Joma Snowplow Blade Life Span: A Survey of State Experience

Joma plow blades are a relatively new option for winter maintenance. They consist of carbide inserts brazed into steel segments that are encased in rubber, which the manufacturer claims will offer a longer life span in addition to other benefits. They are widely used in winter maintenance operations in Minnesota. Recently, however, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has noticed premature wearing on new Joma blades relative to blades purchased a few years ago. The agency was interested in determining if other states shared this experience as well as investigating the possibility that microsurfacing treatments on pavements may be contributing to this reduced life span.