what is plowing...

[dieselglory]

to you? Is it more for business, extra money, or pleasure?
Im gonna say for me its mostly pleasure then extra money...lol

[Jerre Heyer]

It's how I keep my wife from complaining in the winter that she can't get to work


j

[PSDFordMan]

It's all about the natural high... Where else can you stay up all night long with a blasting radio playing with large equipment driving around in circles in a parking lot?

...and still call it a "job"

Ahh... life is good. :zoom

[gslam88]

Stay up all night.. what you only work a half day.. geezzzzzzz...

[Wizard]

In the fall time... Strictly business...

In the early winter... Anticipation and excitement

First storm... Chaos, excitement, and a lot of stress...

2-5" storms... Pleasure, freedom, relaxation, radio blastin', enjoying the sound of 10 cylinders thumpin' away showin' winter you can win this game...

8+" storms... Stress and strictly business, trying to keep the customers happy.

After the storm, the feeling of succeeding at kicking winters ass is a real rush for me.

Plowing's a whole lot of things for me. I love doing it, it makes me money, and it's good professional business experience to help a guy grow. If it wasn't for the fun and money factor, most of us wouldn't do it. The business part is an ingredient that comes with it.

[iakentdoz]

It's all about the natural high... Where else can you stay up all night long with a blasting radio playing with large equipment driving around in circles in a parking lot?

...and still call it a "job"

Ahh... life is good. :zoom

LOL, Plus it's quiet at night and cool to be able to have all the lights on the truck flashing.

[Wizard]

LOL, Plus it's quiet at night and cool to be able to have all the lights on the truck flashing.
That's kindof an oxy moron though... You have all the lights flashing in a busy lot... In a quiet lot, you have minimal lights... I get a kick out of some of these guys at 2am in an empty lot with every light known to man flashing. I'm a light guy myself, but I do have some common sense as to when to use them...

[Western22288]

for us its bussiness and of course u make money doing it so ill have to say extra money also. if i werent in the plowing bussiness tho im sure id still own a plow lol:grinz

[iakentdoz]

That's kindof an oxy moron though... You have all the lights flashing in a busy lot... In a quiet lot, you have minimal lights... I get a kick out of some of these guys at 2am in an empty lot with every light known to man flashing. I'm a light guy myself, but I do have some common sense as to when to use them...

True, don't need the strobe/flashers going if it's empty, but then when someone gets hit and there not on? Just looks cool to have running lights all lighted up, kind of like a Christmas tree. Why plow without any lights? with liability insurance, I want to do all can. I rather be safe than sorry.

[apgarconstruction]

True, don't need the strobe/flashers going if it's empty, but then when someone gets hit and there not on? Just looks cool to have running lights all lighted up, kind of like a Christmas tree. Why plow without any lights? with liability insurance, I want to do all can. I rather be safe than sorry.

if you don't need a lot of lights, why run them and use up amps on the alternator and batteries etc. i run one LED light on the top and only turn it on if there is any traffic near us when plowing. if i'm doing a driveway, it's on when i'm backing up onto the street or pulling out etc.


onto the topic,

plowing is extra money, but some years in NJ, it's not so good. It's definitely stressful at times, and fun/exciting other times. all depends on the storm/conditions/traffic etc. i hate plowing during the day though. too many people in the way.

[GMC Driver]

Plowing is pure bliss when its 2 am, it just finished snowing, nice light fluffy 6" snowfall, it's clear and cool, got the window down, heater on half, tunes playing in the background - not too loud, unless it's a good CD like OLP or the Hip - phone is quiet, and I'm happy because all the sites will be done for 7am.

Plowing is a pure nightmare when its 2am, it's still snowing like a bi@ch, crazy windy, window up, heater on full because it's -40, radio off because the two-way won't quit - guys having problems, breakdowns, stuck, want to quit, wife is calling them saying thay have to come home for some sleep this week, and I'm freaking out because nothing will be done for 7am, and it's gonna quit at 6:30, and everyone will think we're sleeping on the job.


Usually it all works out - and I forget what it was like at 2am.



The reasons I do it - beside the pure joy:

- retain clientele that would otherwise go elsewhere for their property maintenance needs
- retain employees that would otherwise go into a field with year-round employment
- a way to be allowed to play with pickups and equipment - every boy's dream!

