Plowing with the X
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From: North of Boston US of A!!
Plowing with the X
This has probably already been covered. If so sorry. I am planning on buying an X with the 7.3. I was wondering if anyone has any experience plowing with one. I have seen one or two with a plow but I wasnt looking at the time. The company who installed the plow on my Bronco said he has done them but i wanted to hear from the people who own them. Thank you.
Keith
By the way i am either buying a 02 or an 03...undecided as of yet.
Keith
By the way i am either buying a 02 or an 03...undecided as of yet.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Washington State
Plowing with the X
well I don't plow but my guess is that you'll have to;
1. Change out the front springs.
2. Remove the blocker beam.
3. (Maybe?) cut the lower fascia.
4. Void your warranty, if any.
1. Change out the front springs.
2. Remove the blocker beam.
3. (Maybe?) cut the lower fascia.
4. Void your warranty, if any.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
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From: Washington State
Plowing with the X
Why? Super Dutys and other plowing trucks have air bags.
From a popular website...
The air bag sensor is the device that tells the bag to inflate. Inflation happens when there is a collision force equal to running into a brick wall at 10 to 15 miles per hour (16 to 24 km per hour). A mechanical switch is flipped when there is a mass shift that closes an electrical contact, telling the sensors that a crash has occurred. The sensors receive information from an accelerometer built into a microchip.
I have honestly never plowed that fast. And even so, when you hit something either the cutting edge folds down or the plow pops up.
Running into a snow bank is never really a good way to plow anyway. Always best to lift the blade to push the snow over it.
From a popular website...
The air bag sensor is the device that tells the bag to inflate. Inflation happens when there is a collision force equal to running into a brick wall at 10 to 15 miles per hour (16 to 24 km per hour). A mechanical switch is flipped when there is a mass shift that closes an electrical contact, telling the sensors that a crash has occurred. The sensors receive information from an accelerometer built into a microchip.
I have honestly never plowed that fast. And even so, when you hit something either the cutting edge folds down or the plow pops up.
Running into a snow bank is never really a good way to plow anyway. Always best to lift the blade to push the snow over it.
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From: North of Boston US of A!!
Plowing with the X
Thank you very much guys. As far as the front suspension i was told that there are no mods nec. I know they are straight forward because before i spent the $ on the first blade for the Bronco they told me that i would need to make mods. They said that the X doesnt have a problem. The question now will be the waranty one. If anyone knows this for sure my ears are still open. Thank you again.
Keith
Keith
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Washington State
Plowing with the X
It is stated in the manual (or some Ford specs that I read somewhere) that the truck is not approved for snow plow use.
I suggested springs because, if you look, your axle is only about 1/2" off your bump stop. Once you slap on an 800# plow you're gonna be riding right on your axle and the bumpstops will be smooshed & even more useless.
If you put a plow on, swap springs. No sense in breakin' stuff.
I would also venture to guess that a plow will put too much weight on the front axle. The front axle is only rated at 6000 lb. ground. The weight of the body, the PSD and the plow will surely send it over the edge, weight capacity wise. Heck, Crew cabs with the PSD aren't suppose to carry a plow either! Too much weight up front. But only a scale would truly tell.
Just wondering why you want to plow with an Excursion rather than buying a $1500 plow truck? Would you plow commercially (for money) or just your own personal space?
I suggested springs because, if you look, your axle is only about 1/2" off your bump stop. Once you slap on an 800# plow you're gonna be riding right on your axle and the bumpstops will be smooshed & even more useless.
If you put a plow on, swap springs. No sense in breakin' stuff.
I would also venture to guess that a plow will put too much weight on the front axle. The front axle is only rated at 6000 lb. ground. The weight of the body, the PSD and the plow will surely send it over the edge, weight capacity wise. Heck, Crew cabs with the PSD aren't suppose to carry a plow either! Too much weight up front. But only a scale would truly tell.
Just wondering why you want to plow with an Excursion rather than buying a $1500 plow truck? Would you plow commercially (for money) or just your own personal space?
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From: North of Boston US of A!!
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Plowing with the X
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 06-Dec-02 AT 09:24 PM (EST)]The FA of my '01 F-350 CC SB SRW PSD AUTO weighs in at 4400# empty, that leaves room for my 800# plow (the FA is a Dayna 50 with a rating of 5200# NOT 6000#, only F-450/550 dually's with Dayna 60's have the 6000# rating) The problem with X's is the front springs are designed for a soft ride, not heavy loads, and they bottom-out against the bumpstops prematurely when pushed near max capacity. I use a lot of weight in the back (about 1000# BEHIND the RA) to counter-balance the plow when it's on.
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Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
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From: Washington State
Plowing with the X
>The FA of my '01 F-350 CC SB SRW PSD AUTO weighs in at 4400# empty, that leaves room for my 800# plow (the FA is a Dana 50 with a rating of 5200# NOT 6000#, only F-450/550 dually's with Dana 60's have the 6000# rating)
My remark was borne more out of the fact that Ford will not provide you with the factory Plow package on a CC diesel.
And thank you for correcting me! (axle capacities typos) Once again, proof that I'm human!
My remark was borne more out of the fact that Ford will not provide you with the factory Plow package on a CC diesel.
And thank you for correcting me! (axle capacities typos) Once again, proof that I'm human!
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From: North of Boston US of A!!
Plowing with the X
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 07-Dec-02 AT 08:18 AM (EST)]My plan is to use it as a back up to my plow truck not to be used primarily as a plow truck. Being a h/d truck it was just a thought. I dont suppose i will actually even do it at this point. Given the advise i have read here. I have only seen one or two with a plow on them in my travels. I suppose if you are flush enough you dont care if it is not h/d enough for it. I currently plow with my 94 Bronco. I have changed the front springs and have air bags as well with an on board compressor to regulate them. I just do drive ways and one auto repair shop. (to have some extra cash on those light snow days.) Well thank you all for your response to this i will keep tuned. But i am off to look as a couple of '03 limiteds right now. Thank you again i appreciate the input.
Good Day!!
Keith
Good Day!!
Keith
