Western Snow Plow Review after 13 years - Plagued with Problems

[@MrBlackdragon1230]

This situation sounds just like the problem with owning an inkjet printer. They will sell you a printer for dirt cheap but you pay an absolute fortune for the ink.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Yep! Agreed.

[@andrewslagle1974]

i plow many parkinglots for over 30 years the cutting edges wear its a wear part it drags on the ground i buy my edges from mill supply they are not using ar steel also the mfdr will tell you you should have shoes on blade so cutting edge is not dragging on ground add price of new edge into your bids every year we replace most of our cutting edges or buy ar steel at steel yard and try thes will last longer but are high dollar good luck andy

[@AmericanSurvival001]

Paul George Printer ink is more expensive than Jet Fuel!!

[@mattlane2282]

Um, ya but the plow aint cheap rofl.

[@MrBlackdragon1230]

I could have bought a good used skid steer loader for what ive spent on printer ink....lol.

[@marm842]

i come from a steel makeing family. the problem is the process of aneiling process . which is heat treating the steel when made and the metal urgey what is actually put into the molten steel . can make steel harder or softer. i worked at northwestren steel and wire in sterling illonios. this is how i got my education on steel. plus my father worked at russel burt and ward which was a nut and bolt makeing factory . that company still in bussiness in state of michigan.

[@rickgalos5567]

It's not the gauge of the steel, it's the hardness. Alloy steels are engineered for toughness by the addition of other metals to your basic carbon steel. Toughness is the ability to wear more slowly in abrasive situations such as plowing snow on asphalt and concrete. Alloy steels cost more, giving the manufacturer a lower margin and you replace the item less yielding lower sales. Western is not using the appropriate grade of alloy steel for this application. Western is not stupid.

[@Dirtmonkey]

I think your right on this one Rick.

[@Sicktrickintuner]

Yup its cheaper steel. Go to a shop that has plasma or laser. Have them bring in a sheet of 3/4” AR500. Have them cut new edges from the whole sheet. Which might cost $800 per sheet. But now its cheaper per piece. Much nicer to cut your own.

[@gregoryhume9816]

I completely agree, but, I feel taken advantage of, cheaper on the way in and more expensive on the way out buying multiple blades compared to Hinkler brand. I buy a brand that I feel takes care of their patrons, when I find out different I would be changing plow suppliers or buying Hinkler replacement blades. Probably the latter.

[@aaronwillett820]

@@Sicktrickintuner That's what I do. AR 450 or AR 500

[@terryscully3272]

The controller can be programmed for one touch float. Turn off the controller. Press and hold the lower button until the float light flashes. Turn on. The plow will float with one touch. Page 57 in the owners manual.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Terry!

[@jamescarlin569]

Yeaaah man lemme tell you most ppl don't know that

[@knight80210]

Terry scully beat me to it. I have a fisher. Absoutley love it. The 1 touch float is nice. We had a boss for a while and I absoutley hated it. Hated the dual trip in the blade couldn't stack as well w the hydrolic lift vs chain and I couldn't get used to running the controllers after fisher. Not to mention the tension springs would always need tightening and I didnt like the mount system vs fisher. Needless to say we traded it back for a fisher after 2 seasons

[@robpond9628]

If they'll cheap out on the cutting edge. Gotta question what else they are cheaping out on

[@jasonkraus2831]

Looks to me like they're cheaping out on the controller. I'm wondering if the issues there are related to how poor that control works. Honestly, the wear on that part is damning regardless of how the controls work or don't.

[@michaelmactavish1728]

thats why my kubota dealer stoped selling blizzards and western plows and just selling snow ex products

[@Dirtmonkey]

True Rob!

[@k.b.322]

Michael Mac Tavish snow-ex, Fisher, blizzard and western are all owned by the same company: Douglas Dynamics. All their plows are basically the same other than model names, color and decals.

[@whitedragon153]

Their main thing with a cheap fall-apart cutting edge is to make it a consumable product that you have to keep coming back to buy from them. Just a Greedy way of doing business.

[@watertanks4uwv]

Upon the purchase of new plows we remove the factory cutting edge and purchase qtr inch thick hardened steel, eight inches wide and whatever length of the plow. (Bulldozer blade steel) We use the new edge as a template and mark the mounting holes and then blow them out with the torch. Grind the slag off and place to the side ready for use. The eight inch width allows for a "flip" of the blade to get another four inches of blade life. We have been doing this for years with no ill affects on the plow life nor blade mounting bolts.

