Plow blade

A plow blade edge system includes a plurality of wear bars mounted to a rear side of a plow blade section body. A first channel extends below each of the wear bars and is partially defined by the plow blade section body. Each where bar includes a weldment of carbide matrix along a bottom edge of the wear bar forming a first wear surface. The weldment of carbide matrix is retained in the first channel. The plow blade section body further includes a second channel formed in and extending along a bottom edge of the plow blade section body. The second channel is operative to receive at least one carbide insert and forms a second wear surface. A total surface area of the first wear surface exposed to the road surface is greater than a total surface area of the second wear surface exposed to the road.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to devices for improving the durability, performance and operation of plow blades. Specifically, the present disclosure provides for an improved plow blade edge, for example, snow plow blade edge.

Rough terrain and cold weather conditions have caused problems for snow plow blades for as long as there have been snow plows. Although many modifications and alternative designs have been made to snow plow blades in attempts to improve the life, durability, and performance of snow plow blades, in particular, the life, durability, and performance of snow plow blade edges, most of these modifications and alterations did not provide sufficient durability and performance improvement to deal with, among other things, the rough terrain and cold weather that snow plow blades are typically exposed to. Typically, prior art snow plow edges include a continuous edge that is in contact with the road surface therebelow. The typical snow plow edges are subjected to extreme impact and wear and can be destroyed due to the wear from the contact between the plow edge and the terrain below.

In addition, rigid prior art snow plow blade edges, including a continuous bottom edge, can damage the surface over which they are moved. Due to their rigidity and continuous snow plow blade edge, prior art plow blades transmit loads to the surface below. The present disclosure describes a device with resilient construction material and method of mounting which can be used to provide new plow blade edges or replace worn plow blade edges, in particular, snow plow blade edges or other surface plows, that overcome many of the limitations of the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

One aspect of the present disclosure provides for a plow blade including a plurality of plow blade sections. In one arrangement, each plow blade section includes a steel cover plate welded to a front side of the plow blade section body. Each plow blade section further includes a plow blade edge extending along a bottom edge of the steel cover plate. At least one cut-out forms an indentation extending across the steel cover plate. A plurality of wear bars can be mounted to a rear side of the plurality of plow blade sections. Each wear bar can include a weldment of carbide matrix along a bottom edge of the wear bar. Each cut-out extends across the steel cover plate to a top edge of a wear surface of the wear bar such that the carbide matrix is consumed as the plow blade edge retreats to the blade wear indicator.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides for a plow blade edge system. In one arrangement, the plow blade edge system includes at least one steel cover plate welded to a front side of at least one plow blade section body. A plurality of wear bars can be mounted to a rear side of the plow blade section body. Each of the plurality of wear bars includes a weldment of carbide matrix along a bottom edge. The wear bars include a retainer late welded to a back side of the wear bars for forming a channel for receiving a deposit of the weldment of the carbide matrix.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides for a plow blade edge kit for mounting to a mold board of a plow. The edge kit comprises a plurality of plow edge blades including mounting holes for mounting to a mold board. The kit further includes mounting bushings. The plow edge blades also include wear bar sections welded thereto.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides for a plow blade edge system. The plow blade edge system comprises a plurality of wear bars mounted to a rear side of a plow blade section body, wherein each of the plurality of wear bars includes a weldment of carbide matrix along a bottom edge forming a first wear surface. The plow blade section body includes a channel extending along a bottom edge of the plow blade section body and being operative to receive a plurality of carbide inserts forming a second wear surface, wherein a total surface area of the first wear surface is greater than a total surface area of the second wear surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 5are perspective views of plow assemblies10,100including plow bodies12,120which can be hemispherical and funnel shaped steel construction, or other materials, for deflecting snow or other media. Plow assemblies10,100are typically attached to a vehicle (not shown) by means of an appropriate frame or housing (also not shown). The vehicle may be any vehicle ranging from a standard car or pickup truck to a sand and salt carrying dump truck to a road grader having a belly mounted blade to huge earth moving or snow moving plows. The means of attaching plow bodies12,120to a vehicle may also typically include some form of hydraulic mechanism for positioning plow assemblies10,100as desired, as is typical in the art. The plow assemblies10,100may also include one or more reinforcing members (not shown) to provide strength and rigidity to plow bodies12,120. Reinforcing members are typically standard structural angles which are attached to the back of plow bodies12,120, for example, by means of welding.

