NTEA’s SCEMC works with chassis OEMs on snowplow installation programs

This article was published in the September 2019 edition of NTEA News.

Snow Control Equipment Manufacturers Committee (SCEMC) is one of NTEA’s oldest affiliate divisions, operating since 1979. Participants include manufacturers of snowplows, salt and sand spreaders, and related snow and ice removal equipment. The group engages OEMs on issues related to snowplow installation on pickups and vocational trucks. 

SCEMC’s most significant contribution is its development of strong relationships with chassis manufacturers, communicating with them during early stages of vehicle creation in an effort to continue OEM programs allowing snowplow installation. These programs encompass Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard compliance, safety assessment, electrical interface issues, plow mounting locations and vehicle durability testing. SCEMC works with the next generation of trucks from chassis OEMs to maintain the variety of snowplow-capable vehicles for the work truck marketplace.

Cooperation between snowplow manufacturers and OEMs has enabled continuation of preparation option codes for many pickups in the commercial truck market. Without such support, it would be too costly for snowplow manufacturers to perform all testing needed to meet current requirements.

To help buyers and upfitters identify necessary items for vehicle-specific snowplow configurations, SCEMC offers a list of best practices. These guidelines are based on important aspects of the snowplow manufacturing process and designed to ensure safe, efficient products. The group regularly checks and enhances its standards to stay up-to-date on market changes.

SCEMC best practices guidelines

1. Follow the truck and/or snowplow OEM recommended guidelines and approved model offerings (e.g., stay under the rated front and rear gross axle weight rating (GAWR) and within defined weight distribution percentages).
2. Snowplow OEMs: provide weights and centers of gravity for snowplow kit offerings.
3. Ultimate responsibility for installing snow control equipment lies with the distributor/upfitter/installer. A weight distribution analysis is required to determine if equipment to be installed is within the vehicle’s limits for front and rear GAWR, gross vehicle weight rating and required weight percentage for front and rear axles, and any applicable federal, state and local standards and regulations.
4. Snowplow OEMs: provide distributors with instructions for installation and adjustment procedures for auxiliary headlamps offered with front snowplow kits.
5. Snowplow OEMs: provide owners’ manuals.