Research & Innovation Implementation System
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The Bureau of Planning and Research is providing this Innovation Information Bulletin for purposes of information sharing.
BUREAU OF PLANNING A ND RESEARCH
INNOVATION INFORMATION
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Identifying Innovations for Statewide Implementation
Communicating Research Results & Innovations throughout PennDOT
Facilitating Practical Use of Innovative Tools and Methods
Tow Plow
The name says it—a Tow Plow is a snow plow towed by a plow truck. When combined with
standard V or swivel blade front plow, this patented Tow Plow increases plowing width to 25
feet, or two full lane widths. This combination is ideal for interstates and two- or three-lane
traffic routes. One truck does the work of two, saving equipment and personnel while
yielding faster response times and higher levels of service as two lanes are plowed at once.
When activated, the wheels of the Tow Plow turn up to 30 degrees to the right, causing the
Tow Plow to steer out to the right of the plow truck. While in use, the Tow Plow works much
like a wing plow only with much greater reach. The wheels of the Tow Plow are equipped
with air brakes with ABS. The Tow Plow can also be equipped with a hopper for salt (and
has room for a spreader to be mounted on the rear of the plow) or two 1,000 gallon poly
tanks for brine application. All controls for the Tow Plow and accessories are mounted within
the cab of the truck. When not in use, the Tow Plow simply pulls directly behind the plow
truck as any normal trailer would.
Features:
n Operates as a side wing with two in-cab controls; one control lifts and lowers the
blade, while the other steers the rear axles and swivel tongues
n Operates at any angle up to 30 degrees
n 25 foot clearing path with a 12 foot front plow
n Capable of plowing at normal speeds; tested at 55-60 miles per hour
n Truck requirements: 90,000 lb pintle hook, one double and one single acting hydraulic
remote, 7 wire trailer plug with ABS and standard trailer air package
n Currently in operation by Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota,
Tennessee, Utah, & Wisconsin DOTs, Kansas & Ohio Turnpike, & PennDOT
To see a video of the Tow Plow in action: http://www.vikingcives.com
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What Are the Benefits?
In addition to reductions in equipment use and personnel time, savings and benefits include:
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The added weight of the Tow Plow increases truck fuel consumption
by about 10-15%; however, compared to using two trucks to do the
same job, this is actually a fuel savings of 85-90%.
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The Tow Plow can be used in a plow train, in place of a truck that
could be deployed on a different route, thus increasing overall level
of service.
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The Tow Plow requires standard plow and trailer maintenance — a
savings compared to maintenance that a second truck and plow
requires.
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The Tow Plow can be used strictly for spreading/antiskid applications
when plowing is not necessary.
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During non-winter months, the Tow Plow can be used as a water tank.
Points to Consider
Here are points to consider when making a Tow Plow investment decision:
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The cost of a Tow Plow purchased through PennDOT’s DGS Plow Contract is $73,790.
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Required truck modifications costing $15,500 include a rear hitch module, hydraulic upgrade, and
two in-cab controls; no engine or transmission changes are necessary.
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If the tow vehicle goes down for maintenance, then the Tow Plow is out of service unless another
truck with the required modifications is available.
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The Tow Plow can be configured for anti-icing at a cost of $25,820, or with an 8 cubic yard
granular material hopper at a cost of $18,184.
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Operators require overview and familiarization training, provided by the vendor.
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The Tow Plow should probably not be deployed in urban areas during periods of high traffic
volume.
PennDOT’s Evaluation
PennDOT is evaluating the Tow Plow using the Experimental
Projects Process. District 2-0 tested it on I-99 near the end of
the 2009-2010 winter season. Reports Dan Dibble, Centre
County Highway Equipment Manager, “Although we obtained the
Tow Plow late in the season and used it during only one
storm, it showed its potential. Mounted with two
brine tanks that provided weight and ballast, it
was very stable and did a good job clearing
the right lane. Freeing up a
truck is an important benefit.”
District 11-0 will join District 20 in testing the Tow Plow
during the 2010-2011 season.
Look for evaluation results in a
future Innovation Information Bulletin.
For more information contact Dave Adams, Highway Equipment Manager
III, Bureau of Maintenance and Operations, Equipment Division
([email protected]).
Research & Innovation Implementation System
n Identifying Innovations for Statewide Implementation
n Communicating Research Results & Innovations throughout PennDOT
n Facilitating Practical Use of Innovative Tools and Methods
B u r e a u o f Pl a n ni n g a n d R e s e a r c h
400 North Street
6th Floor East
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: 717.214.8686
Fax: 717.783.9152
Email: [email protected]
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