One embodiment of a plow blade edge system or kit14having wear resistant surfaces including serrated edge blades20and impact or wear bars30, made in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, is illustrated inFIGS. 1-4. The wear bars30, according to a first embodiment, include a mounting face32which can be secured to a backside24of the serrated blade20. The wear bars30can be mounted close to a cutting edge21of the plow blade edge system14. One of the advantages of the wear bars30is that they can be welded to the serrated blade20such that the serrated blade20and wear bars30, can be combined all in a single plow blade edge system unit14. It is to be appreciated that the present construction and assembly eliminates complicated and bulky supporting structures, additional mounting elements and thereby reduces the time and costs of fitting the plow blade edge system14onto the snow plow blade12.

It is to be appreciated that the mounting openings22for the plow blade edge system14are located proximal to a top edge23of serrated blade20at a standard spacing of 8 inch or 12 inch centers. As shown, the serrated blade20can be mounted to a plow body base member or mold board13at the bottom of snow plow blade12having 12 inch bolt hole centers or other spaced mounting arrangements.

In one arrangement (FIGS. 3 and 4), the wear bars30are pre-mounted to the serrated blade20. Wear surfaces34of wear bars30reside close to, and in general alignment with, the blade cutting edge21and are thus a more integral part of the blade system14and therefore, capable of absorbing more of the undesirable abrasive wear and vibration (i.e. in use).

At least one channel40can be formed between the serrated blade20and the wear bars30at the time of assembly. A carbide matrix wear pad or weldments50can be welded into the channel40to provide improved impact performance, wear resistance, and longer life to the plow blade edge system14.

Subsequent to assembly, the channels40can be filled and/or overfilled by welding therein layered carbide matrix50. The layered carbide matrix50can be composed of a series of layered deposits one on top of another until the channel40is filled or overfilled. Overfilling the channel40can result in a convex or bulbous layer of carbide matrix terminating beyond, i.e. extending below, the wear surface of the wear bar30. The matrix50provides a reconstitutable embedded weldment or resistor for increased wear resistance of the wear surface. In one exemplary embodiment, one longitudinal channel40extends along substantially the length of the wear bar30. As shown inFIG. 2, the welding deposit50(in an unworn state) in the channel40can overfill the channel forming substantially bulbous deposit extending outwardly from the wear or bottom surface of the wear bar30.

The weldments50can be aligned with the wear surface such that when the plow assembly is in use and traveling along the road surface, the weldments50are transverse to the direction of travel. Alternatively, the weldments50can be aligned with or canted to, the direction of travel (not shown). The surface area of the weldments can comprise from about 35% to about 65% of the total surface area of the bottom wear surface comprising the serrated blade20and the wear bar30.

The weld deposits50can have the following analysis (balance iron):

Conventional hard-facing or wear-facing weldments can be used for the deposits50. So-called chrome carbide steels are the most common, e.g., STOODY COMPANY NO. 121, although vanadium carbide (STOODY NO. 134) and tungsten carbide ones also can be used very effectively. It is to be appreciated that the weldment material50deposited in the channel40has a higher hardness than the surrounding materials. The weldment metal50must be abrasion-resistant. Generally, it is a high chrome ferrous metal weld. It is reconstitutable in the sense that it can be repaired or replaced by redeposition of carbide matrix by welding.

Weld deposit50in channel40can be transverse to the direction of travel. The wear surface and the embedded or integrated weldments50help to support the cutting edges of the serrated blade20and wear bars30such that the abrasive action and impact from the roadbed works on the weldments50and the serrated blade cutting edges21, thereby substantially prolonging the life of the cutting edge21of serrated blade20. The present edge system14of welded wear bars30and serrated blades20are intended to perform better than mechanically fastened solid carbide bars would under the extreme conditions of vibration, impact and thermal shock experienced by plow blades.

