Streetcar
Veteran Member
My concern would be an old truck running when you need it. I had old 3/4 ton ford as work truck on the farm and parts broke at worst time
Cheap dedicated plow truck?
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SkeeterFood
Member
Howdy folks, first post here! :wave: Coming to you from literally the middle of nowhere in extreme NW Minnesota. We get enough snow to have been snowed in so bad on 2 occasions that even the county couldn't get us out. ...You know, those end-of-season whoppers!
A lot of your answer is going to depend on where you live; how much snow do you get on average, is the snow dry (like here usually) or heavy and wet, do you get much ice there, etc. For several seasons now I've been using a 1/2-ton Dodge truck with automatic and a 7' Western poly plow with Ultra-Mount. The 1/2-ton suspension is a little light for lifting even the poly blade, but that problem was easily corrected by the use of aftermarket rubber pads that replace existing rubber bumpers with Timbren rubber suspension parts (Amazon.com: Timbren DF25 4B Suspension Enhancement System: Automotive) - no more sag in the front end, yet still drives like normal. We also have 20 miles of gravel roads to get to our place, so when I say these things do not change how the truck handles, I mean it! Is only stiffer if you hit large holes or bumps that would normally cause your front suspension to bottom out.
For traction, as we normally have dry snow, I use no chains but have new tires with great tread. I plow in 4hi, but this is where the Dodge really excels - there are times when I get stuck in the yard, usually when backing up after pushing into a snow pile, and the tires will spin. With the Dodge and on-the-floor shift, I can go from 4hi to 4lo without the truck moving one bit!! As soon as I'm moving again, I shift back to 4hi. As it turns out, I just bought another Dodge 1/2-ton but a year older (2000, to replace the 2001) for $3,800 with low miles.This truck runs and shifts magnificently!! I use no additional ballast in the truck. My driveway consists of 1/4 mile of driveway in my yard plus 1/4 mile of minimum maintenance road, with nearly a 90° turn in the middle with deep ditches on both sides. Very little room for error here!
As for the S10 or Ford Ranger, I would think they'd be a bit small if it's not uncommon to get 6" of white stuff, especially if it's wet/icy or has been packed down by other traffic. Tractors are great, but expensive, usually open station (burrrr!), and slow! Plowing with the Dodge has been a dream come true!! Actually planning on using the 2001 Dodge to build a homemade tractor eventually, as I've never really liked how it handled on the road. However, it has worked fabulous for snow for several seasons! Actually anxious for next year and the new, slightly older truck!!
A lot of your answer is going to depend on where you live; how much snow do you get on average, is the snow dry (like here usually) or heavy and wet, do you get much ice there, etc. For several seasons now I've been using a 1/2-ton Dodge truck with automatic and a 7' Western poly plow with Ultra-Mount. The 1/2-ton suspension is a little light for lifting even the poly blade, but that problem was easily corrected by the use of aftermarket rubber pads that replace existing rubber bumpers with Timbren rubber suspension parts (Amazon.com: Timbren DF25 4B Suspension Enhancement System: Automotive) - no more sag in the front end, yet still drives like normal. We also have 20 miles of gravel roads to get to our place, so when I say these things do not change how the truck handles, I mean it! Is only stiffer if you hit large holes or bumps that would normally cause your front suspension to bottom out.
For traction, as we normally have dry snow, I use no chains but have new tires with great tread. I plow in 4hi, but this is where the Dodge really excels - there are times when I get stuck in the yard, usually when backing up after pushing into a snow pile, and the tires will spin. With the Dodge and on-the-floor shift, I can go from 4hi to 4lo without the truck moving one bit!! As soon as I'm moving again, I shift back to 4hi. As it turns out, I just bought another Dodge 1/2-ton but a year older (2000, to replace the 2001) for $3,800 with low miles.This truck runs and shifts magnificently!! I use no additional ballast in the truck. My driveway consists of 1/4 mile of driveway in my yard plus 1/4 mile of minimum maintenance road, with nearly a 90° turn in the middle with deep ditches on both sides. Very little room for error here!
As for the S10 or Ford Ranger, I would think they'd be a bit small if it's not uncommon to get 6" of white stuff, especially if it's wet/icy or has been packed down by other traffic. Tractors are great, but expensive, usually open station (burrrr!), and slow! Plowing with the Dodge has been a dream come true!! Actually planning on using the 2001 Dodge to build a homemade tractor eventually, as I've never really liked how it handled on the road. However, it has worked fabulous for snow for several seasons! Actually anxious for next year and the new, slightly older truck!!
MinnesotaDaveChalmers
Platinum Member
Apologies, didn't read all the posts.
I've been plowing since 1996 with 80's 1/2 ton f150 pickups (cheap, inline 6, 4 speed stick).
Respectfully, in my opinion none of your modifications in the opening post are really needed.
I've run the same 8' Meyer pro on each truck with Timbren overloads as my only modification.
Sometimes if it's a blizzard and people get drifted in real bad I'll load the bed with some firewood.
I've seen many people over the years plow with just a 4 wheeler.
I've been plowing since 1996 with 80's 1/2 ton f150 pickups (cheap, inline 6, 4 speed stick).
Respectfully, in my opinion none of your modifications in the opening post are really needed.
I've run the same 8' Meyer pro on each truck with Timbren overloads as my only modification.
Sometimes if it's a blizzard and people get drifted in real bad I'll load the bed with some firewood.
I've seen many people over the years plow with just a 4 wheeler.
Clint S
Veteran Member
Let's talk Meyer which I know. Meyer E47 weighs approx. 35# That's everything minus angle cylinders. Winch and mount probably weighs 15#. 20# is worth angling both ways. Not to mention modifying for the winch mount and making a pin system to angle the plow. Is it worth the 20# or so to modify a system that was made by Meyer to well? If even 50# would '' push the weight over the edge'' it would probably break anyway. Not saying a winch won't work well but the weight savings vs modification and loss of function is not something I would consider.
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jack707
Veteran Member
There was a reason I didn't buy a kiddie plow for the ranger to plow my 1/4mile drive because if I did I would be outside for hours and that not even talking about the HP or TQ. So I bought a used 2500HD with a 8' boss plow that's what you use to plow snow
milkie62
Silver Member
- Joined
- May 19, 2008
- Messages
- 199
- Location
- upstate NY
- Tractor
- Kubota M6800,Ford 801,MF 65, Kubota L305
I have read some of the posts. Some I just laughed at. IMO a dedicated "cheap" plow truck does not exist. I have been plowing for 27 yrs and the guys that have an old plow truck sitting in the weeds usually has a dead battery,plow will not work because of moisture issues and the brakes are either seized up or the lines are rotten. Either pay someone to do it or invest into a 4wd tractor with rear 3 pt snowblower.
jcbGM
Silver Member
1/2 mile driveway owner in PA here. Our farm is on top of a ridge. The road is relatively flat/rolling. IMO, an RTV with a plow works great. We only have a 500 and it works way better than the tractor. The tractor sits on the barn most all winter. 2 passes (1 out and 1 back) is sufficient, but I usually take 4 to push it way back. We have a top, windshield and canvas back. Blocks the wind very well.
Our tractor gets about 50 hrs/year whereas the rtv gets about 150. It's just way more handy for so many chores.
Our tractor gets about 50 hrs/year whereas the rtv gets about 150. It's just way more handy for so many chores.
