more snow + ticked-off accountant = plow for me??

[RabidRam]

I need some input on snow plows and plowing in general. Thanks to the steady amount of snow that we've been getting in the great NE, the company I work for has racked up quite a bill for snow removal. Our accountant was pretty ticked-off when he added up all that we've spent this year (and it wasn't even that bad of a winter). Anyways, he "happened" to notice my truck... one thing led to another... yada, yada, yada... "would you be interested in plowing the parking lot if we bought a plow for your truck?" Without thinking, I said "heck yeah!" So just what did I get myself into? I'm not too worried because the guys that usually come and do it are in and out in about 10 minutes (it's a small parking lot). And they're using a F*rd!



I'm not 100% certain that this is a done deal, but I'm trying to gather information to present to the accountant. Who makes a good, dependable plow? And since accountants are all about the $$$, could you list (or hint) at prices? NO BRAND WARS PLEASE!! Just personal experiences that you've had with different companies. I was looking at the Blizzard plow with the extendable wings. It would probably be over-kill for the small lot I'd be using it for, but if the company is footing the bill... . why not?!



Also, I told them that the only way I'd be interested is if they let me use the plow on other jobs as well. They said they've got no problem with that.



I know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about plowing. Please feel free to respond with any and all replies because I assure you that you will NOT be telling me something that I already know.



OH YEAH... obviously, winter is almost over, so it'll probably be next winter before I actually need the plow. Is buying snow plows like buying motorcycles... better to do it in the off-season?



Thanks for the input,



Dave

 

[Duluth Diesel]

www.plowsite.com

 

[Mactruck]

I have a Fisher Plow. on my plow truck (95 Phrd Gasser) Has been real dependable and have had no problems with it. Nice 8 ft wide blade.



It's a no brainer that plows will go down in price in the spring and summer months. NOT ALOT but they will go down a little.



Plowing with a 5 speed may be a bit of a challenge but I know a few that do.



I would LOVE to see those stacks in action plowing

 

[CIverson]

Personally if your dont' need it for plowing anything else, I would say don't do it, alot of wear on the truck, and plowing with a manual does suck, not to mention having to be around in the winter time (no vacation) cause you might have to plow, unless you let someone else drive your truck. GASP!



As for plows I have had a boss V, that was ok, besides for some electrical gremlins and a cylinder that went bad (expensive repair)



I just got a Snoway and I like it alot, except for it's kinda a PITA to hook up, but the solid hookup lets you have downpressure too, so it's a give an take deal. The snoway is lighter, than the other comparable plows, as it uses a lesser amount of steel, but it's all high strenght steel instead of the mild steel everyone else uses. IT also saves weight with the clear plastic blade, which I might add is pretty damn strong and dosent' rust

 

[J Shocik]

IMO, I would look and see what other plow drivers in your area are using for plows. Take into account these things do need parts and how easy is it to get them when you need them. Why buy some no-name inexpensive plow if you can't get parts for 3 mos. when it breaks. In my neck of the woods, Fisher, Meyers, and Curtis are the more popular brands ( easy to get parts ).

 

[benhall]

I have had good luck with Western plows. I don't care for their new mounting system or their v-plows, as the mounts are lower and kinda awkward to operate.



Ben

 

[bmoeller]

I have used 2 different Western plows (not mine). Thought they worked great. Haven't tried a V-plow yet. Would like to try one sometime.

 

[DSteinel]

I use a meyer 8' and have had no problems with the blade itself, had one light harness self distruct this winter. Other than that no problems in 4 years. Think I paid about $2600 in aug. of 2000. AS for plowing with a manual, it's not that big of deal once you get used to it, I plow with a 6 spd and a Mitchell pulling clutch. My boss uses a Western pro plow, its a good plow but I don't think the way the a-frame attaches to the plow itself is as strong. I watched my bosses truck break one side off while we were V-plowing this winter His plow is only 3 years old, but that has been the only problem he has had. Dean

 

[Snow man]

RabidRam, I plow commerically and your getting yourself into a huge responsiblity,and setting yourself up for being liable for any ice/snow related slip and fall suit that may arise while you are performing the snow removal operations. You would be totally crazy for dropping your plow without plowing insurance,you stand to lose everything you own to a little old lady who falls in the parking lot,as long as she has a good attorney. Who is going to pay for the commericial liablity policy you need to legally and properly do that job? That policy alone may cost as much as the plow every season. I know in NY it is not legal to drive on the roads with a plow (without commericial liablity coverage)unless you are going between houses/propertys that you own,rent. IMO if they arent willing to pay for the insurance policy i woudlnt even consider it. Once they are willing to commit to that then I would consider it.

If you take this on,you arent going anywhere from dec-april,no vacations no where far without having somene cover you(who do you trust to drive your truck,not wreck it,not plow 10 other drives for cash in his pocket,with it while your gone,and to do the job right?

Also if your truck is down how are you going to get the job done?trans blows after you push an 8" storm,and theres another 12" on the way,what now? Plowing is tough on the truck as well. Rust happens quicker,the front end wears much faster,and i notice a general loosness in the feel of the truck comapred to a similar truck that doesnt plow snow,from all the vibration,and slamming it takes. Also if they buy the plow is it yours? how long are you expected to plow for?one or 2 seasons,or as long as youi work there! Also what is expected of you as far as service?,in my operations if snow is inthe forcast we do not sleep,we are at the window all night,every 2 hrs checking,what are the terms they are expecting,plow every 3"?,every 1 inch,?Who is responsibe for salting,if necessarry. Even though this is your employeer id draw up a contract/agreement with all these things clearly written so there is no confusion or finger pointing later on. If you ever get sued(you will eventually) youll need that and good records to cover your behind. Im not tryign to be hard on you,I just want you to be aware that this business isnt just about dropping the blade and your done,theres a lot more involved when plowing somone elses property,esp a business. Good luck and let me know what you decide to do.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Good advice from snow man and others. Great site from Duluth.