As described above, one aspect of the present disclosure provides for the plow blade edge system14to be easily mounted to a mold board13of a plow12. The plow blade system14can comprise wear bars30, serrated blades20, and plow guards (not illustrated). The wear bar30can comprise a weldment of carbide matrix50built up along a bottom edge (i.e. deposited in a channel40) for wear resistance. The carbide matrix50can comprise chrome carbide, tungsten carbide, or similar. The wear bar(s)30can be welded to respective serrated blades20. The wear bars30can be positioned behind the serrated blades20. The wear bar30can be comprised of a plurality of wear bar sections independently welded to the back of respective serrated blade sections20, thereby forming plow guard like protection over nearly the entire length of the serrated blade20. The wear bars30can also include steel retainer plates33for forming channels40between plates33and serrated blade20, and for protection of the carbide matrix50. The plow edge kit14further comprises a plurality of fasteners70that can pass through the holes22of the serrated blade20, and corresponding holes15of the mold board13for securing the blade system14to the mold board13.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides for a plow blade edge kit14for mounting to the mold board13of a plow12. The edge kit14comprises a plurality of serrated blade sections20including mounting holes22for mounting to a mold board13. The kit14can further include mounting bushings. The serrated blades20also include wear bar sections30welded thereto.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides for a serrated blade20having a plurality of cut-outs25(i.e. keyhole cut-outs) thereby forming a plurality of openings or channels27along the bottom edge21of the serrated blade20. The serrated edge21can comprise self-sharpening high strength steel. The serrated blade edge21can cut through hard packed snow and ice easier than a continuous blade edge. The serrated blade20can be comprised of a plurality of blade sections (i.e. 2, 3 and/or 4 foot sections) including inter-locking terminal tabs for easy installation and positioning of adjacent sections. The cut-outs25can also include a wear indicator29(i.e. wear indicator line) that provides notice to the user that once the serrated blade edge21retreats and/or is consumed, to the wear indicator line29, then the serrated blade20or blade section should be replaced.

The serrated blade20can be comprised of high strength steel. The blade20can be from about 4 in. to about 12 in. in height and from about 0.25 in. to about 1 in. in thickness. The serrated blades20can be made in predetermined lengths, i.e. 1 ft., 2 ft., 3 ft., and 4 ft. Plow guards optionally mounted to the front side of the serrated blade (not illustrated) can comprise carbide matrix along a lower edge welded into a channel. The plow guards can be installed where extra blade protection is needed. For curb protection, the plow guards can also comprise a curved section along an outer edge for protection of the blade edge from wear against a curb.

The keyhole cut-outs25of the serrated blade20can comprise a narrow channel27opened at a bottom edge21extending upward for a distance and then expanding into a relatively larger opening26at the top or terminal end of the keyhole opening25. The open channel, i.e. plurality of open channels27, along the serrated blade edge21and adjacent to the road surface provides for a more effective cutting plow edge that can cut effectively through hard packed snow and ice. The channel openings27along with the intermittent blade edge21therebetween provides for a more effective “slicing” ability such that the serrated blade edge21can tear and cut through the snow and ice as the plow assembly10is pushed along a road surface. The serrated edge21provides for increased “grab” of the material in front of the plow blade12. The high points, i.e. the edge sections21in contact with the road surface will meet the snow and ice first, thereby putting more pressure per area available at these points. This allows the serration channels27to puncture and tear through the ice and snow faster. The serrated edge21can be a self-sharpening high strength steel blade edge. It is to be appreciated that in typical plowing operations, the plow blade12is angled relative to the direction of travel. Thus, the plow blade12is presented at an angle to the snow and ice as the plow blade12is pushed along. The typical angle of address enables the snow and ice to be dislodged from the road surface and then travel in a downstream manner to the right of the plow blade12, thereby pushing the snow and ice to the right side of a road surface.

