What You Should Know Before Buying a Snowplow
Finding a snowplow dealer close to home is a major advantage when you need parts and service. Let’s face it, snowplows can break at exactly the wrong time! Cylinders can blow out, pumps will have wiring problems, and lights stop working. Having a shop close to your area can be the life saver! You will need to keep your plow ready to battle old man winter and his gust of snow and ice when the time comes. Having a down plow only creates trouble for your business by not being able to plow your clients’ driveways or businesses. In the Cleveland, Ohio area, Meyer Products has the hometown advantage because they are based out of Euclid, Ohio which is 15 minutes away from Cleveland. And now through the end of the year, you can get up to $750 off Meyer plows.
There are three different basic plow systems to choose from. To know which one you need, you have to know if you’ll do residential plowing, commercial plowing, or both. If you choose to do only residential plowing, then a straight blade is a wise choice. The experienced snow operator’s preference is a 6’8” straight blade, but they do come in a 7’6” size. The reason behind this size is an average sized driveway is 10’ to 12’ wide and with a 6’8” size blade that would take two passes. Also, this size plow is perfect for tight spaces older homes can have. This size plow is perfect for someone just getting started.
A commercial plow has beefier components such as the moldboard, frame, and pumps. This system comes in 7’5” to 9’ sizes. A lot of operators pick the size of the plow depending on the amount of open space they are going to plow. As an example, a smaller lot will require a 7’5” and a bigger lot would require a 9’. Most customers who have experience will use this system for both residential and commercial use.
A V-plow, which has two independent wings that can form a multitude of different configurations come in 7’5” to 9’ are on the large side for residential plowing, but it can be done. These plow systems are made for commercial plowing such as parking lots, office space, or wide-open areas. This plow system is for a more experienced operator (see below in controls to learn about why). The V-plow entry point is steep, yet it can be indispensable for this type of large-scale plowing. But because of the volume of work it would be put through, and the steep entry point, you really need to be sure to maintain your plows properly. Repairs can be devastating to your wallet if proper care and maintenance is not performed yearly. Personally, I would only recommend this plow to someone that has years of plowing experience because the controllers can be overwhelming for a novice.
Everyone has a budget! Getting a snowplow is a long-term investment with yearly winter returners! However, swallowing the cost of purchasing a new plow is like getting kicked in the stomach, but how hard! The straight blade system is a cost-effective approach to snowplowing because there is not as much steel and moving parts. The V-Plow is going to be the most expensive option. Why? There is more steel, more parts, and bigger components.
The right vehicle for the job
Having the right vehicle for the job is critical. Most people think you need a truck to use a snowplow. Yes, this is correct, but a lot of end users use Jeep Wranglers. The reason behind this is the Jeep has a small and narrow frame that can maneuver in tight places! Add the 6’8” plow and you’re ready to tackle old man winter. Thus, perfect for residential plowing. However, if you want to do commercial plowing a full-size or a quarter ton is the truck you will need. With this truck you can put on a commercial plow or a V-plow because the vehicle’s front end can support the weight.
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