What NOT to do in a Snow Plow | Snow Plow Operator

[@tomchrisfield7348]

One thing I learned is to push that early snow back a lot farther than you need to to save room for later snows. Once that early snow gets hard you can't move it without beating the hell out of your equipment.

[@jeremiahleemcgillicuddy8525]

exactly!!👍🏻👍🏻

[@ctdieselnut]

Plow driver 18 yrs here. Pickup, 1 ton dump, skid steer, tractor. It's kind of like welding, you can be 20% proficient in an hr, to really be the most efficient, effective, and getting the job done with the least wear and tear on equipment takes watching a pro a long time, and experience. Knowledge of how the mechanics of the equipment work. Tips, Good tires, a lot of weight (ballast) sandbags are cheap. At least 100 lbs per ft of blade, but more like 200 if you can. Use momentum. Dont hit gas till you feel truck has dropped into gear. Drop plow once your rolling forward, not at a stop. Try to plow downhill if you can. Pay attention to 6 points, 4 corners of truck, two corners of plow. Plowing a winding road, hug inside corners first pass, widen from there. Making many straight long pushes? Take a heavy cut(with a lot of spillover), then a cleanup. Repeat. Faster than only clipping and advancing window 1 ft back per pass. Make large, deliberate movements with controller, not little bumps. Adjust angle with blade out of snow, while lifted (as much as possible). At the end of a pass, lift once you're in rev, rolling backwards. Unless needs to clear curbs/grass. (Less load on hydraulics) Theres so much more that really needs to be hands on to learn, or is property specific, but I hope I helped someone just starting with a few pointers. Correct me if I'm wrong or missed something obvious.

[@davidfass4204]

You hit some really good points. Take care of your charging system.

[@Jordan-qu9rv]

Sandbags like a counter balance?

[@Brian-cr6rb]

When the coffee cup launches into the windshield. FOUND THE CURB! I've been plowing since I was like 13 years old, and the advice that I share that shocks most seasoned operators is about keeping the fog off the windows inside the truck. Keeping the cowl clear to allow fresh air into the hvac system is vital. Furthermore, I was always told, don't turn off the engine until you are done, even if it's a 90 hour storm. The issue is, with trucks with air conditioning are great at defogging, but the snow clogs up the condenser, rather quickly, rendering the de fog option useless. These days, I'm not too worried about the truck not starting again, but you older guys I'm sure get it. Snow removal is less stressful when you have a clear view. I'm in heaven now thanks to heated mirrors too! What an innovation!

[@Topdogswmi]

Tips from my years of snow plowing. 1. Crank up defrost heat to keep wipers from freezing. Use windows to regulate cabin temp. 2. Raise plow towards end of push to pile snow high. Don't just slam into pile. 3. Before plowing for the first time in the morning, spray the face of the plow with silicone spray to prevent snow sticking to plow.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

excellent tips...thanks for sharing!

[@dianafertig2188]

Thanks for the Silicone Spray tip.

[@523FILMS]

Throwing some dog shit on the defroster heater works well too

[@adamr8628]

Good points. The thing about defrost that always comes to mind........ If you have any kind of chips or cracks in the windshield...... Make sure you warm up the glass gradually because if you warm up the engine first and then switch over to defrost..... You know what happens next! I don't know why but it's easy to forget that sometimes, especially when the cracks are hard to see.

[@HeartTribe]

@@523FILMS lol what?

[@richarddrewniak2097]

Doing commercial plowing all my life in Vermont, this man has good advise for guys just learning .

[@dirkus3722]

A few things that were recommended to me when I plowed snow (20 years ago, but I doubt it has changed much)... - Avoid reversing whenever possible -- for safety, but also to save on transmission wear & tear -- if you're on a big lot, when you get to the end, don't pile up the snow, just lift your blade, turn around and drive back to the start of the run, drop the blade and make another pass. Once the majority of the lot is clear, you can go back and clean up the dump area. - Use 1st gear exclusively for forward motion -- saves on unnecessary 1-2 shifts, and also helps keep you from going faster than you intend to go

[@mkadventures2313]

Reverse is your strongest gear by far in your entire transmission.

[@m.m14433]

Im starting plowing next winter and ill be doing plenty back dragging due to smaller driveways.. So reversing..

[@rcclassiccrawlers4368]

Yeah, I don’t agree with you on reversing. I’ve plowed snow for thirty five years and at times I felt like I had as many miles accumulated backing up as I did going forward in a parking lot. Especially if you aren’t using a skid loader to do the back dragging near garage doors and tight areas.