The wear bar sections30can each include a plurality of apertures35therethrough, for mounting of the retainer plate33to the wear bar30. One arrangement can comprise plug welds36through the apertures35, thereby making contact with a rear side37of the wear bar30. In addition, fillet welds39can be provided for securing the retainer plate33to the wear bar30. The enlarged head26of the keyhole cut-outs25can also include slot or fillet welds38along at least a portion thereof, thereby securing the serrated blade20to a front side32of the wear bar sections30. It is to be appreciated that the fillet welds38are recessed from a front face28of serrated blade20and are shielded from abrasive action. The combination of the serrated blade20and the wear bar sections30can subsequently be mounted to the mold board13.

It is to be appreciated that the serrated edge21results in a teeth like design along the lower edge that can easily penetrate the ice and packed snow as the plow blade12, at a typical attack angle, is pushed along the roadway. The resultant action is a slicing cut as the plow blade12is presented at an angle to the substrate in front of the plow.

Each of the serrated blade sections20can include a male tab44and a female notch46at opposing ends for interlocking of adjacent serrated blade sections20.

The number of serrated blade segments20mounted to a plow body will vary depending upon the size of plow body12used. For example, the length of the serrated blade20is limitless, but serrated blades20typically will have sections of 3 or 4 foot lengths. In this manner, any combination of two, or three, blade segments20can be combined to extend across a plow blade having a length of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 feet.

Referring now toFIG. 3, there is shown a wear termination or replacement line29on blade20. The wear replacement line29indicates when the plow blade edge system14should be replaced. The wear line29can be reached, for example, when all, or substantially all, of the carbide matrices50have worn off, or abraded away. As described above, any number of combinations of serrated blade20exemplary lengths can be used to accommodate varying size of the plow blade body from 6 feet to 12 feet, et al. The end44of one blade20is designed to interlock an adjacent end46of another blade20thereby stabling the plow blade edge system14. Thus, the male interlock section44of one blade20can be interlocked with the female section46of another adjacent interlock blade20. The male44and female46interlock sections overlap a joint of adjacent blades thereby stabilizing the serrated blade20sections. In conjunction therewith, one or more integral plow blade edge sections14can be independently mounted or replaced. In this manner, one person can single-handedly replace one (or more) integral plow blade edge sections14as needed in one simple section swap.

Another embodiment of a plow blade edge system or kit114having wear resistant surfaces including plow edge blades120and impact or wear bars130, made in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, is illustrated inFIGS. 5-8. The wear bars130, according to the illustrated embodiment, include a mounting face132which can be secured to a backside124of the plow edge blade120. The wear bars130can be mounted close to bottom edges of the plow blade edge system114. One of the advantages of the wear bars130is that they can be welded to the plow edge blade120such that the plow edge blade120and wear bars130, can be combined all in a single plow blade edge system unit114. It is to be appreciated that the present construction and assembly eliminates complicated and bulky supporting structures, additional mounting elements and thereby reduces the time and costs of fitting the plow blade edge system114onto the snow plow blade112.

It is to be appreciated that the mounting openings122for the illustrated plow blade edge system114can be located proximal to a top edge123of plow edge blade120at a standard spacing of 8 inch or 12 inch centers. As shown, the plow edge blade120can be mounted to a plow body base member or mold board113at the bottom of snow plow blade112having 12 inch bolt hole centers or other spaced mounting arrangements.

In one arrangement (FIGS. 7 and 8), the wear bars130are mounted to the plow edge blade120. Wear surfaces134of wear bars130reside close to, and in general alignment with, the blade cutting edge121and are thus a more integral part of the blade system114and therefore, capable of absorbing more of the undesirable abrasive wear and vibration (i.e. in use).

At least one channel140can be formed by a mounted retainer plate133extending below the wear bar130at the time of manufacture. A carbide matrix wear pad or weld deposit150can be welded into the channel140to provide improved impact performance, wear resistance, and longer life to the plow blade edge system114.

