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Snow plows for small 4x4's?



 
 
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  #1  
Old January 17th 05, 02:13 AM
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Default Snow plows for small 4x4's?

Snow plows for small 4x4's?

I am going to either build a snow plow or purchase one. And put it on the
front of a Jeep or an older K5 Blazer that I have access to. I was over at
the store and there was a guy and his wife plowing snow in a Dodge 4x4
diesel, long box and extended cab. I asked him how much he was making and he
said if he hustled, he could make about $200.00/hr. Damn good money, if that
is true??? I will have to ask around.

12 hours of plowing at that rate would equal $2400.00. 24 hours would equal
$4800.00, before expenses. We have 18" of snow here right now and these guys
are working around the clock. Something to consider for next year.

Any one know of any plans available on the web for building a small plow
unit for a small vehicle, such as a Jeep or a K5 Blazer or a Ford Bronco?

I would like to keep the blade no longer that 6.5 feet wide. I like the idea
of the small vehicle for being able to maneuvered easily in small areas. The
weight of the vehicle should be no problem. If it's too light, I could weld
in steel plates to the interior of the vehicle to offer it more traction.
And I could strip out the interior of seats and carpet to do this. I noticed
a lot of the guys plowing in 4x4 pickups had their boxes loaded with snow
for added traction. I did not see many 'plowers' using chains at all, most
likely as chains wear quickly on roads that have been cleared and are salted
and sanded.

Also, any reconditions for tires and gear deferential(s) for this specific
application?

Any help or ideas here would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. I would like
to get this set up for next year.


Ads
  #2  
Old January 17th 05, 03:37 AM
Bret Chase
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On Sun, 16 Jan 2005 17:13:15 -0800, > wrote:

>:|Snow plows for small 4x4's?
>:|
>:|I am going to either build a snow plow or purchase one. And put it on the
>:|front of a Jeep or an older K5 Blazer that I have access to. I was over at
>:|the store and there was a guy and his wife plowing snow in a Dodge 4x4
>:|diesel, long box and extended cab.


we've got one of those at work... horrible plow truck, the 900 ft
turning radius really makes it a bear to plow with.

I asked him how much he was making and he
>:|said if he hustled, he could make about $200.00/hr. Damn good money, if that
>:|is true??? I will have to ask around.


that seems to be a bit exagerated to me or he's got some really dumb
clients. going rate around here for a simple driveway is $20 a storm
that takes 10 mins max to plow. so unless they're charging a stupidly
high rate, $120/hr is possible only if there is no travel time between
jobs.

>:|
>:|12 hours of plowing at that rate would equal $2400.00. 24 hours would equal
>:|$4800.00, before expenses. We have 18" of snow here right now and these guys
>:|are working around the clock. Something to consider for next year.


sounds like a Kirby sales hiring pitch... the reality is usually far
far lower than the maximum possible earnings.

>:|
>:|Any one know of any plans available on the web for building a small plow
>:|unit for a small vehicle, such as a Jeep or a K5 Blazer or a Ford Bronco?
>:|


no, but the easiest thing is to drive around and look at used plows
for sale... I know of several in my area for sale between $200 and
$500 . you won't be able to build one for that little.

>:|I would like to keep the blade no longer that 6.5 feet wide. I like the idea
>:|of the small vehicle for being able to maneuvered easily in small areas. The
>:|weight of the vehicle should be no problem. If it's too light, I could weld
>:|in steel plates to the interior of the vehicle to offer it more traction.
>:|And I could strip out the interior of seats and carpet to do this. I noticed
>:|a lot of the guys plowing in 4x4 pickups had their boxes loaded with snow
>:|for added traction. I did not see many 'plowers' using chains at all, most
>:|likely as chains wear quickly on roads that have been cleared and are salted
>:|and sanded.
>:|
>:|Also, any reconditions for tires and gear deferential(s) for this specific
>:|application?


BFG All-Terrain K/O or Bridgestone Dueler Revo's.. I prefer the BFG's.
open differentials are all you need... if you need lockers, you're
doing it wrong.

>:|
>:|Any help or ideas here would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. I would like
>:|to get this set up for next year.
>:|


basically take it easy with your foot and let off before you hit the
snowbank (unless you really need to pile it up). a lot of guys around
here ( maine) who have just gotten a plow end up using a digital foot
(i.e. WOT or idle) and just beat the ever loving crap out of their
trucks. if I were you I'd go looking for a fixer upper plow truck.
towards the spring you'll see mid 80's 4x4's w/ plows going for
$500-$1500 which will serve you just fine.

hth,
Bret

  #3  
Old January 17th 05, 03:55 PM
Peter D. Hipson
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I won't intentionally rain (ok, snow) on your parade, but...

