snow plow

[wrichards]

I have a 1998 drw 2wd. If I were to purchase a fishe multi position plow would it work well. I want to plow driveways and some small lots. I wish I had 4 wheel but here in long island ny there is not much deep snow and I thougth with the V option I would be able to plow eaiseir with 2wd. any thoughts or am i wasting my time

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

You very seldom see any trucks under 2 1/2 ton two wheel drives that have snowplows anymore. At one time most plow trucks were two wheel drive, 4 wheel drive didn't make it big until the 60's. Personally I wouldn't want the hassle of getting unstuck with the two wheel drive. It might work ok if you put about 2,000 lbs of weight in the back. I know my truck is nearly useless with the plow on in two wheel drive. When the plow is up traction in the rear is minimal. It would be expensive ($4,000) to by a fisher plow and find out it doesn't work well. Just my 2 cents.

 

[wrichards]

Yeah that would suck. I could also consider the lexan plows if you think the weight is to much. Average storm for us is 4-8 inches often wet. Every ten years we get a good 2 footer bu I have a loader for that?

 

[CUMMNZ]

I have a 7. 5 foot Fischer plow for my 'other' truck, a GMC Ext Cab 4X4. It barely made the front axel weight limit since the plow is about 800 pounds. If you really plan on light duty plowing you might want to check out this site: http://www.mysnowsport.com/



I saw this installed on a TV program. Looked pretty straight forward and is easily attached/detached.



Just a thought. Good luck!



P. S. Not much plowin going on in Hawaii!! :{

 

[jwinnie]

I know several guys back home (Boston area) that plow commercially with 2wd 3500's like yours with much success. Put some decent weight in the bed and stay away from steep driveways. Also some tire chains for the serious snow. Front suspension will take a beating like any plow truck. My opinion is to stay away from the light duty plows, your 3500 will snap it like a twig. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the V plows are quite a bit heavier and more $$$ than the straight blades (harder on suspension). Just my . 02

Hope this helps,



John

 

[6shotz]

Wrichards,



I live in L. I. too and average snow w/ Chains and 1000# in the rear ( do you have rear trac loc diff?) could prob. do light snowstorms on flat driveways, but V plows do weighmore than straight blades. Also w/ a drw rig you would have to go w/ an 8 foot 6 inch plow wich is heavier than a 8 ft. plow. Where do you live in L. I. ?



Steve

 

[Roy1]

You will spend in excess of $4K for the plow. Then you will have to get tires, real good tires where it is 2wd. Next comes the compenseatory weight, a whole lot of it. A dw is going to be a pia to do a driveway with.

I'd forget it and buy a 4wd spec'd for plowing.



Roy

 

[wrichards]

I live out on an island called Shelter Island. I would probably only plow approx 30 driveways but just for some extra spending cash. looks like the numbers are'nt adding up.

 

[apkole]

Poly plows actually weigh more because of the additional iron needed to support the plastic.



New plow setups are expensive, which is why we only do seasonal contracts - - - the customer has to help us cover our expenses, whether or not we plow.



2wd is just not a good idea, IMHO. Buy an old used 4wd (late 80's or early 90's) , do some solid maintenance on it and keep it around for the snows. I think you would be money ahead, and you wouldn't tear up a really nice truck.



Also, check w/ your insurance carrier to make sure you are covered for "plow-for-hire" activity. Could be they would walk away from a claim if damages arise from this activity.



Andy

 

[6shotz]

wrichards,



I live in Wading River, occaisionally I am on shelter hunting w/ friends. Most of the time I hunt Southhampton, Noyak area. The way you said you live on Shelter, it almost felt as if you were trying to explain to someone who lives in Canada I've lived all of my 41 years on L. I. My truck is green, see signature, what color is yours, I'll keep an eye out for it next time I'm ferry bound to go shed hunting



Steve