The channels140can be assembled and filled using the same procedure described supra for the plow blade edge system14illustrated inFIGS. 1-4. Similarly, the composition forming the carbide matrix150can include the same weld deposits (50) and properties described above forFIGS. 1-5. In this manner, the wear surface and the embedded or integrated weldments150help to support the cutting edges of the plow edge blade120and wear bars130such that the abrasive action and impact from the roadbed R are resisted by the weldments150, thereby substantially prolonging the life of the cutting edge121of plow edge blade120. The present edge system114of welded wear bars130and plow edge blades120are intended to perform better than mechanically fastened solid carbide bars would under the extreme conditions of vibration, impact and thermal shock experienced by plow blades.

Returning toFIGS. 5-8, further aspects of the present disclosure provide for the plow blade edge system114to be easily mounted to a mold board113of a plow112. The plow blade system114can comprise wear bars130, plow edge blades120, and plow guards (not illustrated). The wear bar130can comprise the weldment of carbide matrix150built up along a bottom edge (i.e. deposited in the channel140) for wear resistance. The carbide matrix150can comprise chrome carbide, tungsten carbide, or similar material. The wear bar(s)130can be welded to respective plow edge blades120. The wear bars130can be positioned behind the plow edge blades120. In one exemplary arrangement, a four (4) foot length plow blade120can include three (3) wear bars130welded to the back. A three (3) foot length plow blade120can include two (2) wear bars130welded to the back. It is contemplated that four (4) foot and three (3) foot plow blades can each include from one (1) to four (4) wear bars (not shown). The wear bar130can be comprised of a plurality of wear bar sections independently welded to the back of respective plow edge blade sections120, thereby forming plow guard like protection over nearly the entire length of the plow edge blade120. The wear bars130can also include the steel retainer plates133for defining channels140between plates133and plow edge blade120, and for retention of the carbide matrix150during manufacturing. The plow edge kit114further comprises a plurality of fasteners170that can pass through the holes122of the plow edge blade120, and corresponding holes115of the mold board113for securing the blade system114to the mold board113.

Another aspect of the illustrated embodiment provides for a plow blade edge kit114for mounting to the mold board113of a plow112. The edge kit114comprises a plurality of plow blade sections120including mounting holes122for mounting to a mold board113. The kit114can further include mounting bushings. The plow blades120also include wear bar sections130welded thereto.

Another aspect of the illustrated embodiment provides for a steel cover plate152welded to a front face128of the plow edge blade body120. The steel cover plate152includes a plurality of generally spaced apart cut-outs153(inverse teeth) extending along a top edge portion154of the steel cover plate152. Each cut-out153thereby forms an indentation or groove extending approximately across the steel cover plate152to approximately a top edge of the wear surface of the wear bar130. Each cut-out153functions as a wear indicator129that provides notice to the user that once the plow blade edge121(and the wear surface134of the impact wear bar130) retreats and/or is consumed to a bottom edge of the wear indicator129(i.e., wear indicator line156), then the plow blade edge kit114or blade system should be replaced.

Another aspect of the illustrated embodiment (FIGS. 5-8) provides for a reinforcing carbide wear surface comprising a plurality of carbide inserts164along a bottom edge of the plow edge blade body120, which is situated between the steel cover plate152and the wear bar130. The carbide inserts164can have a variety of dimensions. In one exemplary arrangement, the carbide inserts164range in length from 0.375 in. to 1.50 in., and can range in height from 0.25 in. to 1.5 in. The plow edge blade body120can include a channel166formed therein at the time of assembly to receive the plurality of carbide inserts164. The carbide inserts164can be fluxed and brazed into the channel166to provide improved impact performance, wear resistance, and longer life to the plow blade edge kit or system114. Alternatively, the carbide inserts can be epoxied into the channel. The carbide inserts can comprise a variety of shapes and configurations. Exemplary shapes and configurations include bull nose (FIG. 6), trapezoidal, rectangular, et al., and/or combinations thereof.

