How to Drive a Snowplow

Clear the snow and ice off the windshield, windows and mirrors on the snowplow so your visibility won't be hindered in that respect.

Climb into the cab of the snowplow and adjust the seat to fit you. Familiarize yourself with the controls. Fasten the seat belt and start the truck. Turn on the low-beam headlights, even if it's daytime, so it will be easier for others to see you. Turn on the warning light mounted on the roof if the snowplow has one.

Watch out the windows and check the mirrors often to keep a constant watch on what's going on around you. Kids and animals are notorious for getting in the way, as well as inattentive people.

Keep in mind the blade on the truck will interfere with your field of vision, especially when it's pulled up for traveling. The snowplow may stick out on each side, so you'll have to use care not to clip things on each side of the truck.

Lift the blade of the snowplow up to about the middle of the grill so you can drive to the location you're going to clear. The blade should also be in a straight position and not be tilted to either side.

Arrive at the location and lower the snowplow blade. You may have to experiment with the terrain to determine the proper height for the blade. If you drop the blade too low, you can plow up other things in addition to the snow like gravel and concrete. If the blade's too high, you'll leave too much snow on the ground.

Look behind you every time before you back up the snowplow. Think safety first. Be especially wary of large mounds of snow. There could be a vehicle buried underneath. Or the mound could be a cave dug into the snow and have kids playing inside.

Push the snow by making straight passes with the snowplow. Then back up and overlap the passes to clean up snow that was left behind. Push the snow to an area that's out of the way.

Clear snow away from buildings and other large obstacles by raising the blade and pulling the snowplow up close to it. Then, lower the blade and slowly back away from the obstacle.