Plowing BIG Snow

Here are a few great shots from some Big Snowstorms we had back in March 2015! I found this older footage that I never used, so I thought I would share. BIG Snow is when plowing is FUN! This winter all we seem to be doing is chasing snowflakes!!
I hope you enjoy the video!! Drive safe!

[@kentrush8250]

I bet those residences are so happy to hear or see you. What an excellent service you provide. Stay safe!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I hope so too! The odd guy that just finished shoveling his driveway might give me a smug look from time to time, lol. Thanks for watching!

[@shawnhurley5511]

That was my truck up until this year. Miss that ol girl. Nice job Howie

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Me too!

[@timpattydaechsel5988]

Old retired Hwys snowplow trainer here , Great job, Brought memories , ….plowing rural roads can be tough knowing where the edge of stops and ditch starts ….just one thing …the wing blade lift arm, looks like you have it down too low on the slot, lift it up 3/4 up the slot , especially early winter and spring when the gravel roads aren’t frozen solid yet , prevents blade from digging what used to call “ Dog Graves”. 😮,……similar to running a front plow without shoe pads , ,,,, thanks for being out there

[@infidelzombie9382]

Plowing open roads is a lot more relaxed than busy city plowing. Drivers that cut you off and cars parked illegally are my obstacles. Haven't hit one yet but there's been a few close calls. Nice rig you have much better than the Intertrashinal I drive. Peace brother stay safe

[@theirishaxe9405]

Just cover their cars completely so it takes three hours to shovel it out like most all you guys do. My plow guy plows my driveway in every year even though there is nothing but an empty field on the opposite side just out of laziness im the only house on the road for a mile it's so hard to point the plow the other way for 9 feet? Love shoveling for hours to get my driveway open and car uncovered.

[@ggpher]

@@theirishaxe9405 please refrain from taking your anger out on others who have nothing to do with your inconveniences, thank you.

[@driveforddaily7185]

Yeah but the thing is driving out of the city is more dangerous because you don't know where there may be ice spots hard ice and even curves

[@c7wc]

@@theirishaxe9405 that's the difference between an amateur municipal plow guy and a professional. I'm always planning where to put the snow, to lessen the burden on what a homeowner has to take care of. Sometimes it's unavoidable that they get a windrow, but I always make an effort to make life easier on them.

[@daroldcriswell2842]

Yes it is

[@ncplantdoctor]

Gotta love the drifts. You plow and the wind just puts it right back.

[@Tugmun11]

Hey My Friend when ya swung left to not load up that fella's freshly cleaned drive way you instantly became my Hero. You Sir rock on...

[@ryans.613]

What point in the vid

[@adamd858]

3:22

[@davidwilliams9450]

@@ryans.613 14:48

[@glenjamindle]

Those snow drifts were crazy, but the power behind that machine is amazing!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I love driving this old Western Star!

[@jonnymac8925]

@@JimHowDigsDirt what year is it, and what running gear does it have (motor, trans and rear end)? Looks like it works incredible!

[@cjbeyer8340]

Thank for hard work keeping the roads clear!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Glad to help! Thank you for watching CJ!

[@shoestring405]

Another great video. We really enjoy watching you with your Western Star playing in the snow.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Shoestring! It's fun playing in the snow with the Star!

[@jalpa9642]

Reminds me of Maine where I spent 20+ years, some mild Winters and some pretty rough ones too.....! =) The drifting Snow really caused some headaches at times.... Hated it when the Plow flew up over the wet snow it wasn't even packed.... Love how the Wing Plows blew the Snow off to the right throwing yards off the Highways...!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Sound like we experience the same type of weather here on the east coast. Thanks for watching!

[@billydarico6180]

Those snowdrifts are mean Jim your truck has some low down grunt! I plowed with a 6 wheel dump ran chains in the big storms good experience had some good times!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

The more snow the better with this old girl!

[@billthompson5644]

Your SKILLSET is not only AMAZING, it os truly mesmerizing.