Wear surfaces134,165of the respective embedded, integrated, or brazed weldments and inserts150,164increase the amount of abrasion resistant material in contact with the road surface R and help to support the bottom edges of the plow blade120, cover plate152, wear bars130, and retainer plate133such that the abrasive action and impact from the roadbed R are resisted by the weldments and inserts150,164, thereby substantially prolonging the life of the plow blade edge system114. The present blade system114comprising welded wear bars130and plow blades120are intended to perform better than mechanically fastened solid carbide bars would under the extreme conditions of vibration, impact and thermal shock experienced by plow blades.

It is to be appreciated that the total surface area exposed to the road surface R of carbide matrix150is from about 1.0 to about 3.0 times the total surface area exposed to the road surface R of the carbide inserts164. In another embodiment, the total surface area exposed to the road surface R of carbide matrix150is from about 1.5 to about 2.2 times the total surface area of the carbide inserts164. In yet still another embodiment, the total surface area exposed to the road surface R of carbide matrix150is from about 1.7 to about 2.1 times the total surface area of the carbide inserts164. It is further to be appreciated that the combination of blades120,130, and133, i.e. the ground engaging boundary of the combined blades, comprise an overall ‘footprint’ or outline area relative to the road surface. The ground engaging boundary or outline area can be defined by the thickness of blades120,130, and133times the respective lengths of the blades120,130, and133. In one embodiment, the combined surface areas of carbide matrix150and carbide inserts164, exposed to the road surface R, is from about 45 percent to about 75 percent of the outline area. In another embodiment, the combined surface areas of carbide matrix150and carbide inserts164, exposed to the road surface R, is from about 55 percent to about 70 percent of the outline area. In yet still another embodiment, the combined surface areas of carbide matrix150and carbide inserts164, exposed to the road surface R, is from about 65 percent to about 70 percent. As shown, the carbide matrix150is non-contiguous with the carbide inserts164. The aforementioned concentration of hardened wear surfaces, relative to the overall ‘footprint’ not only provides for effective wear resistance but also provides improved cutting ability as the plow edge system moves through packed snow and ice. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the volume of total carbide (i.e. combined volume of carbide matrix150and combined volume of bullnose carbide inserts164) represents an increase from about 2.5 times to about 4.0 times the volume of carbide of a plow edge system that does not include wear bars.

It is to be appreciated that the blades120, carbide inserts164, wear bars130, carbide matrix150, and retainer plate133provide a combined weight relative to the respective ‘footprint’ of the aforementioned components. The relationship of the combined weight to the respective ‘footprint’ creates a resultant pounds per square inch (PSI). In one exemplary embodiment, the resultant PSI is from about 1.00 PSI to about 1.80 PSI. In a further embodiment, the resultant PSI is from about 1.20 PSI to about 1.60 PSI. In yet still another embodiment, the resultant PSI is from about 1.30 PSI to about 1.55 PSI.

A plow blade edge extends along a bottom edge158of the steel cover plate152. The plow edge158can comprise self-sharpening high strength steel. The plow blade edge158can cut through hard packed snow. The illustrated plow blade edge158is generally continuous across a plurality of blade sections (i.e. 2, 3 and/or 4 foot sections) including inter-locking terminal tabs for easy installation and positioning of adjacent sections. Although, embodiments are contemplated where the steel cover plate152is serrated, or includes a plurality of serrated blade sections, as described supra for the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 1-4.

The plow edge blade120and the steel cover plate152can be comprised of abrasion-resistant high strength steel that will not break. The blade120can be from about 4 in. to about 12 in. in height and from about 0.25 in. to about 1 in. in thickness. The steel cover plate152can be from about 2 in. to about 5 in. in height and from about ⅜ in. to about ⅞ in. in thickness. The plow edge blades120can be made in predetermined lengths, i.e. 1 ft., 2 ft., 3 ft., and 4 ft. and sections of different lengths can be combined to create a plow edge blade of a desired overall length. Plow guards optionally mounted to the plow blade120along a front side of the steel cover plate152(not illustrated) can comprise carbide matrix along a lower edge welded into a channel. The plow guards can be installed where extra blade protection is needed. For curb protection, the plow guards can also comprise a curved section along an outer edge for protection of the blade edge from wear against a curb. The wear bars with carbide matrix150, along with the carbide inserts164, can comprise from about 3.0 lbs./ft. to about 4.5 lbs./ft. of the carbide matrix protection.

