Pickup Trucks 101: A Guide to Snow Plows
By Thom Blackett
Picture it: Wind blustering, strobes flashing, the sounds of whining hydraulics and steel dragging against asphalt. It may not seem like much to most folks, but for an adolescent car nut during a Maine winter, that scene was like Norman Rockwell comfort food. The plowman’s late-night arrival meant there was already enough white stuff on the ground to possibly shut down school in the morning or, at the very least, provide some fresh powder to play in. The rumble of that ’78 Chevy’s Cherry Bombs blasting out 350 cubic-inches of power as it bulldozed its way down the driveway was well worth a few minutes of lost sleep.
Thirty years later, the kid has grown up, and now sees plow trucks from a more mature perspective. Sure, in some respects they’re still big toys, but now they’re big toys associated with big dollars, both spent and earned. And, like trucks, snowplow technology has advanced significantly over the years, providing lots of value, convenience and capability, yet serving up an equal number of questions on different types of plows, features and options to be aware of, pricing, and a few examples of models designed for different trucks and needs. Let’s dig in.
Snow Plows Basics
There’s a lot that goes into a snowplow, but the most obvious part is the blade. Finished in shiny stainless steel or painted any variety of colors, blades are either straight or V-shaped, the latter featuring a pivot point in the middle that helps direct the snow. Buyers can opt for extendable blades, ordered directly from the factory or created by hooking up so-called “wing” accessories.
Fisher's fancy XLS blade features two adjustable wings on the left and right edges that can be reconfigured on-the-fly as a 9-foot scoop (shown) or fully extended into a 10-foot straight blade. The blade can also pivot left or right to push plowed snow to the side of the truck.
Regardless of the design, the plow blade will be made of steel or polyethylene (poly). The latter is lighter, but steel’s added weight provides greater downward force and does a more thorough job of clearing snow. Unfortunately, you may occasionally run into hidden, immovable objects in the process, so most plows are built with full trip or edge trip mechanisms that pivot in the direction of an obstacle strike while keeping the rest of the blade upright, allowing you to keep moving without feeling as though you’d driven into a brick wall or the loss of your load. Plow blades range from about six-and-a-half to 10 feet wide, and weigh between a couple hundred to more than 1,000 pounds. That kind of weight will dictate which setup is suitable for your truck.
Typically, a plow is attached to a truck with brackets or a two-inch hitch receiver. There are also rear-mount plows available that connect via the same hitch receiver many truckers have installed for trailers. Unlike the old days, when drivers faced the difficult task of mounting and removing heavy, rusting blades before and after snowstorms (or suffered added wear and a loss in fuel economy by leaving them on between storms), today’s plow guy or gal can take advantage of the manufacturers’ quick mount-and-release systems. This technology gets the job done in seconds, and with relatively little physical stress.
Adding to the convenience are controllers that can be used from inside the cab. Handheld and joystick styles are available. Handheld units can be moved or stored when not in use, whereas joysticks are usually mounted directly onto the dashboard. In all but the most basic snow plow assemblies, controllers allow drivers to move the blade up and down, and angle the blade from side to side.
In terms of cost, there’s a lot to consider, including the plow, installation costs, accessories, and upgrades that your truck may require. Many pickups are available with snowplow prep packages that beef up the front end with stiffer suspension parts and add necessary wiring as well as oil and transmission coolers, but your truck likely didn’t come with this equipment. Consider these items to be solid investments, especially if you’ll be opting for a heavier plow that will get lots of use. The larger blades, designed for heavy-duty commercial applications, can climb well over $5,000, while basic home/personal use options start under $2,000. However, keep in mind that the spending doesn’t stop with the initial purchase, as your new plow will require periodic maintenance, and even with upgraded equipment, your truck’s chassis, powertrain and drivetrain will be put under additional stress.
Snow plows aren't just for heavy-duty pickups. Check out this tiny Suzuki Carry kei-truck outfitted with a Blackline plow and snow tracks!