[@m.m14433]

@@rcclassiccrawlers4368 so reversing & back dragging in a 2500hd is fine?

[@jamesdickson7510]

@@mkadventures2313 was thinking the samething.

[@kevinmorris2959]

Just crawled in bed after being out for 11 hours, I run a pay loader, pretty much all spot on for everything but my biggest tip is to stay fed and hydrated, quality food choices are scarce at 3 am for where I am in NH, take an extra 3 minutes and make a few sandwiches, pb+j is my go to for that and I’ll make 4, I usually only eat 1-2 in the course of 12 ish hours, but my other guys on my crew love them and they always know I have some, and as for hydration, as tempting as it might seem to drink all these energy drinks and coffees for sugar and caffeine your best friend is water, drink plenty of water, not saying don’t get an energy drink or coffee but water is your best friend when you’re out there sitting for extended periods of time, doing repetitive motions, in the dry heat of a cab. Longest storm this year for me was 53 hours straight and I had one Red Bull, and 3 black coffees, and probably 2 gallons of water if not more than that, and plenty of granola bars and pb+j sandwiches, stay safe out there and have fun

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Love it...great info. So you're the PB&J "dealer" at your jobs, huh??? Thanks for sharing your tips. And DANG....53 hours straight....that's brutal!

[@rnrudynh1427]

When did we get a storm that big this year..?? Been really calm winter up here around exit 18 off 93. Good tip on food.

[@jibbastack]

I agree.....also in NH.

[@kevinmorris2959]

John lombard the first storm down in hudson that just wouldn’t stop snowing, only got about 10 inches but it was a 2 day event and I stayed longer to push back piles and haul out snow

[@kevinmorris2959]

Jason Stackpole what part?

[@edstevens6839]

The biggest thing to know is if you are working overnight at a shopping center, have a shovel in the vehicle. If you need to stretch your legs, or are just stircrazy, get out and shovel the entrance and exit. The client will be more willing to keep your company as their contractor, and you might get new clients, from the store employees, or a higher up sees you doing said extra work, you can bring your company more money, and if profit sharing applies, you might not immediately know that you are the reason for the extra money in your paycheck, but it always is useful

[@MrSchmallz]

One tip I have for back-dragging loading docks or other narrow lanes: push in, lift the blade, drive forward, drop the blade, and then drag the pile back. This method gets the pavement much cleaner, because It keeps you from compacting the snow under your tires.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Excellent tip...thanks for sharing!

[@Smittyschannel]

Yessir; stumbled onto that a few years ago- makes a huge difference if you have to back drag

[@AnAceism]

also helps if there is ice but yes very good tip

[@dianafertig2188]

Also allows the water to evaporated away, so you have less snow at the end of the drag.

[@chrisguitar1268]

When I’m plowing a parking lot, many times i will also back drag while backing up. This eliminates extra passes going forward, cuts time in half.

[@itsjavaman]

Thinking about getting a plow for my driveway. What I love to see is that so many of you guys that do this for a living still find the time to watch videos on plowing on KZbin.

[@steve6886]

Everybody can learn ... even you! The guys that have been plowing a while want to help out the newbies. So sit down, shut up & hold on!

[@marccurrie4450]

Learned a long time ago that there are times during a bad storm when you just need to stop, go inside & wait out the worst of the storm. If you can't see beyond the front of your truck, you can't plow safely. White outs are just that, times when all you can see is a white wall no matter how slow you go. Best to play it safe & wait out a blizzard & live to plow another day. ( not to mention save yourself big repair bills )

[@coltsands1931]

few years back was plowing in a whiteout and you are correct head out the widow tried everything could'nt see 10 feet dot trucks off the road coldn't tell where the road was can't say id do that again. plowed for three days on just a few hours sleep state of emergency for two days taking people for treatments and dropping off at hospital in my loud 96 dodge

[@really3316]

That's only common sense !!

[@Storrmblast]

Get a list of your properties Google map your site Satellite view the perimeter Think where you gonna start? And end timing is everything planning is everything all keys to being efficient keep up the videos! We need more snow plow operators out there!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Great tip...thanks for sharing!

[@84greenbear]

Good video! The thing I've encountered with new plow operators is when they don't come to a complete stop before shifting gears from reverse to forward and forward to reverse. They eventually find out the hard way how much a transmission is to either fix or replace.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Yeah...that sucks. Especially when it’s not their own truck.

