How to Choose the Right Truck & Snowplow, for Alberta Winters
1) Choosing the right truck
Each truck has it's own variables and features that may make or break a snowplow inquiry. It's important to have a truck equipped with sufficient power and carrying capacity, among other things.The following are essential for finding the right plow:
- truck year
- model
- cab and bed size
- engine type and size
- gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
- front/rear gross axle ratings (FGAWR / RGAWR).
1.1) Why can't I run a larger plow?
The main reason you can't run a larger plow than we recommend; more specifically, what the plow manufacturer allows, is because the plow is likely too heavy for your truck. (Sidenote: If you have a Diesel and are confused as to why an F-350 Diesel can't fit the biggest, baddest blade, read section 1.2 below.)
As previously mentioned, the FGAWR and other weight ratings on your truck are imperative for finding a proper blade. If a plow system is too heavy for a truck's weight rating, not only will it cause increased wear and likely damage your truck (usually in the form of suspension problems), but it is illegal to drive a truck that bears equipment that surpasses the FGAWR & GVWR ratings. If you were pulled over by the Police or bylaw, you could risk your business license being revoked, big fines, and in a lot of cases you won't be allowed to leave without taking the weight off. Drivers can technically be sent to jail for driving overweight trucks. That would make for one angry employee!
1.2) The "deal" with diesel
Diesels are known for their torque, and are great for several common trucking purposes, such as towing, pulling or hauling - all while boasting comparatively higher fuel efficiency. While at first it seems these benefits would be greater than gas in this application, when it comes to snowplows and winter-time, having a Diesel engine may prove to actually inhibit your selection. This is due to the weight of a Diesel engine being more than it's gas counterpart. Often by hundreds of pounds, which may not seem like much, but when you're looking to mount a 700-1000lb plow to the front, it might exceed your axle ratings. There are ways you can counteract this by essentially beefing up your front end. Some truck brands offer 'snowplow prep packages' - kits consisting of a heavier duty front suspension and larger output alternator to handle the extra parasitic draw of the snowplow lights and hydraulics systems. Alternatively, you may be able to add ballast weight in the truck bed or flat deck when equipped, if the GVWR is not exceeded (See section 1.3 below.)
1.3) What does "ballast" mean when referring to truck snowplows?
Ballast refers to placing some sort of weight on or in the rear bed of the truck to counteract the front weight of the snowplow. It's important that the plow blade sits flush to the ground, as opposed to on an angle. If the plow blade is not placed flushed to the ground, it will likely not operate as intended, and will almost definitely cause irregular wear or damage. When it comes to choosing a ballast, you can honestly let your mind go wild. The most common type of ballasts are sandbags, patio stones or some other heavy objects being thrown onto the back. Even your truck-bed spreader, especially with the added weight of sand or salt, can act as a ballast. Another good idea is buying a thick metal slab to bolt to the bottom of your truck bed, so you get a relatively balanced and sturdy weight while still maintaining most of the utility of the truck bed. Typically, a guideline to go by is minimum of 500lbs ballast for most trucks and plows. Obviously this is a vague answer, and is best to submit an inquiry with us. We'll work through that with you!
1.4) 1/4-ton, 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton, 1-ton... what does this mean?
A '#-ton truck' is a rating of the general capabilities of a truck. Technically it refers to the payload capacity, or the amount of weight the truck can carry.
A 1/2-ton truck can carry 1000lbs, or half a ton. Examples include the Ford F-150, Chevy/GMC 1500, RAM 1500, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.
A 1/4-ton truck would be something along the lines of a Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10 or GMC S-15. Consequently, 1/4-ton trucks have the smallest snowplow selection.
3/4-ton trucks include the 2500 series trucks.
1-ton trucks include the 3500 series trucks. Higher classes and payloads are made possible by heavier frames, suspensions, brakes, engines, and more.
2) Choosing the right snowplow
Much like trucks, there are several models, variations, optional features and more that make up your available selection of snowplows and snowplow gear. The primary brands we work with are SnoWay and SnowEx (SnowEx is also comparative and may be compatible with some Blizzard and/or Western parts/systems). We've had great reviews on both SnoWay and SnowEx plows, so rest assured that we are confident in selling you our product lines. In the event that something goes wrong with the plow, you are guaranteed by both SnoWay and Snowex’ s 2-year limited warranty. This guide is intended to point you in the right direction. We'll go over some notable aspects of buying a snowplow, albeit it will not cover everything. The best bet is to give a sales member a shout, we're more than happy to do the work for you... that's our job!
