New MACK Granite Snow Plow

I had a big surprise when I returned to work for the season, A New 2019 MACK Truck with an EPOKE spreader! I am sad to see the Western Star go but I'm having a lot of fun learning about the new truck.
Here is a little video to introduce you all to the new truck! I am excited to learn more and to share it all with you!
I hope you enjoy the video!

[@ultrared27]

That’s awesome! Great to see new equipment being issued like that.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yes, and it's great to on the receiving end!

[@Pocono_Pits]

HELL YEA BROTHER! Absolutely Beautiful! Pennsylvania proud! Built right here 20 minutes away from my house!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Oh cool! Have you ever visited the Mack museum?

[@Pocono_Pits]

@@JimHowDigsDirt I have! Its pretty cool ive taken the tour of the plant and everything! They have truck shows there every year.

[@markzablotny]

I bet it's got that new truck smell,love that. Take care and enjoy🤐

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Mark! Ony about 5000 kms on her now so she still smells new!

[@wideslammer]

Nice video. It was also nice to see and HEAR you rather than only looking over your right shoulder. My favorite video (although it probably wasn't your favorite day to be plowing snow) was "Busting through a GIANT snowbank in a 6x6 Western Star." If other viewers haven't seen it, they may want to paste that title into the KZbin search line.

[@gardnermiller6820]

Love the new truck! Stay safe keeping the roads cleared.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thank you Gardner!

[@00vcheck]

I drove a Mack Granite for PennDOT with a MP8, 425 horsepower with Allision 6 speed automatic. Great running truck have it since 2015 with little problems

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Nice! I hope we have just as good a luck with these ones. It's a nice truck to drive.

[@kylecaswell48]

love your videos with the snowplowing in your old western star now i want to see more in that new mack

[@zacharynolte6085]

Congrats! Always great to get a new work vehicle

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Sure is! First new one I got in years.

[@thunderstormzlightning]

That's one awesome truck cant wait to see it in action

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yeah, I can't wait to get some big snow to see well it works!

[@saltydog3714]

Loving the big bad Mack! Awesome truck!

[@joshfernald1831]

That's a nice truck.i drive the internationals and volvos for the maine dot for three years now.i like it

[@pirox2720]

That's a real nice piece of equipment you get to use and show off

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

It's a joy to drive!

[@donaldcostello8312]

Jim, You are a lucky man to have a top of the line truck Godspeed, looking forward to seeing the big storms this year.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Donald! Looking forward to a safe plow season. Take care!

[@jeffwoehrle]

Beautiful! Thanks for the video.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks for watching Jeff!

[@avenheavner108]

Thank you so much for doing the cab view at 4:40 I love that view do it every video because I hate the wind shield view

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I hope to have some cool new views for you this season!

[@avenheavner108]

Thanks you to

[@allenschwinn9023]

From your past videos you definitely earned it.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thank you Allen!

[@mentsl902music9]

My Dad drives one of these for the department. He says wait for the Grade Gripper solenoid to malfunction and pray it doesn't happen when your cross ways in the road at a turning spot. And he also loves the loud buzzer that goes off constantly when the power divider is engaged. ATC and DCDL don't make good partners. Epoke is an amazing spreader but the M Drive belongs in JB Hunts fleet . Have Fun!!!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

That's good to know about the Grade Gripper! I haven't had the power divider in yet so I never heard the buzzer yet.I wonder if the volume can be adjusted in the menu? I'll try it next time I'm out. The ePoke does a great job but there are times it would be nice to have salt in front of your wheels. The jury is still out on the mDrive because we haven't had any amount of snow to push yet this season so I don't know what to think of it yet. So far I like it!

[@mentsl902music9]

JimHowDigsDirt He says the m drive takes fits every now and again. Sometimes when your trying to tuck snow off the road at low speed, or when backing up, when you go to hit the brake and stop, the automatic clutch keeps pulling you while your holding the brake. He says he’s tried really really really hard to like it, it works very well going down the road, but for cleaning up intersections and what not, it becomes very cumbersome. He would take the Allison hands down over the M drive and the tried tested and true 13 speed fuller over either of these. The Nordic plow blades and the epoke have cut his salt consumption drastically, while clearing the roads quicker.

[@Pocono_Pits]

Cant wait to see it plow some real snow!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Me too! Still waiting.

