#301

[@MNJay1]

Your videos are my favorite ones to watch. You have a natural voice for narration. A tractor with a snow blower and bucket may simplify your plowing needs. Plow trucks take punishment. Might I also suggest one of those heavy gray tarp sheds, big enough to park your plow truck in. Putting a sunflower heater in there would allow for some work in more acceptable conditions. My hats off to you Sir. Your videos are the reality I wish more people would view the world as.

[@RedPoppyRanch]

Jayhere thank you for the positive comment!

[@donnybrud]

I live in the upper peninsula of Michigan and we get SNOW!!! For what you are trying to do a v-plow is a must. No ifs ands or buts about it.

[@thedude5472]

Just a tip from a seasoned plow veteran per se ... never use 1/2 ton for a plow truck, it will only keep breaking.

[@gretchenburton7184]

Good info

[@05victorylly]

I've been plowing for years. Many different size trucks and plows. My advice is put 500-1000lbs right over or behind the rear axle and consider getting a set of ice chains for the rear. You will have almost unlimited traction.

[@bfe671]

Andrew B and a locker is helpful too. I have a ton of weight over the rear axle of my plow truck but it’s an open diff and gets stuck more often than I’d like

[@raybankes7668]

@@bfe671 if it is strictly used for off road and plowing u can weld the rear end and leave it locked all the time

[@bfe671]

I considered that but I’ve heard it can create excessive stress on the drivetrain and cause premature wear of components or even a catastrophic failure. I like the idea of a selectable locker where I can engage it only when needed which is maybe 10-20% of the time at most. Expensive but I need it to last forever basically

[@c50ge]

Andrew B . I noticed he had the bed full of snow. That always has worked well for and when when it gets warm it unloads itself.

[@fordrac1ng81]

@@bfe671 Welded rear only creates stress on surfaces where the tires don't slip. Gravel, mud, snow, etc are not harmful. It's when you have grip that it'll start eating drivetrain components. It's also free, unlike a selectable which is twice the cost of the truck.

[@peterhead9982]

A lot people would have given up by now but looks like a lovely place to live when it all finished

[@jmyers9853]

the country needs more people like you than can do for themselves.

[@jmyers9853]

that can do for themselves---fingers hit the wrong key

[@cynthiagonzales9131]

Your living and learning to survive and enjoy that beautiful country... It's harsher now the winters but its worth it. Just wished the neighbors had the same equipment you have cause you do need something like that in that state when it snows. I stayed around Sandpoint. Things did not work out so back to my State. But its so beautiful there and I loved walking around big boulders and felt alive.

[@richardperry9095]

Tough days come in bunches sometimes...sorry for your week so far, hope it gets better.

[@coloradomountainman8659]

Only the end of the first week of Feb here in the northern colorado Rodky mtns and we are creeping up on 300 " of snow thus far for this winter (2018-2019). And our real snow months don't start for another couple weeks. I do most of the plowing with my 1976 Ford F-100 flatbed and it has served me extremely well. Also keep two tractors with front end loaders with back blades for pushing the snow banks back. Right about now Arizona is starting to sound pretty good.

[@debbiesparks7529]

I sure would love to have some of your snow. Hope your week is better.

[@builderbob2378]

Red poppy the concern I have I lost a coworker who had almost the same set up as you but he was dropping the rear end of a truck when he dropped it the truck bounced up and the chain that was holding it up-unlatch the truck smashed him and he suffocated just concerned you have a beautiful family and I hate to see something like this happen

[@growntogether9913]

I agree. I have seen first hand what can happen too. I am not judging, I take some liberties too. I put my Dad in a front end loader bucket to complete this project kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGaxkoegibuZlac. I was instantly worried that you should have used some cribbing, jack stands, or some measure to protect yourself. You were alone out there and put yourself in a situation where your wife and kids could have come up to find you crushed under that truck. If you can’t plow it out, first responders cannot get in either. Be careful and keep up the good work!

[@cdawg9149]

Builde Bob Well said.

[@JamesCouch777]

Now...envision doing all this when you're seventy years old. It comes a lot quicker than you can imagine. When the going gets tough...Hang in there. Thanks for taking us along on your journey.

[@Robert-oz7dx]

I'm in ketchum Idaho and we are supposed to get another storm coming in starting today Friday. I'll be getting up at 4 to plow snow sometimes earlier and sometimes again during the day

[@RedPoppyRanch]

Robert Figgat snow in the forecast all week!

