Rooftop Snow Removal Machines for Bus Fleets: Comparing Models
Clearing snow from bus, van and motor coach roofs is about safety, efficiency and compliance. Addressing all three areas at once is tough, and a winter storm makes the task even harder.
From a safety standpoint alone, fleet managers have to consider more than their own workers’ and passengers’ safety. Others on the road are at risk if rooftop snow blows to affect visibility or ice becomes a projectile.
Scraper Systems™ Bus Scraper Buyer’s Guide
Scraper Systems snow removal machines help protect vehicles, roads and pedestrians in winter weather with unmatched efficiency.
Automated snow removal is faster, safer, and more efficient than manual clearing, requiring fewer workers while keeping operations running even in harsh winter conditions. For transit and fleet operations, fleet plow models come in different configurations, each designed for specific performance levels and operational needs.
Choosing the right unit starts with a high-level question: Does your operation demand heavy-duty performance, or will a medium-duty unit meet your needs?
Medium-duty vs. Heavy-duty
When selecting your system, consider four key factors:
- Climate – How much snow and ice accumulation do you face, and how often? Will you run it frequently in sub-zero conditions?
- Fleet Size – How many vehicles must you clear per storm or shift?
- Available Power and Yard Space – What utilities and layout does your facility offer?
- Portability – Do you want the ability to relocate your machine in the off-season?
These questions are critical for matching you with the right system. A medium-duty snow removal machine may be ideal for moderate snowfall and smaller fleets, while heavy-duty units handle larger fleet sizes, heavier snow loads, and more frequent snow falls.
Portable bases are optional with heavy-duty models and standard with our medium-duty model, providing flexibility for seasonal relocation or shared use between sites. For permanent installations, heavy-duty models also offer fixed-base configurations.
Not sure which direction to take? Scraper Systems experts can help you assess your fleet size, site conditions, and operational goals to identify the best match.
For a deeper dive into performance comparisons, installation requirements, and ROI considerations, refer to our Buyer’s Guide, which details the factors that influences your decision. View our PDF comparison.
| Heavy-Duty | Medium-Duty | |
| Model | Fleet Plow 880B: Portable | Fleet Plow MD-12B: Portable |
| Duty | Heavy-Duty (HD) | Medium-Duty (MD) |
| Vehicles | Buses/passenger vans from 7′-2″ to 14′-0″ (2.2 m to 4.3 m) | Buses/passenger vans from 6′-3″ to 13′-6″ (1.9 m x 4.0 m) |
| Fleet Size | Very Large | Small to Large |
| Snow Depth (heavy, wet) | 24″ (60 cm) | 12″ (30 cm) |
| Warranty | 2 years parts, 1 year labor | 2 year parts, 1 year labor |
| Power Source | 110V/20A single phase requires extension cord or inverter generator (option) | 12 Volt deep cycle battery (included). 50 cycles per charge at -20F |
| Drive-Thru Opening | 14′-8″ wide (4.5 m) | 12′-0″ wide (3.6 m) |
| Footprint (Overall outside dimensions) | 18′-10″ x 18′-7″ (5.8 m x 5.7 m) = 350 SF (32.5 sq. m) | 16′-4″ x 11′-2″ (4.9 m x 3.4 m) = 183 SF ( 16.7 sq. m) |
| Portability | Screw jacks with 12″ single wheel casters. Removable tow bars provided. | Screw jacks with 8″ single wheel casters. Removable tow bars provided. |
| Hoist | Industrial chain hoist (1/2-ton) | Wire-rope hoist (800 lbs) |
| Automation | Hand-held, push button pendant control | Hand-held, push button pendant control |
| Installation | Dealer required | Dealer optional |
| Plow | Deep-V™ plow blade assembly (800 lbs, 13′-0″ wide) with a combination of 10″, 14″, and 16″ brushes and (12) 30″ neoprene wipers | Deep-V™ plow blade assembly (400 lbs, 11′-0″ wide) with a combination of 10″, 14″, and 16″ brushes |
Smaller fleets, fewer snowfalls
Fleet plow MD-12B (medium-duty brush plow)
- Vehicles: buses and passenger vans from 6’3” to 13’6” (1.9 m to 4.0 m) high. Drive-through width is 12’0” (3.6 m)
- Throughput: up to 80 vehicles per day with 12” (30 cm) of snowfall
- Operating temperature: to -20° F (-29° C)
- Controls: handheld push-button pendant with basic up/down function
- Portability: standard; screw jacks with 8” single-wheel casters
- Power source: 12V battery
- Footprint: 16’ 4” x 11’ 2” (4.9 m x 3.4 m), 182.2 sq. ft. (16.7 sq. m)
- Options: self-assembly
Larger fleets, harsher winters
Fleet plow 880B (heavy-duty portable brush plow)
- Vehicles: buses and passenger vans from 7’2” to 14’ (2.2 m to 4.3 m) high. Drive-through width is 14’9” (4.5 m).
- Throughput: up to 400 buses per day with 24” of wet, heavy snow
- Operating temperature: to -40° F (-40° C)
- Controls: handheld push-button pendant with basic up/down function
- Portability: screw jacks with 12” single-wheel casters
- Power source: single-phase (110 – 120V / 20A); or portable power-kit option with inverter generator
- Yard space: 18’10” x 18’7” (5.8 m x 5.7 m), 350 sq. ft. (32.5 sq. m)
- Other heavy-duty models (fixed base, requiring additional consideration for vehicle heights):
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- 770B – fixed base brush plow with handheld up/down controls
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- Series 700 – fixed base brush plow with extended drive-through widths up to 35’ and handheld up/down controls.
Plan for winter performance
The right rooftop snow removal system helps support safe operations, protect your vehicles, and keep your fleet moving. You don’t want to underestimate your needs — and you don’t want to invest more than you need.
Scraper Systems fleet plows are built for reliability, proven by more than 25 years of operation in the harshest winter conditions, snowfall after snowfall.
Talk to an expert to evaluate your fleet, environment, and yard so they can recommend a setup that fits your goals and budget.