2.1) What plow is right for me?
To preface, the majority of the plows we sell come standard with plow lights, hydraulic downforce, and of course all of the mounting equipment and required wiring.
First, you need to determine what type of work you're doing. Are you a residential contractor with a 1/4-ton, plowing a couple driveways to make some extra money? If so, you may be better off with a SnoWay 22 series driveway plow. They're smaller, lighter duty, and 'bare-bones' in terms of extra features, so less things to break, cost stays low and yet you still get a reliable and battle-proven snowplow from a long-term reputable brand and dealer. Perhaps you have a 1/2-ton and want to do commercial and residential contracts; you can step up to the SnoWay 26 series or the SnowEx regular-duty (RD) 7600 or 8000. Depending on your contract, it may tacitly require that you have a plow that can articulate specially for certain spaces. For example, having a V-Plow that throws the snow to the sides as opposed to building up at the front is great for long stretches. Highways, uncomfortably long country roads and driveways, etc. are some example applications. V-Plows also excel in piercing through large snow drifts.
For extensive parking lots, a plow equipped with adjustable wings could offer greater efficiency; like the SnoWay Revolution HD or the SnowEx PowerPlow. You can extend the wings to have an extra large straight blade for wide passes, or you can angle the wings in, to form the shape of a box, that aids with narrow areas or transport. With a winged-plow, you can also angle one wing in and one wing straight out, so the snow is pushed to one side, further reducing the amount of snow falling up and out of the wrong side. The plows with the added wings of course move the most snow, and it's generally agreed that a bigger plow means higher productivity, and thus more snow moved per hour.
2.2) What are the designations of the plow models?
A good way to start when choosing a plow is to understand the terminology of SnoWay and SnowEx. SnoWay designates their series by the height of the blade, followed by the type. (i.e 26V = 26" blade height, V-Plow). SnowEx designates their plows by the blade width, again followed by the type (7600HD = 7'6" heavy-duty).
Each snowplow (and spreader, for that matter) has a rated cubic yard (yd3) capacity. The higher the capacity, the more snow the blade can push at once. The smallest plows are 1.5yd3, medium-duty plows are about 3yd3, and finally the largest plows can move 5yd3. As you might imagine, overall productivity is proportional to the size of your plow. With these figures in mind, a large plow will get the job done 66% faster than a medium plow, or 330% faster than a small plow.
2.3) How do I install a snowplow?
Installing a snowplow on a stock truck requires extensive truck and plow knowledge, and the correct tools. Oftentimes the truck front bumper area needs to be physically altered to be able to fit the undercarriage of the snowplow. Not only that, but there is quite a bit that goes into installing a snowplow, much more than simply placing it on your truck. Alberta Forest & Garden offers a $1195 installation fee for snowplows, and $595 for spreaders/sanders. If you are interested in buying a plow, you should contact us ASAP to schedule an install. Availability depends on our schedule, but the plow install itself takes about 1-3 business days.
3) The importance of buying quality equipment
One story we hear more than ever is the average commercial guy wishing he picked a new, warrantied, quality unit instead of a used or cheaper system. When was the last time you, Reader, have gone the cheaper route and regretted it? Now, when was the last time you regretted buying a quality unit?
Snowplows (and the truck they're strapped to) are tireless machines that work in the wettest, heaviest, slipperiest and rustiest days of the year for hours on end. When it's -50°C outside with wind chill, the last thing you want to be doing is fondling the hydraulic hoses trying to find that darn pesky leak! It's all about balancing your short-term goals with your long-term goals. You could save money from the get-go with a cheaper or used snowplow, but here's a likely scenario: that unit will break down or need maintenance down the road. Off-brand plows are notorious for inconspicuously making wallets lighter. Would you rather dish out 10 grand once for a reputable plow brand with 9-5 service to back it, or 10 grand over the span of a couple months on the questionable, cyclical nightmare that is off-brand equipment. That is a question only you can answer, dear Reader!
No piece of equipment is invincible and no matter what plow you buy, you are going to have problems. Parts availability is a major issue everywhere these days. But with a new plow recommended by Alberta Forest & Garden staff, you have access to widespread service from reputable companies, including our own. Plow on!
Lucas Hunter
Sales & Parts
Feel free to submit an inquiry with our friendly sales staff via:
sales@abforest.com / 403 248 0878
View snowplows here!