[@CreatingASimplerLifeOffGrid]

You certainly gave us a lot to think about! We get quite a bit of snow in the Adirondacks! We were gonna do the same truck and plow set up for our 650’ driveway but now I’m not so sure the straight plows enough

[@huntersmith2287]

Great thing you can do for the plow truck is make into a dual battery settup helps tons win starting the cold

[@Dan-yw9sg]

Wow tough week! I hope that you can get the truck fixed cheaply. That's a lot of snow. And wet sloppy snow is heavy and hard to clear. Hope things work out for you! I love that area of Idaho also. Beautiful country...at a price! God bless! Stay warm and safe out there!

[@norskmn]

I really enjoy your videos. One of the things that I like best is how you stay cool and calm when ever there is a huge problem and just take the time and effort to solve the problem like with the plow truck fiasco. I live in northern Minnesota, we get lots of snow and I built a 1998 suburban with and old Myers 8ft plow that really moves the snow, especially in 4 wheel low. I don't need to give it much gas as well. Take care...looking forward to see if you have to get another part from the junk yard...I'm kinda thinking you will. Probably easy to get that shaft. I wouldn't trust welding it...but that's just me. Take care.

[@bfe671]

All you’re doing is finding out what your weak links are and ultimately eliminating them so they won’t be there next winter. I’m constantly learning so much about our property through the seasons and things are only improving over time. It’s not easy and it doesn’t happen quickly but it’s worth having patience and pushing through. Keep going man, you got a good thing going!

[@triciap1874]

My parents moved my sister and me from Miami FL to Helena MT when I was six years old. It was a culture shock to be sure! I loved the snow and getting to play outside in it. After about 7-8 years, we migrated south to TX. Dad was a telephone lineman, and a southern boy through and through, so he never took to the cold to say the least. When people hear me talk about MT they always ask if I'd like to live there now. And my answer is always the same: As a kid, it was great! No worries, enjoy the fun parts and the unspeakable beauty. As an adult- you couldn't pay me enough to deal with that much snow and the elements on an ongoing basis! Hats off to you and Cedar for what you're doing. And for everyone else who has the guts and the stamina to live in such a harsh climate. Thanks for reading if you got this far. ♥️ from Sulphur, LA.

[@mandbhomestead]

Sorry to hear about the plow truck woes, I do agree with the thought process of a beefier truck to plow with. Good luck with the hunt. Thanks for sharing

[@jclaydon3454]

Wow it's ABSOLUTELY beautiful there... Glad to see a positive attitude after being put through the tough patch.

[@sgtbigtoe7640]

Those old square bodies are easy to put 3/4 ton axles under, bolt right up, 4:10 gears

[@evanlewis5358]

Love your videos! Your struggles are always interesting and informative. I’ve worked a desk job for thirty years and would trade my life for yours any day. Love my family dearly and am proud my job has given us financial security and stability for many years. The truth is though i live an uninspired life. My job is an end to a means. Nothing more. You live life by your your own terms and take each setback in stride. I admire that. Can’t wait to see your next video.

[@jims146]

The easy and cheap thing to do is get a frame mount for one of your other trucks. A frame mount for your type of plow, example western unimount style of the same type of mount that your blade and a-frame. Then if your chevy truck as a problem a 5 minute dropping of the plow and reattachment to one of you other truck can be done. You can find older truck mounts at a dealership (western) these can be bought for $100 to $150 or less. Then if you find a 8 foot plow that is the same mount style as you have now it would not matter what type of truck it came off as long as the blade connected up.

[@timfennema7682]

After the week we had here in Michigan I’m with your Dad! - 15 degrees F one day and then 40 degrees the next! All 13 inches of snow gone and everything is flooded. Today we had freezing rain and going down to teens for temp. Give me sun and no snow 😁. Love the videos keep up the great job.

[@MrUtahfan]

I truly believe that the cold/snow brings out everybody's work ethic, whether that be good or bad.

