Variables that determine how long a lot takes to plow

When the white stuff starts falling hopefully if you live in Chambersburg, Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Harrisburg, Hershey or Middletown and you own a business you have called Michael B. Stoner Inc. to clear your business’ parking lot. One common question everyone has is how long will it take?

There are a number of variables that go into how long a lot will take to clear of snow. The first is obviously the size of the lot. The larger the lot the more time it will take as more snow will need to be pushed toward the edges. Where do you want the snow to go? Does it go toward the periphery of the lot or can it be pushed into one location that might take away a few parking spaces but speed up the plowing?

Another variable is obstacles. Obstacles are things like concrete medians that look nice when no snow is on the ground but making snow removal much more difficult. Other obstacles could be as simple as a signpost, be it a stop sign or handicapped parking signs. These require a change in direction when clearing the snow so to clear this space can take significantly longer. The more of these that are in the lot means more time to clear it.

Sidewalks can also play a role in how long it takes to clear a property. Different equipment needs to be used like a Bobcat front end loader. It is possible that only a small amount of sidewalk will need to be cleared if say your building has an overhang but it is also possible that the entire sidewalk will need to be cleared and that takes time.

Perhaps the most important variable is how much snow has fallen. It should go without saying that an inch of snow will require less effort to clear than a foot of snow. The more snow, the more effort is required to plow it. Not all snow is equal as well. Is the snow the light and fluffy variety or is it a wet snow? A cubic foot of light fluffy snow can weigh as little as seven pounds. Wet snow can weigh twenty pounds or more per cubic foot. A big difference. There is a reason that snow removal professionals have a different price for different amounts of snow.

Last is in a way the most important. A driver’s experience can make a huge difference in how long it takes to clear a lot of snow. At Michael B. Stoner Inc. we have been at this for 30 years giving our drivers valuable experience in tackling whatever Mother Nature can throw at you. This experience and the equipment we use is what you get when we get to work on your lot. We are out as soon as the snow starts falling working with our customers to get their lots cleared as quickly as possible. You will be open for business while your neighbors will be digging out.