1. That guy makes that money because of the fact he has an excellent
plow rig. (I have a similar Dodge 2500 with a plow). He can do things
that your smaller rig won't handle at all. You'd have to go out more
often (smaller rig won't push as much snow as a big rig) but with
going out more often you can't charge more... So your per/hour rate is
much lower.

2. To plow commercially you *must* have a reliable rig. The first time
the truck won't start, breaks, or whatever, your customers will
disappear just like snow in June.

3. Plow trucks break. New trucks are better, of course. I've blown
transmissions, broken frames, and done other damage plowing. It goes
with the territory. Smaller trucks break more often, you have to push
them harder to get the same results.

4. Plows are complex devices, engineered with many years of
experience.

5. Plowing commercially with anything less than a 3/4 ton truck is
risky. Sure you can plow with a Jeep Wrangler (I have friends who have
used them for years to plow--but it is really rough on the vehicle.)

6. DOn't forget that if you plow, you also have to sand... Your
customers won't want to deal with two services, if you don't sand then
your competitor who does will get yoru jobs after the first ice storm.

7. Insurance! You *MUST* have insurance to cover the cases where you
hit someone's house (seen it happen), someone's car (seen it happen),
landscaping (seen it happen), whatever... Commercial plowing insurance
is not cheap!

8. If your truck looks good, be prepaired to loose those good loooks!
The odds are that you will slide into something every season. I've
backed into more than one tree, I've wacked some stumps so hard that
the plow blade bent.

9. Don't put things into the truck that can move under any
circujstances. Those steel plates would have to be well welded to the
frame. If not, they will end up in the front seat with you.

10. Plowing consists of hundreds of 5 MPH crashes each storm. Have a
wet snow, and add incredible loads on the drive train.

11. Some will tell you to get a stick. I've had both. I've blown
manual transmissions. I've never lost an automatic. Plowing is a busy
task, both hands have lot's to do (left to work the plow, right to
steer) and shifting adds more effort. You also have better control
with an automatic.

12. Good tires. Chains. A good heater. Good wipers. A yellow flashing
light (required, by law!) Read all your state's plowing laws--there
are many. No pushing snow across a right of way. No dumping snow in a
water body or river. Flashing lights etc.

13. Sure you could perhaps make $500 in a snow storm. Deduct fuel
(god, does plowing drink fuel!) maintenance, and bad debts ("I'll pay
you when I get my check, when my tax refund comes...", or other good
story that you will only hear AFTER you plow their drive! I recommend
cash only, at the time of plowing if you are not a 'legal business'.
Don't forget taxes, both yours and the customers (some states may
require you to collect sales tax). You won't get away with not paying
taxes--your competitors will make sure of that!

OK, now to dry up your parade:

1. Don't build your own plow. You can't do it, if you have those
skills you would not be asking these questions.

2. There are plows made for small trucks. In the end, they are a good
value.

3. You could buy a used plow, and get new mounts (or fabricate your
own, I've done that too.) Used plows are cheaper, but may not be in
the best condition.

4. Even a light truck (I've plowed with Isuzu Troopers, successfully!)
can be made to work. Takes longer. More work. But it can be done.

5. Talk to a couple of commercial operators... they will tell you just
what is involved.

I could go on for several hours... But there's snow out there, and
I've got to plow. Then take the truck to the dealer to get it fixed!


On Sun, 16 Jan 2005 17:13:15 -0800, > wrote:

>Snow plows for small 4x4's?
>
>I am going to either build a snow plow or purchase one. And put it on the
>front of a Jeep or an older K5 Blazer that I have access to. I was over at
>the store and there was a guy and his wife plowing snow in a Dodge 4x4
>diesel, long box and extended cab. I asked him how much he was making and he
>said if he hustled, he could make about $200.00/hr. Damn good money, if that
>is true??? I will have to ask around.
>
>12 hours of plowing at that rate would equal $2400.00. 24 hours would equal
>$4800.00, before expenses. We have 18" of snow here right now and these guys
>are working around the clock. Something to consider for next year.
>
>Any one know of any plans available on the web for building a small plow
>unit for a small vehicle, such as a Jeep or a K5 Blazer or a Ford Bronco?
>
>I would like to keep the blade no longer that 6.5 feet wide. I like the idea
>of the small vehicle for being able to maneuvered easily in small areas. The
>weight of the vehicle should be no problem. If it's too light, I could weld
>in steel plates to the interior of the vehicle to offer it more traction.
>And I could strip out the interior of seats and carpet to do this. I noticed
>a lot of the guys plowing in 4x4 pickups had their boxes loaded with snow
>for added traction. I did not see many 'plowers' using chains at all, most
>likely as chains wear quickly on roads that have been cleared and are salted
>and sanded.
>
>Also, any reconditions for tires and gear deferential(s) for this specific
>application?
>
>Any help or ideas here would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. I would like
>to get this set up for next year.
>


