So you are looking for a used snowplow truck to buy? Hey what the hell it’s less
then a new snowplow truck. Is it really? I guess that all depends on what you are doing and what you
are looking at to buy. The first thing I would have to think about if I was looking to buy a used snowplow truck, is what am I going to do with it? Will the snowplow truck be used for just my driveway? Will it be used for a residential snowplow account, mainly driveway work?. Or are you subcontracted by a municipality for snow removal on major road ways.
The answer to this questions is of major importants. OK, for the first application if your plowing just you own driveway an older snowplow truck that is being retired is fine, as long as all the major components work proper like the brakes, 4 wd, and the snowplow it self. If you are doing residential work you want
thoroughly check out the snowplow truck prior to buying because now that truck is your reputation.
Homeowners do not like to be told their driveway won’t be ready for them to go to work because your truck broke down. So when you are looking for a snowplow truck for sale you want to check out all the major components. Also run the plow makes sure everything works as it is suppose to. The other thing to keep in mind the brand of the truck, yes that’s right. You do not want to buy a snowplow truck that is
a special model because you will feel the pain when you need to get a part for it and you have to wait a few days instead of being in stock. Remember the auto parts stores stock what sells best not what doesn’t.
The next thing to consider is if you are subcontracted by a municipality, this is usually being paid be the hour for your snowplow truck and you. Remember, this is not start and stop type of plowing this is usually continuous plowing on town road ways. They will usually give you a certain section in your town to plow. When you are looking at snowplows for sale , you again want to keep this in mind.
You do not want a six foot snowplow, you will want a truck with an 8’ foot snowplow blade and with a rubber deflector. Good luck trying to plow a roadway with out a snowplow deflector on it at 30 mph or better. If you are looking at snowplow for sale this is what to look at, and do, pre-trip the truck first of all and that should cover all lights , tires ect. Then get on your creeper and start looking underneath check drive shafts, brake lines, cooler lines, wiring harness, fuel tank straps, exhaust and exhaust hangers, and check for fluid leaks. DO this inspection with the engine cold and then at operating temperature.
After dong that then cycle the plow many times not just once or twice why?, because, it takes a few cycles to warm up the hydraulic oil in the the snowplows system and then that’s usually when the seals start to leak, and need to be replaced. After the inspection, if everything seems up to snuff and in good working order then make the seller a fair offer. Try not to wait to long, because if the truck is in good shape and everything is fine someone will buy it. Time is money you do no want to spend the plow season looking for a truck especially if you found what you are looking for. I will come out with more on this topic on our snowplow Blog in the next few weeks in the mean, time happy hunting.
Tags: snowplow for sale, snowplows for sales ,snow plow trucks for sale, snow removal equipment for sale http://www.edgeolite.com/snowplow-for-sale.html
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Snowplows- Then and NOW!
Snowplow creators were issued their patents for snow plows in the 1800s. Several years passed before the plow designs were put to use. The plow made of wood was attached to a cart drawn by a team of horses through the snow covered streets.
until the steam trains arrived and made their appearance several years later. They pushed their way through heavy drifts with giant plows attached to their front ends. Salt was used in a few cities, but was not appreciated because it ruined the streets for sleighing and damaged the shoes and clothing of pedestrians.
Plows were a necessity to city dwellers, enabling winter transportation to recover more rapidly from storms than in previous years. However, this solution was accompanied by a new round of problems, some of which remains with us today. Plowing cleared the main streets for traffic, but effectively blocked the side roads and sidewalks with huge, uneven mounds of compacted snow. Does this sound familiar to you? Businessmen and shop owners initially hailed the success of the plow, but later complained and even brought lawsuits against the plowing companies.
Gas and diesel engine’s also changed the snowplow machine , leading to motorized dump trucks and plows in the early 1900’s . Many cities rushed to update their snow removal fleets, abandoning most of their horse-drawn carts. In conjunction with the new trucks, cities began to use (Caterpillar tractors) known as “HOLT-Cat” equipped with plow blades. To haul the snow away, they used steam shovels, cranes, and railway cars to get the snow off the streets and dumped into the rivers, and water ways.