Choosing a Snow Plow
How do you actually choose a snow plow that’s right for you? The answer largely depends on what truck you’ll be using. With that question addressed, you can discuss your options with a local dealer or use one of the application guides offered on most manufacturer websites. These will tell you which plow suits your truck based on the gross axle weight rating and other criteria, which mounting hardware you’ll need, and what type of special equipment may be required for your truck. Listed below are a few examples of snow plows that are available for small, light-duty, and heavy-duty pickups.
SnowDogg MD Series
Size: 6’8”-7’6” wide, 24” high
Weight: 380-400 lbs.
Material: Stainless steel
Features: Four trip springs, snow deflector, plow lights, quick mount/release mechanism, handheld controller
Application: Home/personal use with Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Sonoma, Dodge Dakota, Ford Ranger/Explorer Sport Trac, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma (also suitable for full-size pickups)
Fisher HT Series
Size: 7’6” wide, 27” high
Weight: 414 lbs.
Material: Stainless steel
Features: Two trip springs, plow lights, quick mount/release mechanism, handheld or joystick controller, antitheft system that prevents use of the unattached plow by another truck
Application: Light-duty use with Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, Toyota Tundra (also suitable for heavy-duty pickups)
Western Pro Plus
Size: 7’-9’ wide, 31.5” high
Weight: 789-837 lbs.
Material: Steel
Features: Four trip springs, plow lights, quick mount/release mechanism, handheld or joystick controller, antitheft system that prevents use of the unattached plow by another truck
Application: Heavy-duty/commercial use with Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra HD, Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, Ford F-Series Super Duty
After you’ve selected a plow, you’ll want to think about whether to opt for accessories. Drivers doing residential and/or commercial duties will likely be interested in rear-mounted salt and deicer spreaders, not to mention overhead light bars, rear flood lights, and bed-mounted ballast options. Folks who are focused on little more than clearing their own driveways may be interested in those items too, or perhaps just some blade guides and maybe a snow deflector.
Boss snow plows are very popular. This rear view shows the heavy bracing and mount system required to support the plow as it works and secure it to a truck.
Comments
That little Suzuki looks like a neat little toy. I like it!
On a side note. That 78 Chevy with the 350 had less than 200 hp in stock form.
Aww yes, I remember my '73 Cayenne 350 ci that blew a rod in the mountains. Nice truck except for big hole that rusted through in the bed.
I work for a municipality we have a Oshkosh heavy duty with 4x4 and a 7' high snow blower and hopper on back..now thats a snow machine.
If you're looking for a used plow, be careful. From sad experience, here are a few things to watch for:
Installation of the frame on the truck ain't cheap - $400 and up.
Budget at least $1000 for a new pump and miscellaneous repairs. The biggest hit ($700 or so on an old Western) is the hydraulic pump. It seems like they all leak, but some of them actually let water in past the seals - which is of course frozen when the plow is needed.
Be sure you get or build a rolling cart for storing the plow which can be used to position it on the truck; this saves a lot of back-breaking levering with a 2x4.
The bottom of edge of my plow is welded on, but I need to grind the welds off and replace them with bolts so I can replace the edge (duh).
If you're using an old truck, you'll also need to make sure your electrical system can handle the load from the pump motor and that the blade's frame will fit your truck.
If you're in hilly country, you'll need a locking or limited-slip differential and/or chains, plus 700lbs or so of sand in the bed.
And light trucks / SUVs will sag under the weight of the plow, causing rocks & railroad tracks to hit suspension bits.
Finally, plow early and often - 16" is about the maximum depth a pickup-sized plow can manage.
@Rollie: Thanks for those tips!
A few things to add. For the price of a used it doesnt make sense unless you are mechanically inclined to do all the maintenance yourself including install. Raising the bs flag on the 400 green backs for the install, if anything its for the electrical not the bolt on stuff. Folks these just bolt on and it aint rocket science. If it is for your model of truck the hardest thing will be wiring it correctly. Have seen more than one plow truck go up in flames due to faulty wiring. As for the pumps they all leak if hyraulic. I have had a meyers and western and unless its full hydraulic it shouldnt leak at all. My meyers was a hydraulic which means you are disconnecting the hoses and it leaked. My western which is electric doesnt leak at all and is going on 17 years since purchased new. As for the cutting edge its not a good idea and or any reason to weld it on because as they wear you can just unbolt and flip. It should also be noted that your surface that your plowing will determine if you will need plow feet because if they are needed and you choose not to use them well you will end up with lots of ground damage or stopping without hitting the breaks if you know what I mean. Also, unless the truc/suv will be devoted to plowing anything less a 3/4 ton shouldnt be used. Plain and simple half tons are not intened for plowing. Ballast is determined by the weight of the plow there is no preset weight. You can go to any plow manufacturers website and enter your vehicle and desired plow and it will give your ballast and is uysually less than 5oo being on the high side. It is not recommended to even drive with your plow on if its a half ton when not plowing because the front end sags so much. I have seen even some chevy hds drag the undercarriage when crossing railroads and sparks flying everywhere. Here is a short list of things to consider.
