Getting the Most out of Your Rubber Cutting Edge

Rubber cutting edges offer numerous benefits for your snowplow. You can use these versatile tools to improve equipment lifespan and improve functionality. 

When you purchase a rubber cutting edge, the blade isn’t the only thing you need to worry about. There is an ecosystem of equipment and accessories that allow the cutting-edge to function with the highest efficacy.

Here’s everything you need to know about optimizing your rubber cutting-edge system to get more out of your investment this snow season.

Understanding Rubber Cutting Edges

Snow plow rubber cutting edges scrape away ice and snow without causing damage to the underlying surface. Unlike steel blades, rubber alternatives offer flexibility that allows them to conform to the contours of the road. This flexibility cuts down on noise and makes them ideal for sensitive areas like parking lots or airport runways. 

While most rubber cutting edges wear quickly, rubber cutting edges from Winter Equipment offer great longevity. Our reinforced rubber resists tearing and chunking and lasts twice as long as standard rubber. Check out our rubber vs. steel snow plow cutting edge comparison to learn more about how these different pieces of hardware stack up.

Essential Accessories for Better Snow Removal

The right accessories can make a huge difference when using rubber cutting edges for snow and ice removal. Two must-have additions are backer blades and plow guards.

Backer Blades Backer blades prevent snow from rolling under the moldboard, boosting your productivity. They also act as a backup system—if your rubber edge wears down, you can keep working without damaging the moldboard itself. Plus, they help maintain proper blade positioning and extend the life of your cutting edge.

Plow Guards Plow guards shield your equipment from expensive curb damage. They’re versatile enough to work with front-mount or side-mount plow blades, loader blades, scraper blades, and underbody blades. These universal guards are a smart investment that can save you from costly repairs.

Other Helpful Accessories Consider adding curb runners and edge markers for extra equipment protection and better visibility during snow removal operations.

Getting the Position Right

Proper installation is key to maximizing your rubber cutting edge’s performance. Many municipalities make a common mistake: setting the edge too low, thinking it should sit flush with the pavement. This actually hurts both the blade and your snow removal results.

The Right Setup Follow this simple rule: the back edge of your rubber blade should never extend more than the blade’s thickness. For example, if you’re using a 1½” thick blade, limit the overhang to 1½” maximum.

Position the cutting edge to make solid contact with the surface without going past the moldboard. When the edge extends too far, it wears unevenly and removes snow less effectively.

Why Proper Installation Matters Poor positioning can lead to uneven wear and leaves behind snow and ice, forcing you to make extra passes. That means more fuel costs and delays that can put you behind schedule on large jobs.

Installation Tips

• Align the cutting edge carefully before mounting
• Secure it firmly to your plow
• Check regularly for wear or misalignment
• Adjust as needed to maintain efficiency

Making Your Blades Last Longer

Simple maintenance can significantly extend your blade’s lifespan and save you money.

The Flip Trick Here’s a game-changer: you can flip rubber edges to double their life. This quick 20-30 minute adjustment before each season or major snow event is one of the best cost-saving moves you can make. Just remember to inspect your blades regularly for uneven wear or tears.

Off-Season Storage Store your rubber cutting edges in a dry, cool spot away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes. Proper storage prevents cracking and deterioration during downtime.

Upgrade Option: WinterFLEX® Blades For heavy-duty operations, WinterFLEX® blades outperform traditional rubber edges. They’re built to handle tough conditions and high-volume projects that would wear down standard blades.

What Makes WinterFLEX® Different The WinterFLEX® system comes ready to use with a pre-punched design and included backer blade with bushings. When one side wears down, simply flip it over. The dual polyurethane sheets provide extra durability and longer wear life, saving you time while boosting safety and performance.

For maximum long-term durability, WinterFLEX® blades are the top choice.

Get the Most From Your Investment Quality rubber cutting edges keep your equipment running efficiently and lasting longer. Pair them with accessories like plow guards and backer blades to minimize wear and tear. Follow the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance guidelines to maximize your return.

Ready to upgrade? Check out Winter Equipment’s complete rubber cutting edge system and accessories to get the most versatility from your snow removal setup.