[@thomaspaquette9991]

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

[@firefighter1241]

Definitely need to have a spare parts kit for the plow. It’s going to break at some point. Hydraulic lines and fluid at a minimum with the tools to replace those lines.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Yes...excellent point!

[@really3316]

It usually breaks down if you disrespect and haven't got a clue to what your doing!

[@kristjansfarming2377]

Many points in this video are absolutely good and right! I would say that 1) clear windows are a must have! 2) Push the snow as far you can or make sure that over the season you have the room to push the snow. As the season progresses you don't want to be in a position where you don't have any room to push the snow and now you have to tell the client that they need to haul that snow off the site. So this goes along side with the point that you made in the video of pre planning. It is important to have a good plan at the beginning. 3) Try to avoid as much you can to not drive over the snow you are pushing. Especially if you are using a rubber blade. Why? Rubber blade wont dig into the trails you made as good compared to metal blade and therefore you may not get all the snow off the ground and over time this can lead to accumulation of snow. 4) When to plow.... That is important and probably if you are the one running the operation one of the biggest things you think about a lot. That is a big topic and hard to put in a comment but so do speak... Well done time management avoids double pushes in a day and back and forth shuttle with equipment between lots. I would list more things but then this comment would become to long. Anyways a good video for newcomers and good reminder for old folks too, that some of the things still matter a lot even years later.

[@SlipFitGarage]

I HATE when I see a guy plowing a large commercial lot and he plows the driveways OUT into the street, and even sometimes pile the snow accross the street from the property he's plowing. Some guys will plow the driveways OUT to the street, then turn around and pile all that snow on the corners of the driveway where it meets the street. DONT DO THIS. Start in the street, drop your blade and plow the driveways INTO the parking lot. This prevents snow piled up across the street and/or piles of snow at the corners of the driveway. Please plow your driveways INTO the parking lot, not out to the street.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Agreed...I’m not a fan either. Plus I think it cause dangerous blind spots for drivers when piling that near entrances.

[@robertlivingston1634]

Pushing snow up at the entrances is my biggest pet peeve, it even makes it harder for the plow operator to see oncoming traffic. Think about what you're doing.

[@commoncents456]

What a great video. Whether you're new or a supervisor some wonderful points. Accidents happen. The slower you plow the less damage occurs. Thanks for the video. From someone who has plowed 60 years 🤗 Stay safe

[@flat6fever680]

Yes, you ARE going to hit stuff. The only time I Give it The Beans is going into a pile towards the end of a run. A pile that I know has no hard objects hidden in it. In general, I am very slow for fear of hitting things. The worst is hitting a man hole cover in the Bobcat and bouncing your forehead off the door.

[@michaelatoz580]

In my 20 years plowing commercial and for a local city public works dept. The defroster is not your friend put the heat on the floor setting this will cut down on ice build up on. wipers and the windshield. 2 learn to drive with the windows down a bit you can hear the plow better and it cuts down on fog build up on the inside of the glass cutting down glare. 3 turn your dash lights down this will help your eyes adjust better to night plowing. 4 in a big lot that is well lighted turn off your head lights to save on your battery. 5 let the snow pile lift the plow blade then engage the plow lift motor. If you run a salt truck salt the high side of the lots gravity will run the salt brine to the drains in the low spots. My top 5...

[@camperjack2620]

I drove tractor trailer for several years. I found a space to park, set an alarm for 20 minutes, folded up my thick coat on the steering wheel, and took a nap. Then wake up and sip some coffee and water and go for 4 more hours. The 12 hour guys, I think lose their concentration. That's when you can break something.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Yeah...thanks for the comment!

[@scottpreble3330]

Make sure when shifting from forward to to reverse or vise versa, you feel the transmission in gear before you hit the gas . I've seen a lot of transmissions blow because of rushing.

[@robertjanes4940]

Mistakes or more like pet peeves. Know your local codes regarding snow removal. If you push across a road, clean up after yourself! Don't be sloppy.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks for the comment!

