Abstract:
Disclosed herein are various aspects of an improved snow or material pushers for use with loaders, backhoes, agricultural and larger home and garden tractors and the like for moving snow or other materials on generally flat areas such as parking lots, driveways, feed lots, runways, and loading areas. The improvements include, among others, a reversible design, extended side plates and/or wear shoes as well as improved scraping edge configurations so as to provide added functionality and versatility to pushers. As described the various features may be employed alone or in combination to provide the capability for snow and ice removal while minimizing the potential for damage to surfaces and objects thereon.

Description:
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application 60/732,944, for a “Snow Pusher,” filed Nov. 3, 2005 by Michael P. Weagley et al., which is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     The following disclosure is directed to aspects of an improved snow or material pusher for use with loaders, backhoes, agricultural and larger home and garden tractors and the like for moving snow or other materials on generally flat areas such as parking lots, driveways, feed lots, runways, and loading areas, for example. 
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A “pusher” or “pushing apparatus,” as described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,724,755 to Weagley (issued Mar. 3, 1998) or the folding material plow of U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,438, to Weagley et al. (issued Sep. 9, 2000), both hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, generally include sides extending forward from a mold board or central blade to assure material being pushed (e.g., snow, liquids, debris, sludge, etc.) remains in front of the pusher, and is not directed to one or both sides as with conventional plows. 
     The following disclosure is directed to aspects and embodiments of an improved pusher design, including several aspects that can be employed on traditional pusher designs in order to improve the use and efficiency of such pushers. The disclosed aspects and embodiments, alone and in combination, improve the functionality, reliability, ease of use and/or safety of pushers. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a material pushing apparatus, comprising: an upstanding central blade including a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge along an opposite side of said blade, and left and right ends; a vertical side plate attached to and extending forward at a generally perpendicular angle from each of the ends of the central blade; a first cutting edge attached to the central blade along the first longitudinal edge; and a second cutting edge attached to the central blade along the second longitudinal edge. 
     In accordance with another aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a reversible coupler for use with a reversible implement, comprising: a first coupler portion suitable for attachment to a vehicle in a first orientation; and a second coupler portion suitable for attachment to the vehicle in a second orientation. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, there is disclosed a method of using a reversible pusher, comprising: connecting a vehicle to the pusher in a first orientation having a first cutting edge adjacent a surface upon which the pusher rests; advancing the pusher with the first cutting edge adjacent the surface; disconnecting the pusher from the vehicle; reconnecting the vehicle to the pusher in a second orientation having a second cutting edge adjacent the surface; and advancing the pusher with the second cutting edge adjacent the surface. 
     In accordance with a further aspect, there is provided an improved scraping edge for attachment along a longitudinal edge of a moldboard, comprising: a flexible base, removably attached to the moldboard, along a top portion of the base; a rigid cutting edge extending along and removably attached to said flexible base along a bottom portion of the base, wherein said flexible base flexes to allow the cutting edge to bypass immovable objects it contacts; and a tensioner to bias said flexible base into a partially flexed position. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a material pushing apparatus, comprising: an upstanding moldboard including a bottom longitudinal edge, and left and right ends; a vertical side plate attached to and extending forward at a generally perpendicular angle from each of said left and right ends of the moldboard; and a scraping edge attached to the moldboard along said bottom longitudinal edge, said scraping edge including, a flexible base, removably attached to the moldboard, along a top portion of the flexible base using at least one hold-down member; a rigid cutting edge extending along and removably attached to said flexible base along a bottom portion of the base, wherein said flexible base flexes to allow the cutting edge to bypass immovable objects it contacts; and a tensioner to bias said flexible base into a partially flexed position. 
     In accordance with a further aspect disclosed herein there is provided a material pusher, comprising: an upstanding central blade including a lower longitudinal edge and left and right ends; a vertical side plate extending forward at a right angle from each end of the central blade; and removable wear shoe attached along a bottom edge of each vertical side plate, wherein the removable wear shoe extends from a position adjacent a front edge of the vertical side plate to a position at least 6 inches beyond a rear surface of the moldboard so as to assure that a bottom surface of the wear shoe remains in complete contact with a surface on which the pusher is used. 