[@bradenkalevik7012]

A little trick to make any cutting edge last longer is put one continuous bead of weld on the bottom of the cutting edge because weld is already hardened, what we would do when I was in high school is people would bring there plows in and we would weld there cutting edges we even did that for the county a couple of times

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks for sharing Braden!

[@dunkinhines7212]

New subscriber. 22 years plowing in Des Moines. Enjoy the videos!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you, glad to have you here!!

[@adamanderson8919]

Once you wear through the original cutting edge, replace it with one made from AR500 steel. It’s an abrasion resistant steel. I had to replace the cutting edge on my 9.5 foot MVP3 half way through my first season. 5 years later, I’ve only worn through 1/32”.

[@zacharydanneels3088]

You should've always went to your local metal/fab shop and just had them sheer/bend/break/punch the carriage bolts in, and paid like $150 instead of $500... Anything maintenance related, you buy the best products you can find, because proper maintenance is what holds everything together; like tires and fluid changes on equipment. Awesome videos Stan, keep it up man!

[@danfd26233]

I run western pro plus on all my pickup and Mason dumps in a municipal setting. We swap out the oem blades ot the first replacement with nice 1/2" edges from someone else.. works nicely

[@cosminpopescu92]

What's up with the blurry rectangle ?

[@41dodgee300]

I've plowed for years with a straight blade and only replaced my edge once. It came with a 1/2 inch plate. At the end of the first season I replaced it with a D2 dozer edge, after 11 years it has lost less than 1.5 ". Unlike the new modern blades that have no weight, my 8' blade weighs in at over 500lbs, 120 of which is the edge. I do not use shoes. YES its all about the edge!

[@zacharydanneels3088]

Sounds like they use A36 grade steel for those. It's an incredibly-strong product.

[@joshboersma1271]

Stan! Josh from Iowa here. My western dealer are great guys who would never intentionally take advantage of anyone and I am going to let them know about this video. What you are saying is absolutely true! I have been plowing this season on a fresh set of cutting edges and I will be needing a new set by the time the season is over!!!!!!! one season!!!!! My Hiniker lasts way longer.

[@joshboersma1271]

I will say I understand what you are saying about the controller and my finger has a callous because I hold that drop button forever but I do like it. It has more options. just get use to it and dont use other controlers and its fine. Just my opinion :) Thanks for everything Stan. Stop by my shop next time you are in Iowa

[@brianswinford4825]

Love your videos, I have plowed in NE Ohio for 20 years. I used Western plows for the first half of my career. Loved the plows I think they are of the best out there but when I watched this video I realized that I too had issues with the cutting bars on the last 2 western plows I used. I switched to Boss because we lost our western dealer locally and the Boss customer service locally is top notch. So looking back I would totally agree that I changed more cutting bars when i was running western by far. In fact i was changing a bar every season with western . I never gave it much thought because at that time i picked up a lot of road work so i just figured I was running more miles of plowing. But it just doesnt add up. I switched to boss about 8 years ago and im only on my second cutter. This one is still in very good shape. Great video keep up the good work.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you Brian !

[@kb9knd]

I think you should have the hardness tested of the two blades you talked about in your video. The Rockwell hardness test can be done at a machine shop. Then you’ll have the proof you need and the knowledge of what you want to buy for your next blade. The harder the steel, the longer it will wear. If it’s too hard, it will break, like glass, when it hits something. By testing both blades, you’ll know what Rockwell number works best in this application.

[@elandscaper5434]

Ive got a western 8` strait blade plow , with over 20 years of service , havent replaced cutting edge yet . They USED to build em right , not anymore Great Videos Stan , love all the ideas and shop talk ! Keep it up

[@Dirtmonkey]

20 years? Wow!

[@TheMitchbassman]

Yea I got an International blade Ive had since 1970. Never replaced the cutting edge yet. I live in North Carolina, we get 2 small snows a year. lol

[@johnthree1611]

Very respectable that you are uploading honest videos like this to help noobs like me. I believe this is the best way to make corrupt companies change their practice of obsolescence.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you John !

[@Hoefy88]

Western are by far the best plows. You can't beat the hydraulics with the v and back drag. Just don't by the cutting edge.

[@robertrhodes9123]

Run a bead of stick weld along the edge. Weld is harder than the steel & wears better. We used to get a lot more use out of plow shares on the farm . Plowed over 300 acres, had to do something & it worked !