However, the need for laborers was a must to make sure the areas where snow removal machine could not get, the laborers could. Then Barber-Green snow loader, was successful and several cities purchased snow loaders that same winter. The snow loader was an ingenious piece of machinery. Riding on tractor treads, it was equipped with a giant scoop and a conveyor belt. As the snow was plowed, it was forced up , caught by the conveyor belt which carried it up and away from the street into a chute at the top where it was dropped into a dump truck parked underneath. It effectively made snow removal easier and more effective for the cities by making the process much less labor and time intensive.
However, this was all great. But you have to think of then and now to really get the understanding of how much we have advanced in snow removal from then until now. Back in the beginning of the 1900’s the word hydraulic wasn’t even in the vocabulary like it is today. The snow plow operators of that time was exposed to the winter climate as the were working removing snow in storms, they did not have a climate control cab. The plow designs where also primitive, They had big bull nose one way plows like you see on trains today . The ability to move snow from one side to the other while moving was not even an idea. Today an operator can change the radio with one button while moving snow with another button at the same time. Snowplows have certainly come along way. The advancement you can see just in the past 20 years. Snowplow pumps where driven on a belt off the engine pulley, the more you would rev the engine up the quicker the plow would move.
Now snowplows are run electrical over hydrualic with electric motors and solenoid valves, quicker ,lightweight, and can be installed in smaller area’s. There is also big change with using laser guided devices to assist the snowplow operator in locating the roadways he needs to plow, while looking at a big white blanket. Snow removal has come a long way and will continue to change in the next decade.
http://www.edgeolite.com/howtosnowplow.html
until the steam trains arrived and made their appearance several years later. They pushed their way through heavy drifts with giant plows attached to their front ends. Salt was used in a few cities, but was not appreciated because it ruined the streets for sleighing and damaged the shoes and clothing of pedestrians.
Plows were a necessity to city dwellers, enabling winter transportation to recover more rapidly from storms than in previous years. However, this solution was accompanied by a new round of problems, some of which remains with us today. Plowing cleared the main streets for traffic, but effectively blocked the side roads and sidewalks with huge, uneven mounds of compacted snow. Does this sound familiar to you? Businessmen and shop owners initially hailed the success of the plow, but later complained and even brought lawsuits against the plowing companies.
Gas and diesel engine’s also changed the snowplow machine , leading to motorized dump trucks and plows in the early 1900’s . Many cities rushed to update their snow removal fleets, abandoning most of their horse-drawn carts. In conjunction with the new trucks, cities began to use (Caterpillar tractors) known as “HOLT-Cat” equipped with plow blades. To haul the snow away, they used steam shovels, cranes, and railway cars to get the snow off the streets and dumped into the rivers, and water ways.
However, the need for laborers was a must to make sure the areas where snow removal machine could not get, the laborers could. Then Barber-Green snow loader, was successful and several cities purchased snow loaders that same winter. The snow loader was an ingenious piece of machinery. Riding on tractor treads, it was equipped with a giant scoop and a conveyor belt. As the snow was plowed, it was forced up , caught by the conveyor belt which carried it up and away from the street into a chute at the top where it was dropped into a dump truck parked underneath. It effectively made snow removal easier and more effective for the cities by making the process much less labor and time intensive.
However, this was all great. But you have to think of then and now to really get the understanding of how much we have advanced in snow removal from then until now. Back in the beginning of the 1900’s the word hydraulic wasn’t even in the vocabulary like it is today. The snow plow operators of that time was exposed to the winter climate as the were working removing snow in storms, they did not have a climate control cab. The plow designs where also primitive, They had big bull nose one way plows like you see on trains today . The ability to move snow from one side to the other while moving was not even an idea. Today an operator can change the radio with one button while moving snow with another button at the same time. Snowplows have certainly come along way. The advancement you can see just in the past 20 years. Snowplow pumps where driven on a belt off the engine pulley, the more you would rev the engine up the quicker the plow would move.
