Snow Plowing

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Oct 8, 2001 | 11:22 AM

Thaid

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Posts: n/a

Snow Plowing

I'd like your advice please. I need a truck to do several things. 1)pull a 14' landscaping trailer w/equip on a part time basis. 2)plow snow part time (hopefully with a Boss v-plow) here in Maine. 3) balance of truck use is commuting to my "real job" 10 miles ea way, and local around town use. Moderatly hilly terrain.

I've been lurking here for a few days, but using search have not seen much discussion on plowing. My thinking so far is an F250 or 350SD SC LB with the snow plow prep pkg. I'd like the diesel but my short commute to the real job is too short. I'm thinking V-10, since so many I've spoken with on the street seem to feel the V-8 is not enough engine. I'll probably be looking at a 99-2000 to keep the cost down a bit. How 'bout the rear end? Will the 3.73 be enough? Also would prefer the auto trans, but I am willing to accept any input. Thanks. BTW I'm replacing an '89 BroncoII 190k miles. bought it new, time for a change don't ya think?

Oct 8, 2001 | 05:31 PM

farmtruck21

Freshman User

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 27

Likes: 0

Snow Plowing

Well, from what I understand, it is hard to put a snowplow on a powerstroke, cause the radiator sits down so low. As far as the V8 or V10, I think a V8 would have plenty, though I don't know how much snow you would be pushing. I know alot of people pushing with V8's here in Maryland(though we don't get much snow where I am) and others pushing with 300 inline 6's. As for the rear, 3:73 should be okay, better for gas mileage, but only adequate for towing. Just my two cents though...

Oct 8, 2001 | 09:25 PM

horsepuller

FTE Leadership Emeritus

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 7,298

Likes: 45

From: Southern California

Snow Plowing

I think the V-10 option is only an extra $600. Not bad for the extra power. From what I've read here on the boards, the fuel economy of the V-10 is as good, or in some cases, better than the V-8.
I don't have any plowing experience, but a 4.30 would be better for pulling, so I would think it would be better for pushing too. When in overdrive, the final drive ratio would be somewhere close to that of a 3.54 axle.

Oct 10, 2001 | 08:38 PM

dinosaurfan

Cargo Master

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 2,931

Likes: 12

From: SW Michigan

Snow Plowing

BillThaid, do you have to have a truck that new ? I have a '67 390 in a '71 truck that has always pushed or pulled anything I asked it to. I think an older big block V8 is the way to go. DF

Oct 11, 2001 | 02:03 PM

Thaid

Guest

Posts: n/a

Snow Plowing

Thanks for the input guys. No it does not have to be new. But I'm just itchy for something newer than what I have. Its a reliability thing. I need something I dont need to wonder about. You know the occasional outta state trip, no down time during a storm with customers waiting etc. I'll have to check again but I believe I've seen PSD's with the snow plow prep which would lead me to believe that its possible... but as I said my regular commute is only 10 miles, and my understanding is that is not enough for a deisel to even get warmed up. Thanks and please keep talking to me..

Oct 15, 2001 | 11:44 AM

larry derouin

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 772

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From: Glen Burnie Maryland

Snow Plowing

Quote:

My Brother in law has had 2 PSD's SC LB (96 & 2000) both 4x4, 1 auto, and 1 stick, BOTH HAD/HAVE PLOW SET-UPS. No problems plowing, or pulling a 20' flatbed loaded down with riding mowers.

Larry

Dec 31, 2001 | 03:30 PM

Edmo

Senior User

Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 423

Likes: 0

From: Cabot, Arkansas

Snow Plowing

>From what I've read here on the boards, the fuel economy of the V-10 >is as good, or in some cases, better than the V-8.

My V-10 must be thirsty... I'm averaging around 8 MPG in town. It hasn't been on a trip yet so I don't know how good the mileage will be when I stretch out its legs. Surely the V-8 gets better than this when not towing.

OBTW, my truck has everything I could think of to make the mileage worse... 2001 F250 Crew Cab, long bed, V-10, 4.30 limited slip rear end, 4x4, cold environment (AK), big mirrors & a bug deflector.

Edmo

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Jan 1, 2002 | 06:25 AM

RBC

Junior User

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 83

Likes: 0

Snow Plowing

I have a 01\SD250 extracab 5.4 auto 3:73 with 8' Boss poly and it pulls and pushes just fine. At times when you need extra power plowing use low range, we always use hi due to the hills to reduce wheel spin. We have had both big block F250's and diesel. We had lots of front end wear on the diesel plow trucks (lots of broken axles and crown and pinions) The diesel weighs in at about 1,000lbs. and the Boss V-plow is close to that weight also. Your going to need 600-700lbs balast in the bed to balance the truck...see where I'm going. Your commute is also short. Now consider a short drive 15qt oil changes, the higher price you will pay for the diesel new or used the interest on the extra money and the higher price means you will pay more sales tax...on the purchase. The diesel is a great package though,my partners Excursion has a 7.3 but its on the hiway lots with big runs. I'd say if you find a good deal and its a 5.4 buy it and if it has 4:10 gears all the better. This truck also pulls 8,000lbs at 70mph regularly at 10mpg on reg. gas.
Thats my .03cents,good luck