Research Progress in Road Snow and Ice Removal Equipment

This review systematically synthesizes recent advances in road snow and ice removal equipment, with emphasis on operating mechanisms, applicable conditions, key parameters, and development trends. Mechanical ice-breaking and snow removal equipment—including rolling, rotary-cutting, impact, snowplow, and rotary brush systems—is evaluated in terms of operating principles and engineering applicability. The energy input modes and dominant performance factors of hot-air, steam, microwave, and laser deicing technologies are then summarized. In addition, the structural configurations and functional coordination of mechanically integrated and thermal–mechanical snow removal vehicles are examined. These technologies differ substantially in ice-breaking capability, operating speed, energy consumption, and risk of pavement damage. Current research is further limited by inconsistent performance metrics, insufficient validation under field operating conditions, and inadequate parameter matching among functional units. Future studies should therefore emphasize snow and ice condition sensing, adaptive regulation of operating parameters, and coordinated control of multiple functional units. This review provides a systematic basis for equipment selection, performance evaluation, and the design of integrated road snow and ice removal systems.