[@edwinleyba7510]

That is such a hopeless feeling when the snow blinds you and can't see the road especially on a two lane road. Nice video stay safe safe travels.

[@1957346]

I had this expirience from michigan to chicago.

[@dhenschel4]

@@1957346 I-94 right? I have taken that rout many times. Usually ok, but one time the snow was so heavy, everyone was pulling off as we got closer to lake MI. I didn't want to delay, so kept going, turned off my headlights, and me and another car pushed thru in the blizzard. That was about 30 years ago, and I still think of that trip from time to time.

[@PokeShadow77]

This is as close as we get to trucks plowing snow ambiance. Good stuff!

[@roysuomi9831]

Brings back memories of plowing Chardon Township, Ohio with a " one stack Mack and a salt shaker on the back".

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I am happy you enjoy the videos, and thank you for watching!

[@RK-hk1fn]

I grew up in north mich and we know it's not that much snow but it still gets enough. You have to be a boss to run them big trucks. Nice work.

[@linkdandyparanormalnetwork]

In the 70’s, the plows in my county had blades 3 times taller & the side blade was 2-3 x’s bigger reducing the need to ever back up. Snow didn’t jump over the blade very often nor did the blade lift when the front load became heavier. Belly blades weren’t needed either. It seems like the drivers nowadays have a harder time to gain the same results as years ago.

[@stevenrichards9490]

The plows seemed bigger because the trucks were bigger

[@bikewrencher8984]

How relaxing. All work with no talk.😺

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I'm a man of few words! lol

[@lloydz3955]

No relaxing here. Try having every muscle tight for most of the day

[@lloydz3955]

Can’t talk when you have no idea where the road is and you are driving blind half the time.

[@robertmintz63]

@@lloydz3955 never fear , when you drive these roads every week & pay attention you know most every thing, when I was doing it there was 2 of us in the truck. We even marked , with some bush cut stacks/ polls, tops painted orange, where the culverts were , not so we would know where the road was , but so that in the spring we could go dig them out when they were frozen, to clear with a steam generator

[@UfoJoe]

For anyone who understands(or not) plowing, that's a hero right there. Nicely done mate, I hope you won't get too many incidents ... from a fellow plow man ;) P.S. I like my snow fluffy too :))) Cheers

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Joe! Stay safe out there my friend!

[@matthewanderson7766]

What a badass truck looks like lots of fun

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

is a fun truck, especially when we get lots of snow. Thanks for the comment Matthew!

[@snownomore803]

Nicely done. Looks like a pretty gnarly stretch of road. Wouldn't really like that route at night. Be safe.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yes, there's a lot of drift on that road! Thank you David!

[@antonlueker9648]

Nice 👍 work bustin that drift up. Sure be nice to just bust a lane through then call the grader to come behind you so you can get on down the line. People don’t realize how hard it is to keep a truck out of a ditch on country roads in near white out conditions. You’re definitely an experienced and seasoned operator

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thank you Anton! I appreciate your kind words!

[@1976benita]

Finally a good snow storm didn't get to much here in Connecticut, love that Western Star, another great video as always!

[@chrismanning3911]

I live in Connecticut Last year wasn't too bad I'm not to sure about this coming year

[@johncorish9090]

Lets hope for a good year this year im banking on anow here in westernmass to get me outta debit from covid

[@johnnypare7426]

Man I live in Nova Scotia to that’s awesome thanks for your duty’s and the great video

[@johnm.evangelis693]

Great job. Please keep all that snow in Nova Scotia!!!