In the illustrated embodiment, fillet welds139can be provided for securing the retainer plate133to the wear bar130. Furthermore, fillet welds138can be provided for securing the wear bar130to the back side124of the plow edge blade120. Additionally, fillet welds160can be provided for securing the steel cover plate152to a front side128of the plow blade body120. It is to be appreciated that the fillet welds160are recessed from a front face162of the steel cover plate152and are shielded from abrasive action. However, embodiments are contemplated where the retainer plate133can include a plurality of apertures therethrough (not shown), for mounting of the retainer plate133to the wear bar130. One arrangement (not illustrated) can comprise plug or puddle welds through the apertures, thereby making contact with a rear side of the wear bar. In a similar manner, embodiments are contemplated (not illustrated) where the plow blade body includes a plurality of apertures therethrough for mounting the wear bar130to the plow blade120. The combination of the plow edge blade120and the wear bar sections130can subsequently be mounted to the mold board113.

It is to be appreciated that the bottom edges of the plow blade120, cover plate152, wear bars130, and retainer plate133, through use, will ‘burn’ or wear into a continuous and generally rectilinear lower edge surface190that can easily penetrate the ice and packed snow as the plow blade112, at a typical attack angle, is pushed along the roadway R. The resultant action is a slicing cut as the plow blade112is presented at an angle to the substrate in front of the plow. However, in another contemplated embodiment (not illustrated), the leading edge158can represent a teeth-like design along a serrated lower edge of the steel cover plate that can also easily penetrate the ice and packed snow.

As best shown inFIG. 6, the bull nose inserts164have initially a curvilinear ground engaging surface. The initial surface represents a linear alignment identified at the apex165of each carbide insert164. It is to be appreciated that linear surface165will readily self-align with planar surface134as the respective blades ‘burn’ or wear into the lower edge surface190. Wear surface165will move from a linear surface to a self-aligned planar surface (aligned with surface134) as wear progresses. The initial linear arrangement of surface165to planar surfaces134facilitates, not only forward motion of plow body112, but also rearward motion (i.e., back-dragging).

The number of plow blade segments120mounted to a plow body112will vary depending upon the size of plow body112used. For example, the length of the plow blade120is limitless, but typically will have sections of 3 or 4 foot lengths. In this manner, any combination of two to five blade segments120can be combined to extend across a plow blade having an overall length of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 feet.

Referring now toFIG. 7, there is shown a wear termination or replacement line129on the steel cover plate152, along a bottom edge156of the cut-out(s)153. The wear replacement line129indicates when the plow blade edge system114should be replaced. The wear line129can be reached, for example, when all, or substantially all, of the carbide matrices150of the impact wear bar130have worn off, or abraded away. As described above, any number of combinations of plow edge blade sections120of exemplary lengths can be used to accommodate varying size of the plow blade body from 6 feet to 12 feet, et al. Each of the steel cover plates152can include a male tab144and a female notch146at opposing ends for interlocking of adjacent plow blade sections120. The end144of steel cover plate152is designed to align with or interlock an adjacent end146of another cover plate152thereby stabilizing the plow blade edge system114. Thus, the male interlock section144of one blade120can be interlocked with the female section146of another adjacent interlock blade120. The male144and female146interlock sections overlap a joint of adjacent blade sections120thereby stabilizing the blade system114. In conjunction therewith, one or more integral plow blade edge sections114can be independently mounted or replaced. In this manner, one person can single-handedly replace one (or more) integral plow blade edge sections114as needed in one simple section swap.

In another embodiment, the plow blade edge device114can further include a plow guard or curb guard (not illustrated) attached to the plow edge blade120and positioned along a front side162of the steel cover plate152. The guards can provide even further protection and wear resistance to mold board113and plow body112. The guards can also include a carbide matrix along a bottom edge for increased blade end protection.