[@Dirtmonkey]

Yes- great point!

[@joshuamcclure6427]

Just last year I bought this plow because in my area it was a GRAND cheaper installed. My brother took over the brand new mvp 8.5 and by Feb we had to replace it. We did the HD blades and got the curb guards and center guards but after just one plow I can see this is going to be an issue. Thanks for keeping us informed bud, well be going to Exts and pull plows from here moving forward. Stay safe!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you Joshua! You stay safe too !

[@aldonco]

Thanks Stan for doing the video. I had the same problem I just went to aftermarket and no problems after that.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks for sharing

[@CTmoog]

This is what happens when companies let the bean counters be in charge. Great video!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks!

[@heathdickinson8122]

I had the same issue with both my MVP plows and after doing some research I switched to a blizzard cutting edge and that seams to have cured the issue

[@kevinr7129]

I run western 8'-10' wideouts and haven't changed the main cutting edge. Had the one almost 5 yrs, it's held up good and I plow a lot of parking lots. Only thing that wore out was the polyurethane wing edges which I have switched to the steel edges.

[@andyjamroz2368]

How much does that western plow weigh compared to your other one? Looks a lot bigger and heavier. Just a thought.

[@gabesmith654]

WOW, thanks we we're actually looking at western for next season I've been researching found this video I think I'll be getting a BOSS maybe still looking

[@Dirtmonkey]

Look around see what others are saying. read these comments- people are sharing good and bad on here.

[@williamlipczynski7648]

Honestly I love my boss plows one is 14 years old and only thing I had to do was replace the motor this season other than that it's been great I've gone through 2 cutting edges on it. The other is only 2 seasons old so still doing good no problems yet. I had a western hated the controller myself and the a frame snapped twice. The western dealer told me it was a problem on some of the older MVPs.

[@abm2958]

Couldn't agree more, I switched to Boss 17 years ago and still have my original plow along with one other that's newer, no problems with either of them other than the occasional spring and I replaced the original cutting edges once in 17 years. You couldn't give me a Western now.

[@ateam31271]

I love western never had a problem

[@meadowviewlawncarellc8079]

Just to clarify it's not a western issue, it's the parent company Douglas dynamics. Because the fisher xv2 plow wears just as fast. Having said that they should've made it out of better steel once they knew of the issue. On the other hand I just replaced the edge on my wideout (with a new western one not aftermarket )for the first time ever since buying in 09 and using almost 100% commercially. Curious to see if the new one holds up as good as the original. Never had a complaint about the controller I like it ,it's also the same one used on snowex and fisher brand. Oh and u can set one touch float so u don't gotta hold the button.

[@6.8SuperDutyDriver]

Meadow View Lawn Care, yeah it tells you how to set it to one touch float in the manual. Just gotta open it and read it I guess lol.

[@meadowviewlawncarellc8079]

6.4 HemiDriver there's even a video showing how to do it if reading isn't your thing! Lol

[@nicholaslandolina]

Meadow View Lawn Care LLC Why they are in business to make a profit... they want to sell more

[@6.8SuperDutyDriver]

Just went out to the truck to put mine into one touch float mode. Real simple to do. Probably gonna switch it back. Doesn't bother me to hold the button down.

[@durkj3370]

It is Westerns fault, they are the ones who pick the steel for the cutting edge NOT the manufacturer of the cutting edge, they are just doing as they are told

[@bradheilman7992]

First off, great videos!! Have a 350 acre farm and only use tractors to clear snow now and have been researching plows for months. I thought I finally made my decision with western until this video. The info on the controller just set me back to square 1!! I’d like a controller that a don’t have to constantly look down at instead of keeping my eyes on the road!! Isn’t safety the whole point? Now I have to see what this hinny is all about👍 Thx bud, Brad Pa.

[@maxspoonemore3099]

This is why i follow you. Nit afraid to call the manufacturers out on junk equipment. Go get em!!!!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Max.

[@truckstotractorsrepair]

Get rubber ones for the wide out, probably a little late but it’s good on dirt, and grass. The metal ones just are not heat treated.

[@tractormatt4301]

I wonder if Western makes their plows too heavy so the blade wearers out faster than a normal plow cutting edge?

[@TheUserid82]

Matt is is the hardness of the steel not the weight of the plow that is the problem. You can have a butter soft steel that will wear away in hours where a hard steel will last you years.

[@Dirtmonkey]

I think its soft steel.