     In accordance with yet a further aspect of the following disclosure there is provided an extended wear shoe for use on a material pusher, comprising: a web for attachment to a side plate of the pusher; a generally horizontal lower surface for sliding contact with the ground, the lower surface transitioning to front and rear ramped surfaces on either end thereof; and a cap, permanently attached to the web and the upper end of the rear ramped surface thereof. 
     Disclosed in accordance with another embodiment is an improved scraping edge for attachment along a longitudinal edge of a pusher moldboard, comprising: a plurality of rigid sections; said sections being attached along the longitudinal edge using fasteners having a low yield strength and hardness such that one or more sections are dislodged from a normal operating position upon contact with an immovable object to thereby prevent damage to the object. 
     Also disclosed with respect to yet a further embodiment is a material pushing apparatus, comprising: an upstanding central blade including a lower longitudinal edge and left and right ends; a vertical side plate extending forward at a right angle from each end of the central blade; and a breakaway cutting edge, comprised of a plurality of rigid sections, attached to the central blade along the longitudinal edge, wherein at least one of the sections is dislodged from its normal operating position upon sufficient contact with an immovable object to prevent damage to the object. 
     In accordance with a further aspect disclosed herein there is provided a material moving apparatus, comprising: an upstanding moldboard including a bottom longitudinal edge, and left and right ends; a vertical side plate attached to and extending forward at a generally perpendicular angle from each of said left and right ends of the moldboard; and a scraping edge attached to the moldboard along said bottom longitudinal edge, said scraping edge including a rigid component and means for assuring that said rigid component yields upon coming in contact with an immovable object. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1-4  illustrate various features and aspects of a switchblade, reversible coupling pusher in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIGS. 5A-5H  illustrate various features and aspects of a switchblade, reversible coupling, pusher in accordance with an alternative embodiment, where  FIGS. 5A-5H  particularly illustrate steps of using the reversible coupling feature with a skidsteer type vehicle; 
         FIGS. 6-7  illustrate various embodiments of a flexible trip edge in accordance with another aspect of the invention; 
         FIGS. 8-10  illustrate various embodiments of a breakaway edge in accordance with another aspect of the invention; 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  are illustrative side views of alternative embodiments of a snow pushing apparatus employing an extended wear shoe. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As used herein the figures are intended to be exemplary in nature, not limiting, and some or all aspects depicted may not be to scale. As will be further contemplated, various aspects of the disclosed embodiments have particular application to alternative snow removal and material moving technologies and while described in accordance with snow pushers and material pushing apparatus, are not intended to be limited to such embodiments. Accordingly, several of the aspects described herein may find particular use in plow, scraper, drag plow and similar applications in the same manner as described relative to snow or other material pushing embodiments. 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 1-5H , various aspects of a switchable/reversible orientation or Switchblade™ pusher configuration will be discussed in detail, along with a reversible coupling mechanism associated therewith.  FIGS. 1 and 3 , for example, illustrate a switchable orientation material pushing apparatus  110 . The intent of such a device is to provide two different types of scraping edges (e.g., hard and/or flexible) in a single material pusher so that a user can accommodate many different material conditions. In particular, the apparatus is believed to find practical use in its ability to handle new-fallen snow as well as hard-packed and re-frozen snow and ice that accumulate in parking lots and other heavily traveled areas. 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS. 1-3 , Switchblade pusher  110  includes an upstanding central blade or moldboard  120  having a first longitudinal edge  130  and a second longitudinal edge  140  and left and right ends  150 ,  160 , respectively. Also included is a vertical side plate  170  extending forward at a right angle from each of the ends  150 ,  160  of the central blade  120 . A first cutting or scraping edge  180  is attached to the central blade or moldboard along the first longitudinal edge  130 , and a second cutting or scraping edge  182  is attached to the central blade along the second longitudinal edge  140 . 
     In one embodiment the Switchblade™ two-edged pusher has both a flexible polymer or rubber cutting edge  182  attached along a first longitudinal edge and a more rigid or steel cutting edge  180  along a second longitudinal edge. The flexible edge is perfect for wet, heavy snow conditions or jobsites where there are ground obstacles or imperfections in the surface being cleared. The steel edge  180  is ideal for hard packed snow conditions or jobsites that are flat with no ground obstacles. Alternatively, the steel edge  180  may be used on surfaces where some scraping and even removal of the top surface is desirable, for example, cleaning of animal barns and feedlots. Depending upon the situation the Switchblade pusher provides both types of edges on a single device. 