[@mroconnell1775]

You have had a bad week mate, “chin up”. Much admiration from the UK 🇬🇧

[@pi1797]

Love your channel. Sorry to see you having the difficulty with the plow truck. I think you hit the nail on the head (literally). With your statement about getting a 3/4 ton or a 1 ton. The 1/4 ton pickup's just can't take the abuse that is dished out by snow plowing. Another channel on here the gentleman runs Dodge 2500 with a 5.9 360 V-8 . He out plows the newer trucks with his. One comment I saw suggested putting weight in your bed, that will help also. Good luck on the ranch.

[@jkhenderson1]

Thank God that you have the excavator! Dang Heath that's a tough start to the week. Hope the rest of your week got better! God bless your neighbor!

[@wymershandymanservice9965]

Can’t help but agree with your Dad. Took me until I was 62 to agree though. Still cannot find any real reason to leave the snow belt yet. Great Content 👍. Great job as always.

[@brookiebakerie]

I feel you on the snow! Sounds exactly like what happened here. Warm. A ton of melting. Then just hammered. We're on the benches above SLC and they cancelled school today! That is super rare.

[@RedPoppyRanch]

Brooke Baker Out kids love when they cancel school for snow!

[@peggyannparkes1863]

Yah -- I'll take 6-8 inches of snow at a time. It melts off by the next day. Where I live in Taylor AZ, on a hill, the wind always blows. But it sure beats what you have to deal with. Good Luck!

[@RedPoppyRanch]

Peggy Ann Parkes We are very familiar with Taylor AZ.

[@charlesgrant6985]

the sad truth is half ton trucks don’t make good plow trucks they will work fine for asphalt parking lots but they don’t do that well for unpaved roads. We use three-quarter tons and 1 tons in red river New Mexico but you still really have to stay up on their maintenance because it just wears them out so hang in there won’t be too much longer and you’ll be planting a garden raising chickens and building your workshop.Great content still really enjoyed all of your videos. Thank you

[@GRIMRPR6942]

Having been a plow driver on trucks from an S-10 blazer with a 6' blade to 5 ton tandem axle dump with an arched 10' blade and side skirt. One of the biggest keys to successful plowing is weight over the rear axle (even if its 4x4). We used to put 3 ton of quarter stone in the bed of the dump, but on the smaller trucks we would put 3 old concrete parking space blocks in each bed, centered over the axle. It works like a charm.

[@mitc0185]

hang in there, and get some jack stands under that truck when you're underneath it!

[@RonR1]

You can't fix stupid

[@ElderlyIron]

Plenty of clearance. No danger of getting squished, what with the wheels still on it. Just affording a little more working room.

[@faronf2006]

@@ElderlyIron Well old Red may not get squished with the wheels on & laying down like he was ... but if by some fluke the hydraulic's were to suddenly let go , he may die of a heart attack from sheer fright ( worse case scenario ...best case scenario just a pair of underwear full of crap ) 😨

[@ElderlyIron]

LOL! Yeah, I was going to mention that, but it's time for bed!

[@EarthshipFreedom]

No shit man, block up under any load, way too many variables !

[@luzcolon3983]

😢 So sorry to hear about all you have been going thru. Sometimes we just have to roll with the punches. Stay positive. I know that it can be hard. But everything will work out. Hugs and many blessings.

[@RedPoppyRanch]

Luz Colon thank you!

[@jhart7304]

Hang in there brother. It isn't the problems we encounter that bring us down, it is how we deal with them that makes us stronger.

[@lindaleduke5016]

I've been to Idaho, and you're right. It is a beautiful state. However, I'm too old to shovel snow so I'll just stay in Tennessee and watch your videos. Stay safe, please.

[@judibohn1548]

Im with your dad. Usually snow isnt too bad where i live but as a kid i shoveled enough snow. Give me 60 to 70 all year long!

[@sovereigns1grace]

Maybe a fixer upper would be good to have AFTER your workshop is built. Working outside in those conditions doesn't look like such a good idea. Sorry the plow truck isn't working ... but you suspected it might not in the beginning. I hear next year could be record breaking snowfalls so .. maybe a 1 ton will suit you better. Good luck. Your hard work will pay off. Keep your spirits up, we're all rooting for ya.