[@jeffleblanc8850]

I’m from sackville New Brunswick and remember wen I was a kid in the early 60s man did we get snow down ther I live in Ontario now and here we wine wen we get a foot I remember seeing the snow as high as the telephone lines at side of road we get nothing really here in Ontario I remember walking up the hill to my grandmas the snow was so deep it took forever mind you I was probably around 7 but man some of the drifts were crazy I remember the ploughs going by I believe back then they had a guy running the wing looks like a fun job except hard on your body all the bouncing around you are prob pretty sore so far this year we had a couple storms so I’m sure it may be a rough winter not compared to you guys through stay safe great video now that’s winter in the maritime we are lucky here in Ontario nice of you not to fill in the guys drive way

[@timdehoogh8441]

JimHowDigsDIrt cool videos and relaxing videos of you navigating the snow covered roads be safe and god bless

[@arneservatius8686]

Seems like a V-plow would be easier busting open country roads. Fantastic truck. Michigan

[@michaelroecker4315]

You boyz don't fuck around......just awesome.oh...thanx 4 the ride.

[@Iwillnotbepushed]

After a snow like this there’s no better sound than a truck scraping a plow past your house.

[@witchinghour4423]

Keep up the great work Jim. Love the videos

[@mrk0m093]

Side wing view was so good 😍

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks you!

[@brentcos9370]

Great video! Might I suggest adding a rear-looking camera? Also, a camera that is mounted on the roof for a birds-eye-view. Thank you for making this video!

[@blauer2551]

Rear camera most likely would be a white out of blowing snow

[@ryanmclain5869]

Any outside camera would just get snow built up around it.

[@MrInnovativeEnergy]

Awesome! Almost as much snow as we get here in Arizona!

[@danachappell3861]

I see your favourite snowdrifts were back.. lol I know how you feel. I am in NB and the same thing was happening here. We got at least a foot of snow here, and the winds were unbelievable. You are about the only plow driver that goes back to widen out a spot that is troublesome. I usually don't see it happening here. I was worried that you would have a monster drift on that uphill like you did a few years back. Great job and can't wait for the next one. 😲😁📸👍🚛🤗💕🐸

[@gwharton68]

I grew up with snow like that. Don't miss is a bit now.

[@eriks836]

Love that turbo!! Great video!! Thanks for sharing

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Music to your ears! Thanks for watching!

[@NeilLB7]

We have a 2000 International PayStar 5000 with one way and side wing plow. Also has a 14' side chain bed with spinner in center of truck. The bed floor dumps to the driver side when you get low on salt/sand. It's a beast like this truck. Cummins N14 power, 8LL Eaton Fuller, and the walk on solid front fenders. We call it Frankenstein. Not much it can't move out of the way especially if we hook up the V-Plow to the front. It's not a 6x6 but when the diff locks and interaxle lock are in...things will be moved.

[@torontoknightking2391]

How hard is it to control the wing? I'm licensed and wouldn't mind doing this job. I'd become a hero just like you. Well done Sir!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

You can do it! It just takes a bit of practice, but once you get a feel for it then there's nothing to it.

[@torontoknightking2391]

@@JimHowDigsDirt Thanks for the reply, Yes, I think I could adapt to the job, just a matter of finding one haha!

[@jackriley5974]

Back in the day, a friend who lived in the Adirondacks and drove the same style plow rig was known to be a beeraholic. Even with a buz on, or maybe because of that. he drove solo (no wing man) often. The area had the old style post and cable guard rails and you knew even when you couldn't see him that Tom was driving. At nearly the speed limit the wing gave out a little click every time it tapped a post.

[@jeffeffery8181]

That pickup at 13:13 came out of nowhere. The snow is so isolating. It's surreal and beautiful

[@fdMT_EnGy]

Do you run skids or casters on the front blade or just edge to pavement?

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

The blades are on the pavement and we have a set of shoes mounted an inch high just behind the plow.