Now snowplows are run electrical over hydrualic with electric motors and solenoid valves, quicker ,lightweight, and can be installed in smaller area’s. There is also big change with using laser guided devices to assist the snowplow operator in locating the roadways he needs to plow, while looking at a big white blanket. Snow removal has come a long way and will continue to change in the next decade.
http://www.edgeolite.com/howtosnowplow.html
Monday, September 7, 2009
Snow Plow Prices - When To Buy
Snowplow prices what are the choices? Well years ago this was a much simpler answer
and a lot easier then today. Why is that? Because there are so many different models and
variations then the snowplows of years ago. I have always started off with simple method when it comes to truck snowplow equipment. I feel you always want to over spec the plow you need instead of getting into a snow plow that is under qualified to do the work you need it to.
With this is mind, whatever you buy will last through your work load with no break down. Plow prices are basically determined by how many options, features and the size and style you need to plow. Most of the time the determining factor in buying snowplow equipment, is; Should I replace my old plow because it is slow, or some parts are going to wear out soon and will be costly to replace. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see the improvements in plow designs in the last few years compared to 10 years ago. A new plow comes with no problems, and with much more options from a straight blade to vee plows to gang plows. After some research I have even found mail order snowplows that comes in a kit and you put it together for about $1,000.00 and more elaborate vee plows are priced for about
( $4,000-$6500 )
I look at snowplow prices , because a new snowplow is basically an investment in a piece of snowplow equipment , that should operate flawless for a duration of years with no other investment except its maintenance. That’s why snowplow prices are important and should be considered negotiable to a point.
The best time to shop for you new plow is not during high demand season. The first thing I do with the snowplow prices is go to some snowplow forums and hear what the users are saying about some of the brands. I would ask questions about the products. I would want to hear there likes and dislikes as well as their application of use. The application is important you want to make sure the plow is being used the same way you would be looking to use it.
Once I found the plow I think I would need I would then try to find the next plow up in size. I have always like to buy a piece of equipment that is made a little heavier than what I need because I want
To last. Then I would start to shop down the prices of the plow I want, I would try to get three bids from three different suppliers, just like consumers do to us. I would also try to get a fair trade in price for my old plow.
Ok so lets go over what we spoke about with snowplow prices. The first evaluation is what are you going to be using the snowplow for? Residential plowing commercial plowing, parking lots roads? Investigate what plow you feel fits your truck, watch your front end weight. Go to the forums and read about what the user are saying about the plow you are interested in. Find out what warranties and guarantees are offered with the new plows. Find out if the manufacturers offer you low interest financing. Then when you are ready to buy make sure it is off season or at the end of the seaon. Offer them a price 15% off retail see if the can move there numbers
snowplow prices, snowplow price, snow plow prices
and a lot easier then today. Why is that? Because there are so many different models and
variations then the snowplows of years ago. I have always started off with simple method when it comes to truck snowplow equipment. I feel you always want to over spec the plow you need instead of getting into a snow plow that is under qualified to do the work you need it to.
With this is mind, whatever you buy will last through your work load with no break down. Plow prices are basically determined by how many options, features and the size and style you need to plow. Most of the time the determining factor in buying snowplow equipment, is; Should I replace my old plow because it is slow, or some parts are going to wear out soon and will be costly to replace. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see the improvements in plow designs in the last few years compared to 10 years ago. A new plow comes with no problems, and with much more options from a straight blade to vee plows to gang plows. After some research I have even found mail order snowplows that comes in a kit and you put it together for about $1,000.00 and more elaborate vee plows are priced for about
( $4,000-$6500 )
I look at snowplow prices , because a new snowplow is basically an investment in a piece of snowplow equipment , that should operate flawless for a duration of years with no other investment except its maintenance. That’s why snowplow prices are important and should be considered negotiable to a point.
The best time to shop for you new plow is not during high demand season. The first thing I do with the snowplow prices is go to some snowplow forums and hear what the users are saying about some of the brands. I would ask questions about the products. I would want to hear there likes and dislikes as well as their application of use. The application is important you want to make sure the plow is being used the same way you would be looking to use it.
