buying a plow advice, please!
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buying a plow advice, please!
I am finally going to give in and buy a plow for the F250. I've never had one but the snow this year is killing me. I am looking at a 7.5' straight blade, but after that I know nothing... What is the good, the bad and the ugly of plows...
Brian
Brian
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Just my own place, and maybe a neighbour or two, not commercial. My place is about 200 yards of 10' wide driveway and a 60 by 40 foot hard pad. Driveway is gravel, pad is asphalt. So far I am looking at Fisher, Boss, Arctic, Western. My thinking is that getting pushed by a pretty heavy truck I don't want to look at the $1000 plows that mount on a front 2" receiver... I've been doing it so far with a little 25hp garden tractor with a 4' bucket, but the snow this year is just killing it. It takes 2 - 3 hours to do.
Edit: the other thing is I finally have learned not to buy things two or three times - get the right one the first time. Hence I am looking at quality pieces but I don't know what is good, bad, or wrong for me. For example - steel or poly blade? Big joystick, little joystick or hand control? I have no idea...
Brian
Edit: the other thing is I finally have learned not to buy things two or three times - get the right one the first time. Hence I am looking at quality pieces but I don't know what is good, bad, or wrong for me. For example - steel or poly blade? Big joystick, little joystick or hand control? I have no idea...
Brian
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From: NE Missouri
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Central Maine
I plow about the same amount as you. I have a Fisher 8' HD plow on my 2008 F250. It came with the hand held control. My last 2 plows had the joy stick control under the dash. I dont find the new control much better except you or anyone else that gets in your truck wont bash the hell out of their knee. Also the plow lights are much brighter than the truck headlights. Im very happy with this set up and never any problems. hope this helps.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Nowthen, MN
Definitely can't go wrong with Fisher, they make a great plow. That's what we mainly used when I was in the plowing business, and they took plenty of abuse. Fisher would be my first choice, but you also need to consider what's available locally. It doesn't matter what brand of plow you get, eventually things will break so you'll want something that parts will be readily available for.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Northern Indiana
Great advise. I plow commercially and dealer support for parts is everything especially in the middle of a storm. Having to drive 30 miles for a part stinks. I know yours is for personal use but it still applys. I personally have had a Meyer and Western. Sold the Meyer for the Western and haven't looked back since. Things to think about, Western, Blizzard, and Fisher are all owned by the same company. I don't think you would go wrong with any of the three, or BOSS for that matter. They all have there strengths and weaknesses. I would reccomend bumping up to at least a 8' blade if not a 8.5. A 7.5 at angle will not even clear the track width of your truck, you don't want to be driving over un plowed snow. It doesn't like to come up after you drove over it once. If you do go 7.5 and would get a set of wings. Pro Wings are a cheap investment that are well worth it. Just a few suggestions. Any other questions don't hesitate to ask.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Nowthen, MN
Just another thought....what are you using for a tractor? I assume since it can run a bucket it's something with hydraulics and a PTO. Have you looked at a snowblower attachment for it? That would be my choice for clearing the driveway rather than a plow on a pickup.
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From: Duluth, MN
I only have a plow on the wheeler but talking to guys with truck plows, I was told this is the best you can get. Holds better in the cold. Remember counter weight (sand, salt, or steal plates,) and it will eat your tires faster.
Snowplow Hydraulic Fluid, 1 Qt. #1307010
Snowplow Hydraulic Fluid, 1 Qt. #1307010
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Wayne, PA
I agree with firefighter. A 7.5 is too small of a blade on these trucks.
I have a supercab shortbed and I have been running a meyer 8' since new in '02.
Parts availability is extremely important, but it looks like most parts are available in the majority of the markets. If I where to buy a new plow tomorrow... Western would be at the top of my list.
I have a supercab shortbed and I have been running a meyer 8' since new in '02.
Parts availability is extremely important, but it looks like most parts are available in the majority of the markets. If I where to buy a new plow tomorrow... Western would be at the top of my list.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
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From: Lyndonville, Vermont
Buy an 8' plow no smaller and no larger. If you can get a good used Diamond mdII they are great as are many others. Depends what is avail in your area.
You will need at least 500-1000lbs in back to get traction in the rear with a plow on the front. 1000 ca battery. I like the push button control.
You will need at least 500-1000lbs in back to get traction in the rear with a plow on the front. 1000 ca battery. I like the push button control.
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Anchorage Alaska
i'm not saying this because i sell them every day and worked on them for 4+ years but i've used just about every brand of plow and have owned my BOSS plow since 2001 and its been the best, most reliable plow i've ever used...Myer had to be the biggest pain in the butt every damn time you took it out something broke!
BOSS does not use chains its a direct lift, no bouncing blade or broken chain. if something was to go wrong its very easy to ratchet strap up. very fast hydraulics, very little left on the truck during the summer (head gear..ect come off with the plow) they are built very well and take alot of abuse before breaking..we sell alot to the military base here to plow the flight line and they send guys from FL out to plow snow when they have never even driven in it. To say they are hard on them is an understatement!
i've been using my 7'6" BOSS super duty with box wings since new(2001), this year i had to replace the controller otherwise i've kept it greased and changed the oil every few years and she works flawlessly for me every storm. i plow about 8 driveways and my half mile road every storm without fail.
BOSS does not use chains its a direct lift, no bouncing blade or broken chain. if something was to go wrong its very easy to ratchet strap up. very fast hydraulics, very little left on the truck during the summer (head gear..ect come off with the plow) they are built very well and take alot of abuse before breaking..we sell alot to the military base here to plow the flight line and they send guys from FL out to plow snow when they have never even driven in it. To say they are hard on them is an understatement!
i've been using my 7'6" BOSS super duty with box wings since new(2001), this year i had to replace the controller otherwise i've kept it greased and changed the oil every few years and she works flawlessly for me every storm. i plow about 8 driveways and my half mile road every storm without fail.
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Question on used plows - I found a nice one with frame mount for a 2008 F250, and I have a 2005 F250. Is the chassis the same or would I need a new frame mount? I guess another way to ask the same question is "what years of F250/F350 etc are the same as my 2005 for the mounting kit?"
Thanks, Brian
Thanks, Brian