[@ricky7949]

when plowing on any truck, find the weight of the plow and add the same or more in the back of the truck. this will give you traction, also do not start out fast. go normal speed. and do not use your brakes alot, let the snow pile it front slow you down. If this is mantianed for the back as the front you will have less transmision , rear end, and brake jobs. also use pure ceramic pads. they wear alot longer than bymetal, they don't get wet and will stop you. 20 years of plowing , only 1 brake job per truck on ten years each truck. do regular maintenance, oil trans fluid and filter, rear end fluid, and you will not brake down. it's the weight that matters. empty beds, or some snow in them is NOT enough to kepp your truck sitting in the shop instead of the streets and driveways. before my own company I plowed o'hare air port 5 year for a neighbor contract firm and most of them were to busy cowboying it. learn and make more money for yourself instead of the mechanic.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Excellent info...thanks for sharing!

[@NYVET48TFW]

You missed one really important mistake...gear-jamming. Come to a stop before shifting gears.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Oh man....that is DEFINITELY a good one that we missed! I know I've done that plenty and its not good! Thanks for adding to our NOT list!

[@NYVET48TFW]

@@HeavyMetalLearning no problem. I have seen many videos where the guy is slamming gears...and it's his own truck which is stupid when you have to pay for repairs, but is disrespectful and abusive when it's someone else's truck. I know someday I'll expand and have people driving for me, and I want them to respect my equipment.

[@DynoDieselWagon]

Misconbobulation

[@christopherpelkey8256]

I'm a firm believer in if you don't know How your equipment works, THEN DON'T USE IT.

[@redartisanwolf6716]

Manual here . Gettin it

[@AnAceism]

pile your snow to the right of the driveway (if exiting) so road plows leave a smaller windrow of snow in driveway when they go by

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Yes...that is a great tip to leave a pocket for them...leaves a little less spilling in front of your driveway.

[@NorthSideNorm]

It also helps to clear abot 10-15 ft of the road before the driveway. My first pass I drop my blade a few feet before the driveway begins.

[@CCWSig]

A little watered down explanation for me, but I appreciate you posting about it, it's good advice for new guys. Only other things I can really think to add are, Learn to stack snow. Slamming into a pile at speed with your blade down won't stack snow. Raise your blade as you near the pile and create a ramp of snow over and PAST the curb. It will leave you more room to put snow as the season progresses. Don't snack snow where it will create visual obstructions for cars pulling out of parking lots(in the aprons). Furlough passes are your friend in smaller trucks. Get the bulk of the snow out of the way before you attempt to push it all clean to one side. Check for wheel chocks chained to loading docks, can't tell you how many I've ripped of the side of the building over the years while back dragging. And last but certainly not least, keep your blade straight when plowing in close proximity to vehicles. If your blade is angled, and you cut through packed snow, it can cause the front of the truck to lurch opposite the direction the blade is angled(think of a rudder on a boat) and toss you right towards a car.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

This is excellent info...thanks for sharing!

[@shuqualakreed3557]

Superd duty power stroke platinum. 10 foot western vplow. Never have to look behind you. Truck will not alow you to hit anything. So your neck never gets sore. Power stroke has nearly 1000 foot pounds of torque and never runs out of pushing force. I get out and walk every hour or 2 but Massaging seats that keep your blood flowing are what really helps. The ballast is the most important ....most don't even know what this is or means ...ballast saves wear and tear on the truck and gives you more muscle to push .I keep 1300 pounds and it is perfect ...I'm able to hold the road better and have no problems in heavy wet snow. You would be surprised most contractors have no ballast...I see them often struggling to windrow. The best advice is to go slow if your not familiar with the job. Don't be afraid to walk around and kick the snow feel for the curbs.

[@lilfirefghtr3]

I got a tip when driving on the road with the plow up keep the plow turned to help airflow

[@jonathancastillo3878]

I work for the DOT in Maryland and a common mistake I see is people riding with plows wayy too high off the ground which doesn't allow air flow. Sadly we haven't gotten any snow this year as of yet!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Good point, thanks for sharing! And I'm sure you'll still get that white stuff....

[@Storrmblast]

Big storms open lanes only and cleanup night/detailing top curb exposed takes patience and skill those nights will show your boss how good you really are, and customers love seeing a clean property!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Good call...thanks for sharing!

[@emilgunnary8732]

GPS is a great time recording way. It show's exactly how the lot was plowed and start and stop time and shows area's that are getting missed

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

That's an excellent point...never thought of that! Thanks for sharing!

