Understanding the Carbide & Cover Snow Plow Blade Set-up:
Selecting the Right Blades.

In the previous post, we discussed the benefits and challenges of the carbide and cover set-up and why carbide blades need a steel cover blade for optimal performance. Now, let’s explore the different types of carbide blades and steel cover blades available, their material differences, and how to choose the best configuration for your carbide and cover set-up.

Selecting the right cover blade is crucial for ensuring your carbide blade is properly protected and performs at its best. Carbide blades and steel cover blades come in various heights and bolt hole gauges, and choosing the wrong blades can result in subpar performance or wasted material.

Steel Cover Blade Materials

One of the key factors to consider when selecting a cover blade is the material. Standard steel blades are typically made from high-carbon steel with an abrasion resistance rating of AR500. While high-carbon steel is hard and wear-resistant, it can be more prone to breakage upon impact.

Alternatively, some manufacturers offer cover blades using different forms of steel that provide improved ductility and impact resistance while maintaining excellent wear resistance. Steel with these improved abilities may come at a higher cost but can offer superior performance and durability.

Understanding Bolt Hole Gauge & Blade Height

Another critical aspect to consider when selecting blades is the bolt hole gauge and blade height. The bolt hole gauge refers to the distance from the top of the blade to the center of the bolt hole, typically measured in inches. Cover blades are available in 1.5″, 2″, and 4″ gauges. You may see these gauges labeled as either “Top Punched” (1.5” and 2” gauge) or “Center Punched” (4” gauge).

Top punched steel blades will typically be 6” tall and center punched steel blades will typically be 8” tall. The blade height and bolt hole gauge combination will determine how the cover blade aligns with your carbide blade, which is essential for proper protection and wear.

Proper Carbide and Cover Blade Alignment

The goal in selecting blades for an ideal carbide and cover set-up is to align the steel cover blade so that the bottom sits 1/2” below the carbide blade. We’ll go over which combination to use depending on the carbide blade you’re using in our next post. If the bottom of your steel cover blade sits more than 1/2” below the carbide blade, you are wasting steel that is wearing quickly and not slowed by the carbide inserts. If the bottom of your steel cover blade sits less than 1/2” below the carbide blade, the carbide inserts are not protected from impacts and washout. This may cause you to lose carbide inserts and wear through your steel blade much faster than it should.

Here are 3 steps you can use to calculate your blade set-up alignment:

1. Carbide Blade Alignment: Subtract the bolt hole gauge from the height of the carbide blade.

2. Steel Cover Blade Alignment: Subtract the bolt hole gauge from the height of the steel cover blade.

3. Blade Set-up Alignment: Subtract the carbide blade alignment from the steel cover blade alignment.

Blade Set-up Alignment Calculation Example:

Carbide Blade
Height: 5” Bolt Hole Gauge: 1.5”

Steel Cover Blade
Height: 6” Bolt Hole Gauge: 2”

1. Steel Cover Blade Alignment:      6” – 2” = 4”
2. Carbide Blade Alignment:         5” – 1.5” = 3.5”
3. Blade Set-up Alignment:           4” – 3.5” = 0.5”

The alignment of this carbide and cover set-up is 1/2”. These three steps will help you determine your set-up alignment before you order your blades and ensure that you get the alignment that your looking for.

Choosing the best cover blade for your carbide and cover set-up involves careful consideration of material properties, bolt hole gauge, and blade height. Incorrect configurations can cause performance and durability issues. By selecting a cover blade that aligns properly with your carbide blade and offers the right balance of wear resistance and impact resistance, you can maximize the performance and longevity of your snow plow blade set-up. In the next post, we’ll discuss how to achieve the perfect alignment and installation of your carbide and cover blades.

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Understanding the Carbide & Cover Snow Plow Blade Set-up:

1. What is a Carbide and Cover Set-up?
2. Why You Need a Steel Cover Blade.
3. Selecting the Right Blades.
4. Mastering Alignment, Installation, and Use of Plow Guards.
5. Why Carbide and Cover Set-ups Don’t Work.
6. Streamlining Snow Removal with All-in-One Carbide and Cover Blade Systems.
7. Optimizing Your Carbide and Cover Blade Set-up for Peak Performance.