[@sandie062985]

I like it looks sharp too be safe and GodBless you and your family. .Merry Christmas too

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thank you Bob! All the best to you and your family! Merry Christmas!

[@scottgibson4751]

very nice truck! drive safe on the icy roads. Love ur videos!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Scott! Stay tuned for more!

[@arneservatius8686]

You deserve a New Truck! Michigan

[@ShadowDragon246]

our epokes(a 2010 with sand, and a 2018 with Urea/sodium formate for our solid, and potassium asiatate for our liquid on the runway) both are conveyor belts to the spinner. our 2018 also has rotator LED beacons on it instead of the normal flash. amazing how the same product can be set up so different. we have a 2016 western star for on the roads. with a mid mount spreader. and rear mount wing.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Cool! How do you like the rear mount wing? I always wondered which is better?

[@sheepdog271]

Very nice truck and the way it is setup with the plows and spreader looks to be top of the line!!!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yes it is an awesome setup! Very happy with it so far.

[@dallasbaiton3234]

That new truck smell and feel must be awesome and you never had to get out your wallet to enjoy it 👍😎😎😎😎

[@dallasbaiton3234]

And they are paying you to operate it , enjoy and stay safe out there keeping that white stuff of them there roads .

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

@@dallasbaiton3234 Yes it's a nice feeling! I loved running the old Western Star but it's pretty nice to get a new truck.

[@JDSWeather]

Love the new truck Jim she's a beauty and a beast of a truck

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks JD! Some people say she's a dog, lol.

[@ArmpitStudios]

I just found your videos. Mesmerizing to watch. Thanks for the scenes of the loader going into the salt shed, something we civilians never get to see. Thankfully I finished my work for now and can spend quality time watching snow get pushed. 🤓

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Arm! Glad you are enjoying my videos!

[@ArmpitStudios]

@@JimHowDigsDirt The closest I can come is playing SnowRunner on the Xbox, although I did rent a Bobcat once to remove an ugly wart from our front yard, and I had an old F150 with a blade on the front for a while (it was not the wart on the front yard).

[@TheFilmMixer101]

Sure is a beauty to look at and hopefully drive 🤣

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I have been enjoying it a lot so far!

[@TheFilmMixer101]

@@JimHowDigsDirt that's great 😀

[@MrRandom750]

Those new Mack’s transmissions are wild . We just did a up fit on 2 for a local paving company and wow something to get used to with the shifts. That salter is something else . Can’t wait for more snow now haha

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yes they are wild! I didn't know what was going on the first time I drove it! I was expecting it to shift like an Allison and wasn't aware it was a manual transmission with automated clutch, I like it!

[@RatsAndFunTV]

Very nice tool/truck.

[@mikeservais888]

Nice Mack good job plowing!!!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Mike!

[@TheBgCreations]

Can’t wait to see more !!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I can't wait to drive it more!

[@arneservatius8686]

That 505 horses sound soo Good. Michigan

[@dhamma58]

Perhaps a little sing-along with that old Lennon sisters song "Who's That Doggy in the Window" as the snow flies.....

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I will sing it for you next time I'm out plowing!

[@dhamma58]

@@JimHowDigsDirt Yay!

[@lennymiller9308]

Now that's impressive !

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Lenny! I like my new office too!

[@trevorfillmore698]

We were out for a salt run this morning here in NB and told all the boys on the radio to check out your new truck. I used to drive a Mack tractor and my boss always told me your just an arsholl starring at an arsholl lol but I love her she was a good truck.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I never thought of it that way! Maybe I'll turn the dog around and let him look at an arsehole for a bit, lol. Thanks Trevor!

[@jrftworth]

Nice Rig, need to replace the flashing strobe yellow lights with LED lights.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

We only get what they give us. All we can do is ask for something and cross our fingers.

[@ChrisJones-fn6tw]

Very cool. Never see plows go that fast here, we're lucky if they go over 25

[@dominicanbulldozer6496]

Se ve hermoso! Vida y salud para qué lo disfrute y nos sigas compartiendo sus buenos vídeos. Howei! Desde Santo Domingo Rep Dominana 😊

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

¡Gracias Angel! ¡Todo lo mejor para ti y tu familia! :)

[@xx5zi]

Well done, sir! I like everything about it- the rear spreader (because they lay material more evenly and accurately, and the material doesn't collect on the underside of the truck), and I'm hearing that Mack quality has improved greatly the last 2 years. We have a couple of Sirrus hopper beds in our fleet, so I'm really interested in your assessment of them. Safe travels, snowfighter!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks White Rose! I tried a load of sand the other day and was quite pleased with how well it spread. Now I want to mount two cameras, one on the back and one on the salt computer just to get a better picture of how it spreads on each setting.