Once I found the plow I think I would need I would then try to find the next plow up in size. I have always like to buy a piece of equipment that is made a little heavier than what I need because I want
To last. Then I would start to shop down the prices of the plow I want, I would try to get three bids from three different suppliers, just like consumers do to us. I would also try to get a fair trade in price for my old plow.
Ok so lets go over what we spoke about with snowplow prices. The first evaluation is what are you going to be using the snowplow for? Residential plowing commercial plowing, parking lots roads? Investigate what plow you feel fits your truck, watch your front end weight. Go to the forums and read about what the user are saying about the plow you are interested in. Find out what warranties and guarantees are offered with the new plows. Find out if the manufacturers offer you low interest financing. Then when you are ready to buy make sure it is off season or at the end of the seaon. Offer them a price 15% off retail see if the can move there numbers
snowplow prices, snowplow price, snow plow prices
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Snowplow Equipment - What's the difference?
When it comes to snow equipment there are many different things you should know. I guess the first thing I would consider is what my application is. Am I plowing driveways? Parking lots? Or country roads or highways?
What it doesn’t matter! Wrong it does matter! The next thing to look at is the front gross axle weight of the truck you are putting the plow on. You want to have an idea of what the front end of your truck can support before putting a snowplow blade on.
I laugh, when I see a ½ ton truck with a 8 ft steel plow on the front of it and the poor truck suspension is struggling to keep the plow 1 inch off the ground as the driver passes you on the road. I think to myself when he hit’s a bump that’s going to hurt. So you want to make sure your truck can keep its front end height up enough where it is safe to go down the road and not have any problems.
The next thing when thinking about snowplow equipment is the shape. If you are plowing tight driveways with little room to push the snow you might want to consider the 7 foot VEE plow. But when shopping for this look at the size of the hydraulic cylinders steel support holding the swing frames and structures to the snowplow blade. Keep in mind that you want something that is easy for you to repair and maintain. Especially, if the plow goes down in a storm you do not want to spend a lot of time taking it a part to repair it. Some designs will vary do to patents and engineering this is something you want to look at. You want your snowplow equipment to last and the more movable parts the more that it can wear so make sure you get a well designed plow frame.
Let’s not forget the curve of the plow that’s also important, deeper the curve the more the roll when plowing and obviously the more shallow the snowplow blade curve the more push and resistance on the truck when plowing. The other thing we need to touch on is the materials they use now to manufactures snowplow equipment. Years ago it was basically steel frame and steel mold board. Why? because plastic and chemicals where not as advanced as they are now. There are plastic and urethane parts today that are on the market that can take more of a beating than any steel parts can in certain applications.
The advantage to these style snowplow equipment is they are lighter and faster in weight opposed to steel. Less stress on the front end of the truck. However these can also effect the down pressure of the snowplow blades when plowing. SO thats why I say snowplow equipment, WHATS THE DIFFERENCE, because what equipment you need in New England may not be what you need in Michigan. So take your time when deciding on what snowplow EQUIPMENT to use.
.
http://www.edgeolite.com/snowplow-equipment.html
http://www.edgeolite.com/used-plow-equipment.html
What it doesn’t matter! Wrong it does matter! The next thing to look at is the front gross axle weight of the truck you are putting the plow on. You want to have an idea of what the front end of your truck can support before putting a snowplow blade on.
I laugh, when I see a ½ ton truck with a 8 ft steel plow on the front of it and the poor truck suspension is struggling to keep the plow 1 inch off the ground as the driver passes you on the road. I think to myself when he hit’s a bump that’s going to hurt. So you want to make sure your truck can keep its front end height up enough where it is safe to go down the road and not have any problems.