[Pelican]

True, don't need the strobe/flashers going if it's empty, but then when someone gets hit and there not on? Just looks cool to have running lights all lighted up, kind of like a Christmas tree. Why plow without any lights? with liability insurance, I want to do all can. I rather be safe than sorry.
Studies by the emergency services industry have shown that more lights are actually a greater liability. It hasn't been determined yet if the greater number of lights blinds the public or serves as a distraction, but it has been proven the more lights an emergency vehicle has operating, the more likely it is to be involved in an accident. Look at the number of flat top police cruisers we are seeing, there's a reason for that.

[itsgottobegreen]

1. For the glory
2. For the Fun
3. For the Trill
4. For the money
5. Did I mention the money. :nodd

[Pickering Snow]

First i dont do it for the money if you honestly sat down and looked at true expense its has risky has farming.


Reasons i use to do it for was the adrenline rush from meeting deadlines. I think the same way GMC driver does when they come in and down by even 3am i can get everybody opened on time, but like he said still snowing hard at 530 big problems.

I use to think i was helping employees provide for there familys but more times they remind you in a sense there doing you a favor by showing up.

After 17 yrs i dont really know why i am doing it this year like so many have said they get excited and cant wait i dont feel that anymore. Years of fighting storms and employees have taken there toll. I do have three really good guys left that have little ones that count on the extra money being honest doing it probley more for them.

[chtucker]

For the money and the money only. Sure beats other "jobs" But what a darn headache. Can't leave town for 6 months a year, worried about the truck/clients/lawsuits.

The 5500 will be paid off this year. With everything going on this year I probably will not plow next year because I have to change jobs. I will have a paid off 5500 and a skid steer to fart around with.

I worked really hard to get were I am at.... If this was any other town I would continue. I got to get the heck out of here though. This town sucks.

Employees suck around here (think ski bum/drunks/35% population of illegals) and I can't trust anyone. I plowed/shoveled for 30 hrs this week in addition to 70 hours at my fire job. Its too much.

If you can't tell I am a bit bitter about Leadville..:greenange

[Wizard]

Studies by the emergency services industry have shown that more lights are actually a greater liability. It hasn't been determined yet if the greater number of lights blinds the public or serves as a distraction, but it has been proven the more lights an emergency vehicle has operating, the more likely it is to be involved in an accident. Look at the number of flat top police cruisers we are seeing, there's a reason for that.

Uh oh, not another light debate... :scramble

Kent, I have LED's all the way around on my truck, these are used any time I'm plowing. They're enough to get your attention, but not blind you. When I'm backing out in a street, opening an entrance, or in a busy lot, I'll hit the rotator and taillight strobes too. I just put on Dominators too, but those probably wont get used plowing, mainly for doing pole jobs on the side of busy roads to keep my ass from getting hit, but not having to use the rotator.

The light debate has been around this site several times, it's not worth rehashing it again... We're all just gonna think we're right and everyone else is wrong anyway... :beatsme :rolling

[iakentdoz]

Studies by the emergency services industry have shown that more lights are actually a greater liability. It hasn't been determined yet if the greater number of lights blinds the public or serves as a distraction, but it has been proven the more lights an emergency vehicle has operating, the more likely it is to be involved in an accident. Look at the number of flat top police cruisers we are seeing, there's a reason for that.


Studies done by people who do stodies show that they have too much time on ther hands and don't have a clue to the real world.:beatsme LOL There is a fine line between getting to much attention and distraction. As it is most people who drive are all ready distracted in some way.:drinkup

Look at the number of flat top police cruisers we are seeing, there's a reason for that.
True, but I belive most cops don't want to be seen when they are on normal duty, they want to blend in with the rest of us untill they are needed! Plus most "Flat Tops" have hidden strobes in the grill or inside the back window! All I am saying is when I am out, I want to be seen only for safty and not to be showing off:nope .

I love seeing all the other guys that are out working, it give me a chance to see what they are doing with there equipment. I also like seeing the DOT plows and what "safty equipment" they are running. Don't think the State plows will ever "Flat Top", lol

Can't wait for that first snow!!!

[Pickering Snow]

My take on emerg lighting is this i want people to see the trucks when backing out of entrances , i have strobes on all the trucks however being a amp counter, i want any extra battery for keeping my arse warm and enough juice to run the plow.

To guys running Blizzards for the first time this year understand a Fenner or Monarch setup pulls about 140amps a pop dont care how good your Alts are or batterys you will learn in short order to be a amp counter.