[@Wjones450]

This might be my dream job! very nice!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Wesley! Sometimes it can be a nightmare, lol. Good times outweigh the bad tho!

[@ronbrennan4632]

Thanks for the info on the mack lot different than what I drove in 60yrs ago quite a machine be safe out there ron rdzl om616

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yes they sure have changed a lot even in my time. Thanks for watching Ron!

[@Pretzel114]

Hello sir, Just found your page and love it. I drive and a Mack myself but not that new. I have a CL Dump. Be safe out there and I look foreword to watching more.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Nick-O! Glad you enjoy my videos so stay tuned for more!

[@MrLordBaer]

Local crews have got themselves a Plow trailer this year so that should help alot.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I'd love to see one in action! We don't have any around here.

[@brentcos9370]

Hey Jim, great video and nice new rig! Lookin' forward to more big snow videos! :-D

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Brent! Looking forward to making new videos.

[@trevorfillmore698]

Love it I'm jealous other than the rear spreader I like it coming out the front. Very nice truck Jim I'm still in a 99 INL they say I'm getting a new one this winter if it was the same as you got I'd be excited.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

If you work for the DOT here in Nova Scotia it will probably be one of these.

[@trevorfillmore698]

@@JimHowDigsDirt No I'm in New Brunswick.

[@flyboy6876]

The state of Alaska bought the Granite to use on Thompson pass ( gets the most snow anywhere) and they love them

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yes I watched the video! Nice looking rigs! I like the screen that shows them where they are on the road. That would come in handy in white out conditions.

[@wyattfisher6623]

I like those M drives, would rather have an actual clutch but that electric clutch isn’t terrible.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

It takes a bit of getting used to but it grows on you.

[@charredskeleton]

I always love a new piece of snow removal equipment! Thanks for sharing!! Beast day at work ever?

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks for watching Char! It was a good day and will be a good season.

[@rotex380]

Hello Jim looking around and found your channel.. that's some truck.. Automatic clutch takes a bit to get use to.. but at least you can keep in what gear you like and on cruise.. nice set up sir .. comfort hopefully she can push like the old ones.. take care.👍

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Pat! You are right about getting used to the automated clutch. I've been a old school gear jammer for years. I don't know if it will ever be able to push like the old Western Star but will be fun trying!

[@rotex380]

@@JimHowDigsDirt I'm sure you'll have lots of videos of pushing snow. Hope all goes well. Take care.👍🍻

[@antonlueker9648]

Sure beats the freight liner I’m running. Nice 👍 rig man, congrats!!!!

[@xx5zi]

We have Freightliners for plow trucks, and the electrical systems are not holding up. We've had a few completely rewired after 4200 hours.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thank you Anton!

[@jimsbasslist]

Nice rig boss! Can'tt wait to see it working.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Can't wait to put it through its paces!

[@jimsbasslist]

That's what we used in Pennsylvania. Did the job pretty well.

[@dustinmcintosh6799]

I got a 2020 western star tandem about a month ago. May get to play in the snow this weekend for the first time.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Nice! Pretty hard to beat the Western Stars!

[@keithhudson8205]

It's a beauty!!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Pretty fancy rig compared to some of the old Macks I drove!

[@keithhudson8205]

@@JimHowDigsDirt What happens with the old one?

[@Tenfoldy13]

Very nice truck!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Tenfold!

[@equipment-enthusiast]

Sharp looking truck Jim! We have a 2014 mack gu 813 with the mp 7 engine with the 6 speed allison behind it.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

That sounds like a decent set up! How do you like it?

[@equipment-enthusiast]

@@JimHowDigsDirt it gets the job done. I was a little skeptical at 1st with only having a 6 speed to work with but I have to say the Allison automatic handles all the weight pretty good including pulling a 20ton tag trailer with heavy equipment on it.

