56
ERDC/CRREL SR-02-1
APPENDIX D: WAUSAU REVERSIBLE SNOWPLOW
FOR THE 5-TON TRUCK
Background
The reversible snowplow is designed to cast snow to either the left- or the
right-hand side of the road. The plow also can be used without any angle in the
forward position to pile snow out of the way or for easy removal with a snow-
blower or front loader. This plow is most commonly used in the full right-hand
position to clear snow to the right-hand side of the road.
The reversing mechanism of the R-series plow consists of a drive frame
(mounted to the truck) and a sector frame, which is mounted to the snowplow.
This particular snowplow, the R3611M, has a manually operated reversing
mechanism. To reverse the plow from a right-hand plowing mode to a left-hand
plowing mode, the plow needs to be leveled and preferably resting on a 2-inch
4-inch piece of lumber. Then remove the pin holding the plow in place on the
sector frame and move the plow to the left and re-install the pin. Note: It is
recommended that two people should manually reverse the plow, being espe-
cially careful to keep hands and feet clear of all moving parts. Keep hands and
feet away from the plow cutting edge at all times.
As a safety feature, the R series plow has four large compression springs
mounted in a way that allows the moldboard to rotate forward and slide over
obstructions. The force required to compress these springs will bring the plow
back to its original plowing position. The driver should stop and investigate the
obstruction, determine what it is, and report it. If it is a permanent structure it
should be marked so that the plow will not hit it again.
The plow has a cutting edge to scrape snow and most ice off the road surface,
and works most efficiently when the cutting edge is on the ground. The cutting
edge can be enhanced with a carbide steel cutting edge as shown in Appendix B.
To lift the plow, the truck hitch lifting mechanism is operated with the
hydraulic lift cylinder and a lift arm. The winch control in the cab provides this
action. Connected to the lift arm is a "dead sheave" arrangement consisting of a
sheave and a steel cable. The cable must be wrapped around the sheave once to
create enough friction between the cable and the sheave to keep the plow level in
the carrying position.
In all cases, to carry the plow level, the reversing of the plow has to be done
when the plow is on a sturdy board or a plank on the ground. This is very impor-
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