Michael Cappa
Member
Here's the question. How many of you pressure washers out there plow snow in the winter??
Do you plow snow?
- Thread starter Michael Cappa
- Start date
Mike Hughes
Former Board Administrator
I do. I am also a member of SIMA (Snow and Ice Management Association) www.sima.org
In the wintertime, I frequent the bbs www.plowsite.com It's a great place for snow plowing info.
In the wintertime, I frequent the bbs www.plowsite.com It's a great place for snow plowing info.
Attachments
Scott Stone
New member
What's snow???
David Saulque
Senior Moderator
When it snows, its time to move!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David
David
Dave Olson
Workin North of 60
Mike, I checked out the plowsite - great site. In the next year I will be looking at buying another used truck for my PW business, but if the incremental costs are not too high, would like to be able to set up for plowing. Since you are doing part time, you input may be most valid. Would like you comments on the following:
1. Since I am in Louisville, the amount of snow can be variable, and much less than in Pittsburg.
2. I don't need a 4WD for my normal business.
3. Prefer an 8 cylinder 1 ton over a 6 cylinder 3/4 ton truck.
What do you consider the minimal truck to be to perform plowing?
1. Since I am in Louisville, the amount of snow can be variable, and much less than in Pittsburg.
2. I don't need a 4WD for my normal business.
3. Prefer an 8 cylinder 1 ton over a 6 cylinder 3/4 ton truck.
What do you consider the minimal truck to be to perform plowing?
Jon,
Out here in wide open country, We get 0 degree temps with wind at 20 to 30 mph, Which in turn will give you a wind chill of 10 to 15 below 0.... Makes you think of warmer weather!!!!
We get all the cold air from Canada that comes across the plains and just gets colder from snow on the ground and were the lucky one with the cold, wind and snow...
Matt
Out here in wide open country, We get 0 degree temps with wind at 20 to 30 mph, Which in turn will give you a wind chill of 10 to 15 below 0.... Makes you think of warmer weather!!!!
We get all the cold air from Canada that comes across the plains and just gets colder from snow on the ground and were the lucky one with the cold, wind and snow...
Matt
Jon
Member Specialist
Matt bring it on, I know all about layering up for warmth, used to back pack in dead of winter in the High Seirra's using snow shoes to hike in about 5 miles.
Now most think a 5 mile hike is nothing and there is true, unless your are hiking uphill with snow shoes and snow blowing in your face.
Then there is the little matter of setting up camp.
How I miss those days but I do know I am not in the same shape as I was way back then.
Now most think a 5 mile hike is nothing and there is true, unless your are hiking uphill with snow shoes and snow blowing in your face.
Then there is the little matter of setting up camp.
How I miss those days but I do know I am not in the same shape as I was way back then.
Mike Hughes
Former Board Administrator
Bill,
I live near Philadelphia, much less snow then Pittsburgh.
I consider a 250/2500 4wd to be a minimum for plowing. It can be done with 2wd........but what a nightmare!
Do a search on plowsite, this discussion is on there many times.
Don't bank on money from snow plowing, because it just might not happen. There are no guarantees..........plus, its murder on a truck.
I live near Philadelphia, much less snow then Pittsburgh.
I consider a 250/2500 4wd to be a minimum for plowing. It can be done with 2wd........but what a nightmare!
Do a search on plowsite, this discussion is on there many times.
Don't bank on money from snow plowing, because it just might not happen. There are no guarantees..........plus, its murder on a truck.
Michael Cappa
Member
Hey Mike, I live near Cleveland now but am originally from Philly. South Philly to be exact, 28 years there, 2 away. So...how 'bout them Eagles. I could cry.
Mike Hughes
Former Board Administrator
EXTREME said:
I dont get myself too worked up about that, since I'm not a big football fan..........but time will tell how it goes this year.
Bill (KY, Louisville,)
I used to have an 84' F150 4x4 with a 300 straight 6. Super strong motor, would have laughed at a snow plow. Truck was geared low as well. If you could find an older Ford with a 300/6 with low gears, it would be fine and not cost much money.
I have a friend in Detroit and his family owns a plowing business. That is it! Plow all winter, and spend the summers working on and maintaining the trucks. They have over 60 trucks! I had no idea there were businesses this big that did plowing, i thought it was pretty impressive.
I used to have an 84' F150 4x4 with a 300 straight 6. Super strong motor, would have laughed at a snow plow. Truck was geared low as well. If you could find an older Ford with a 300/6 with low gears, it would be fine and not cost much money.
I have a friend in Detroit and his family owns a plowing business. That is it! Plow all winter, and spend the summers working on and maintaining the trucks. They have over 60 trucks! I had no idea there were businesses this big that did plowing, i thought it was pretty impressive.
Deckcareplus
Deck Care Pro
I plow snow also and like Mike Hughes, I am also a member of SIMA (Snow and Ice Management Association).
Like Mike said snowplowing is not something you can bank on here in the southeastern PA area. I make better profit pressure cleaning...but if I can't wash....Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Like Mike said snowplowing is not something you can bank on here in the southeastern PA area. I make better profit pressure cleaning...but if I can't wash....Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Mike and Rick, like you guys I can't really count on a lot of snow, but some years its abundant. Basically, I don't want to invest in a heavy duty snow plow setup because I may not be able to pay for with plowing work.
Jon, would a straight 6 in a Chevy fit the bill (I have an '81).
Jon, would a straight 6 in a Chevy fit the bill (I have an '81).
a Chevy, eh?? Probably blow the first time
I think the power was more obvious because of low gears and a granny gear. One thing about a half-ton though, the front ends aren't made for that abuse like the bigger trucks. I know Ford sells a 3/4 ton with a 'snowplow pkg.', mainly a beefier front end i believe.
jon
I think the power was more obvious because of low gears and a granny gear. One thing about a half-ton though, the front ends aren't made for that abuse like the bigger trucks. I know Ford sells a 3/4 ton with a 'snowplow pkg.', mainly a beefier front end i believe.
jon
Clean County PW
Active member
The beauty of snow plowing is once again to get contracts.(Sound familiar).
I know people here that have contracts for Villages,Stores etc. IF it doesn't snow one bit they still get paid. IF it snows an average amount for the year they still get the same Money. IF it snows like crazy then they take a beating because they still plow for the same amount of money because of the contracts.
So If it does snow like crazy most of these guys have Residential customers lined up so they can make back alot of money doing that.
So as in Commercial Powerwashing "Contracts Contracts Contracts".
I know people here that have contracts for Villages,Stores etc. IF it doesn't snow one bit they still get paid. IF it snows an average amount for the year they still get the same Money. IF it snows like crazy then they take a beating because they still plow for the same amount of money because of the contracts.
So If it does snow like crazy most of these guys have Residential customers lined up so they can make back alot of money doing that.
So as in Commercial Powerwashing "Contracts Contracts Contracts".