[@fdMT_EnGy]

@@JimHowDigsDirt ok just wondering. I cant stand anything but the blade on the pavement. When my 9' Western plow at work was new it came with two skids that slid in holes in the back. Our boss made me use them adjusted to the same level as the blade until we got sleet and freezing rain after plowing and those skids kept the blade off the ground just enough to leave a thin packed layer that then turned to ice once the temp dropped. It got cold enough to where salt wasn't working and we were screwed. Next time he made us bring them up a half inch....I decided he's an idiot and I took them completely off until the storm was over. Cleanest roads in town. Black and wet. The big trucks had rubber tired casters that he had them ride half inch higher than the blade thinking once the edge wore down a bit the tires would hold it up so it wouldn't wear anymore. Yeah, when he got the bill for an entire caster assembly, he cranked them way up. Edges are a lot cheaper. LOL We even tried rubber edges for a while....wasn't horrible on the 8' on the pickups, but the 9' on the mason dumps and 11' on the internationals....during a 2 day storm we went thru 2 edges per truck. He had another idea once to double up steel edges, then rubber and steel, then carbide and steel. Seemed he liked pissing taxpayer money away.

[@HenauderTitzauf]

Wished he’d get that nasty spit place on the windshield cleaned off. Enjoyed the video, thanks for sharing with all.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

In the future I will try to keep windshield cleaner in front of the camera! Never really noticed it at the time. Thanks Henauder!

[@danr1920]

Windshield wipers from the 1950's!!! Make a tuff job even tuffer.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yeah... and I think our headlights might be from the 50s too! lol

[@atomjordan]

😄

[@Ramtough01]

Now thats snow plowing! Also looks like front blade could use some weight on it for that harder snow. Wish got snow storms like that where i live. Dont get much anymore like use to

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yeah, you caught that did you? Those drifts were so hard packed that the plow rode right up over them.

[@SnowMenShow]

Awesome machine and great video!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thank you!

[@rolfekurtyka-realestateexa6078]

In rural areas, would it ever make sense to use a V-plow with a wing on each side?

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Vee plows are good for opening road after heavy snowfall, but If you used them all the time it be putting half the snow into the oncoming lane of traffic. Our trucks with a wing on both sides is only used on our divided highways.

[@PakistaniTrucker]

Great Work !!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thank you! Great comment, lol.

[@ragrle]

There is to much to do as is in these big plow trucks automatic transmissions only, nice video.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

My new Mack is a 12 speed manual with an automatic clutch! One less thing to contend with sure makes life easier when plowing snow. Thanks for watching!

[@TacoStacks]

Those are some major drifts

[@franzisaryk5965]

This winter really sucked here in the northeast coast of nj oh well maybe we'll get a big one next year

[@robertmintz63]

Now to me the wing looks a little short, but it might just be the angle, our wing was 10’ cleared about 8’ of road on the straight, but that also depends on the angle adjustments by the telescoping push arms .

[@albertcyphers1532]

I did this for 28 years. I only put the one way plow on to clean up if you use a heavier scraper plow it usually doesn't lift in drifting

[@dieselman8v923]

Last municipality show I went to I seen many of the new trucks have windshield defrosters. I know that would sure come in handy.

[@kevinbarletta7749]

Love the sound of the shift and the Diesel under a lot 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@TrevDoggTV]

Got dang driver. Them some drifts right there

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thank you Trev-Dogg!

[@Builder99]

Great job Jim...Stay safe...

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Builder! Take care!

[@marvinwegner6119]

Told ya Jim. Let it snow. Video's are great. Keep them coming.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Marvin! I'm still waiting for some big snow to get some new videos. I filmed these shots back in 2015.

[@420growers3]

I need that blade on the front of my tractor, my sis moved out that way from Ontario, shes feeling a real winter forsure, that's what snow storms used to be like. Nice video.

[@raymondware826]

I love ❤️ a snow ❄️ day 🥰😍🤩

[@timdenowh95]

Looks like a v plow on that truck would nail those drifts if you had one with enough curl. Have fun out there.

[@ziddi2603]

I'm uncomfortably cold just watching this!

[@brianjohnston9822]

Nerves of steel, it takes a special person to drive at that speed and keep it under contro.

[@tomasthomas8563]

I remember my pops getting lots of xmas gifts from satisfied customers, hell he never had to buy a bottle of jb cc or any other top shelf booze. The liquor cabinet was always stocked with xmas gifts from satisfied customers.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Oh wow! I think the only gifts I got was a bag of homemade cookies from one lady and another gentleman gave me a Tim card. They must have really liked your pop!