  #4  
Old January 17th 05, 03:59 PM
Peter D. Hipson
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

On Sun, 16 Jan 2005 21:37:08 -0500, Bret Chase >
wrote:

>basically take it easy with your foot and let off before you hit the
>snowbank (unless you really need to pile it up). a lot of guys around
>here ( maine) who have just gotten a plow end up using a digital foot
>(i.e. WOT or idle) and just beat the ever loving crap out of their
>trucks.


I've got one of those stupid things. GM's is best, Dodge (which is
what I have) is a bear to drive. Don't know if Ford has drive by wire
yet or not. Of course, having a 340 HP hemi makes things tricky
anyway! <g> But, when not plowing--it is fun.
  #5  
Old January 18th 05, 12:47 PM
Steve W.
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default




> wrote in message
...
> Snow plows for small 4x4's?
>
> I am going to either build a snow plow or purchase one. And put it on

the
> front of a Jeep or an older K5 Blazer that I have access to. I was

over at
> the store and there was a guy and his wife plowing snow in a Dodge 4x4
> diesel, long box and extended cab. I asked him how much he was making

and he
> said if he hustled, he could make about $200.00/hr. Damn good money,

if that
> is true??? I will have to ask around.
>
> 12 hours of plowing at that rate would equal $2400.00. 24 hours would

equal
> $4800.00, before expenses. We have 18" of snow here right now and

these guys
> are working around the clock. Something to consider for next year.
>
> Any one know of any plans available on the web for building a small

plow
> unit for a small vehicle, such as a Jeep or a K5 Blazer or a Ford

Bronco?
>
> I would like to keep the blade no longer that 6.5 feet wide. I like

the idea
> of the small vehicle for being able to maneuvered easily in small

areas. The
> weight of the vehicle should be no problem. If it's too light, I could

weld
> in steel plates to the interior of the vehicle to offer it more

traction.
> And I could strip out the interior of seats and carpet to do this. I

noticed
> a lot of the guys plowing in 4x4 pickups had their boxes loaded with

snow
> for added traction. I did not see many 'plowers' using chains at all,

most
> likely as chains wear quickly on roads that have been cleared and are

salted
> and sanded.
>
> Also, any reconditions for tires and gear deferential(s) for this

specific
> application?
>
> Any help or ideas here would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. I

would like
> to get this set up for next year.
>
>


Best plow truck I ever owned was a Jeep CJ with a Fisher plow on it.
Easy to maneuver, goes into places the big trucks only dream of. Uses
less fuel, causes less damage. Had a steel half top made for it and put
a nice hydraulic powered sander in the back. Chains are BIG trouble on
pavement, they scar it up a LOT. Unless you want to pay to repair the
damage don't use them.
My current plow rig is a Jeep Wrangler. Set up with a Boss V plow and
home built stainless steel sander rig (used parts from the old one that
had a bad hopper) Works great and can handle a lot more snow than people
think. Plowing isn't just drive fast-hit snow-watch snow fly. Do that
and you WILL destroy the vehicle shortly. Plan out where your putting
the snow, what obstacles are in that way (trees, wells, plant beds,
sandboxes) Take into account what the person wants cleared as well, for
instance JUST plowing the driveway is fine BUT I also have a small gas
blower to blow off sidewalks and around buildings. Shovels work BUT that
blower is much faster and does a better job.




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  #6  
Old January 19th 05, 07:52 AM
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Posts: n/a
Default

Steve, et al, thanks! I will reply a bit later. I am just taking off, again.
I had a flooding problem that I had to fix after the basement flooded in the
snow melt. Now I am going skiing for a few days. Have fun, y'all!!



