feet for maximum safety. Some ladders are extendable or adjustable to help you adapt to different roof heights.

Cost: $50–300

8. Salt spreader

Salt spreaders are a must-have tool for regions with heavy snowfall. They distribute road salt, which melts ice faster. Spreading salt protects your customers from accidents on their properties.

Salt spreaders range from simple handheld models to large, tow-behind units. Many businesses rely on professional equipment like handheld spreaders or drop spreaders for precise, even salt distribution. A broadcast spreader helps you cover larger areas faster.

Cost: $150–400

9. Loader

Loaders are large machines that plow, blow, and scoop deep snow. They are ideal for removing snow from properties, such as roads, parking lots, or other commercial areas.

You can drive this piece of commercial equipment along like a tractor to maneuver it where you want snow removed.

• A skid-steer loader has a steering mechanism that locks one set of wheels while the other set moves, allowing it to skid its wheels for easier rotation. Use a skid-steer to remove snow in tight spaces.
• Wheel loaders steer like cars, have larger tires, and can handle more types of terrains than other loaders.
• A backhoe loader has both a front loader bucket and a rear excavator arm to lift more snow. These loaders have great torque and can handle extreme weather conditions.

When choosing between loaders, consider the machine’s capacity, size, and what snow removal attachments it’s compatible with (like snow buckets, snow plow blades, and pushers).

Cost: $2,000+

To buy a loader, visit a farm supply store like RK Tractors, or check online machinery marketplaces like Machinery Trader and IronPlanet. You can also visit dealers like Caterpillar and John Deere for both new and used loaders.

10. Truck or ATV

Have a reliable pickup truck with winter tires or an ATV—both are good vehicles to attach your snow plow and snow pushers to. ATVs are easier to maneuver in smaller spaces, but many successful pros work with only a truck.

 If you don’t already have either vehicle, here’s what to look for when you’re buying:

• Truck: Minimum 6-foot bed length, 1,500+ lb payload, and towing capacity that can manage the combined weight of your equipment.
• ATV: Four-wheel drive for good traction. Snow plow and pusher attachment compatibility, heated grips, and large tires.

Prices vary depending on where you live and whether you buy privately or from a dealership. You can also get financing for this type of purchase and file it as a small business tax deduction.

Cost: $5,000–40,000+ truck, $3,000+ ATV

READ MORE: How to make money with a pickup truck

11. Ice melt products

Whether you’re clearing driveways or parking lots, ice melt works together with your snow clearing equipment for the best results.

There are a few different types of ice melt:

• Rock salt (sodium chloride): This is the classic, budget-friendly option. It’s best for general use on concrete and asphalt. But keep in mind, rock salt can be harsh on plant life, so don’t overdo it near landscaped areas.
• Calcium chloride: When you need to melt ice fast, calcium chloride is a hero. It generates heat as it dissolves, working in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, it’s less corrosive than rock salt, making it a safer choice for delicate paving.
• Magnesium chloride: Looking for an eco-friendly option? Magnesium chloride is less harsh on the environment and safer for pets and plants. While it’s a bit pricier, it’s less likely to corrode metal, which is great if you’re working near vehicles or fences. It works well in temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Applying ice melt isn’t as simple as tossing it around like grass seed, though. For starters, you should clear as much snow as possible with your primary equipment before applying ice melt. Ice melt works best when it has direct contact with the surface.

Spread the melt evenly using a handheld spreader for small areas, or a walk-behind spreader for larger spaces like parking lots. Be careful not to over apply, as too much can damage surfaces or create slippery residue once the ice is gone.

Pro Tip: Pretreat surfaces before a storm hits to make snow and ice easier to clear later. It’s like laying the groundwork for a smoother job.

Cost: $5–$10 per rock salt bag, $15–$25 per calcium chloride bag, $20–$35 per magnesium chloride bag

You can save money by buying ice melt in bulk. Look for pallet deals from hardware stores or industrial suppliers. Retailers may even offer discounts during pre-winter sales or at the end of the season. Stock up early before storms to avoid running out of melt. 

And consider your typical job sites. For eco-friendly environments, get magnesium chloride. For faster results on tough ice, go with calcium chloride.

12. Snow removal business software

For your snow removal business to be a success, you’ll need more than just on-the-job snow removal equipment.

Snow removal business software like Jobber helps you organize and manage your snow removal jobs. Easily schedule jobs, dispatch and route crew members, invoice, and collect payments—all from the cab of your truck.

Here’s how Jobber’s snow removal app helps you improve your daily operations and keep your snow removal company organized:

• Schedule snow plow jobs faster and assign them to your crew instantly
• Optimize your snow removal routes to cut down transit time and fit more work in the day
• Access job details and snow removal contracts on the go
• Get paid automatically as soon as the job is complete

Cost: $40–200/month (pricing varies by plan)

How to choose the best snow removal equipment

With so many products, brands, and types of equipment to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Follow these tips before purchasing snow removal equipment:

• Look for reviews and recommendations. Always check equipment reviews to check a product’s reliability and performance. Reach out to other snow removal pros in your area for recommendations, too.
• Consider local snow conditions. If you work in a region with frequent and heavy snowfalls, robust machines are a must. Opt for simpler gear to handle lighter, more sporadic snow events.
• Choose ergonomic equipment. Comfortable tools reduce fatigue and help you work with more efficiency. Look for shovels and roof rakes with ergonomic handles.
• Choose quality over price where it matters. Invest in higher quality for the equipment you use most often—and the ones that make you the most money. Some brands might have cheaper upfront prices but will cost you a lot in maintenance.

READ MORE: How to start a successful snow removal business in 13 steps

Maintenance tips

From icy temps to salt and grit, your snow removal tools will face challenges that can wear them down fast. That’s why regular maintenance and smart storage are so important.

Let’s make sure your tools stay in tip-top shape so you’re ready to tackle the next storm.