[@eddiecunninghamlll9684]

Meyer sv2 & boss have the heaviest Mall boards. Western is selling soft Steel oh, hardly any carbon

[@frank6733]

How many videos does he have with that blurry rectangle in the middle of the screen

[@Vendetta_Armada80]

I have a fisher plow 8' straight, bought in 2006 still works and had to sharpen blade only 3 times!! 2006-present

[@jadenkahn2122]

I live 7 blocks away from dougles dynamics (western,fisher, and blizzard) in milwaukee. About 4 years ago i bought a fisher. Brand new from a dealer. I am friends with the owner of a local shop were a higher ranked dougles employee brought his car. After talking with him with the many problems with my plow he one hooked me up with a free lift ram "plow was still under warranty" after the 3rd ram was replaced. Two was very upset to see the rust starting everywhere. And three the amount of slop in ALL movable joints and mounts. He scheduled an appointment with the LEAD tech of their company. I actually drove my truck in their shop through the factory. There was 3 people who i showed all my problems with. The answers i recived blew my mind. The guy asked the tech "why is this plow rusting so bad when we have the best paint in the industry?" The LEAD techs answer was if i would have bought a red plow you would not have seen the rust. The slop in all the pins is normal. I was shocked and thats when i realized i got screwed. I brought up the featured that were falsely advertised and recived no solid answer. The info booklet i have when i bought my plow is different than the current booklet. And the plow is the exact same!!

[@Dirtmonkey]

My Pins on my plows are SUPER sloppy as well. Its just not a tight made piece of equipment.

[@williamdavis922]

You guys are exactly right, I used to get 3 to 4 seasons on my old western cutting edges, with my new western cutting edges, I only get one and a half seasons out of them!!

[@imperialservices9892]

I’m looking at buying a western this summer MVP 8.6 now you got me thinking about my new boss plow

[@gregoryhume9816]

Watching through the video, you identified the problem right away, and the FIX WAS MENTIONED RIGHT AWAY ALSO. Buy Hinkler snow plow blades for the Western Snow Plows, they were considerable less expensive. If bolt paddern doesnt match either a machine shop or drill press, or plazma cutter. You are right about Western straight bladed lasting a long time. On to the controller, does the Western have as many wires as the Hinkler's controller, because I would be trying a switcher roo on that problem.. I think doing a controller switch over should be a summertime repair just in case scenario. Using two different company's wiring schematics to see if buying a Hinkler controller could be wired in instead or a multi wire male-female plug in connector used for the change out, just a thought. I have a fisher with that same controller and it blows...

[@lapointe77]

That's why I've always used Fisher Plows from the start. Never had any major problems with anything other than blowing a hose out during a storm but I was always able to fix it right then.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Sounds good!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Oh man, been waiting for this one!

[@barrysimmons5489]

If I remember correctly when I used to work in the truck shop we would take a piece of 3/8 or 1/2 inch by 4 bar stock punch holes in it and there is your Cutting Edge. On both of the Myers plows that I had on the Scout and my power wagon, I took about an 8 inch piece of steel and tacked them on either end of the blade. This after noticing how the ends of the blade seemed to wear faster.... because I was a welder I used to do all this myself it was less expensive I'm sure than having to send it out to be done. That's why I suggested in another video when your plow broke off the front of your truck... You need to hire somebody and equip a plow truck to do repairs on-site... Then when something breaks you got it done right now. Having been a solo operation I arranged to have a shop to go to where I could get it inside and fix it and then go back to work. Just a suggestion.

[@racenation5953]

We have a boss plow that services 6 gas stations all winter for the last 8 years, and we finally had to replace the cutting edge. Some say the boss plows take longer because you have to command each wing individually, there isn't just a scoop or vee button, but it so straight forward you can use the remote without looking at it.

[@Dirtmonkey]

I have that Boss V controller- I loved it.

[@grumpy1311]

4th year on Fisher/ western Xv2 . Just replaced stock cutting edge this season . I believe the stock edge is 1/2 inch, to make the weight less , and the dealer replacement is 5/8 thick. I believe the cutting edge steel is like cheese. But as you say the plow has performed well. I use shoes since most of my plowing is on gravel, I think this has prolonged the life of my cutting edge , but I wore a set of shoes out completely... like paper thin and then just the stubs left. The replacement shoes have a wider pad and work really well. If you adjust them just right with spacers it takes some of the pressure off the blade while still achieving a good scrape. It's a heavy plow with the tall wings and a very steep attack angle. This attributes to the edge and shoes wearing,though in combination with soft steel, leads to shorter life.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Plowing gravel also helps. When we plow you can see sparks fly. Its just what we have to do.