[@gstringalation]

What app would do that

[@MikeSchreader]

Excellent video and solid info! I'm in my 2nd year of operating a CDL Dump Truck plow complete with sander/spreader, wing, and belly blade with a complete joystick operation! I've learned alot and still learning! Common sense and physics are paramount! BEST advice from this video...it's not a race! Speed is ultra important! You need enough to maintain momentum from the weight of snow being pushed, but slow enough to prevent equipment and property destruction. My #6 would be judge the depth and composition of the snow while leaving enough room for error, and be extremely diligent to the angle of your plow (especially if you have to build speed and run into a drift)! In my 1st year of inexperience, I was plowing next to an airport hangar! I was trying to get as close as possible, but grossly mis-judged the weight and composition of the snow! I also had the angle of my plow to pull the snow away from the hangar. The second I hit that hard drift, it forced my plow into the hangar wall and literally filleted that wall! "What NOT to do 101." "Fast is SLOW; Plow angle/snow density consideration is needed; Speed discipline is important; Distance needs to be pre-determined; and if your paid hourly...don't you wanna make more $ ;-)

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

This is excellent info....thanks for sharing!

[@Builder99]

who fixed the wall ?

[@jibbastack]

Also another important rule of thumb is wear your seatbelt I am in a Kubota 630 this year and broke the windshield with my forehead last week on a manhole that was never an issue,it heaved. Trip edge on the pusher or not... It can happen. Seatbelt my friends

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Totally agree...thanks for sharing!

[@daviegore9990]

The situation I love... The guy that said he was going to take care of a list of contracts, did all the homework for the obstacle locations and then kept all that in his mind. First snow, we get about 10" and he disappears. I have to go find everything in the snowbank

[@michaelsarka2421]

Another good point, which goes along with the planning stage would be to know where to put all the snow. Map out the properties and those areas where you can deposit the snow.

[@donfletchersr.6644]

Thanks for doing these. Great video to train my "newbies "

[@michaelwurst7165]

I've plowed 28 years residential and now doing commercial as my original company was bought out. My biggest advice isn't for the driver but for the company. My advice is communication communication communication. Tell your drivers what's expected, be realistic (don't expect them to be done in the same amount of time when you keep adding on accounts). Don't rush as rushing costs more from accidents be it a bumper on a truck or a light pole cause of rushing.

[@Badass_Rooster]

I have a lot map for every lot I do! Where curbs or any obstructions are! Also telling me where and where not stack! That first push is the most important. It will set your season!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Yes...very good to have a plan and map at beginning of season.

[@nickm4858]

they sell plow markers you know 4 foot long orange sticks you hammer in the ground

[@Chieffg]

how long did it take you to notice the guy ina back ?

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

He haunts me nightly

[@Study49-yt]

If you are plowing gas station. Back blade off the filling units. We take pictures of all properties to let the contract know that there is already damage on property before you start plowing

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Good call...thanks!

[@CCWSig]

Oh man. when I first started plowing I had to dig some of those out of a pile one night. Only did that once. Live and learn.

[@Storrmblast]

Perfect!!! Get to know your property! Have a plan those are so key to keeping up to a big storm great videos guys!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks for the comment!

[@pgerry9400]

I have about 15 years experience plowing snow with anywhere from snow blower, skid steer, 1 ton up to 5ton with 11' 6"' blade working Vancouver B.C. Hardest about 12 hours straight with a 3 ton wide blade in a huge area with brand new cars from all over being put on railcars. Packed in tight with sometimes less than a foot on each side of the blade and no good places to push snow.At night, snowing like crazy. Had to look out for cars being loaded on rail cars.I was the guy they called for all the time as I never hit one car. Stress +++++ but I love challenges.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Yeah...that sounds stressful!

[@ethanslawncare6798]

Thanks for the info and also tips from snow plow operators in the comments! Really considering adding this to my business so I need as help as possible so I don’t mess up.

[@BC41B]

Another issue that’s not a “right now” moment, but for “the future”. I’ve seen (done it myself so I’m not immune) guys push the product too close (AKA not far enuff) when they could’ve moved it further back - MOST important if your forecast calls for more significant snowfall before a melt happens. If one doesn’t plan ahead, there’s nowhere to put the product and you end up with two solutions: 1. Loading and trucking to another area, or 2. Bringing in larger heavier equipment with better reach to put product up, over and behind what you’ve already placed with the previous storm. Either of which costs time and money with eats into your bottom line... Sometimes you can’t avoid it but a little forethought goes a long way. Hope this helps someone, and all stay safe!!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Excellent info...thanks for sharing!