     One embodiment may include at least one flexible or rubber edge removably fastened to the central blade and extending along a longitudinal edge thereof. In  FIG. 3 , a flexible rubber edge is generally depicted as  184  where the edge is reversible (by switching top for bottom), and is held to the face of the moldboard  120  using an elongated steel plate(s) as a hold-down member  185 . Moreover, it is contemplated that at least one cutting or scraping is removably fastened to the central blade along a longitudinal edge. As described above, at least one of the cutting edges comprises a rubber or flexible polymer edge  184  extending along and outward from one of the longitudinal edges of the central blade. As illustrated, such an edge is attached to the central blade  120  using a backing plate and bolts, and in some cases, the position of the edge may be adjusted upward or downward using slotted holes in the edge  184  through which the bolts are connected to nuts (not shown) behind the central blade. 
     It is further contemplated that one of the cutting edges of the reversible pushing apparatus may be a scraping edge  180  (see also  850  in  FIG. 8 ), attached to the moldboard  120  along one longitudinal edge. The scraping edge  180  includes a rigid component and means for assuring that the rigid component yields upon coming in contact with an immovable object. In one embodiment, the scraping edge  180  may be a breakaway edge, wherein at least one of rigid components or sections is dislodged from its normal operating position upon sufficient contact with an immovable object to prevent damage to the object. 
     As is also shown in the figures, the pusher apparatus  110  further includes a pair of longitudinal wear shoes  190  along at least two edges of the side plate  170 . The wear shoes may be removable, as depicted, or may be permanently attached or mounted to the side plate. The wear shoes may also be extended as depicted, for example, in  FIGS. 11A , B described below. The wear shoes  190  comprise inclined front and rear ramp surfaces  192  for sliding contact on the surface. In one embodiment, the front ends of wear shoes  190  and/or the side plates  170 , in conjunction, provide points or define a surface (along lines A-A′) that enables the apparatus to temporarily stand in an upright position, such as depicted in the embodiment of  FIGS. 5B and 5C , in order to permit a vehicle to change the direction in which the apparatus is oriented for pushing—thereby changing from a first operating position where the first scraping edge is adjacent to the surface being cleaned to a second operating position whereby the second scraping edge is adjacent to the surface to be cleaned. 
     Considering  FIGS. 1-3  and  5 A- 5 H, it will be apparent that the nature of the vehicle (skidsteer, backhoe or loader) is accommodated by one of several reversible couplers  210 , or similar reversible means for attaching the apparatus to a vehicle. The reversible coupler further enables the pushing vehicle  50  to be suitably attached, from either of two opposite directions. Where the vehicle  50  is a skidsteer-type or similar loader vehicle, the reversible coupler  210  includes a quick-coupling connection for both directions. 
     The reversible coupler  210  referred to above may be used with a reversible (Switchblade) pusher or with other reversible implements such as those known for use with skidsteer type vehicles. In one embodiment, reversible coupler  210  includes a first coupler assembly  220 , suitable for attachment to a vehicle (loader, skidsteer, etc.) in a first orientation, and a second coupler assembly  230  suitable for attachment to the vehicle in second first orientation. It will be appreciated that the first and second coupler assemblies are essentially mirror image replications of one another and may be contained within a common frame or assembly as depicted in  FIGS. 5G and 5H , for example. It is further contemplated that a reversible pusher may have a plurality of non-mirrored couplers on the rear thereof, where one coupler is suitable for receiving a bucket of a loader or backhoe whereas another coupler is suitable for use with a skidsteer-type vehicle, thereby permitting a single pusher to be used with a plurality of vehicle types. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , each coupler assembly  220 ,  230  includes two rows of parallel posts mounted on the rear of the pusher, the two rows of parallel posts form a slot  224  for receiving the edge of a bucket on the vehicle (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). Referring to  FIGS. 5C , F and G, for example, each reversible coupler assembly  210  is mounted on the rear of the pusher  110  and includes a pair of generally parallel side rails  250 , and opposed top members (e.g., downward facing flange)  254 , generally spanning between the side rails and providing a downward-facing pocket  256  on the rear of the pusher, the pocket receiving an upper edge or the like of a skidsteer attachment frame, and an angled foot or lower attachment member  258  on opposite ends, also spanning between the side rails, and suitable for receiving a lower wedge, pin or the like of the skidsteer attachment device.  FIGS. 5E and 5F  are illustrative examples of one method by which the skidsteer attachment device may be connected; first the attachment device of vehicle  50  is inserted into the pocket  256  and then, upon full connection of the attachment device with the coupler, the locking wedge or pin is inserted. It will be appreciated that various alternative means may be employed to interface with the reversible coupler  210 . 