[@jasonrader7846]

company i work for our mvp3 plow was eating plow edges till this year the boss bought a built blade edge with double layered metal and a thick carbide cutting strip

[@jennyroot216]

Having the exact same problems with exact same plow ! And yes the controller sucks!!! I personally loved the old boss joystick never worried about dropping it or trying to shift with controller in your hand!

[@ryanmcdougall22]

I like Meyer.... but I no longer plow.... And the basic pistol grip controller. Great info here in the video, thanks Stan!

[@Dirtmonkey]

You're welcome!

[@TWOSU_NEWS]

Hold up., i have been plowing for 3 years using western blades and others., its not the steel, its the angle of the plow wen you plow wether your pushing, creating win rows exc., the more you switch between the faster its going to wear because your creating opposing striations on the leading edge of the steal.

[@donfrance3]

Yup Don't-ya-know ... these are real videos for sure ... I'm originally from Northern Michigan and now in the Rockies with a Western snowplow on an Offroad F-250. This Mr Genadek is telling the TRUTH. We can get a lot done with it, but constant tweaking is the key to keeping on - keepin on !

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks for the comments Don !

[@davidjfiedler]

Get your cutting edges made from ar500 steel or better. You’ll possibly never have to replace them. As far as controllers go, my 17 year old blizzard expandable has a plastic box with 4 rocker switches. In and out for each wing, angle, and up down with float detent. It’s strapped to the seat/ console, and I never have to look at it.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Sounds like a good set up.

[@jayreid9385]

You can change that control to one touch float just read your manual you won't have to hold the button down

[@Dirtmonkey]

I plan on doing that.

[@zacktexley953]

We ONLY run aftermarket cutting edges on our Hiniker and Boss plows! All are V-Plows and the aftermarket have lasted us 5 seasons minimum. Factory edges, in my opinion, are junk and this video reaffirms my suspicions. Great vid Stan and keep it up!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Zack- I am moving one of my Westerns over to an aftermarket edge to see what happens.

[@marcplaisted460]

Why the blurry rectangle in the middle?

[@bernhard8540]

I found hiniker last year and I love the v plow I've owned a few brands and not saying any were super bad besides snowdogg... but the remote has got to be my all time favorite thing about it and I don't do lots as big as you guys but I do loads of houses and streets around my town and back side roads and house on those roads and the schools and some businesses and that cutting edge takes a beating and I still have loads of blade left after two seasons of just 20 to 30 minute runs of just straight down the road non stop and then turning around and going down the other side of the road and it just takes the punishment now it's more sides roads and stuff so I can go slow but I'm not gentle with the hiniker and it feels just as good as the day I installed it

[@CMNTMXR57]

What kind of shoes are you running on the plows (if you can)? I added them to mine (A Western 8ft Pro straight blade), and then set them properly and I have had ZERO issues with cutting edge wear since.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Before it was their blades we used but NO shoes. We can't run shoes becasue of zero tollerance

[@CMNTMXR57]

@@Dirtmonkey Got it, I was just trying to think of another way to support the weight of the plow when down and not on the cutting edge.

[@kenbolsen8295]

If you have a blacksmith near you take the blade that lasted the longest and one of the newer edge. They will be able to tell you the difference in grade of steel and its wear resistance. Hell he may be able to make you better edge. Thickness does play a factor but the biggest is the grade of steel, the grade is determined by the alloying elements, and those determine ductility, hardness and wear resistance.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Interesting, thanks for sharing!

[@galehess6676]

Were the blades the same height at the start? My Hiniker has been replaced once in 8 years and looks great. My SnoWay I just cut steel to fit, drilled holes, $50. Kind of the cheaper way to go, to make your own... And polycarbonate (not acrylic) plexiglass makes a good mold board for lighter plows if you want to save $.

[@creativelandscapedesigns9493]

I always Loved my Fisher X-blade Stainless Steel, with custom steel side plates. No rust, no fuss & trip edge is the way to go.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Stainless steel blades are nice. I would like one

[@willdavidsonakawd3062]

I would like to thank you for the info in this video because you have opened my eyes to problems i might have to find out on my own... thank you and your operators are badasses

[@quik-n-ezconcretecreations9013]

Check out the Arctic snowplows made in Canada. We have been running them for 18 years and love them. One accessory they have for their trip edge snowplows is box ends. I turned my 9' snowplow on my dually into a pushing machine. Still can angle and window but can scoop when needed. They have different controllers, but the one we run is a joystick. It reminds you of the Atari game controller us old folks had as kids. In the float position it locks in so you know your floating without looking. I'm just curious what is so great about a v plow? Seems like too many options for doing something simple. Really check it out.

