Tractor or Truck for plowing?

[RoyJackson]

As to auto transmissions on pickups and plowing, one idea explained to me was that they are damaged when the driver shifts from forward to reverse without giving the truck time to come to a stop. According to this person, that causes very high pressures inside the auto trans.

I have no idea, but if that's so it could explain why some go through a transmission in a couple years and others don't ever need a rebuild.
Dave.

My wife's BIL says the same thing, and he does commercial plowing. He lives in New Hampshire, so I'm sure he gets his share of snow plowing.

 

[LD1]

That is the main reason trannys are damaged while plowing. Because people get in a hurry and dont think about the equipment. But in reality, it has NOTHING to do with plowing itself. If you shift any vehichle from F to R without stopping completely, it is going to be hard on the tranny. Not just trucks with plows.

 

[dave1949]

That is the main reason trannys are damaged while plowing. Because people get in a hurry and dont think about the equipment. But in reality, it has NOTHING to do with plowing itself. If you shift any vehichle from F to R without stopping completely, it is going to be hard on the tranny. Not just trucks with plows.

Granted, it's just that plowing leads to a lot of back and forth travel. I threw it out there for two reasons: to see if it's valid , and if it is, to help people avoid expensive repairs. Not blaming the plow itself.

Dave.

 

[LD1]

Granted, it's just that plowing leads to a lot of back and forth travel. I threw it out there for two reasons: to see if it's valid , and if it is, to help people avoid expensive repairs. Not blaming the plow itself.

Dave.

Yes it is valid on MOST plow trucks running aroung.

On the newer ones, I am not sure. A lot of the newer electronic trannies dont let it shift from F to R if you are moving even if you hit the lever. But I don't know how sensitive that is. Just a slight roll???? I dont know. Because it was mainly designed for situations like driving down the highway and accidently hitting the lever.

 

[Lt CHEG]

Well, how much would you figure that set-up to be??

I am figuring about $30k per NEW plow truck. That is about what they cost for just a basic stripped down 3/4 ton truck/plow combo.

And by manuveribility I am meaning the ability to get into tight spots. Like back-dragging between a couple of parked cars. That 14-16' box just wouldn't fit.

I would figure closer to $40K per plow truck set up. Around here an 8 foot basic blade from Western, Fisher, Sno Way, Boss or Blizzard are running between $4500 and $5000, and that is just a basic blade, not a vee, or wing plow. For a brand new truck, basic 4x4, regular cab, 3/4 or 1 ton they seem to be going for at least $35K with discounting, but no rebates around here. It also seems that you can only get a significant rebate towards the end of the year when all the old stock needs to be cleared out. Since nobody wants a stripped down, regular cab 4x4, the dealers don't stock them, they only special order them so there aren't any to close out at the end of the year. So you can't get as big of a discount on them as you can with some of the better equipped vehicles. At least this has been my experience in this area of the country. Also that $40K estimate is for a gas engine, most plow guys in this area prefer to run diesels if they are running 3/4 ton or up trucks. Even the thirstiest new 6.4 liter diesels still do better on fuel economy than the smaller gas engines in this area based on my experience. You'd have to add at least $5K for a diesel.

 

[Duffster]

I will also add that two trucks with wings can push almost as much snow as that 1 push box on that tractor..

:laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing:

No offense but you obviosuly have no idea how much snow that tractor is moving

 

[Duffster]

Well, how much would you figure that set-up to be??

I am figuring about $30k per NEW plow truck. That is about what they cost for just a basic stripped down 3/4 ton truck/plow combo.

And by manuveribility I am meaning the ability to get into tight spots. Like back-dragging between a couple of parked cars. That 14-16' box just wouldn't fit.

Under $200k. I plow with diesels so I guess my figures for trucks was a little higher than yours.

The beauty of a plow like that is it can still back drag well since the wings fold out to make a straight blade. No it won't fit in two stalls but it doesn't need to.

 

[Duffster]

I will also add that two trucks with wings can push almost as much snow as that 1 push box on that tractor. Provided the operators are experienced.

We had an opportunity to do so thursday night into yesterday. Was out for 14 hours plowing some of the Columbus schools.

Two trucks with wings, angle the blades toward eachother, and lock wings. It is like a big 15' V-plow. Very nice when in a lot that requires the snow to be moved all the way to one end. Windrow everything into big runs and then lock plows and make a big push. Then windrow the trail-offs back up and repete.

Two plows plowing in conjuction like this can easily moove 4-5 times more snow than just a single truck with a V-plow or winged plow. We do it quite often. And it's a lot of fun:thumbsup: Just dont do it with a rookie. Cause it is easy for one truck to loose traction and slide into eachother.

Two truck forming a V still can't move anything like that can. The moldboard is 5" high and the end plates are 4' long IIRC.

 

[LD1]

Under $200k. I plow with diesels so I guess my figures for trucks was a little higher than yours.

The beauty of a plow like that is it can still back drag well since the wings fold out to make a straight blade. No it won't fit in two stalls but it doesn't need to.

Diesels arent "required" to plow snow. A 3/4ton diesel can NOT move any more snow than a gasser equiped with the same blade.

And it may not need to fit into tight areas on that lot, but most of us plow guys run into tight situations daily that that thing just would not fit into.

:laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing:

No offense but you obviosuly have no idea how much snow that tractor is moving

O' yea I have a really good Idea.

Two truck forming a V still can't move anything like that can. The moldboard is 5" high and the end plates are 4' long IIRC.

Assuming you ment 5' high instead of 5", that is still exaggerationg it a bit.

It is a 16' Horst pusher. 5500 series. That is 3.5' tall moldboard (42") and only 3' wings.
HORST WELDING | HLA >> 5500 SERIES

So two trucks locking wings and forming a 16' vee plow with 30" moldboards and outer wings doesnt come close It may not be quite as much as that, but you obviously havent seen it done before. Because it is way more than you give it credit for judging by your response. And the trucks can maintain a faster ground speed as well.

Dont get me wrong. That is an impressive machine. I mean no disrespect to it what so ever. I am only pointing out the fact that the money spent on that could buy enough trucks to out-work it.

But for that matter as well, $200k will buy a lot of shovels that will out work it or the trucks on a dollar basis. At least until you have to pay 20,000 employees hourly for operating those shovels:laughing:

 

[leveled]

I would use a truck for driveways, you just cant travel fast enough between sites. A Big tractor/loader for big parking lots, you just cant stack the snow high enough and also a truck/small tractor/skidster for detail work during business hours. I use my MX 5100 HST with a bucket to plow my shop and personal driveway since they are 3 door apart (looking to fabricate a plow soon).