[@theneck5157]

I grew up in NYC and loved the snow but then joined the NYCsanitation and we are the first to plow and prepare the roads for snow and ice !! So when others are in there cozy house with fires burning we were doing 12/14 hour shifts with 8 hrs off and after a week long storm you were drained and frostbitten lol so now I live in sunny Florida and love it but I do miss snow but then reality hits me quickly lol ... I do think living in the country and enjoying nature and everything that comes with that is awesome but not for me !! But vacationing in a cabin in the winter might be more my style !! Financially speaking you should build a few cabins on your 42 acres and do AirB&B for people like me that would like to enjoy your lifestyle for s few days but then fly home to the beach lol

[@shawnvandenabeele8307]

I was raised on a dairy farm in nothern michigan.moved to texas dont miss snow and cold at all!!....-20

[@raydeal5777]

I think old red is the bomb man I really like that truck I don't know why it just makes me smile

[@Cjplm]

with the heavy duty truck chains and adding more weight in the back, you're experiencing Sierra cement, with the wet snow you got to go out and hit it after every 6", pile some more snow it the bed and pack it with the mini - good luck

[@jeftex8875]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL postcard scenery ! (...as long as I am looking at it on my screen sitting in Texas)

[@williamhustonrn6160]

Hey bud, look to see what class 8 trucks are for sale in your area, one of our neighbors bought a 2003 International 9100 Day Cab 6x4 truck for $1500 from local auction w/ 1.1 Million miles on the truck. Its been amazing at plowing the last 2 years he has had it, since his truck plows so well we pitch in a pot of money for him to plow the shared road that comes back to our our area off the main highway. He removed the 5th wheel hitch off the back and that was enough to declassify it as a non-commercial truck, so he pays $200/yr in just liability on the truck for insurance.

[@r.blakehole932]

You guys definitely got a lot more snow than I did in this snowfall. According to the weatherman, there is another bunch of snow coming in today/tonight.

[@glenokla4079]

I'm so sorry about your week! I sure hope things improve quickly for you.

[@vivaldi1236]

I hope you and your family are all right, as you’re usually so compulsive (in a good way) about posting daily. Best to you all.

[@jono9549]

This to shall pass............I was concerned with you under the truck using the excavator only - only takes a few extra minutes to put stands under there!!

[@gallopingg1]

FOR SURE YOUR WRIGHT.

[@davidhattenburg9011]

I was think the same thing, even using a block of wood would be better then smashed

[@slamsshenanigans2296]

I'm with you bud! I spent the whole day so far trying to clear my very steep driveway, long story short, wife's jeep got out, tractor that started out up top now at the bottom and cant get out. Excavator cleared most of snow but now with ice only left I had to pull my way up last time. hoping after I get a bit more fresh snow back on the hill I can get the Subaru out with chains, we'll see! Living in the mountains ya just got to stay positive! :)

[@redc5243]

made a 10 ft snow blade from a fuel oil tank and off set the blade mount 1 ft to the left of center and welded steel flat stock to the back of the blade on the drivers side to balance the weight difference when i raise the blade it sets level put a thick one piece flat bar across the bottom used thick angle for the frame and supports BUT i did not put angle cylinders on it since i plow to the right side and on the road to the ditch side but did angle the blade both ways and drill holes for a pin to angle both ways and straight but have to do it manually doesnt get changed often enough for cylinders with blade 1 ft to the right side( passenger side) it keeps my tires out away from any ditch and puts the snow 1 ft further out KEEP THE VIDEOS COMING THANKS

[@thomasarussellsr]

I'd be thinking about a tractor with a snowblower front attachment and a hydro-power booster on the rear. Chains for the tractor, of course, would be needed. Unfortunately, this would all cost more than the truck is worth, so a trade would pretty much be out. I think a F-650 would do the trick, but again, usually expensive. I hope you figure out something to get you through this winter and upgrade for the next one, maybe. Good luck.

[@DIYMechanic1]

Hang in there, buddy! Spring will be here soon.

[@doctordoom1337]

I ran a 91 k5 blazer for years without an issue with a Meyer 7 1/2 blade. You just have to keep on top of it. In heavy snow, don't drop the blade down all the way, take it in stages. 1/2 blade, then all the way. Now I use a '00 K2500 Sierra with another Meyer 7 1/2 blade. I can outplow all of the guys with the F350's and Ram 3500 crewcabs. You just have to know the equipment at hand.

[@carimcghehey6950]

Hang in there. Hopefully once you and your family are up there full time keeping up on the snow in really time will decrease these kinds of challenges.

[@diversifiedacreshomestead102]

Stay safe out there brother. What don’t kill you will make you stronger.