     As an example of one possible configuration for the coupler assembly,  FIGS. 5E-5H  are referred to in order to illustrate the manner in which a skidsteer (e.g., Bobcat™) or similar vehicle is attached to the coupler. It will be appreciated that the coupler mechanism is duplicated in a mirrored configuration ( FIGS. 5F , G) to provide the reversible coupling referred to. It will also be appreciated that the coupler foot  258  may further include recesses, apertures  260  or similar features for receiving a locking wedge/detent or similar component or mechanism on the vehicle attachment frame—thereby providing positive attachment to the pusher. Alternatively, the pusher may be connected to the vehicle using well know means such as, hooks, clevises, chains and the like as is well known for connecting pushers to vehicles. 
     The coupler depicted in  FIG. 5C  is mounted on the rear of a pusher  110  and employs a common set of side rails such that both of the opposed coupling mechanisms form a single assembly suitable for coupling with a vehicle from opposite or reversible orientations. 
     Further referring to  FIGS. 5A-5D , the sequence of figures illustrates a method for using a reversible pushing apparatus as described herein. The method includes connecting a vehicle  50  to the pusher in a first orientation ( FIG. 5A ), moving the pusher with a first edge adjacent the ground surface ( FIG. 5A ), standing the pusher on its “nose” (for example along the plane defined by line A-A′) as shown in  FIG. 5B , disconnecting the vehicle from the pusher while in the “nose-down” position ( FIG. 5C ) and reconnecting the vehicle to the pusher in a second orientation ( FIG. 5D ), in order to subsequently move the pusher with a second edge adjacent the ground surface. 
     In an alternative method it is simply possible to use the vehicle  50  to roll or flip the pusher from one orientation to the other, thereby avoiding the need to temporarily place the pusher into a nose-down position. As will be appreciated, the vehicle should be disengaged from its respective coupler before flipping so as to enable the pusher to switch or reverse to the opposite orientation. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 6-7  there is depicted one embodiment of an improved scraping edge for use with the pusher described above, or with other conventional snow pusher designs, including those manufactured by Pro-Tech® and other manufacturers. In general, the improved scraping edge is attached to the central blade or moldboard along a longitudinal edge, and the scraping edge includes a rigid component and means for assuring that said rigid component yields upon coming in contact with an immovable object. In one embodiment, depicted in  FIGS. 6-7 , the yielding means may include a flexible base member whereas in an alternative embodiment, depicted in  FIGS. 8-10 , the yielding means may include a sacrificial fastener as well as similar components that flex or yield so that the cutting edge does not damage immovable objects it comes in contact with them. 
     The improved cutting edge of  FIGS. 6-7  is designed for attachment along a longitudinal edge of a pusher moldboard  610 , and in a first embodiment comprises a flexible base  630 , removably attached to the moldboard, along a top portion of the base. In one embodiment, the attachment means includes a metal hold-down member  640  applied on the face of the flexible base  630 , wherein the flexible base is sandwiched between the hold-down member  640  and the moldboard  610 . Removably attached to the flexible base  630 , along a bottom portion thereof is a rigid cutting edge  650 , preferably made of steel and alloys thereof that exhibit high hardness and good wear resistance. The use of the flexible base as the means by which the rigid cutting edge is attached to the moldboard flexible permits flexing of the base and allows the cutting edge to bypass an immovable object that it contacts while the pusher moves and then return to a nominal operating position. 