The next thing when thinking about snowplow equipment is the shape. If you are plowing tight driveways with little room to push the snow you might want to consider the 7 foot VEE plow. But when shopping for this look at the size of the hydraulic cylinders steel support holding the swing frames and structures to the snowplow blade. Keep in mind that you want something that is easy for you to repair and maintain. Especially, if the plow goes down in a storm you do not want to spend a lot of time taking it a part to repair it. Some designs will vary do to patents and engineering this is something you want to look at. You want your snowplow equipment to last and the more movable parts the more that it can wear so make sure you get a well designed plow frame.
Let’s not forget the curve of the plow that’s also important, deeper the curve the more the roll when plowing and obviously the more shallow the snowplow blade curve the more push and resistance on the truck when plowing. The other thing we need to touch on is the materials they use now to manufactures snowplow equipment. Years ago it was basically steel frame and steel mold board. Why? because plastic and chemicals where not as advanced as they are now. There are plastic and urethane parts today that are on the market that can take more of a beating than any steel parts can in certain applications.
The advantage to these style snowplow equipment is they are lighter and faster in weight opposed to steel. Less stress on the front end of the truck. However these can also effect the down pressure of the snowplow blades when plowing. SO thats why I say snowplow equipment, WHATS THE DIFFERENCE, because what equipment you need in New England may not be what you need in Michigan. So take your time when deciding on what snowplow EQUIPMENT to use.
.
http://www.edgeolite.com/snowplow-equipment.html
http://www.edgeolite.com/used-plow-equipment.html
Snowplow blades - Not just the normal?
When it comes to snow blades there are many different things you should know. I guess the first thing I would consider is what my application is. Am I plowing driveways? Parking lots? Or country roads or highways?
What it doesn’t matter! Wrong it does matter! The next thing to look at is the front gross axle weight of the truck you are putting the plow on. You want to have an idea of what the front end of your truck can support before putting a snowplow blade on.
I laugh, when I see a ½ ton truck with a 8 ft steel plow on the front of it and the poor truck suspension is struggling to keep the plow 1 inch off the ground as the driver passes you on the road. I think to myself when he hit’s a bump that’s going to hurt. So you want to make sure your truck can keep its front end height up enough where it is safe to go down the road and not have any problems.
The next thing when thinking about snowplow blades is the shape. If you are plowing tight driveways with little room to push the snow you might want to consider the 7 foot VEE plow. But when shopping for this look at the size of the hydraulic cylinders steel support holding the swing frames and structures to the snowplow blade. Keep in mind that you want something that is easy for you to repair and maintain. Especially, if the plow goes down in a storm you do not want to spend a lot of time taking it a part to repair it. Some designs will vary do to patents and engineering this is something you want to look at. You want your plow to last and the more movable parts the more that it can wear so make sure you get a well designed plow frame.
Let’s not forget the curve of the plow that’s also important, deeper the curve the more the roll when plowing and obviously the more shallow the snowplow blade curve the more push and resistance on the truck when plowing. The other thing we need to touch on is the materials they use now to manufactures snowplow blades. Years ago it was basically steel frame and steel mold board. Why? because plastic and chemicals where not as advanced as they are now. There are plastic and urethane parts today that are on the market that can take more of a beating than any steel parts can in certain applications.
The advantage to these style snowplow blades is they are lighter in weight opposed to steel. Less stress on the front end of the truck. However these can also effect the down pressure of the snowplow blades when plowing. SO thats why I say snowplow blades are not just the normal, because what blade you need in New England may not be what you need in Michigan. So take your time when deciding on what snowplow blade to use.
http://edgeolite.com/snowplowblades.html
What it doesn’t matter! Wrong it does matter! The next thing to look at is the front gross axle weight of the truck you are putting the plow on. You want to have an idea of what the front end of your truck can support before putting a snowplow blade on.
I laugh, when I see a ½ ton truck with a 8 ft steel plow on the front of it and the poor truck suspension is struggling to keep the plow 1 inch off the ground as the driver passes you on the road. I think to myself when he hit’s a bump that’s going to hurt. So you want to make sure your truck can keep its front end height up enough where it is safe to go down the road and not have any problems.
