Snowplowing

[J DeMaio]

Hey Guys:



Russell's above post made me think of snow plowing. I've always thought it would be fun to do with my truck. So, how many of you are plowing with 1st generation trucks? What all kinds of plows are there that fit our rigs? What is the best way to go about to make money? We see moderate snowfall, many people are contracted out for a lot of places, that kind of puts me at a disadvantage. What's the average price of a plow, new and used?



Thanks



John

 

[R.E. Miller]

The average snow plow cost is around 3K. I run a meyers 9' on my w-350, and like it a lot, but I don't vote it as the best for everyone. If I were to get another truck for plowing, I would certianaly buy a western plow for these reasons, faster cycling up/down, L/R, easier hook-up, and less to go wrong since the hydraulic connections are fixed, and there are no couplers to fail. I would not buy less the a 8' wide plow on your truck, a lot of people say that the 9' on my truck is too much, but you are gaining 6" at a cost of less then 100 lbs over the 8 1/2 that I had. If you buy a 7 1/2' you'll tear your hair out on the big lots. There is a lot to consider.



Most lots are contract I didn't have a contract this year but got work through a friend who had a contract. They knew this storm was going to be nuts for our area, so they took me and another friend on. Drive ways are a PITA, period. This year I agreed to do some driveways, and next year, I will only do driveways that I can get to from customers that call. Residential will never change... . first storm 1-3" everyone calls, next storm 1-3 plus most clear their drives off or just drive on it poof there goes your money, following storm 30" every one calls and wants you to open drives that have not been touched



Stick with contracts that are from start to finsh on one to two lots, the customers, the general contractor, and you will ultimately be a lot happier then if you get stuck working for a novice contractor who sends you on a wild goose chase.



Hope this helps,

Russell

 

[bkokotovic]

Keep in mind that with all of that added weight, you will be approaching the axle weight limit on your Dana 60. With all of the weight of the diesel, then add the weight of the plow, and it'll be close.