     The flexible scraping edge base  630  may be made of a polymer (e.g., polyurethane), rubber or similar material, and is approximately 1.5 (1.0-2.0) inches thick. Such materials are available from CUE, Inc. (e.g., Compound No. PO-650) and exhibit approximately the following characteristics: shore durometer (ASTM D2240-64T) of 84A; a compression set of 45% max.; a tensile strength (ASTM D412-61T) of 6000 psi; tensile modulus (ASTM D412-61T) @ 50% elongation of 500 psi; tear strength Trollsera (ASTM D1938)=250, Die C (ASTM D624)=470 and split tear (ASTM D470)=140; compression deflection (ASTM D575-46 Method A)@ 5%=300 psi; and abrasion resistance for Tabor (ASTM D3489-85(90)) of 15% rubber standard or NBS ASTM D1630-83=250. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the flexible scraping edge may further include a tensioner  660  to bias the flexible base into a partially flexed position. The use of a biasing means to pre-flex the base  630  assures that the base flexes rearward as the cutting edge  650  comes into contact with an immovable object such as a manhole, water-valve cap, curb, raised concrete or asphalt patch or similar objects. As will be appreciated, alternative biasing means including springs, pre-deformation of the base, tabs or stops along the side plates, etc. may be employed to assure that the polymer base  630  flexes rearward when the edge  650  contacts an immovable object. Absent a tensioner or other means for biasing or preflexing the base, the cutting edge may chatter and skip when contacting or moving over surfaces that are uneven yet generally free of immovable obstructions. 
     As further depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the tensioner is removably attached to the moldboard using the same bolts employed for the metal hold-down member  640 . The tensioner includes an arm  662  that extends downward from where it is attached to the moldboard, and at the end of the arm there is a contact point  664  that applies a force or biasing contact to the metal cutting edge  650 , and the flexible base  630  is biased into the partially flexed (rearward) position as shown in the side view of  FIG. 6 . It is also intended that the contact force or amount of bias applied to the cutting edge  650  is adjustable by way of bias adjusting bolt  668 , a threaded bolt at the end of the tensioner arm that establishes the contact point with the cutting edge in the embodiment depicted. 
     Those knowledgeable in the design of material pushers will appreciate that in an alternative embodiment a material pusher incorporating the improved cutting edge described above, may further include vertically extended or adjustable side plates and/or wear shoes, to provide increased or adjustable clearance between the bottom or the steel cutting edge  650  and the ground surface, thereby providing a region for the installation of the flexible cutting edge—and to provide a sufficient gap below the moldboard in which the edge can flex un an unconstrained fashion. 
     Turning next to  FIGS. 8-11 , there is disclosed yet another embodiment of the breakaway cutting edge for use on a longitudinal edge of a material pusher or similar plow or pushing apparatus. In the design, the breakaway edge provides a cutting surface adequate to remove hard-packed snow or ice from a surface, yet prevents damage to immovable objects (e.g., manholes, sewer covers, curbs, etc.) that come into contact with the edge. The edge design assures that it becomes detached or “breaks away” from the moldboard upon striking such objects with sufficient force. 
     In one embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10 , for example, the pusher comprises an upstanding central blade  810  having a lower longitudinal edge  820  and left ( 832 ) and right ends (not shown). A vertical side plate  840  extends forward generally at a right angle from each end of the central blade. The breakaway cutting edge  850 , comprises a plurality of sections  852 , attached to the central blade  810  along the longitudinal edge. At least one of the sections ( 852 ) may be dislodged from its normal operating position in response to the application of sufficient force resulting from contact with an immovable object, thereby preventing damage to the object. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , an applied force Fx 1  is applied to the cutting edge by an immovable object when the pusher is being moved forward along the ground. The force is translated to resulting forces (e.g., Fx 2 ) and relative to opposing force (Fx 3 ) that place the fastener holding the edge  852  to the moldboard  810 , in tension and/or shear. As will be further appreciated, the force applied to the fastener is a function of not only Fx 1 , but also of the relative dimensions of the edge in relation to the moldboard&#39;s longitudinal edge, for example, dimensions  811  and  812 . For example, force Fx 1  translates to a significantly “magnified” force Fx 2  as a result of the leverage provided by a wide edge (e.g., dimension  811 ). As depicted, for example, in  FIG. 8 , the forces applied to the fasteners holding edge  852  to moldboard  810  are also a function of the angle ( 0 ) of the edge, which results in the addition of a shear stress applied to the fastener as well as a tensile stress. 