[@briankshaw8755]

Hang in there! Wish I had your skills. Stay warm.

[@rickysafer2895]

The ole plow truck has actually worked pretty good for $550.00. I could see one of the bigger tractor outfits supplying you with a cab enclosed tractor with a good snow blade and a snow blower, the road you travel on to get to the farm is a very interesting and beautiful place to try equipment out. ( SO Tractor Outfits Watch Red Poppy Ranch videos.) Good Luck.

[@moneymakingmikeg.9555]

Absolutely breath taking. But, I give you mad Respect for powering through everything those storms threw at you. I'm still so excited to catch up on all the videos, and be a long for the journey!!! Until the next one, Dirty Jersey out!!!

[@SHODGES69]

Wow, you had one hell of a week. That is a lot of snow to deal with. Good luck brother

[@nursaid7612]

I wish to be half of the man you’re when I grow up. You’re so inspiring. Much love from California.

[@DF-DefendFREEDOM]

Was in Rexburg many years back. Left the dorm to find ice on my Mustang. It was only 9 below zero that morning. Driving around I had ice hanging within a couple inches of the pavement. Don’t miss it a bit wading Butt Deep in snow. It’s really beautiful to look at until your wet and freezing. Enjoy your videos, your a Superman. Curious how your solar is going to function. I just started getting equipment and panels. As you know MESA doesn’t have much wind for turbines, but sometimes it can help. Going to combine both to power my pumps and the warehouse.

[@lubnanaik6506]

I guess you need garage workshop for your vehicles as well .. a lot of work man.. hats off to you.

[@ManJO601]

Poppy could use the addition he just built for work shop, But he would have to check with cedar His foremen !!

[@jamesgoodwin2450]

Workshop required

[@mooseknuckle8334]

You have passion sir. Thanks for the time put into the clips.

[@HewettHomestead]

Tough week Rhett, but if anyone can stay the course and push through the tough times it's going to be huge brother! God bless you and your family and keep up the good work.

[@danielschwartzhoff8290]

Hey just something I have found plowing a long narrow drive way a lot, wide out blades work fantastic for winging the snow off the side. They can be expensive but if you can find a good one and a good truck to go with it I think that would work well. Best of luck to you

[@gamawillie]

I have just found your channel, I watched it most of the day. Living vicarious through your life. We own 5 1/2 acres in Southern Idaho Mountains. We bought it 26 years ago,and love camping there. We have thought about selling our home to be able to pay cash for a cabin. I also had a Great Grandfather come to Utah from England. He also had a homestead in the Bear Lake area. In my Grandmothers journal , she talks about how cold it was there Good luck finishing your beautiful home, I'll be watching.

[@xoncention3265]

I’m glad I only have to deal with temperatures from 35C to 55C here in Australia. Snow is a different type of inconvenience. You are fortunate that your drive shaft did not ram itself into the road. Most failed bearings on the universal joints still hold together and will only slip out of the housings when continuing to put them under load. A universal joint will frequently telegraph its failure during normal service checks. I guess not knowing the service history is a major disadvantage.

[@christianresources1912]

God bless you, kept at it, things get better as you work through it....

[@Downeastwaves]

Oh my! What a wicked week. Here's to quick and easy fixes.

[@TheUserid82]

What about a old military truck as the base for a plow truck? Good size and some have the good pto winch on the front and might luck out to find one with a plow on it already.

[@banjobenson9348]

Yea I see those old military truck for sale from time to time and I have never seen anyone buy one and make use of them , that would be a good use for them.

[@jamesnm21]

Old bulldozer would be even better. Nothing stopping that.

[@AtomicReverend]

Multi fuel deuce and a ½ would make a killer plow truck with a super single wheel conversion (4 modern tires instead of 8 NDT that suck in all terrains). Hell, they come with a PTO already on them and usually a huge winch on the front of them.

[@donaldhofman296]

On 82 at exit 3 just when you get in Idaho theres a military surplus sales place! They sell all kinds of trucks and heavy equipment, 1 I am interested in is a 4x4 with a loader on the front and a backhoe on the back! You could fabricate a plow to go on the front of the loader!