[@Dirtmonkey]

V Plows have their place but you can do a lot with a good box plow.

[@nocoolname32]

put my first year on my western wideout XL, all commercial lots, no issues what so ever with the cutting blade.

[@shadetree6981]

I just picked up a half ton chev with a western midweight straight blade. Wasn't my initial plan, but I couldn't pass up the deal. Thanks for the heads up on blades... I've been doing snow in Duluth for 12 years now on the pro level and really my whole life, but this is my first plow so we'll see how it goes.

[@heavyhauler79]

I own a Hiniker V-plow and it has lasted 6 years used on gravel and pavement and no issues. You made the point on Hiniker plow over the Western, selling plow for cheap and and no quality behind it.

[@gabe1616]

If you put a fisher snow plow cutting edge on it you notice a huge difference wears a lot better and it fits right on

[@gabe1616]

There the same plow but fisher has a higher grade cutting edge

[@kwmiked]

Same junk, we see same wear on our Stainless V , 1 yr old it just got a new edge

[@matthewmatthew5755]

I have a old unimount it’s been in our business for over 25 years and we bought it used and we have only done 3-5 cutting edges and we have had that plow on roughly 10 properties a snow so it gets used well I love my western

[@Dirtmonkey]

Cool, thanks for sharing

[@onawhim7737]

I had to laugh when I watched this. I was a snow pusher back in the 70's. We used to have are Western plows rework and one of the first things we swapped out was the cutting edges. They were cheap back then and they still are. Some things never change.

[@richardblowers6875]

I like the controller because it gives you a lot more flexibility with the angles. My western is 8 Years old and still have the same cutting edge but I haven't done much plowing in the last 3yrs. But now it needs a new cutting edge I almost went and bought a new yesterday I'm glad you made this video. thanks

[@Dirtmonkey]

Get an aftermarket edge.

[@jacktrowbridge9775]

Great videos. As far as cutting edges go, you need to go to a steel place and have them make you a cutting edge. They will cut the wholes and everything. From a Michigan Snow Plow Guy.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Cindy!

[@39knights]

Fabricate your own cutting edges (with quality steel) or have a machine shop do it. Should be less than what Western is charging you. I do it for my own blades.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks for the advice

[@skyeflynn7705]

What steel do you use?

[@jamesnm21]

I just did this for a straight plow with ar400 steel from a local fabricator. $200 for a 6x96" piece 1/2" thick. We'll see how it holds up. Drilled the holes myself with a $13 Bosch cobalt bit from Menards chucked up in the drill press and a bottle of tap free. Grade 8 hex head bolts nuts and washers $11. 11% off. Lol.

[@frickandfracksicem]

I would experiment with a foundry changing the temper of the western steel blade. My experience altering the temper in steel and aluminum for precession bending.

[@smitty46145]

Been plowing about 3 Years now and i use a 8’ straight blade boss plow. Considering it was used before buying with the truck it’s been a good plow. Just going to need some tlc for next yr tho. 2018 has been a great season. Hope to get a boss v plow next yr.

[@peckone9001]

One word< Fisher > western strait blades are good I don't know why western cheaped out on their v plows through

[@Dirtmonkey]

Fisher and Western are the same

[@chriscolitas2177]

Stanley - Fisher and Western are the same only by Douglas Dynamics. There is a reason the fisher is always a few hundred dollars more than a western (kinda like why audi's are more expensive than VW, even though there both owned by VW). They make the western cheaper by using cheaper hardness and thickness (my guess is your original edges were 3/8") of steel on the cutting edges. I have all fisher XV2's with 1/2" cutting edges on them and do not have the same issues with edges you are having with the western.

[@6.8SuperDutyDriver]

Fisher and Western V-plows share a lot of the same components. Same moldboards (different color on powder coated plows), electronics, hydraulics, hoses, controllers, cutting edges, wing extensions and more. Different mounting systems.

[@chubby9701]

I'm not a western fan but have you tried double tapping the down button? I learned with Boss plows if you double tap the down button it goes into float right away. I'm a Boss fan by the way

[@williamlacombe3501]

10/10 video. Can’t wait to see more videos like this!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Will!