Does your truck have the cooling capacity for engine and trans? Plowing is killer to transmissions but with the raidiator blocked its hard on the motor too.
Is the electrical system up to the task? With todays plows requireing lots of juice you may need dual batts or a hd alt if you can get one for your truck or both.
Do you have aggressive tires? Good tires will be more of a savior than 4wd. A traction aid is a plus but not needed. If you have a locker or ls and your lowing a driveway thats drifted over and you goose it to get through you can actuall do a comlplete 180 because your front will often catch and your ass will push your back around. Chains are an option but seriously who wants to deal with them breaking having to constantly take them on and off.
Your suspension and brakes also need to be up to the task because plowing is hard on them both for the simple reason of sheer weight.
Lastly, What are you plowing? Is it a short driveway in town or a 500ft drveway out in the country? Is it solely for personal use or do you own a business where you will be plowing a parking lot? If you answered yes to either of the last two you may want to consider either buying a 3/4 or 1 ton to plow with either a new one or finding a used one. If you answered yes to the first a half would probably do but personally halfs just are not meant to plow with. I have owned both 1/2 and 3/4 tons to plow with and the half had everying you could physically put on it to make it plow and it can become a money pit because the parts are not intened for this type of use. I should also add that your vehicle will determine what plow you can use. If a straight blade will suite you then you can put that on no problem. However, if you desire a v then you have to have a 3/4 of bigger.
All plows are different, just like Ford is different than Chev. and Dodge. Each plow has its own little personality,(bugs or leaks). they all have to be install rite and maintained.So chase away the bugs and fix the leaks. Over tyme things in the system change do to ware & tare,connections that grow that green stuff that looks like a salad bar are something, little pin that brake, fittings that just go bad, and God forgive the controller goes bad sometymes too! It's all part of the cost of doing biz-nes. Never assume what you fixed last year is ok this year. Learn the basics, and check them every tyme you use the plow (a week before the snow hits, maybe a nice sunny day with a BBQ pit close by) the biggest thing is make sure that there is no water in fluid.(NO MILKY STUFF)If anyone needs help, you can call me (james Higgins) @ County Plow & Eq. in St. Louis, Mo. (314)770-0015 and I will help with anything to do with pick-up size snowplows, any brand, any age. I also have alot of old hard to find out of date parts. I know my stuff, if I can help...call !
Tried to hook up my plow today and there doesn't seem to be any electric to the motor. It is a Boss Straight Blade and it sat for 2 years. The motor works and I have juice to the electrical contacts and I have lights. I cleaned the contacts off and sprayed them with contact cleaner. I wondered if anyone had any suggestions and I am new to having my own plow. Thanks for any help.
I have a meyers snow plow and I am trying to find a used hand held controller and harness. Maybe a new one. Not sure of prices
I have an older Myers E47 on my 2000 Tundra. It has the 2 separate controls for the up/down and left/right. Is there a way to convert it to a handheld or a single joystick?
looking at purchasing a 7 1/2 foot st blow for my 97 chevy 3500 pick up.diesel engine
lot of choices myers western snow boss .can i get some recomendations as to which plows not to look at
Is it smart to plow with a Chevrolet Colorado 4x4 with 5 cylider engine? I would plow just small driveways, etc.
What would be the best plow setup and accessories and how much do you think it would cost.