[@bluebird5100]

@@jamesnm21 too slow

[@niceguy2171]

As someone who lives in the north, and has done a lot of plowing, both for the country and for some families, can say a 4 wheel drive front end loader w/chains is the best dependable thing, except in those conditions a huge snow thrower on the front end is required, where you can stop trying to just shove the wet heavy snow, but actually remove it from the area. Yes they make them for trucks, and backhoes and everything else, but you need dependability along with the ability to move major amounts for those huge storms that tend to follow each other there. Do a expanded search for municipalities switching equipment, and talk to the guys there, they will tell you which of them are the best of what they're selling. Realize that doesn't help you right now, but for the next season it will help you have peace of mind and allow you to get to other things.

[@independentcontractor1633]

I grew up in Upstate NY, spent 14 years stationed in Germany, one year in Korea and two years in the freezing Balkans. I understand your Dad's wisdom. Now in the North GA Mountains where yesterday it was 65 degrees. May be moving to TX in the fall. I just can't deal with winter and hate the very site of snow (except on video or a post card.) Hope your week gets better.

[@scottfoster2487]

Time to find a small older dozer. Well at least you are able to fix and keep on moving forward.

[@davescott8859]

I understand buddy, cold weather people have to dig a little deeper than most in the winter, if I snooze on my firewood or keeping shit up my dogs and I would freeze, and that last attic blast tested my faith keeping my business and not getting an indoor job and I know in your neck of the woods it’s ten times the battle. I’ll be praying for ya and good things to come your way, you got a hell of a life out there, an amazing place with a lot of effort in your ranch, we are behind you and thinking about you, stay strong. That’s what American do, we keep on keeping on, God Bless you all out there, spring is around the bend, until then visit the local pub once in awhile to shake out the blues.

[@ronsites2694]

Beautiful country! Hang tough, better days are coming.

[@andrewsarles3520]

Sounds like you either need a tractor with a plow or a plow on your daily driver! Some kind of backup plan with a road that long! A friend of mine has two old plow trucks and usually always has one in the shed doing universal joints or front end work ect. Maybe even mount that plow on that Ford of yours! At that amount of snow, your going to spend time in a plow truck every winter!The thing is what vehicle do you want to spend time in?

[@GrantButler]

Great video! Hope you can get a plow truck that'll do what you need.

[@johnnydrac]

Cows running around behind the tractor plowing. hahahahaha :)

[@elishevaquick6650]

Wow THIS is a LOT of SNOW like I have never seen before ! TO COLD for me, a child of HOT Africa ! Aunt Eli xxx

[@timkirkpatrick9155]

My heart goes out to you. I have been through similar grief. I still live in the mountains. The house is looking nice. As for plows, get a 4 series, even a 1 ton is inadequate or a blower on a mid size to large tractor.

[@brucewayne2984]

Bro, I’ve been plowing for 15 years north of Spokane Wa. Listen, it’s gonna cost ya but get yourself a GOOD plow rig with a GOOD V plow and good tires. I tried it your way for 2 years and got a good truck with a Boss V plow. I’ve never looked back! It sucks I know but it will save ya a lot of heartache. Take care.

[@annieheath986]

You are where I grew up. Beautiful place.

[@hartstudebakerkid]

Wrong A V plow will not get the snow off the road like he needs, He is NOT plowing hi driveway he is plowing a private community road. If you watched the video then you would have seen the neighbors out plowing the road behind him. If he lived there full time he could get by with a heavier truck and an angle blade. He has to be able to work it from both sides. What he needs is a large enough four wheel drive tractor with a front mounted snow blower and a rear blade or backhoe OR a tracked tractor with at leas a four way blade. I use a 1950 John Deere MC with a four way from blade and backhoe. The backhoe allows you to push when you need it and to dig drainage slots through the snow for the melt water to flow.

[@hartstudebakerkid]

@Smokey Bear I have pushed two feet of snow sitting on top of three. Modern crawlers and four wheel drive tractors have cabs mine does not. I could put on a soft cab if I wanted to but I never needed one. Just dressed accordingly.

[@hartstudebakerkid]

@Smokey Bear All I have are jpegs so I can not post my set up here. Mondern crawlers have cabs. I could put a soft cab on mine but since MCs do not have waterpumps the cab would be just as cold. When plowing I have to be careful not to sweat i get so warm.

[@lostintime8651]

#Bulldozer

[@Military-Museum-LP]

As long as the frame is good she's a keeper. All body panels are available and cheap. Plus nothing better than a 350 small block and turbo 400.

