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Seeking Advice for Snow Plow-Truck Combination
I live near Portland Oregon. Winters lately have started to look like those back East. I am curious to know what type of snow plow/truck combination would be good to use to plow 2-6" of snow in apartment complexes, paved, dirt, gravel driveways, and private roads 200- 300 feet. In Oregon sand, chemical, gravel, studs and chains are the only traction aids permitted. The half the properties in consideration are accessed via 3% grade hills. Thanks
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by SnowMan on -
You have quite a bit of variance in the work that you will be doing so we need to look at the extremes. It appears the high end of the work load will be the apartment complexes or the private roads and the smaller jobs will be driveways. With this spectrum in mind you need the greatest degree of flexibility. I would say a 350 up to 550 type truck would be good especially if you will be spreading materials that increase traction.
You will need a plow that suits the jobs as well. Some guys like the V-Plow configuration while some are now looking at the expandable wing type plows. I think these can be overkill and you could just go with a straight plow with some accessory box wings to help capture snow. I also recommend that your purchase decisions be influenced by the capabilities of your local servicing dealers.
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Permalink Reply by Jeff Rufenacht on -
I agree with SnowMan as far as the variables in plowing situations you are up against. Apartment complexes have the greatest space constraints and in my opinion, a larger truck would prohibit the needed movement in those situations. I also think in that a V or expandable plow might not be the best choice for you, unless you are doing more parking lots, then it is a great time saver (especially if you are bidding by the job, not by the hour!)
Your selling dealer can discuss those options - pros and cons of the plows and trucks you are looking at as well.
Here in our area of Wisconsin, we have seen a large swing from GM to Ford in plow trucks. They both have many great features (as well as Dodge) but for the most part straight axle trucks provide the best front-end weight carrying capacity. In my opinoin, a 250 or 2500HD would be a good choice. Alot of people in your position make their descisions based on what others in the industry are doing and what works well for them.
Hope this helps and doesn't add more confusion!
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Permalink Reply by Mike Bromley on -
A 3/4 ton GM truck and an 8' Boss Straight blade RT-3 or a V if your Apt. complexes are of any size . I run studded Cooper 10 Ply M&S . I get 4 seasons out of a set , and they are the best tire I've ever plowed with , and I've tried most of them since 1976 ! I also run two 1000 Amp batteries for a steady power supply .
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