I have a 1995 samurai that i put a 6.5 meyers plow on of course i had to make everything for it put i made to slide in my 2 point receiver hitch for my winch on front & put 500 lbs in back so when i hit the brakes hard the back end would stay on the ground put used for 3 years before i switched to something bigger, had to use low range the whole time it was on there but had fun
need a hook up for a 1996 chev04/4 from the truck to the plow
randrtwo@yahoo.com
please help i have clearance issues on 2011 chevy 1/2 ton with western plow ideas? solutions?
We have 2011 F 250 super duty XLT,and would like to put
on a V plow. which plow would be best?
I have a boss straight blade. Ive never had any problems with it. My question is if it were to break down and it wouldnt lift what is the best way to short chain it to get it home ?
I plan to buy a snowplow and salt spreader this week. It will go on a 96 F250 4 x 4. I am looking at Meyer, Hiniker, Western, and Boss. It doesn't snow here every year but I am in the mountains so when it does snow everyone is stranded for 3 to 5 days usually. I have a contract to plow a couple of private roads. Are there any units that I should avoid?...any that are better than the rest?
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Just moved to the country. 1st year plowing. I have 1/8" mi drive going north to south w/ farm fields on either side. Is it best to move the snow to the east side of the drive if I have west prevailing winds? Get a lot of drifting.
I am in the midst of starting seasonal businesses. Right now I am doing as much research as possible. I live east of Toronto but may move if it means more work. So, I am trying to figure out what vehicle would be best for residential plowing, Jeep (Wrangler Rubicon, TJ, YJ,etc.) GMC (Jimmy, Suburban) Chevrolet (1500 2500 3500 Silverado etc.) Dodge (Dakota, Ram, etc.) or Hummer? SUV or pickup? Diesel or regular? I plan to get a vehicle that's a little bit larger than needed to put less stress on the transmission & engine. I like the idea of an electric plow over hydrologic and a lighter weight over a heavier one, although I am not married to anything in specific yet. Also is a mounted snowblower easier on the truck/vehicle? I am new to this area of expertise and is looking at all options. Any advice and insight will be very very helpful. Thanks.
Hello! I want to ask this forum, if it is possible to use a truck with a snow plow for flipping windrows of compost. Working on a plan to make compost in large quantities as an experiment, will need to be turned several times a week. This is light weight materials such as leaves, manure with straw, vegetable debris, possibly Wood chips. The amount allocated for this experiment for a truck and plow is 10,500.00, so truck for sure would have to be used. Needs to last at least 2 years. Know nothing about plows, as to type to use or cost. Need compost directed to one side only. Idea is to move row (s) back and forth in a set pattern. This is part of a grant application for urban agriculture to use this compost to reclaim abandoned properties for urban farming. Working on regular ground. No pavement. Appreciate any comments or ideas, especially specifics of what you think would or would not work! Thanks!
i have a 08 f250 with a 6 inch lift kit on 37 inch tires. do they make extended plow mounts to lower the plow closer to the ground ? If so what brand sales it?
I know very little about snow plows, other than Meyers which I have some experience with. I am looking to find out what kind of snow plow parts I have taken off a 1989 F250 that was junked. I have a 7-1/2' plow blade, and light set-up that I would like to find out what it can be attached to. The frame was welded to the truck underneath, so I couldn't get that off. There was an electrical lift instead of hydraulic. The electrical lift pump was welded to the truck under the hood and was sent to the junk yard without being removed. Can anyone tell me how to find out what plow set-up the light frame an plow go to? Only thing I know, it's not Meyers. There is no hydraulics. Thanx.
I'm driving an '01 GMC Sierra C3--any suggestions for a plow for my 5000' driveway. It can be manual type--don't need any kind of other controls, but would like a good unit here in NJ.
And, thanks for any response...
Purchase a new Drive Pro two months ago and now after 2 months the king pin broke. I have been fighting with Mever for three weeks to cover this under warranty. Meyer told me I damaged it dragging snow backwards which is completely made up by them so they will not cover it. IM GOING TO FIX AND SELL IT.
