Why Snow Plow?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,624
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From: OR and UT
Why Snow Plow?
I have noticed that many of you in snow country use your trucks for snow plowing in the winter. I am just wondering why? I know it's nothing new because I remember seeing pickups with snow plows when I was a kid visiting back east. I just don't know why you do it. Are you getting paid as a side job, doing it for your neighbors, or what? 
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 169
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From: Anchorage, Alaska
Try pushing around a snow blower to clear a 500' driveway after every snowfall for a while and you'll understand - it get's old real quick! And I also live off of a privately maintained road so unlike the city maintained roads, sometimes the grader doesn't come by for several hours and I've got to get to work. Also, while my 4X4 Super Duty may not have any trouble pushing through 2 ft of fresh powder, my wife isn't too happy about it in her Volvo!
Finally yes, many people here make extra cash plowing their neighbor's driveways, or even parking lots at some of the local businesses.
Finally yes, many people here make extra cash plowing their neighbor's driveways, or even parking lots at some of the local businesses.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 306
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From: Greenbush, Minnesota
Try pushing around a snow blower to clear a 500' driveway after every snowfall for a while and you'll understand - it get's old real quick! And I also live off of a privately maintained road so unlike the city maintained roads, sometimes the grader doesn't come by for several hours and I've got to get to work. Also, while my 4X4 Super Duty may not have any trouble pushing through 2 ft of fresh powder, my wife isn't too happy about it in her Volvo!
Finally yes, many people here make extra cash plowing their neighbor's driveways, or even parking lots at some of the local businesses.
Finally yes, many people here make extra cash plowing their neighbor's driveways, or even parking lots at some of the local businesses.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 169
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From: Anchorage, Alaska
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: South Shore, MA
Some guys are contracted by the city/town or even the State. There's LOTS of money to be made when the snows falling.
I stick to private driveways and commercial lots.
I stick to private driveways and commercial lots.
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From: West Granby, CT.
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Central Ohio
However I dont think youll find alot of city dwelers that have plows unless they are making money plowing for other folks/businesses. Unless they have unusually large driveways. And for those folks that do have large driveways, what are you suggesting they use? A shovel? Pretty much anything else much larger than a shovel is going to cost you almost as much as a plow anyhow and take longer...
For me for here I had debated the plow since I got my 350 but just cant warrant it for the 5 times a year I plow if that, and my current snow removal equipment is working fairly well. Although this past winter realyl put it to the test a couple times.
My 1973 IH cub... for the snow I have 2-link chains and 50# antifreeze in each rear tire, and for next year I hope to add another 50# or more cement wheel weights to each tire. That snowbank there was the limit of what it could move... but that was prety hard packed snow.
And an action shot...
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,624
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From: OR and UT
I've never lived in a heavy snowfall area, so the most snow I have seen (other than in the mountains) is about 6 inches. It's one thing to hear about places getting a ton of snow, but hearing from those who deal with it is another thing.
Thanks for the perspective.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
I would but the economics doesn't favor it. My driveway is about 850 feet long. I have a guy who plows it when needed for $15 a shot. It usually has to be plowed 15-20 times a year. I ran the numbers and decided that:
1) At that price, it wasn't economical to get fitted with a plow.
2) I don't know how the guys even covers his fuel charging so little.
One consolation is that he does have an '07 white CC Longbed 4x4 Lariat.
1) At that price, it wasn't economical to get fitted with a plow.
2) I don't know how the guys even covers his fuel charging so little.
One consolation is that he does have an '07 white CC Longbed 4x4 Lariat.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 189
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From: Harris,Minnesota
I would but the economics doesn't favor it. My driveway is about 850 feet long. I have a guy who plows it when needed for $15 a shot. It usually has to be plowed 15-20 times a year. I ran the numbers and decided that:
1) At that price, it wasn't economical to get fitted with a plow.
2) I don't know how the guys even covers his fuel charging so little.
One consolation is that he does have an '07 white CC Longbed 4x4 Lariat.
1) At that price, it wasn't economical to get fitted with a plow.
2) I don't know how the guys even covers his fuel charging so little.
One consolation is that he does have an '07 white CC Longbed 4x4 Lariat.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,112
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From: South Shore, MA
I would but the economics doesn't favor it. My driveway is about 850 feet long. I have a guy who plows it when needed for $15 a shot. It usually has to be plowed 15-20 times a year. I ran the numbers and decided that:
1) At that price, it wasn't economical to get fitted with a plow.
2) I don't know how the guys even covers his fuel charging so little.
One consolation is that he does have an '07 white CC Longbed 4x4 Lariat.
1) At that price, it wasn't economical to get fitted with a plow.
2) I don't know how the guys even covers his fuel charging so little.
One consolation is that he does have an '07 white CC Longbed 4x4 Lariat.
850ft drive for $15!!!
That's a deal for sure. Most 'standard size' driveways go out at $40-ish. I plow a cobble-stone driveway appx 400' long for $50/pass. And the guy before me charged more.
Other ways to bill include (usually for larger lots) per-inch-pricing.
Plowing is HARD on the equipment though, VERY HARD.