[@gabbynielsen7908]

Just curious, But why not buy a new cutting edge and then bring it to a metal shop and have them fabricate the same cutting edge with a quality metal? Would that save money?

[@Sicktrickintuner]

My local steel shop, they stock and sell wear edges to replace for buckets. In 4” or 6 inch by 5/8 in full lengths.

[@TheBobcatGuy]

I run fisher plows and they use the same cutting edges as western we go thought 2 cutting edges per season here in canada thanks for the update im looking at buying a new plows for the next truck and maybe need to buy different plows

[@Dirtmonkey]

2 edges per season? Thats to much. something is wrong. I would be pissed

[@creedstreecare4825]

Controller is easy to use for me but your right about the cutting edge. Mine is literally brand new, so thanks for the advice. Can you throw some company's we can call here in the cities who do the cutting edges at a higher grade steel?

[@wardor9214]

Stanley which do you prefer more between Boss and Hiniker? Any particular blade you like the most?

[@Dirtmonkey]

I like both Boss and Hiniker

[@Elementsian]

Thanks for the video. I've had my MVP3 for five years now and had to put a new blade on year two. Last year sucked for us (snow wise), but we will need to replace again by the end of this season. I will be going aftermarket as well this next time around. In terms of the controller, I personally like it and how versatile it is. I started with a Hiniker straight blade and had nothing with problems with that controller(3), plus its not as comfortable in the hand in my opinion. Never ran Boss on a truck, so don't have an opinion on that... But the Boss plow controller on the Multiforce blows!

[@taffyden9718]

Have you had problems with the hydro hoses rotting out in a season. Replace a western controller each year. The dealer even says Douglas is taking manufacturing short cuts

[@Dirtmonkey]

I haven't had that issue.

[@LoneWolfSnowplowing]

If the Western is the same edge as Fisher, the 8.5' comes with a 3/8 thick edge vs the 1/2" thick for the 9.5'. I run a 5/8" aftermarket edge on my 8.5' XV2.

[@Austin-316]

Here in Maine Fisher and Boss plows are the ones to use

[@kylehaskell7351]

Fisher owns western there the same plow

[@oldredcoonhound2182]

When I graded roads for the local city, they used to supply the cheapest blades they could. They would snap as soon as you would contact a curb, manhole, or frost heave in the road. Then it would be moldboard up and back to city shop for s new set. Once they figured out to get the treated blades and one set per shift sometime for two shifts they were way ahead.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Wow- thats really bad.

[@DivotsLawnCareKinsman]

I have a western straight 7.5' with a mounted joystick control. It auto floats when I drop the blade, assuming different with the Vplow...

[@Dirtmonkey]

Its different. I like my old western straight blade better.

[@alaskanawesomeness9017]

Fisher, Snow X, Western and a few more use the same "pistol grip" with all the buttons. I use all of those buttons because we use the hydraulic winged plow. They use a generic controller for all plows. We have the same controller on our fisher V plow but we can switch that v plow truck to our winged plow (breakage n such) and we use all the buttons. I got a brand new "Wide Out" and the blade definitely goes quick. On that particular plow the wings have a HDPE "plastic" Cutter and it looks like i'll have to replace that after this season.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Yeah Douglas Dynamics owns those companies-Hence the same controller.

[@pjwancafarms-landonwanca3907]

we had a boss v plow and we used it to plow out our farm for 15 years and only had to change the blade once

[@evergreen7889]

So... my thoughts on this after plowing lots, roads and some driveways.. wider is better no need for vplows you have containment plows/pushers to carry the bulk snow.. straight blades in wider length.. so a wideout or get a 8.5 9 ft plow on the pickup n add wings if needed.. less is more sometimes.. vplows are good if your in the country n dont have heavy machinery.. me myself i like western/fisher.. fisher is prob best really not too much maintenance and heavy duty.. i like the trip edge found it to really actually save wear n tear just dont hit a curb with it youll go through windshield..

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks for the comments Robert and thanks for viewing !

[@evergreen7889]

@@Dirtmonkey I dont know if you did one but do a video on mini excavator vs backhoe loader.. whats good for what type of jobs.. i had a backhoe and big excavator but never a mini always rented but what are the pros and cons on both for landscaping/ excavating..