[@124404302]

where do you run out of Jim, a few of your DOT brothers are in my fire department, thank you for what you do, enjoying your videos

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I'm in Pictou County and work out of the MacLellans Brook.

[@arneservatius8686]

That blowing drifting road looks like my neighborhood. Open farm land. Plus I live on East side Lake Michigan 1 mile from coast high country. Snow belt. It like the Tundra in Winter if you do not have 4x4 HD your not going far. On some days. Michigan

[@Frank-bf6ez]

In northern alaska we just use big wheel loaders and just give her all the way through the snow drifts

[@quovadis5036]

I'm guessing they don't have scorpions, rattlers or crocadiddles in NS

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Nope, just frogs and garden snakes...a few salamanders too...lol!

[@smokyislay]

Greetings from Finland! First I thought why there is no signs to prevent opening the road on top of nothing but later on the video I learned they would be pretty useless on that amount of snow.

[@brakel8r]

so many people complain about winter.....and can't wait for it to be over.........that is simply wishing time and life away. Sit back ..relax ...and enjoy it

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I agree! If the world gives you lemons then you make lemonade. Thanks for watching!

[@dwightlyon3643]

Seen enough of that when i was behind the wheel doing it!

[@robertburt9071]

I remember plowing snow back in the seventies with a grader In Ontario Canada

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

The good ole days!

[@arriecohen2672]

Jim, who blocks driveways

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Sorry about that Arrie! But that's why they pay me the big bucks! lol

[@james-mt5sh]

ran 82692 for a few winters. 82689 is in the area as well

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

They are quite a brute, ehh?

[@bowwinkle6651]

After Eight Hours Of That I Would Need Eight Hours Of Sleep To Recover Physically Exhausting

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

We have two 12 hour shifts that alternate between 5 am and 5 pm. Some places they plow for days before getting a break. We have to run log books and can't run any more than 16 hours, but that rarely happens.

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

Right! Looks like loads of fun!

[@blackchecker2009]

Is this snow shield really so small are the trucks of us just higher or are our in germany really that big 😅

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

That truck is a six wheel drive so it stands a lot higher.

[@customcreations-rickkramer5357]

You might want to think about adding more light on the back of your truck. It may be yellow but everything was covered by snow so it's hard to see those tiny tail lights.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I just got a new Mack plow truck and it is well lit up on the back.

[@customcreations-rickkramer5357]

@@JimHowDigsDirt so you see what I was talking about? It likes looking back on the older cars 50-80's and you had 2 barely lite bulbs and they were very hard to see even in a light snow fall. Glad you have a new truck with lots if new and brighter LEDs. Good luck to you and be safe...lots of crazy stupid drivers out there!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Rick! Appreciate your comments.

[@lisaqmoon1]

Wish we got snow like that. I just love it. We get ice

[@arnomrnym6329]

Thx! Nice work! 👍😎

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Any time!

[@Intimidator82]

In those really drifted spots do you call in a blower to push the banks backs? Looks like the road is down to about a lane and a half in spots. You'd never go in the ditch, just bounce off the sides

[@MrLordBaer]

yep, same thing on the West coast. Atleast the airflow is out of the north so things keep cold and not a 'fake' spring feel.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Here in Nova Scotia it's anywhere from Plus 10 to Minus 20 Celsius. Crazy weather!

[@ivang97997]

amazing, how can you tell where is the road and where's the shoulder? to me, i am sure i will drive off the road and hit the ditch. you did a great job, sir!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thank you! I know the first few times I plowed the roads it was pretty scary not knowing where the center line was. After a while you just seem to get a feel for it.

[@nicke1903]

It's wild how a few feet of Snow can completely change how the road looks even if you know it it can trick you.Id love to drive a Rig like that,I've messed around with a friends Volvo Dump Truck with the Plow on it,but NOTHIN close to this.

