Last Updated on February 16, 2026

Winter weather can bring serious challenges to businesses, municipalities and facility managers responsible for keeping sites safe and running smoothly. Between heavy snow and icy conditions, winter can truly slow everything down.

Preventing safety hazards can eat up valuable time if you’re not equipped with the right tools. Fortunately, today’s snow removal equipment rentals offer solutions for every type of job from small walkways to large industrial sites. In this article, you’ll explore the most essential types of snow removal equipment and learn how to choose the best options for your needs. You’ll also learn why renting can be a cost-effective and flexible way to stay prepared all winter long.

Why You Need to Plan Early for Snow Removal Rental Equipment

Bad winter weather can be unpredictable. A sudden ice or snowstorm can quickly damage equipment and cause slippery conditions. If you’re a facility owner or employer, it’s your responsibility to minimize the risk of injuries, accidents and illnesses caused by winter weather.

When the temperature drops, you need to have your snow removal plan ready to go. Snow removal, especially from rooftops, can be a hazardous task that requires specialized equipment.

When preparing for winter, first review tips from OSHA about snow removal hazards and winter weather precautions. Then create a snow removal plan that includes the equipment you’ll need. The last thing you need during an unexpected winter storm is to compete with every other business in the area for the few remaining equipment options.

3 Types of Essential Snow Removal Equipment

Snow removal challenges come in all shapes and sizes. The equipment you use for clearing a large parking lot is different than what you’ll need for a narrow stairway. It’s important to have a range of equipment options ready to go. Together, these tools cover everything from detailed ice control to major snow-clearing operations, ensuring you can maintain safe, accessible work areas all season long.

• Manual Tools for Tight Spaces: Manual tools like snow shovels and straight blade snow pushers and ice scrapers are fundamental for clearing steps, tight spaces and smaller walkways where maneuverability matters most. They’re lightweight, affordable and effective for light to moderate snow.
• Snow Pushers and Machines for Large Areas: For larger areas, motorized equipment offers far greater speed and efficiency. Snowblowers are a go-to solution for clearing sidewalks, driveways and mid-sized areas. They can handle anything from powdery snow to heavy, wet accumulation depending on the model. Utility trucks with snow plow attachments are ideal for large, open spaces. Snow pushers provide high capacity clearing for parking lots, loading areas and large open spaces, helping operators move snow quickly and stack it effectively.
• Skid Steers with Angle Brooms for Light Snow: Angle brooms attach to skid steers or compact equipment and are ideal for sweeping away light snow without damaging surfaces.
  • Read more: Tips for Using a Skid Steer During Winter

How to Choose the Right Equipment for Your Use Case

Every region and property is different. Use the steps below to help you decide what types of snow removal equipment rentals you’ll need this winter.

1. Know What You’re Up Against: Weather Trends and Forecasts

Selecting the right snow removal equipment starts with assessing the conditions you’re likely to face. Consider the average snowfall in your region, the size and layout of the area you need to maintain, and how quickly snow must be cleared for safe operations.

Light snowfall or infrequent storms may only require shovels or ice scrapers, but consistent or heavy accumulation typically warrants more robust solutions like snowblowers, pushers, or attachments for loaders and skid steers.

2. Consider Your Surfaces

Next, think about your site’s terrain and surface materials. For example, angle brooms work well on flat paved surfaces, while pushers with rubber edges protect sensitive pavement. In contrast, heavy-duty blowers may be best for uneven surfaces where pushing is less effective.

By carefully evaluating your site requirements and local snowfall patterns, you can select snow removal tools that maximize efficiency, safety and long-term value.

3. Choose a Mix of Manual and Motorized Equipment

Another key step is deciding between manual and motorized equipment. Manual tools offer simplicity and control, but they can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Motorized solutions improve speed, reduce physical strain, and handle a variety of snow types (even compacted or wet snow) in a fraction of the time.

When deciding what mix of solutions you need, ask the following questions:

• What is the site layout? Are there any hard-to-access areas? Are there any elevated spaces (like roofs) that will need to be cleared? If workers will need to clear snow at height, you’ll need equipment like a bucket truck to access the site safely and help prevent falls. Choosing motorized tools becomes especially important when clearing large parking areas, long sidewalks or facility perimeters.
• How quickly does snow need to be cleared before it negatively impacts those who use the space? Motorized equipment like snow blowers and snow pushers can clear snow faster than manual shovels.
• Who will be doing the work? Clearing snow can be a dangerous, physically intense job. Shoveling heavy, wet snow can cause heart attacks or sudden cardiac arrest. Powered equipment can reduce strain and help keep workers safe.

4. Evaluate Equipment Features

Once you’ve decided what types of equipment you’ll need, it’s time to narrow down your choices to the right models and features. Evaluating equipment features is crucial for clearing snow efficiently and comfortably. For example, look for snowblowers with sufficient power, clearing width, and intake height to handle your regional snow conditions. For angle brooms and pushers, consider compatibility with your existing machinery, as well as durability features like reinforced edges and heavy-duty construction.

Always prioritize performance and reliability because snow removal equipment must operate in harsh conditions, and downtime during a storm can be costly.

Renting vs. Owning Snow Removal Equipment

When preparing for winter, one major decision is whether to buy or rent snow removal equipment. Purchasing equipment can provide long-term availability and can make sense for businesses in regions with constant, heavy snowfall for several months every year. For example, a ski resort high in the mountains would likely want to own its own equipment.

However, buying also brings added costs including storage, maintenance, repairs and upfront investment. Equipment must be serviced regularly and stored properly during the off-season, which can strain budgets and space.

Renting snow removal equipment offers significant advantages, especially for businesses with seasonal or variable needs. Renting eliminates the high initial cost of ownership and allows you to scale equipment based on each storm or weather event. You can avoid off-season storage challenges and reduce ongoing maintenance responsibilities, since rental units are serviced, maintained and ready to use when they arrive.

Renting also provides access to specialized equipment you may not need year-round. From large snow pushers to skid-steer attachments and high-capacity snowblowers, rentals make it easy to get the right tool for each unique job without committing to a long-term purchase. This flexibility is particularly valuable during unpredictable winter seasons when storm intensity and frequency are unpredictable. Ultimately, renting helps you keep costs down while having access to the equipment you need.

Find Top Quality Snow Removal Equipment for Rent at Herc Rentals

Whether you are looking to remove snow from one property or many this winter, Herc Rentals can help you keep winter weather from stopping your job in its tracks. Our fleet of snow and ice removal equipment is ready when you need it, from compact utility loaders to skid steers and dump trucks.

Browse our snow removal equipment rentals, or call 1-800-432-6215 to talk with an expert today.