     Preferably, the longitudinal edge  820  of the central blade  810  is made of a material of sufficient strength, or is reinforced, to resist damage when the breakaway edge strikes an object. Moreover, the cutting edge sections  852  are made from ort formed of steel or similar rigid and/or hardened materials, and are attached to the longitudinal edge using attachment hardware or fasteners (e.g., bolts with nuts as depicted in  FIGS. 9 and 10 ) that offer less resistance to the applied stress (shear and/or tensile forces are present) than the cutting edge sections  852 , so as to result in the failure of the hardware/fasteners before damage to the object or the pushing apparatus. More specifically, in one embodiment, the edge sections are mounted to the central blade using bolts having a yield strength of less than about 36,000 psi and a tensile strength of less than about 74,000 psi (equivalent of Grade 2 or less). It will be appreciated that SAE-J429 Grade 1 or 2 (also A307 Grades A, B), may be used to assure that the failure of the bolts, by shear or other means, will occur before damage to the pusher components or the immovable object. It will also be appreciated that depending upon the particular application, the dimensions of the components, and/or sensitivity to damage, alternative fasteners sizes, steel alloys/grades, materials and or hardware components may be employed (e.g., aluminum hardware, shear pins, etc.) Although the angle θ is illustrated at approximately 12-degrees from normal, the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9  is believed best operated over a range of angles from about 5-degrees to about 20-degrees from normal, although use over a range of about 0-degrees to about 30-degrees from normal and higher is possible. 
     As generally depicted in  FIG. 9 , the present invention further contemplates the use of a safety attachment mechanism  858  connecting the cutting edge sections  852  to the central blade or moldboard  810  so that in the event that the section is completely dislodged (i.e., all fasteners broken), the section will remain attached to the central blade for later reattachment. Such a mechanism may include a loop or hook welded to the back of the cutting edge and attached by chain, cable, clevis or the like to a similar loop or hook on the rear of the central blade. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , there are depicted examples of extended wear shoes for use with a material pusher as previously disclosed. The purpose of the extended shoe is to provide a larger surface on which the pusher rides, with the surface extending rearward from the coupling point, thereby making it easier for a vehicle operator to place the pusher in an orientation where the wear shoes are parallel to the ground or surface on which it is being used. Such a feature significantly decreases the likelihood that a pusher will be operated with only the front or rear edge contacting the surface, and thereby quickly wearing out that portion of the shoe. The improved, extended wear shoe  1210  includes a web  1220  for attachment to a side plate of a pusher, and a generally horizontal lower surface  1230  for sliding contact with the ground, the lower surface transitioning to front and rear ramped surfaces on either end thereof, and a cap,  1240  permanently attached to the exposed or extended portion of web  1220  and the upper end of the rear ramped surface. In other words, the cap covers and reinforces the web over at least part of the region  1250  where the shoe extends beyond the rear of the moldboard (e.g.,  120 ,  610 ,  810 ), and as depicted in  FIG. 12A  that portion beyond the rear edge of the side plate. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 11A-11B , the wear shoe extends a distance (region  1250 ) of at least about 10 to about 25% of the side plate length beyond the rear of the moldboard  810 , and as mentioned above beyond the coupling contact point between the vehicle and the pusher. Thus, the pusher has a removable wear shoe  1210  attached along a bottom edge of each vertical side plate, where the removable wear shoe extends from a position generally adjacent a front edge of the vertical side plate to a position well beyond the rear of the moldboard to assure that the majority of a bottom surface of the wear shoe remains in contact with the ground surface on which the pusher is used. 
     The present disclosure contemplates additional improvements to the wear shoe, that include at least a wear shoe lower horizontal surface  1230  made from a steel (e.g., HARDOX 500 (Super Duty) from SSAB Oxelsund AB with 0.26% Cr, 0.49% Si, 1.15% Mn, 0.010% P, 0.002 S, 0.070 Cr, 0.05 Ni, 0.009 Mo and 0.002 B) having a hardness of at least about 300 and more preferably about Brinnell. In such embodiments, a heavy duty shoe having improved wear performance may be fabricated using HARDOX 400 (Heavy Duty) or HARDOX 500 (Super Duty). HARDOX wear plate has a hardness of at least 300 and approximately 400 HB. It combines high wear resistance with toughness and good weldability. HARDOX is manufactured by SSAB Oxelosund AB. Use of the 400 and 500 grades is believed adequate, having a Brinnell hardness from about 300-550, to significantly reduce the wear of the shoes during normal pusher use. It will be further understood that the thickness of the lower horizontal surface of the various wear shoes may also be modified to provide longer shoe life. 
     It will be appreciated that various of the afore-described improvements and modifications may be applied or adapted to operate in conjunction with or on other types of pushers and material moving or scraping apparatus, including but not limited to, fold-out pushers and other types of snow plows and blades. It will be further appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.