Has far has being seen my take again on lights is this Yellow or amber in most peoples tiny pie hole means slow down not stop has seen by so many people blowing caution lights.

When on the highway with the Wreckers i feel even with the light bars there equiped with iam still a big target changing a tire or helping someone , Brendans job would be even worse .

To me until they allow red and blue on a Wrecker i feel very uncomfortable working the road with Amber dont care how much is flashing. Has far has plowing goes the trucks have what they need for legal reasons and thats it nothing worse than a dead plow truck setting not making money but lite up like a brick crap house.

[John DiMartino]

[QUOTE=Pickering Snow]
To guys running Blizzards for the first time this year understand a Fenner or Monarch setup pulls about 140amps a pop dont care how good your Alts are or batterys you will learn in short order to be a amp counter.

Fred counting amps must be a Ford thing:blizzard . I never had any issues running the Blizzard,it was only when I added the sidewing and the blizzard that I had to start counting amps with the stock Dodge alternator.The Leece-Neville alt has eliminated the need to count amps even with both plows.

I plow for many reasons,most have been listed here.Money is definetely one of the reasons I plow,if I didnt make money after it was all said and done,I think I would just keep a small plow for my driveway,and shop.Ive been plow since before I had a license,I used to ride to the site with Dad,and get i nthe truck we left there before i had a license,Its kind of in my blood.

[Mick]

I'd have to agree with John and say the money - although I started plowing for other reasons. When I decided to get out of it last March due to losing money, I got to figuring how much I'd come to depend on snow to pay expenses I make once a year in Jan and Feb (car, truck and house insurance, taxes on both houses etc). Since I was on the hook for the poor snow last winter, I decided not to quit losing. Came back with a vengence - new truck and plow, increased advertising and added services. Cut out losing services - which in my case was the sander. So far it's working out good - gotten back every customer from last winter and have added one good-sized one with two more pending. I expect the big push right after the first snowfall - which is typical. I guess some people forget that it snows in Maine.

[Pickering Snow]

John ---maybe more a Ford thing LOL since even when ford offers twin alts they let the battery volts drop to almost a flat 10 before the Pcm fields both . So for a 03 and newer without a volt meter anymore that means when the Abs light kicks on and the radio blanks out you stop and let them recoupe LOL again Ford doesnt command the battery light to come one until about 9.3 volts alts start seeing pcm field sig at 10 gotts love it.

Mick glad things are turning around for you hope you have a snowy winter.

[iakentdoz]

So for a 03 and newer without a volt meter anymore that means when the Abs light kicks on and the radio blanks out you stop and let them recoupe LOL again Ford doesnt command the battery light to come one until about 9.3 volts alts start seeing pcm field sig at 10 gotts love it.


Fred, would it be a good idea to ad a volt gage on my 05 F250? Having a trany temp gage is nice, but miss the volt gage. I will be getting the 810 installed some time next week:grinz and want to truck ready for the new toy, I all ready have dual optima batteries set up.

Sorry to be off topic, One of the best things I love about plowing is Plowing at night. Just remember when I was young and got to ride along with my dad when he plowed for the University of Iowa, man that was fun. When there was a really big storm, there wouldn't be anyone out but us and seeing the snow come down was cool. I hated it when the snow would stop and we would go home.

[AmerilawnOfWisconsin]

Plowing for me started out as a love for doing it. I loved snow as far back as I can remember and couldn't wait to get a plow. When I was a kid I would make snow plows out of pop cans for my stompers and "plow" flour on the kitchen table. LOL! :geekboy Eventually I realized I should actually try and make it a profitable venture which worked nicely with the lawn business. Currently the scare of liability has me on the sidelines. I am planning a comeback though because the money is nice.

[snocrete]

For me it started out as a way to make a little extra money in the winter since the concrete work slows down. Ended up being more profitable and fun than expected. Now it has become a real part of my business. The first winter all I had was 1 SS w/blade and a couple guys doing walks. It was a little ruff though, I had to trailer the SS to each site, but I did have fun and knew if I was gonna make this happen I'd have to do what it took to get my name out there and make money. Still do the same amount of walks but now have 3 SS and 1 truck taking on as much work as they can handle, and all the SS stay on site, the truck is doing all the running I used to and then some. I enjoy it, I run a SS myself thats what I like. So I guess for me - 50% fun - 50% money

[tlc]

I can't wait untill I retire(probably never will) so I can sit back and enjoy the snow. The snow removal business is stressful. It's either too much or not enough.

