Heavy snow removal places intense pressure on snow plow equipment. While standard steel blades wear out in a matter of hours during severe winter storms, tungsten carbide snow plow blades are designed to last significantly longer. Today, we are going to discuss why carbide blades are a smart investment for heavy snow and how protecting the steel body with hardfacing ensures you get the full value out of your blades.
The True ROI of Carbide Snowplow Blades in Severe Weather
Upgrading from carbon steel to tungsten carbide inserts increases your initial purchase cost. However, the long-term economic benefits far outweigh the upfront expense:
- Fewer Replacements: Carbide inserts outlast standard steel edges by 10 to 20 times under harsh conditions.
- Lower Labor Costs: Maintenance crews spend less time swapping out worn blades during peak storm hours.
- Higher Fleet Efficiency: Plow trucks stay on the road clearing highways instead of sitting idle in repair bays.
The Hidden Problem: Steel Wash-Out
While tungsten carbide inserts are extremely hard, the steel body holding those inserts is much softer. When plowing at high speeds over slush, gravel, and salt mixtures, abrasive particles wash against the steel base.
This process, known as “steel wash-out,” erodes the supporting steel surrounding the carbide inserts. In severe cases, the steel wears away completely, causing expensive carbide inserts to loosen and drop out long before they are actually worn down.
Maximizing Blade Life with Carbide Hardfacing
To prevent premature steel wash-out, professional maintenance teams rely on hardfacing protection. Applying tungsten carbide grit hardfacing onto the front face and bottom edge of the steel body creates an extra wear barrier.
This hardfacing layer absorbs abrasive road friction, ensuring the steel carrier lasts just as long as the carbide inserts inside.
Investing in tungsten carbide snow plow blades is the first step toward efficient winter operations. Protecting the steel carrier with durable hardfacing ensures you get maximum wear life from every single blade.
At MCT, we supply high-performance carbide snow plow blades alongside specialized hardfacing materials and custom overlay services. Contact our engineering team today to learn how to extend your blade lifespan this winter!