"Steve W." > wrote in message
...
>
>
>
> > wrote in message
> ...
>> Snow plows for small 4x4's?
>>
>> I am going to either build a snow plow or purchase one. And put it on

> the
>> front of a Jeep or an older K5 Blazer that I have access to. I was

> over at
>> the store and there was a guy and his wife plowing snow in a Dodge 4x4
>> diesel, long box and extended cab. I asked him how much he was making

> and he
>> said if he hustled, he could make about $200.00/hr. Damn good money,

> if that
>> is true??? I will have to ask around.
>>
>> 12 hours of plowing at that rate would equal $2400.00. 24 hours would

> equal
>> $4800.00, before expenses. We have 18" of snow here right now and

> these guys
>> are working around the clock. Something to consider for next year.
>>
>> Any one know of any plans available on the web for building a small

> plow
>> unit for a small vehicle, such as a Jeep or a K5 Blazer or a Ford

> Bronco?
>>
>> I would like to keep the blade no longer that 6.5 feet wide. I like

> the idea
>> of the small vehicle for being able to maneuvered easily in small

> areas. The
>> weight of the vehicle should be no problem. If it's too light, I could

> weld
>> in steel plates to the interior of the vehicle to offer it more

> traction.
>> And I could strip out the interior of seats and carpet to do this. I

> noticed
>> a lot of the guys plowing in 4x4 pickups had their boxes loaded with

> snow
>> for added traction. I did not see many 'plowers' using chains at all,

> most
>> likely as chains wear quickly on roads that have been cleared and are

> salted
>> and sanded.
>>
>> Also, any reconditions for tires and gear deferential(s) for this

> specific
>> application?
>>
>> Any help or ideas here would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. I

> would like
>> to get this set up for next year.
>>
>>

>
> Best plow truck I ever owned was a Jeep CJ with a Fisher plow on it.
> Easy to maneuver, goes into places the big trucks only dream of. Uses
> less fuel, causes less damage. Had a steel half top made for it and put
> a nice hydraulic powered sander in the back. Chains are BIG trouble on
> pavement, they scar it up a LOT. Unless you want to pay to repair the
> damage don't use them.
> My current plow rig is a Jeep Wrangler. Set up with a Boss V plow and
> home built stainless steel sander rig (used parts from the old one that
> had a bad hopper) Works great and can handle a lot more snow than people
> think. Plowing isn't just drive fast-hit snow-watch snow fly. Do that
> and you WILL destroy the vehicle shortly. Plan out where your putting
> the snow, what obstacles are in that way (trees, wells, plant beds,
> sandboxes) Take into account what the person wants cleared as well, for
> instance JUST plowing the driveway is fine BUT I also have a small gas
> blower to blow off sidewalks and around buildings. Shovels work BUT that
> blower is much faster and does a better job.
>
>
>
>
> ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet
> News==----
> http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! >100,000
> Newsgroups
> ---= East/West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---



  #7  
Old January 19th 05, 03:48 PM
Peter D. Hipson
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Posts: n/a
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Oh, did we mention that you can't go anywhere for the season, too? <g>
You have to be there to plow in case it snows--so you'll not be going
on ski trips if you plow!

BTW, *everybody* thinks they should be plowed first!

On Tue, 18 Jan 2005 22:52:00 -0800, > wrote:

>Steve, et al, thanks! I will reply a bit later. I am just taking off, again.
>I had a flooding problem that I had to fix after the basement flooded in the
>snow melt. Now I am going skiing for a few days. Have fun, y'all!!
>
>


  #8  
Old January 19th 05, 09:45 PM
Steve W.
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Yeah that is one big OOPS. But there are times when you can sneak off
someplace since it doesn't snow all the time.
Of course what usually happens is, you take off to some other state to
visit the in-laws or something. While your gone the weather changes and
it coats the area with more snow than has been seen in 20 years. The
folks you have contracts with call, get the answering machine, hang up
and call someone else while bitching about how they cannot find the
miserable SOB they hired.....

OR you do like I do and work out helper contracts with some of the other
local plow folks. There are about four of us who have what could be
called a "plow pool" IF it snows real bad and we have contracts that
overlap we will help each other out and plow out the ones we are near.
So far this has only happened twice (last year) Plus some of us have
been known to plow out churches and elderly gratis (never know when one
might send money or business your way...)

Well time to fire up the plows here and go play in the snow.

--
Steve Williams


"Peter D. Hipson" > wrote in
message ...
> Oh, did we mention that you can't go anywhere for the season, too? <g>
> You have to be there to plow in case it snows--so you'll not be going
> on ski trips if you plow!
>
> BTW, *everybody* thinks they should be plowed first!
>
> On Tue, 18 Jan 2005 22:52:00 -0800, > wrote:
>
> >Steve, et al, thanks! I will reply a bit later. I am just taking off,

again.
> >I had a flooding problem that I had to fix after the basement flooded

in the
> >snow melt. Now I am going skiing for a few days. Have fun, y'all!!
> >
> >

>



 




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