The next thing when thinking about snowplow blades is the shape. If you are plowing tight driveways with little room to push the snow you might want to consider the 7 foot VEE plow. But when shopping for this look at the size of the hydraulic cylinders steel support holding the swing frames and structures to the snowplow blade. Keep in mind that you want something that is easy for you to repair and maintain. Especially, if the plow goes down in a storm you do not want to spend a lot of time taking it a part to repair it. Some designs will vary do to patents and engineering this is something you want to look at. You want your plow to last and the more movable parts the more that it can wear so make sure you get a well designed plow frame.
Let’s not forget the curve of the plow that’s also important, deeper the curve the more the roll when plowing and obviously the more shallow the snowplow blade curve the more push and resistance on the truck when plowing. The other thing we need to touch on is the materials they use now to manufactures snowplow blades. Years ago it was basically steel frame and steel mold board. Why? because plastic and chemicals where not as advanced as they are now. There are plastic and urethane parts today that are on the market that can take more of a beating than any steel parts can in certain applications.
The advantage to these style snowplow blades is they are lighter in weight opposed to steel. Less stress on the front end of the truck. However these can also effect the down pressure of the snowplow blades when plowing. SO thats why I say snowplow blades are not just the normal, because what blade you need in New England may not be what you need in Michigan. So take your time when deciding on what snowplow blade to use.
http://edgeolite.com/snowplowblades.html
Snowplow markers Snowplow reflectors- could save you money
Snowplow markers, snowplow reflectors and plow guides are they necessary? Anything that helps a driver be able to see in lower visible nights is basically a no brainer. When you are plowing at night which is when most roads are being cleared, so commuters can get to work. The less strain you put on your eye’s to see the better for a snow plow driver. They already work long hours to keep up against the snow storm , anything to give them less fatigue the better.
So in essence any type of snowplow markers or snowplow reflectors is a must to assist in professional snow removal. Another concern that is usually not talked about and something snowplowers should consider is snowplow safety. Remember that snowplowing is a business, which means they are responsible to make sure their vehicle’s are in safe condition on the roads, and that’s why most states have a yearly DMV inspection. Unfortunately for the snowplow operator and snowplow owners in today’s world, they could be liable in a lawsuit in the event of an accident with a other motorist. So you want to make sure as a snowplow operator that your snowplow equipment has the up to date safety snowplow markers, and reflectors. They assist passing vehicles in seeing the edge of your snowplow helping to avoid collision.
Not having these items on your plow could make you liable for safety negligence in the event of an accident. Something plow owner and snowplow operators should consider when they pre trip their trucks. To have snowplow reflectors installed are a very low cost to pay to make snowplowing easier on the driver as well as for the on coming motorist, when clearing roads in the treacherous winter weather. So the question you have to ask your self . Why would anybody not want to put these low cost snowplow parts and on their snowplow most would agree it is a no brainer to use a very easy to install snowplow reflectors and snowplow markers.
So in essence any type of snowplow markers or snowplow reflectors is a must to assist in professional snow removal. Another concern that is usually not talked about and something snowplowers should consider is snowplow safety. Remember that snowplowing is a business, which means they are responsible to make sure their vehicle’s are in safe condition on the roads, and that’s why most states have a yearly DMV inspection. Unfortunately for the snowplow operator and snowplow owners in today’s world, they could be liable in a lawsuit in the event of an accident with a other motorist. So you want to make sure as a snowplow operator that your snowplow equipment has the up to date safety snowplow markers, and reflectors. They assist passing vehicles in seeing the edge of your snowplow helping to avoid collision.
Not having these items on your plow could make you liable for safety negligence in the event of an accident. Something plow owner and snowplow operators should consider when they pre trip their trucks. To have snowplow reflectors installed are a very low cost to pay to make snowplowing easier on the driver as well as for the on coming motorist, when clearing roads in the treacherous winter weather. So the question you have to ask your self . Why would anybody not want to put these low cost snowplow parts and on their snowplow most would agree it is a no brainer to use a very easy to install snowplow reflectors and snowplow markers.
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