According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac for Winter 2015-2016, it is going to be cold and snowy! This is the perfect time to consider putting the necessary equipment to handle the snow on your truck this winter. So, as we are soon approaching winter, how do you just know which snowplow to put on your truck? Here is a list of factors to take into consideration when looking to purchase a plow for your vehicle:

1. What kind of plowing will you be doing?

• Are you looking to use your snowplow for contracted purposes- for big parking lots, lifting heavy amounts of snow at a time? You’re best bet is to consider getting nothing less than an 8′ in width and a V-plow. A V-shaped blade will allow for better efficiency in moving snow under these circumstances, rather than using a straight-blade.
• If you are looking to purchase a snowplow for your owner personal use such as clearing your driveway, a 7′ or 8′ will fit you. When it comes to the blade, a straight-blade or a V-blade will both work, it all depends on preference.

2. What kind of vehicle do you own?

• If you are going to be dong commercial plowing work, you want nothing less than a 3/4 ton pickup truck. They have the Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (FGAWR) to handle the larger plows that are available, and chances are, you’ll need that larger truck’s payload capacity to outfit the truck with a salt/sand spreader too.
• If you are plowing a driveway, most ½ ton pickups will do the job just fine, and in some cases, even smaller pickups will work.

3. V-plow Vs. Straight Blade

• Straight blade snowplows tend to be a little less in cost than a V-plow would cost. But, a straight blade doesn’t offer the same abilities as a V-plow. Benefits of a V-plow include being able to angle, direct and push the snow as well as “scoop” the snow and stack it into a pile, unlike the straight blade.  When put into the “V” position, the plow’s arrowhead configuration can slice through hard snow better than the flat surface of a straight blade. That slicing action also makes the operation easier on the vehicle and the operator.

4. Blade Materials: Stainless Steel Vs. Mild Steel

• Stainless Steel has visual appeal and corrosion resistance against the weather throughout a snowy winter. It has a slight advantage in “slickness” versus mild steel, but it is also prone to denting – any rocks you hit will leave “dings” and over the course of time, this will become unsightly and may affect the plow’s performance.
• Mild steel has been used to manufacture plows for decades. This workhorse proves durability, rigidity and excellent value. Mild steel plows are often seen painted in colors such as yellow or red.

For more information visit us at: www.akequipment.net