I would advise against it. We have two Boss v plows here, plus access to a State duece and a half with a western, a bobcat, and front end loader when overwhelmed. Its so cold the snow is light fluffy powder 95% of the time and lots of it. Still tears up trucks and plows. You don't want that to happen to your truck.



IMHO you do not have the appropriate transmission for plowing, being a manual, the shift pattern, and especially a five speed (I'm not saying manuals cannot be used, but what is recommended). Who pays for the clutch repairs?



Are you going to make enough to pay for a new truck in a few years? Do you normally get up early or are willing to adjust your schedule to do so? After plowing, do you still have your 8 hrs regular duty to do?



I don't see how it is going to be worth it, both for you and your company - contract it out or have the company buy an old gas beater just for plowing the one small parking lot.

 

[RabidRam]

Thanks for the replies. I must say that you guys brought up a bunch of things that I hadn't even considered. Man... what a GREAT web site!



I must admit that when I heard that I might get a free plow... I just thought about dropping it and making a few bucks on the side. I didn't even consider insurance, truck damage, early mornings/late nights, "the little old lady with a good attorney", etc...



Obviously, this is more of a decision than what I originally thought. A lot of details still need to be discussed... good thing I've got almost a year.



Thanks again for helping me to curb my enthusiasm and start thinking through it.



Dave

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Dave: Get all the stuff from your company in writing. Get them to sign on a dotted line... otherwise you can't hold what they have verbally offered to you against them if the manure hits the fan.



Make them pay for the wear and tear, insurance, etc. Who's going to cover for you while you're out plowing? Are you ready to take some abuse from co-workers because you're the 'model employee'?



I plowed commercially for 3 years. Had good luck with my Fisher plow... Dad has had two different Fishers with good luck, but he really misses the Curtis he had on his Chevy.



IMHO - Curtis makes the best plow. Best/easiest mounting system, fast - self contained hydraulics, better moldboard angle for scraping down to the blacktop, etc.



In the end, if you decide that you don't want to do it... it's pretty easy to convince an accountant to say 'no' to the whole idea. Give him some inflated numbers... nickle and dime it to death. He'll quickly realize that it's going to cost quite a bit.



Matt

 

[Snow man]

Dave, or anyone else if your looking for more info on plowing, plow trucks,or any part of the business,feel free to register and stop in at http://www.snowplowing-contractors.com/forums/index.php?s=. Im on this site a lot,and its the #1 snow plowing site on the net. You will need to register to read the forums,but its well worth it,there is a lot of good info here,and even a diesel section for use oil burner lovers

 

[bighammer]

I plowed the (seasonal) road to our property (about a mile) where we will be building our new home this summer. I figured it was good to take advantage of a "practice season" when access is optional. Next year will be the real deal. I also plowed our private roads in the neighborhood (2 or 2. 5 miles) where we live now when our hired guy had problems or didn't show.



I had no problems at all plowing with a manual trans. Our maximum depth was probably 7" but there some places that it was drifted. The South Bend clutch seemed to be fine with it. Of course roads are probably easier on the clutch than doing parking lots. When I was in the drift busting, pile moving mode, I went to low range. (one drift folded in the mirrors )



The plow was only $400 from a neighbor/friend of mine. It looks like it will need some reinforcement on the A frame and other areas (had some use before I got it)



It does beat up your truck. I had some frozen chunks that dented the side a bit, got stuck a few times, and backed into a row of mailboxes that I couldn't see. (never plow in a blizzard with a hyper 5 year old and iced up windows and mirrors ) Sure is fun to lower the blade on a lonely stretch of road at 60 or 70 MPH and see how far you can make it fly. Oo.



My old 94 is an ugly old rat but a lot of fun. (so I laugh about the dents and dings-- No big deal) I couldn't imagine putting a plow on a newer truck.

 

[bighammer]

I guess another solution would be to have them buy a truck and plow and you or whoever got there early could plow things out. As an employee operating their equipment on their property, you'd probably be OK. It wouldn't beat up your truck, subs wouldn't be a big deal, and any wear, repairs, etc. are borne by the company. Then the bean counter can see the real expenses of plowing.

 

[jvmoore]

If you decide to go thru with the deal I'd look at a power Vee type snowplow. Also get at least a 9 foot plow. A lot of snowplow companies will say you only need a 8 footer. BS a CTD will handle the 9 foot easily. I'd get them to throw in air bag or heavier front springs also. I personally run a Boss power-vee 9'-2" for 5 years personally and 5 years before that for a local township. They are easy to hook up and a breeze to operate even with the 5 speed. Just my . 02

 

[Snow man]

i agree with JVmoore 100%. Ive had 2 different plows on my Ram 2500, the smaller one was a Boss 92" V plow, it was a great plow,served me well. I ran it 3 seasons. This yr i bought a Blizzard 810, this baby is a monster,and i complimented it with the sidewing plow. id call lan 8'6" straight blade the minimum id put on these trucks. The Blizzard 810 if you can afford it is the most productive plow you can put on the truck. heres a b4 shot

 

[Snow man]

Heres the blizzrd 810, this is a HUGE plow,and the Ram pushes both it and the sidewing easily

 

[Dockboy]

I don't know if I'd trust any advise from Snow man!!



AHHHH... You know I Love ya Johnny!!!!



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[Scrappy]

plow

I second snow man's vote for the blizzard 810, I plow commercially in AK with one and it works great. I started with the straight 8ft blade and it took me about an hour to do some of my properties, then the boss let me use his 810 and the same properties took half as long. it cuts in real well and leaves very little behind.