Thinking about a Plow
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 3
plowing
I dont know the business as an independant, but I work for a company which has many parking lots to plow. Driving their trucks , Ill tell you this, I would get the boss and not worry about making the investment back. Just be slow and careful so you dont hit any landmines , and if extra business falls your way you can handle and find the time for, fine. Just wash the blade off when you are done, and get one thats easy on/off. Store it out of the weather in the off seasons. Ask your insurance agent prior to commercial and run it by him and see what he says.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 817
Likes: 23
I would hate to use that Nice New truck to plow with. I would look on Craigslist for a old used plow truck or maybe a Bobcat with a plow blade. I saw several bobcat's last winter that had a snowplow blade mounted to the front of it. You could use the bobcat for a lot of other uses during the summer months.
Buy a old plow truck, use it for a few years and sell it for what you paid for it.
Just a thought!
Buy a old plow truck, use it for a few years and sell it for what you paid for it.
Just a thought!
Thread Starter
|
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Thanks, everyone!
I just got a decent size snowblower instead of a plow. I was able to get a 30" cut 357cc troy-bilt snowblower for $900 including tax.
As much as I'd like a plow I just can't justify it, and you guys did a great job beating that into my head! I figure if I still want one after this season I can look at one next year, and maybe then I'll have more time to put into it.
I just got a decent size snowblower instead of a plow. I was able to get a 30" cut 357cc troy-bilt snowblower for $900 including tax.
As much as I'd like a plow I just can't justify it, and you guys did a great job beating that into my head! I figure if I still want one after this season I can look at one next year, and maybe then I'll have more time to put into it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 759
Likes: 0
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
I'll chime in on this since this happens to be what I do for a living. Snow plowing is the worst thing you can do to a truck. The beating on the tranny, brakes, suspension, and the list goes on is just not worth it unless you have one truck dedicated for plowing. And another thing that everyone else has failed to mention is...........insurance, you need at the very minimum a $1mil. policy.
So i would say, get an ATV and do your driveway and maybe a few others. just my 2 cents, unless you really want to get into plowing.
So i would say, get an ATV and do your driveway and maybe a few others. just my 2 cents, unless you really want to get into plowing.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 3
snowplowing
i guess the general consesus is that plowing sucks.there is not a lot of money to be made,your equipment takes a beating ,your up verrry early,in cold ,wind ,snow,your wipers freeze up. you jump a bank and get stuck and wear out a perfectly good truck doing it.and all the while you could have gotten a little more sleep.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Birnamwood
Had a plow truck, then no snow for several years to amount to anything. Sold plow truck, started snowing, bought a walk behind blower. That really sucked, put a 6' blade on my compact tractor, was cold and still sucked. Went back to a plow truck. You can make or lose $$$ plowing snow. Depends on how your going to charge. I only do it on request and cash. Next year going to have to retire the 87 Dodge and upgrade. But not on my V10.
Thread Starter
|
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Thanks for all the replies, guys. Your opinion matters a lot since I don't know much about these things.
I found my answer:
Got it on sale for $900. 357cc engine, 30" cut, and WAY cheaper than a plow. If I still want a plow I'll think about it next year...
I found my answer:
Got it on sale for $900. 357cc engine, 30" cut, and WAY cheaper than a plow. If I still want a plow I'll think about it next year...
FTE Legend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 161,108
Likes: 8,093
From: North Bay Ont Canada
Get the plow,get a poly blade (lighter & the snow wont stick as much) ,I would get a 9ft ,its narrower when you angle it on the highway,Gerry PS: my Arctic poly is money well spent
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Birnamwood