[Mick]

I can't wait untill I retire(probably never will) so I can sit back and enjoy the snow. The snow removal business is stressful. It's either too much or not enough.

Believe me, retirement isn't what it's hyped to be. Plan your retirement so you retire TO something, not FROM something.

[Pickering Snow]

Fred, would it be a good idea to ad a volt gage on my 05 F250? Having a trany temp gage is nice, but miss the volt gage. I will be getting the 810 installed some time next week:grinz and want to truck ready for the new toy, I all ready have dual optima batteries set up.

Sorry to be off topic, One of the best things I love about plowing is Plowing at night. Just remember when I was young and got to ride along with my dad when he plowed for the University of Iowa, man that was fun. When there was a really big storm, there wouldn't be anyone out but us and seeing the snow come down was cool. I hated it when the snow would stop and we would go home.


It is a good idea if you have multiple drivers honestly the three i have running this setup my guys have gotton use to the warning signs . I installed a manual fielding switch on two of mine so i can mimicke the field signal to the alt that the pcm provides. Only problem i have with using this is it takes watching out and remembering to shut it off so you dont end up cooking the batterys.

[Mark Oomkes]

Plowing is pure bliss when its 2 am, it just finished snowing, nice light fluffy 6" snowfall, it's clear and cool, got the window down, heater on half, tunes playing in the background - not too loud, unless it's a good CD like OLP or the Hip - phone is quiet, and I'm happy because all the sites will be done for 7am.

Plowing is a pure nightmare when its 2am, it's still snowing like a bi@ch, crazy windy, window up, heater on full because it's -40, radio off because the two-way won't quit - guys having problems, breakdowns, stuck, want to quit, wife is calling them saying thay have to come home for some sleep this week, and I'm freaking out because nothing will be done for 7am, and it's gonna quit at 6:30, and everyone will think we're sleeping on the job.


Usually it all works out - and I forget what it was like at 2am.



The reasons I do it - beside the pure joy:

- retain clientele that would otherwise go elsewhere for their property maintenance needs
- retain employees that would otherwise go into a field with year-round employment
- a way to be allowed to play with pickups and equipment - every boy's dream!

I'd say Dave pretty well sums it up. Especially the part about playing with equipment that there is no other way in the world my wife would let me buy.

One other reason, some of those mornings there is no better place to be than seeing Creation covered in a fresh, white blanket of snow. Especially if the clouds have cleared and there is a visible sunrise.

[Wizard]

One other reason, some of those mornings there is no better place to be than seeing Creation covered in a fresh, white blanket of snow. Especially if the clouds have cleared and there is a visible sunrise.

This is one of those little moments plowing that we seem to forget about. I have to say, that is one of my favorite parts of plowing as well.

[ratlover]

It is a good idea if you have multiple drivers honestly the three i have running this setup my guys have gotton use to the warning signs . I installed a manual fielding switch on two of mine so i can mimicke the field signal to the alt that the pcm provides. Only problem i have with using this is it takes watching out and remembering to shut it off so you dont end up cooking the batterys.

Could probably rig up something that would mimic the signal at a higher voltage than factory yet still kick out. Keep from cooking stuff or having to remember.

My Chevy never kicked on the abs light or threw off the radio with just one alt either :D

[ratlover]

True, don't need the strobe/flashers going if it's empty, but then when someone gets hit and there not on? Just looks cool to have running lights all lighted up, kind of like a Christmas tree. Why plow without any lights? with liability insurance, I want to do all can. I rather be safe than sorry.

You do realize with just the general liability coverage for a personal vehicle you are taking a huge risk. Not knocking you.....just making sure you are awear......

I have a full size light bar and enough blinky lights that I probably enter into the "too much" flashing that studys show is more likely to cause accidents. But I would realy like to hear someone tell the cops that "he had too many flashing lights on his truck so I was distracted and hit him" :D Dont know how much of that study I buy.....I can see a driver being distracted and hitting something else.....but hitting the thing thats flashing? I guess people are stupid. Durring the day or when there is lotsa traffic)I run with everything on, durring the night with nothing round I will run with only 1 form of warning. I vary my warning for the conditions I see.

[ratlover]

I do it cuz chicks dig plow trucks :D

[Prosno]

I do it to make (Ginger) the sheep smilepimp

[itsgottobegreen]

I do it cuz chicks dig plow trucks :D
HAHHAHAHA very true.