DONT PURCHASE A MEYER PLOW. THEY WILL NOT HOLD UP TO THERE WARRANTY. AFTER USING FOR TWO MONTHS. THE A FRAME BROKE. MEYER SAID IT WAS MY FAULT. AND WILL NOT COVER ANYTHING NOT EVEN SELLING THE PART TO ME AT COST. I will fix and sell IT. And purchase a Western plow!!!! NOT VERY PERFESSOINAL FOR A BIG COMPANY. WESTERN PLOWS AND WARRANTY BETTER AND THEY WILL HOLD UP TO THERE WARRANTY!!!!!!
I bought a used dodge dakota, and it has been used as a light duty plow truck for a parks department. It no longer has the plow, or controller. The bracket has a 3 point mount in front with eyelets for a 1/2" bolt or cotter pins. The one in the center is about 3" taller then the ones on the sides. There's also a multi pin connector. What do I need to put a light duty plow on it for homeowner use?
Thank you!
~Nate
I have a 2006 3/4 ton Silverado and a friend has a 1986 chevy 3/4 ton truck he has a Meyers plow will it fit my 2006 truck without to much trouble.
Thanks
IN answer the to question "can you flip wind rows"; I have a one ton 2 wheel drive with blade and I back filled a water line with my blade by pushing the dirt in the ditch. I got tired of shoveling and tried it out and it worked for me fine. I have plowed snow with it for 25 years now; you need plenty of weight in the back and chains and it works just fine.
I AM REPLACING THE RELIEF VALVE STEM WITH A NEW ONE THAT I PURCHASED FROM WESTERN PLOW DEALER. MY QUESTION IS WHAT IS THE FACTORY SETTING THAT THIS SCREW-IN RELIEF VALVE SHOULD BE SET AT TO START WITH BECAUSE THE OLD ONE HAS BEEN READJUSTED BEFORE AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE TO SET THE NEW ONE. WOULD IT BE A GOOD IDEA TO SCREW IT ALL THE WAY INTO THE CYLINDER TIL IT BOTTOMS OUT & WON'T SCREW IN ANYMORE THAN MAYBE TURN IT BACK OUT ABOUT ONE TURN AND START THERE. THEN JUST SEE HOW MUCH SCRAPE PRESSURE I GET AT THAT SETTING OR DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE FACTORY SETTING IS AND I COULD SET IT TO THAT AND THEN TRY IT WITH IT SET THERE. I JUST DON'T WANT TOO MUCH PRESSURE BUT I WANT ENOUGH. THE WAY IT WORKS IS IF YOU TURN THIS RELIEF VALVE STEM CLOCKWISE IT INCREASES THE SCRAPE LOCK PRESSURE AND THEN IF YOU TURN THIS STEM COUNTER CLOCKWISE IT DECREASES THE SCRAPE LOCK PRESSURE SO I JUST WANT TO SET IT WHERE IT SHOULD BE LIKE WHEN IT WAS BRAND NEW. IT'S A "SUBURBANITE 7'4" PERSONAL WESTERN PLOW" MADE IN 2005 AND I HAVE IT MOUNTED ON A FORD RANGER EXTENDED CAB 4X4. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT THAT SETTING SHOULD BE OR TELL ME HOW I COULD POSSIBLY FIND OUT WHAT IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE LIKE WHEN IT WAS BRAND NEW. I THINK IT HAS TO BE SOMEWHERE AROUND 1/2 OR 1TURN COUNTER CLOCKWISE FROM BEING TOTALLY SCREWED IN TIL IT BOTTOMS OUT OR IS SCREWED ALL THE WAY IN AS FAR AS IT WILL TURN INTO THE CYLINDER. WHAT DO YOU SAY OR ADVISE ME TO DO TO FIND OUT IF YOU CAN'T TELL ME?? RICH SCHOR. MY EMAIL IS AS FOLLOWS: rickardoschore@yahoo.com. AND MY CELL PHONE NUMBER IS (440)-265-1233. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME FIGURE THIS OUT. THANKS AGAIN, RICH SCHOR.
My father and his wife just moved up to northern Utah where they experience tons of snow in the winter, I want to buy them a new snow plow, but I don't know what would be best. I didn't know that choosing one depended on the truck they have. I'll talk to a local dealer, like you suggested, about my dad's truck and see what they have to say about which snow plow would work best.
how much is the front mounting bracket worth
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