9 Questions to Ask When Buying a Work Vehicle for Snow Removal
When winter comes, the “white stuff” can become “green stuff” for those who contract for snow removal and de-icing services. Having the right truck and the right equipment is vital, and at Commercial Truck Trader, we have tips for selecting what’s going to work best for you and your budget. Before you buy, consider these questions to help you choose your next work vehicle for snow removal.
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1. What Vehicle Do You Need for Small Jobs?
Assess the size of the jobs you’re planning to do. If you’re going to remain small, just doing your neighborhood driveways or very small parking lots, a half-ton truck (1500/150) should be enough. In some cases, even a midsize pickup truck, or an ATV or UTV with a plow blade 7 to 8 feet wide, should be able to get snow out of the way.
2. What Trucks Are Suitable for Midsize Jobs?
If you’re going to plow commercially, you’ll need a heavy-duty pickup truck. A three-quarter-ton (2500/250) can handle many jobs, but if you go directly to a 1-ton (3500/350), you’ll be able to handle larger jobs without worry, and if a smaller job comes up, your truck is still more than able to handle it.
3. What If You Need to Go Even Bigger?
From there, the next step up is a medium-duty truck, which is generally Class 4 and higher. This will handle the largest jobs, including parking lots at malls, campuses, and other major centers. This is also the size you may want if you plan to plow roads that aren’t serviced by local municipal works departments, such as private or rural roads, or large rural driveways.
4. What Are Some Important Considerations for Snow Removal Trucks?
Four-wheel drive is an essential consideration in a pickup truck, of course, but beyond that, you need to know the truck’s Gross Axle Weight Rating, or GAWR, which determines how much weight can be placed on the axles. The front and rear axles will each have their own rating. The front axle needs to be able to handle the weight of a plow, including its connectors. You’ll also need to determine the rear axle’s rating if you’re going to equip your truck with a salt or sand spreader, including the weight of the load you’re spreading. Be sure the truck you’re buying can handle the size of plow you intend to use, because you can’t exceed the GAWR.
5. Should You Consider a Straight or V-Blade Plow?
A straight plow will be enough for small to medium jobs, with the plow length dependent on how large the job is, and how big the truck is and what size and weight of plow it can handle. For commercial jobs, a V-blade plow can usually get a job done faster than a straight plow, thanks to its shape and multi-position capability. A V-plow will likely be costlier than a straight plow, but could ultimately pay for itself thanks to its higher efficiency.
6. What Special Components Will the Truck Require?
An auxiliary lighting system is necessary if the plow will be in a position to obscure the headlights. The plow will have a controller that’ll need a spot in the cab, along with controls for the salt/sand spreader if you’re using one. Some heavy-duty trucks come with auxiliary switches already factory-installed, and these can be used for some of the equipment or lighting without the need for aftermarket switches. A heavy-duty alternator is a must to handle the extra load on the electrical system. A truck with a snow plow or towing package will have extra cooling for the engine and transmission. Not only will these help when plowing, but it’s also useful when you’re driving the truck on a mild winter day and the plow prevents full airflow through the grille.
7. Should You Consider a Used Plow or Spreader Truck?
A used truck can be a great choice, but you need to examine it carefully to be sure it’s a good deal. In addition to mileage and overall condition, you need to pay special attention to any wear on the axles, as well as rust on the frame and components from road salt and corrosion, especially if the truck has a salt spreader. Look at the extra equipment, including the condition of the plow and its attachment components, and if it’s an appropriate size for the truck’s axle rating; how well the spreader works, if it has one; and how the equipment controllers are mounted and how they operate. Be especially vigilant about the condition of the aftermarket equipment, since replacement parts for plows or spreaders may be difficult to find or very expensive when you do.
8. What About Other Snow Equipment Vehicles?
Depending on what the weather’s like in your area, and what type of snow removal contracts you’re seeking, you might look beyond just a plow or spreader truck. These might include street sweeper trucks, which can be used in areas that get light snow, and then can go to work in other seasons for clearing road dirt; dump trucks for getting large quantities of salt or sand to snow plow fleets; or even stone spreader trucks, which are useful for putting down gravel during winter on unpaved roads that have become too rutted or potholed for plowing or driving.
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9. Are You Ready to Let it Snow, Let it Snow?
Snow removal can be a lucrative contract in many areas, and that requires the right truck for the job, including its size and capacity. Whether you buy new or used, and fully-equipped or with components you add yourself, Commercial Truck Trader can help you get into the business of moving around that white stuff.
Jil McIntosh
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