do you get stuck plowing snow?

[lenny]

This will be my 8th year of plowing snow and I am still getting my truck stuck somewhat often. I plow a few different properties and the flat ones I only get stuck when I over drive the truck onto a snow bank,,my mistake. I am getting better at not doing this but sometimes I push it a little to hard and get the plow hung up and have to shovel it loose. The problem I am referring to is when I am plowing down hill driveway and need to push snow off the side of the driveway, back up onto plowed area and continue down the hill to push more snow off the side and when I back up on a steeper slope I get stuck some what easily. My truck does not have a limited slip differential on either the front or rear so when the tire that looses traction, this same tire just receives more torque thus sending little to no torque to the other side and than I am stuck,,,remember I am on a hill backing up. No doubt skill is a factor but equipment comes in real important on some situations such as the one I am talking about. Tonight I was stuck and I was not hung up on snow anywhere, clean in front of all tires just a little ice under and I have 1 tire in front and 1 tire in the rear spinning. My little dinky Rhino pulled it out without a tug, just tightened up the strap and pull it out. In fact this stuck was only a slight downhill, I was ticked off.

I want a electric actuated locker. This will provide equal traction to both shafts (wheels) only when I flip the switch and when not flipped it will act as an open rear end. In most situations I will not need this but it is hilly in my area and I need more traction and fear a limited slip will not be enough. I have asked a few guys in my area and none have lockers but most have newer trucks than me and have limited slip. At the same time none have such a hilly drive as mine.

What do you guys think?

My truck is a 85 Dodge W250 with very good bitting tires, runs great, just need more traction.

 

[snoluver1]

Throw some chains on it. Problem solved, no?

 

[reiley99]

Weight is what you need when our plow trucks didn't have salt sand in the back I use to tell the guys to fill them with snow problem solved.

 

[Woodtic]

Pewag chain is in Bolingbrook IL Lenny. Go on their web site. I bet they have 20 different types of chains for your plow truck. I can pick them up and bring them with me in a few weeks,so you don't have to pay shipping. Eaton Lockers are going to cost you aprox $850 a axle,plus install. Air lockers are another option? Since it's a dedicated UP plow rig:::::: snow/ ice chains.

 

[joks79]

Good tires are a must. I've had good luck plowing with BFG all terrain tires. Adding weight to the back of the truck will help. Chains would be great if you don't have to go down paved roads.

 

[lenny]

you know, I never even thought about chains and I think it probably would do the trick. Now I have about 800 lbs in the back of the truck so not sure I need more weight. My concern about chains are I plow one lot, drive to the other and than another and go back and forth. Can you leave the chains on all winter if you drive on the highway, probably not hey?

I don't think I wanna be putting them on and off all the time,,,hmmmm

 

[ezra]

if u saved the drinking until after the plowing u would not be driving off the driveway as much.
if really only plowing with the truck I would also just go with chains.
it is amazing what a truck will go through with a set on.
been in a lot west for 4 days snow up past bumper 4 place behind . truck would only go about 3 feet with no chain .with chains drove out to the road . yeah it was pow but I was still impressed .

 

[Woodtic]

pewag, Inc. - USA
www.pewagchain.com/
Go to this web site. All of your chain questions will be answered. I will have a set for my truck this year.

 

[rp7x]

can you raise the lower part of your plow frame ? a bucket of salt sand is your best friend

 

[snoluver1]

Lenny, did you forget where you live?? Yes leave them on all winter. It's a plow truck, not your daily driver, correct? As long as your not doing 65+ down the interstate, run em!

 

[scottiking]

I over push onto snowbanks all the time! once or twice a session! I only plow out my shack but I know its going to happen and it still does!
You should hear my mouth while I'm shoveling out that SOB!
Scottiking OUT

1996 Ford F150

 

[wilson]

if your parking brakes work you can slowly apply them and sometimes it will stop the wheel thats spinning...sending power to the other wheel. or if its the same rear wheel that allways gets stuck adjust the parking brake to stop only the one side

 

[srt20]

If it's not used for daily driving, I'd put a spool in the rear and have chains. I don't know how much chains are, but a spool should be ~$125. And they are easily to install.

 

[Woodtic]

More options.OKoffroad.com Recovery Gear - Waffle Boards
www.okoffroad.com/stuff-waffleboards.htm
OKoffroad.com - Waffle Boards. ... XD/HD Waffle Boards - Bridging Ladders ... 4x4 & ATV (two sizes) recovery device in sand, mud, sludge, slime or snow. I buried my lifted truck with lockers twice last year. I think I'm going with the chain option.

 

[schnook]

weight in the back end to counter the effect of the plow in the front. load the rear end down. 1000-1500 lbs. will help greatly.

 

[polaris2]

I have a 12 ft blade on the front, 6 ft wing blade on the side, 9 ft belly blade underneath, and 8 ton of sand in the back lock the differential and I never get stuck.

 

[lenny]

if your parking brakes work you can slowly apply them and sometimes it will stop the wheel thats spinning...sending power to the other wheel. or if its the same rear wheel that allways gets stuck adjust the parking brake to stop only the one side

that's the problem, what you are describing is a limited slip,,,I don't have that. In an open rear end the tire slipping gets more instead of less.

I think chains are the answer along with more weight. I'd love to have lockers but 1500 bucks isn't gonna happen

- - - Updated - - -

I have a 12 ft blade on the front, 6 ft wing blade on the side, 9 ft belly blade underneath, and 8 ton of sand in the back lock the differential and I never get stuck.

sounds like you plow roads?

 

[chords]

Better to read the rulebook when it comes to chains in MI. While there are special provisions for the UP, chains coming into contact with a roadway is not one of them regardless of speed.

 

[HardwaterHoosier]

Weight.
I know I'm going to type this wrong, but plow the outside of the curve first. It'll take a few more pass' but ecessionsly keeps your rear tires on plowed ground and your blade will push off into unpacked snow if you slip.
And don't forget to lengthen the chain when plowing down steep hills.

 

[indy_500]

If it's not used for daily driving, I'd put a spool in the rear and have chains. I don't know how much chains are, but a spool should be ~$125. And they are easily to install.

They are only $40. Just don't try to turn tight on dry pavement!