I own a 2001 SCAB and am considering putting a hydraulic plow on it for the winter to see if I can make a little cash on the side. Does anybody have any recommendations or warnings about plowing with an F-150? It would be mostly for small neighborhoods.
I have to admit I never had a plow on a truck, but it sure does seem to be tough on them - slamming into the snow, all the shifting from reverse to drive... I think it's better left to the super duty's with the solid axle and the 4R100 tranny. I wouldn't want to plow with a 150 and I don't think it's recommended unless you have the 7700# package.
The truck would probably put up with it but expect some extra wear and tear.
Thanks for your input. I've got to say though, if Ford's 4X4 F-150 (mine is the XLT off-road package if that matters) can't handle some light duty plowing, I'd be disappointed. I've never had an automatic before, so I don't know what the constant shifting would do to the trans, but these are the best-selling pick-up trucks in the country...I hope that means they are reliable and durable! Like anything else, I know it depends on how you treat it, but all the plowing I'd be doing is small neighborhoods...its not like I'd be plowing major interstates. I think I'm going to give it a try. If I do some damage, hopefully I will have made enough money to fix it back up. We'll see. Thanks again.
Would doing small neighborhoods be any better than interstates, since there would be fewer cars and there would be more of the white stuff to push out of the way on the small roads.
Good point, but there is no way I'm signing any contracts with the county to do any roadways...not with my experience with plowing anyway (none).
I'm also curious about this SnowSport Snowplow which has no hydraulic or electrical system..you don't control it from the inside. Apparently raises and lowers itself as you pull forward or back up. Its about 1/3 the price of the hydraulic plows. Know anything about these?
Well one word of advice, I was told when I bought my 99 F150, 4x4 XLT was that it is not recommended for plowing, and it would void warranty on alot of parts, also a friend of mine had a 2000 and plowed with it and he ended up popping his airbag, and then wore out both bottom ball joints. The dealer told me that they plow with the f250 and used it for 1 winter as a demo, then that spring they put it up for sale with the plow and salter, and they ended up losing about 8500.00 on the truck when sold. I knowa few guys who used to plow, and got out of it, its just not a paying job, especially when you have something to do and people are bothering you all hours of the day. It may seem like a good idea at the time but its just not worth it in the long run, it maybe fine to do it for awhile to pay for the plow, but I wouldn't get to excited about it. just my 2cents
Well, that's interesting...and I do believe you. What's interesting is that my old truck is a 1992 Toyota SR5 pick-up (basically the older version of today's Tacoma), and since I didn't trade it in and have no warranty or anything much to lose, I've looked into putting a plow on it instead. I know some people who plow with their Toyota's up in MA and they say they have not had too many problems. So how can a small size truck like a Toyota Tacoma have a front-end strong enough to handle it but a Ford F-150 does not?!!! Perhaps these Toyota guys haven't plowed for very long.
The difference is they aren't using an 8 foot plow hanging off the front of their truck. You could use a smaller plow on yours but the two best options are buying a truck made for that type of work or using a beater for your own use.
I see plows hanging off small trucks all the time, hell I even saw a Geo Tracker with one. Doesn't mean that you should.
When I was in the ARMY and was at Fort Drum NY I seen many small trucks with plows on them so if them small trucks can do it then a F150 should be able to do it.
I think I'll get a plow for my older Toyota. That way I'll keep my F-150 in good condition which will be nice since this is what I drive 99% of the time now.
I think you will be happier with your choice to plow with the Toy and save your F-150 from being beat on. The Toy will of course have a smaller plow but will do the job.
You can plow with pretty much any vehicle. I have a plow on my quad but it sucks. There is not enough weight = traction to be of any real use for significant snowfall.
First off, anyone who thinks that plowing will not harm, damage, change ride quality or have any effect what-so-ever on their truck is a fool. The plow weight has a dramatic effect on your springs and front suspension. Tranny, tranny and tranny. Ramming a snow bank will do wonders for your frame.
IMO, I would not use a nice/new truck like yours and put it thru the abuse for a couple of bucks. If you do choose to, you should add beefier front springs. Some people will tell you that if you go with a poly plow that you are better off (weight wise). This is not true in almost ever case. They end up beefing up the supports behind the moldboard which in turn adds more weight than an all metal plow.
How much snow do you get in your area? We have been averaging about 100 inchs / year here in the Boston Area.
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2003 Super Crew XLT 4x4 True Blue
BostonCowboy,
I appreciate the advice. Because of yours and others advice, I've decided not to put it on my F-150. However, I have a Toyota with 180K on it that I did not trade in when I bought the Ford in Sept, so I think I'll put it on that. They say the Toys do just as well as full size trucks (mine is a '92 SR5 ext. cab...basically the same as a Tacoma) and sometimes better since they will have a niche in the market in that they can get into places that full size trucks cannot. Regardless, I've got nothing to lose with the Toy as its not worth too much anymore with so many miles on it.
I think the average snowfall here in Northern Virginia is something minimal...like 20 inches. But people freak out down here and even with as little as 3 inches on the ground, they pay and arm and a leg to get their driveways plowed. The money I've heard of is insane if you ask me. I've heard of people bringing in more than $5K a day just doing driveways and small developments. We'll see.
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