[@ian0green]

so the captain has got a new ship!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Time to go sailing! lol

[@jimwilloughby]

Awesome truck. Plowing snow is getting more and more high tech as time goes on. Sadly, because of what it's made to do, and do well, in a few short years it will be beat. Salt and brine just raise hell with everything. What the salt and brine don't get, the vibrations from plowing will.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

True, but hopefully with all the salt being spread behind you the truck will last a lot longer as the frames don't get coated in salt. We also wash them off with a fire hose after each use to help preserve them.

[@jakemccullough9346]

Damn that truck is badass

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

It's fun to drive too!

[@hesstonfarmer5014]

The new truck is sure nice!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Hasston! I'm going to enjoy operating it!

[@SCAustin]

Nice Mack. Only issue I see. Silver Dog on the hood. 😃 You need a gold one. Enjoy the new rig.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Never got the gold!

[@KyleMorpheus]

Nice truck!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Kyle!

[@Quadboueux]

Nice truck full equiped! Enjoy! :-)

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thank you, I will enjoy it for sure!

[@Starcar4900EX]

Going to miss the Star. But that is a nice Mack and set up on it.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yeah, I'm going to miss the Star too! It's pretty hard to not love this truck tho!

[@northernliving2387]

Nice truck Jim!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks you Rob!

[@sargylan3415]

great video

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thank you!

[@sociopathicnarcissist8810]

Sitting here in Australia in 41.5 Celsius watching this video in an attempt to feel a bit cooler...

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Did it work? lol Greetings from Nova Scotia, Canada!

[@sociopathicnarcissist8810]

@@JimHowDigsDirt Just a bit... Bloody Bush Fires have got our attention now, Fires overnight have now burnt an area equivalent to the country of Belgium!

[@danielradcliff7081]

Good Mack dog

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

She's a good doggie!

[@N2NDF]

Sad they don’t put Cats in Mack’s anymore! I loved mine! 700hp stretches frame!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

This Mack engine pulls good!

[@jonnymac8925]

It's even more sad that they don't make motors for trucks anymore :(

[@orchardtvchannel]

Nice truck

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thank you!

[@fastst1]

Sounds like its nice and quiet! Are those edge heaters on the windshield?

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yeah she certainly is a lot quieter than the old truck! Yes, that is a heated windshield. Now alI I need is some heated wipers!

[@robertg.9964]

With the added technology, I wonder if It will help a lot but also hinder since a driver needs to look away from the road more often to manually work the added screens and the controls. Nice plow truck though!!!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Robert! We still had to take our eyes of the road with older technology, but I think with the new it's a little less distracting once you get used to it. I know not having to shift gears free up some concentration, but it's just not as fun, lol.

[@devo1167]

nice set up bud !

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Devo!

[@twsinc7662]

Hard to watch salt being dumped into such a nice setup!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

With ePoke in the back the frame doesn't get covered in salt like the old style spreaders.This is sure to keep the trucks in much better condition than the older ones. After each snow event we always wash the trucks off with a firehose to remove all salt before we park them.

[@markstengel7680]

Macks are for real men🚜🎄🎅🍸

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I am now a real man! LOL

[@kiddoutlawe9955]

Real truck

[@janicemayo-march9051]

Awesome Video Jim how cool is your job I always wondered what it was like a a highways maintenance person Wayne

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks for watching!

[@AceHardy]

👑

[@mrbakerskatz]

Looks like a nice rig , my last new Mach was in 99 !

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yes it is quite nice! How did you like your Mack?

[@mrbakerskatz]

JimHowDigsDirt absolutely loved it 350 hp 12 speed

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

@@mrbakerskatz Nice!

[@rollingcoal9500]

Wow fancy stuff. You gonna miss not having the locking front axle?

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I didn't want to give it up, but it is yet to be determined! Both trucks have their perks. Just might be more of a challenge sometimes without that front axle to help out!

[@rollingcoal9500]

Well plz let us know if you can. Very curious to see how it works out

[@heartland96a]

NICE and shiny new, hope it serves you well, now that the other trucks gone ,what were its faults ? I think this is the most narration you have done , good to hear your voice.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

The Western Star is still with us, just different drivers this year. I can't say anything bad about the old Star as it is a great working truck and was always well looked after. I will miss driving it for sure, but a new truck is always nice. As for narration, I am a bit shy but am trying to get over it as it makes for more interesting videos with a little explanation. Thanks for watching Heartland!