[@joshuaderstine4133]

I hear a lot of talk about cutting edges and lights but honestly my concern is with the plow itself. What plow is the strongest? I'm thinking about going with a Fisher. I've got a 5 Mile road and I need to be able to cut through drifts. I just want to buy the strongest plow and I'm not worried about cutting edges and lights.

[@ChrisFletcher-s3d]

I just replaced the blades on two western plows after only two seasons. I have a poly blade for garages that has actually lasted longer.

[@Drew-pn8tv]

You can reprogram the float function on the controller to One Touch you just hold the lower button down while turning on the controller and it will toggle between one touch float and not

[@chersey.3579]

On the western plow controller you can program one touch float

[@robyouknow]

I got a supplier out here in denver that has a carbide infused steel blade that will last 6 times longer than a conventional wear bar, same steel used by the higway department out here. Only draw back is that it cost 2 to 3 times as much $$

[@Dirtmonkey]

Yeah but 6 times longer is worth it.

[@Sicktrickintuner]

Carbide is where its at.

[@andrewstachowiak3815]

I started with a Western, back when Western was Western. Now Western is Douglas Dynamics and they own Western, Fisher, Blizzard, Snow Ex and Henderson. In my opinion once Western sold out, quality went down. I have run BOSS since 1997 and haven't looked back.

[@Dirtmonkey]

The overall plow is good but the cutting edge=NOT

[@j-martv87]

Great video Stan! Ive been using a western all winter and i thought i was the only one that hated how you have to hold down soo long to get into float... caught myself not being in float a bunch of times and having to go right back over what i just did...

[@meadowviewlawncarellc8079]

Joshua Marquette you can program one touch float. Check ur manual. It's simple to do and takes a second.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Im going to that one touch mode thing.

[@CarsonSchifsky]

If you don't already, I couldn't tell, I would get a set of shoes for the plows. We run shoes on all our plows, set them up so when the plows on the ground the shoes have a little extra slop and the edge will wear to the shoes hight making for a really good cleanup.

[@Dirtmonkey]

We cant have anything left behind. So shoes don't work on our lots-zero tolerance for residual.

[@CarsonSchifsky]

I see... they must be very picky... We can get an extremely clean drive with shoes it just takes some adjusting at the beginning of the season to make sure everything is correct.

[@tylersvideoproduction8603]

I love westerns. Never had issues with my older western plows. I firmly believe that western v plow model you bought has a major design flaw. The straight blades in my opinion are rock solid and usually never have issues with anything

[@BBaker-ec2iw]

Tyler's Video Production. 100% agree. Plowing with western straight blade for 4 years no cutting edge change. Controller is super easy to use. Same thing someone said earlier. Use the float.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Yep- my straight plow- no issues

[@nicholasierubino8223]

Stan, love the videos. From foxes to fans to foundations, keep em coming! Next, have you tried the Fisher edge? The Fisher xv is almost identical to your mvp3, not surprising because of the common parent company of Douglas Dynamics. Maybe it is a harder steel. Been going on 11 seasons on my Fisher straight edge, had 2 inches lopped to straighten it (thanks to my steel buddy) because it started to wear on the corners (that nudge into the driveway to even out the windrow from the street affect). Maybe a Snow EX edge from their v plow? They are also a Douglas Dynamics company with almost the same set up as Fisher/Western for their trip edge, but they advertise higher strength steel. Might be worth the money. Stay safe!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks, man. I'll keep that in mind!

[@Rainmakerlm]

I have a western on my F250 that I bought new in 2006. I plowed in NH 1 business (my own) and 3-4 driveways for 4 years. Moved to PA and I plow a lot less often but do 6-8 big driveways and my cutting edge looks brand new. I run the round shoes just below the blade height maybe 1/16-1/8. I’ve replaced the shoes once they were like $75 for the pair. I think the steel on the old edge is probably better, it’s a very beefy plow. The new ultra mounts look pretty wimpy. Maybe try running the shoes lower than the cutting edge. I’ve always run it that way. 12 year (not commercial plowing) and the cutting edge looks great, it’s a little worn on the outside edges but all blades seem to wear on the outside corners first

[@Rainmakerlm]

You should buy an aftermarket cutting edge. Reliability is important so it’s good that everything else works.

[@unisourceunderground3929]

Winter Equipment has curb guards for pickup truck plows. I put some on the small trucks at a municipal job and they are still on that truck after 3 years. It was a small Fisher and it was always wearing down too fast before I tried those Winter curbgaurds.

[@Dirtmonkey]

We outfitted one plow with them.