[@garyburbank4559]

It's pretty easy once you get used to Plowing I want a set up like that for 2 of my trucks

[@xx5zi]

If you are lucky enough to plow the same roads each night, you get accustomed to things like the guide stakes and delineator posts on the edge of the pavement (if the road has them). You also train your eyes to spot solid obstacles like guard rail ends slightly ahead of time. That's not to say we don't occasionally put a truck in the ditch, or tickle a guard rail or Jersey barrier now and then. We're only human, but we love the work.

[@chuckdumas1023]

Boy you guys get some big snow there hats off to you mate for keeping a clear path ! Long hrs im sure

[@290wayne]

Did this in the mountains of West Virginia. Where it was guess where the road is?

[@SledgeHammer43]

You could use a push broom to clean off the back of the truck, and a extra heater to help defrost the windshield.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

A heated windshield would be nice!

[@allanscontent9794]

You are saving peoples lives

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Allen! Just trying to make the roads a little safer for everyone!

[@lukegrcic3829]

Where about in Nova Scotia do you plow

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Pictou County!

[@psalm23sheepdog]

With that much drifting , I’m really surprised you’re not using a bigger drift blade up front, and I’m not talking about a V blade either.

[@craigolson6311]

Northern Minnesota? That road looks familiar.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Nova Scotia, Canada

[@craigolson6311]

looking minnesota since the woods and the roads are same. that's awesome! @@JimHowDigsDirt

[@johnpatterson4272]

Yeah baby! That's how it's done in Canada.

[@invista4134]

Where is this location..? Wow...! The amount of snow there is, looks like Vermont or Montana... I am a truck driving Instructor (Semi tractor trailer) but would sure love to do this job, as my work of helping people out...

[@andrewmaas6620]

I plow snow for the state and I really wish we would get that much snow

[@xx5zi]

What state, brother snowfighter? I work for WSDOT between Seattle and Spokane.

[@BorisFett]

I keep waiting for some good snow. Such a disappointing winter.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I agree! I would much rather go out to plow a foot of snow than an inch or two. This video was from the snowfalls we got back to back in March 2015 so keep your fingers crossed.

[@dustinpollard6237]

Tell me about it, i FINALLY have a tractor with a snowblower attachment and we get nothing this year!! what a buzzkill. Oh well, i traded a dusty guitar for it, so im sure the blizzards from the 90s will be back one day or im moving to buffalo!!

[@MarkWilliams-vp7xw]

Looks like you have to do your share of shelfing on that road

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yes, by times it drifts pretty good along here.

[@shanemadden1907]

I know I’m a bit late asking this but where in Nova Scotia is this.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Pictou County, I work out of the MacLellans Brook depo.

[@antisoda]

We've been kinda lucky around these parts and haven't had that much snow. I guess now I said that we'll get a meter or two of the stuff. And a rainy summer...

[@rollingcoal9500]

God I love this truck

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Me too! I wish we'd get a some major snow this winter so I can put it to work.

[@paulgeier7324]

Do you ever ask for the big iron come help with drifts and what brand of one way and wing you have on your star

[@Strino78]

I could be wrong... But that kinda looks like a LaRochelle setup

[@jserra17]

Why are Western Star Trucks so popular in Canada? Is there a Canadian assembly plant?

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

No they are built in Portland, Oregon and Cleveland, North Carolina in the USA! They are popular here in Canada because they are a well built truck!

[@xx5zi]

Made in the USA now, as Jim pointed out. For many years though, Western Star trucks were as Canadian as hockey, when they were made in Kelowna, BC. And Jim's right- they're very well made.

[@ggdhx]

Is it normal for people over there to drive with no lights on in these conditions? Like that pickup truck @ 7:49?

[@jimstout880]

I am not a plow driver. But the obvious things they deal with. Long hours, freezing cold wet weather, traffic, Equipment breakdowns. If you are dissatisfied with their service, I would suggest picking up a shovel. Yeah that’s what I thought. LOL