[@heartland96a]

@@JimHowDigsDirt yes please feel comfortable narrating when you like it need not be the entire drive for example . I d have thought all the trucks might have been traded in , hope the storms are fluffy and not to deep.

[@jeffleblanc8850]

Do you like the truck you can concentrate more on ploughing rather than shifting or are you a hard core guy who will miss shifting to me that’s a good deal you don’t have no sore arm from shifting all the time and running plough the things that can come up with nowadays awesome truck good for you at least Nova Scotia keeps up on its snow equipment unlike some places good video as always drive safe they need the plough like in Alaska keeps snow off your window wen going threw drifts still awesome truck do you think that the Alaska truck is a good idea the plough don’t kno if you saw video

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yes I watched those videos on the Macks in Alaska! I didn't mind shifting gears but can honestly say there is a lot less fatigue in this new truck.

[@jonnymac8925]

Is this the truck you are currently in? I will have to keep an eye out for you on my nightly journeys to New Glasgow from Glace Bay!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yes, this is my new ride! I' don't plow the Trans Canada but we have two other Macks similar to mine on the highway. My main route is the 374 to Sheet Harbor. Drive safe!

[@davidandrews2306]

i hope to see it plow deep snow

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Me too! I thinks it's going to work well.

[@vegaslogger72]

We replaced our fleet of Macks with Freightliner. We have four Macks left and are easily out working the Freightliners. The smart shift in the transmission is junk. 30 trucks and all have had issues. Detroit dd 15 and 16. All leak oil. And now we’re are buying Pete’s. So who knows now.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Good luck with the Pete's! If they don't work out maybe they'll have to go back to Macks?

[@DIYManiacJohnP]

Your definition of manual is much different then mine 😆. That’s an automatic my friend.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

The transmission is defined as a manual as it has gears and doesn't have a torque converter. Yeah it's still an automatic in the sense you don't have to shift it.

[@jsnowstorm1311]

Nice truck. But did you get heated wipers on it? I like how that wing folds in. Who makes that?

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Heated windshield but no heated wipers. I would love to have a set as I could have used them just the other day! AT is the initials on the wing. I can try to find out more info on it for you!

[@jacekgajdzik1197]

świetny sprzęt

[@lowbuckfabrication]

Your wing is in a funny place...

[@1976benita]

Jim nice to see you back on the road again, I was in Quebec City last week for the weekend and saw a similar truck like yours and told my wife I know that guy that's Jimhowdigsdirt, she said who? Lol!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

What? She doesn't know JimHowdigsDirt? LOL, too funny!

[@bentousant4287]

I like the joystick control who makes the plow set up on your truck? Coming from highway worker on the East end of lake Ontario

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

The DOT has a shop up in Halifax that puts together these trucks. The plow is a Craig and the wing and dump box come from AT Metals in Quebec.

[@samwenske]

Maybe you should get one of those heated windshield wipers for your new truck eh?

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I wish! That's the only thing missing on her!

[@kiddoutlawe9955]

Nice

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks!

[@codynalley5021]

Hey cool truck

[@clayboist]

Looks like it could use some heated wiper blades!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I would love a set!

[@jamesshaw9819]

Thoughts on the epoke, not gonna be good for when you’ll want the salt in front the wheels for a bit of added traction

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yeah, I had that experience the other night I was out.

[@alexadams7537]

What a nice toy lol 😂

[@jeffleblanc8850]

Right n I just commented in one of your videos about the truck in Alaska the Mack we’re the plastic piece on plough so it don’t go on your windshield wen going threw high snow or drift or was that the plastic hanging in front of it

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yeah Jeff, I noticed that too on those Alaskan Macks. I wasn't sure what it was at first, but now I see how it could be very beneficial to keeping snow off the windshield. Thanks for the comment!

[@Kryten428]

The correct term for the transmission is "automated manual" or "auto shift".

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thank you! I stand corrected.

[@bradh7472]

Nice Mack! Does it have the Cummins? I see its not a bronze Bull Dog.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Just a chrome Mack. Engine in transmission are Mack.

[@compuwiz1024]

all you need now is heated wiper blades. and you wont have a problem with snow build up on the blades

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I would die for a set of heated wiper blades on this truck. That's the only thing that's missing!