[@johnsobaski3478]

Uffda!!! Prayers my friend as you work through these roadblocks.

[@ElderlyIron]

I know what it is to work on a budget. You're in the plow truck pretty cheap at this point. You got it late in the season so there really wasn't any time to give it a thorough going-over before jumping into the fray. Not to mention you're getting a pretty good fray! I've seen the comments about going new truck and V plow, but you're still ahead of the game for now. Inconvenient, yes, what with no real shop to work in, but the u-joints you are putting in now will be good for the next 20 years. As to the carb, I can't diagnose "quit running". Accelerator pumps don't make them quit running, but plugged fuel filters do. Given the looks of that truck, it would be one of the first places I'd go. Original equipment would be steel line from the pump to the carb, and a small filter at the carb fuel inlet. I've seen many a filter and spring in backwards. Even done it myself! First the spring, then the filter with the center hole toward the pump. In any event, pull it and see if it's loaded with crud. Being this old, it may well have an aftermarket inline filter. Remove and give a blow-through test. If any debris got by the filter, you may have to pull the carb and spray it out again. A bad fuel filler cap can cause some headache if it's not allowing the tank to vent. Once your tank goes into a vacuum, no more fuel. Ice can do that. Runs fine for 20 minutes to a half hour, then no gas. If there are large particles of debris in the filter, then there is the chance that large particles are getting caught in the check valves of the fuel pump. Then the fuel just moves back and forth at the pump. IF and I say IF you find reason to suspect there is a lot of crud coming from the tank, then put an inline filter between the frame rail and the fuel pump inlet. You'll need about 3 feet of hose so you can loop it to prevent kinking and be able to zip-tie it securely somewhere. It's not time to throw in the plow towel just yet. This year is your learning curve. After snow season, you'll have time to go through and take care of all your maintenance and repair issues to get you through the next season. You'll also be looking at your road to determine how far back you can push the first snow to make room for the second, third, fourth and so-on. And I almost forgot. ALCOHOL GAS! Worst thing ever for plow trucks!! Check to see how much water is in the fuel. The best carburetor ever made still can't make 'em burn water! Drop a bottle of 90% rubbing alcohol in there if you see a lot. A lot cheaper than the miracle drugs at the car parts stores. Water is also going to generate the debris in the tank. We have non-alcohol gas available here. 4.50 a gallon, but worth the cost in downtime.

[@offgridinthepacificnorthwe3210]

fantastically detailed response! By the way did you get your solar installed yet?

[@ElderlyIron]

Hi Steve! Pumped the well dry to get 10 panels. In recovery mode now. I have a panel on a pole with a tracker and an LCB at the pump house, so a pump is next. After that a controller and the material to make a frame. Still debating whether or not to put the panels on the roof of the green house, as the sun comes through the wall in the winter and I could use the shade in the summer anyway! It's 150 feet form the greenhouse to the house, so there's the debate over running the controller and inverter at the greenhouse or run the leads from the panels to the house and do it all there. By the way, you might have seen signs around saying "We have Kratom". If you haven't looked into it, you might want to. It's a pain reliever made of Kratom tree leaves. Best bet is get the "red" variety at the Herb Shop on G street in GP. Might help those stars in your eyes! I hurt my back big time a couple months ago. Immobilized for 3 days and couldn't work for almost a month. Happened to be in the Herb Shop when someone bought some, so I asked just what it was. He gave me a couple sample capsules, and it WORKS!

[@jamesnm21]

You're saying dont use alcohol gas but put alcohol in to get rid of water???

[@ElderlyIron]

Alcohol will combine with both gasoline and water. Non-ethanol fuels tend to repel water, so the moisture had to collect on the tank walls in order to end up in the bottom of the tank. When using the 10 or 15% ethanol fuels, any moisture will combine with the alcohol in the fuel causing phase separation when the alcohol/water combination reaches a certain level. Once you pull as much water off the bottom of the tank that you can, adding the 90% alcohol in sufficient quantity will allow it to be suspended again. This is the concept of "dry gas" products that were marketed and used prior to ethanol gasoline formulas.

[@josephgalarneau7177]

All of the above. check for fuel to the carb. disconnect fuel line at carb, put water bottle over end and crank over. If you get gas that eliminates fuel pump and clogged lines also you can check for water at the same time it will sink to the bottom of the bottle. Buy a carb rebuild kit, even if you don't use all the pieces it has detailed instructions on how to adjust the carb. Chains on the front wheels of a four wheel drive are a bad idea. It puts too much strain on the drive train by eliminating slippage. You will be busting drive shafts, axles and possibly differentials or worst cast the transfer case. I've had several of those old square bodied GM four wheel drives and they are a beast iin the snow. Just when it's deep you zig zag plow. Push off to one side then the other then come back and do a straight shot cleanup.1 ton would be super especially if it was 4wd. I would also look for an adjustable plow that goes from straight to vee. And lastly don't overlook an old deuce and a half, sometimes you can pick one up for 2500 or less and they will take a 10 or 12 foot plow with wing.

[@wadekinney8]

I used to live up in Sandpoint, we get a lot of snow up that way, even with a larger truck, your best bet is to go for a stander 6-7' plow, better control and you don't risk over loading the front end and getting your self stuck.

[@garybalanesi610]

Snow is not always forgiving! What gets me is high centering. Be nice to have a shop to work on stuff. And a vice bolted to a sturdy workbench. Winches, shackles, tow straps, extra cables, and is what i have. Even a get me home rear driveshaft unit, in the 92 jeep. Keep up Your good work. Place is looking decent.. Gary

[@JeeperJimbo]

Been there ! I'm wondering maybe a tractor is better option ? Something you can use around the ranch year round ... I understood your love for the old beasts I've missed my old GMC time and time again .... But seeing the versatility of tractors i could see that as a long term solution to your needs ... Best of luck with that carb and drive shaft rebuild ! I think once the trucks up and running again you'll be fine for the rest of the year !

[@gregorythomas333]

You might wish to consider getting some of those lithium battery jumper packs to keep with you in the various vehicles. They can really come in handy when out on the road alone...the better ones even have inverters in them.

[@TurkishKB]

I was born in Idaho. Way up at the tippy top. I miss it. Maybe ill go back one day.

[@greggwoods7173]

What a heck of a week! Investment in the driveline repair seems justified. At least it will get the old rig back in service...

[@pup734]

I have a 2003 chevy 2500 hd and it is the best plow truck I have ever owned it is unbeatable and unstoppable I live in the snow belt in central NY and our snowfall is much higher than yours. I have only been stuck Once in 3 years with my truck and it was my fault. A couple of weeks ago we got almost 3 feet in 2 days and I plowed thru it in -20 degree temps with only 4 bags of sand in the back and all season radial tires I would recommend getting one 6.0 liter plenty power and not bad on gas either

[@catamaranoborchiato]

i think you need soon a garage where you can park your cars and the scraper, and work in a dry and warm place

[@rowdyron32]

I live in Casa Grande Arizona. Because my back can handle the weather. I always wanted to live in snow country but i ended up breaking my neck and back in a horrible accident. Now, my neck and back can't take the cold weather. So that kinda sidelined my whole dream of living in the colder climates. So i made Casa Grande Az my home. I kinda like it because its kinda out in the country. 45 minutes north is Phoenix and 45 minutes south is Tucson.

[@mwilliamshs]

Where do you live? Why not snow country?

[@CosmosArchipelago]

mwilliamshs lol

[@davyjones232]

Put a little ballast in the plow truck. It helps the rear axle work too. An empty box puts extra work on the front axle.

[@drop469]

Usually the clips are glued on if the original from the factory u joints. You usually have the pound the hell out of u joints on a Ford to get them out.

[@robinr.770]

Reminds of me of when John steps out on the baseball diamond in Field of Dreams and asks his son: "Is this Heaven?" And Kevin Costner (Ray) responds with a wry smile on his face, "No, this is Iowa." Same kinda feel. Exact same goosebumps just thinking about it. Maybe Idaho is a little bit this way. Dreams surrendered by some that have gone before us are the fuel for generations down the line to return...and render dreams into reality. What a journey! "Oh yeah, it's the place dreams come true." - John, from Field of Dreams love from the desert

[@fnln544]

You show us, even in a new century, what homesteaders experienced in the last centuries; as you deal with the triumphs and trials of the present for your own ranch. But, your efforts are paying dividends as you build the life you have so dreamed of and longed for. Blessings in ID (Idaho)!

[@buddy8225]

Here is a thought. You could put a plow on your Ford truck. Great video. Beautiful scenery.