[@_P0tat07_]

Please don’t drive down the road with your V-plow in the scoop position😂

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

YES

[@HeyItsCeeJay]

But boss man, it doesn't scrape that way 😂🤣😂

[@superunknown8645]

Totally agree. Also don't drive more than 60 mph on the freeway. It wouldn't be good for the truck

[@carstenprilow1837]

Really good video, like you voice and the time to explain. Hello from Denmark.

[@roberthufcutjr603]

Speed. Huge reason i plow with a manual.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Yeah...I could see that.

[@SledgeHammer43]

Speed at a certain point you cross a threshold where your snow plow is less efficient of scraping the parking lot. For Highway snow plow trucks and their 2500+ lbs plows it 30 mph. Personally I always found my snowplow did better between 5mph and 15mph than it does at 30 mph. And don't be afraid to take a grinder and hit you blade a couple of times a year to get rid of a bure that will also hinder your plows scraping ability.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Excellent points...thanks for sharing!

[@ronaldgooding3623]

I plowed snow for 37 years always drove 35 to 40 but I had 20 miles of road to clean

[@Avramcharles]

I just got hired to a company where i will be snow plowing. I have orientation in 3 hours. This will be my first time snow plowing for a job. Im in Michigan, there isnt snow yet but thry want to make sure i am trained and ready for it when it comes. I am watching videos to see if there is different controls from the ones i used before. Im not sure what they use yet.

[@jerryupp239]

Thanks for posting all of this very helpful information. Greatly appreciated and in great detail.

[@emilgunnary8732]

Why do people think it's a good idea to Park on a commercial property exactly where the snow plow is currently working on the lot when a few feet away is already plowed?

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

I think a lot of people just are ignorant to their surroundings. Seems like everyone is so focused on their phone and own life, they sometimes don't look around to see the bigger situation.

[@rnrudynh1427]

@@HeavyMetalLearning sooooooo true

[@429thunderjet2]

Right! I don't know how many times it's happened to me! Mind boggling!!!

[@superunknown8645]

Speaking of parking, drop the plow to the ground when parking. It saves the mount

[@429thunderjet2]

@@superunknown8645 well,,, I think the mount takes more of a beating in use. But, I do drop my plow whenever parked as well. I takes the weight off the front end, springs and suspension, also the hydraulic system and lift cylinder, ok

[@damageinc04]

20yrs experience plowing roads and municipal buildings here. Tip 1. Slow down. You will not beat the storm. Speeding around will destroy your truck and equipment. Tip 2. Remember where the problem areas are and mark them if you can. Thing like catch basins, manholes and crap roads will get you if you dont slow down for them. After many hour of plowing hitting one of those bad spots will give you a mini heart attack.

[@Anthony-wf6oj]

Good stuff Agent Shrader

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Lol...thanks

[@dawlscliff]

Ive worked with companies where they have at least one person running a sweeper/snowblower to move snow away from obstacles before the main plowing

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Yes...that is definitely more efficient!

[@tonykassander4990]

Avoid running your plow against the edges of curbs. You will chip the curbs and cause premature wear to your plow edge.

[@Zerhya]

Hey I’m from Minnesota!

[@erikjaeger4122]

I have a speed wing plow you can't travel with it angled you end up with an extra 2foot on one side of the truck manufacturer says set it straight when on the road

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Yeah...I’ve seen that.

[@steveschierholz5272]

Don't forget to lower the plow. Don't plow the front lawn When finished raise the plow

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Hmmmmm

[@ExploreWithIsaac]

love it, lol. That is how I plow too. plow with it down and drive with it up...

[@lamp00n]

lol

[@znovosad555]

i plowed commercial one storm for my friends company. can’t say i’d do it again. i literally plowed till i couldn’t anymore due to needing sleep. when i get to work and in the groove i don’t stop, so i didn’t eat or drink much during the 12 hours or so, relying on sleep i had from the night prior of the storm. not really ideal but i managed. was definitely hard to keep up because in one area it would be snowing a little bit not a ton and then another would be 1 foot of snow already. definitely appreciate it but i’m sticking with clearing my own driveway, maybe a few residential driveways of friends and family in the future.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

thanks for the comment....agreed, it can be exhausting!

[@znovosad555]

@The Weapon Collection oh i did have to take off the next day from my regular job at the time and i made more there than my regular job so it worked out. id do residential in a heartbeat

[@blhornertube]

Google maps has all your summertime photos you can see all your hazards as well as you can screenshoot and use paint program to paint all hazards then send to all your operators

[@superunknown8645]

ive seen where if theyre plowing heavy/ deep snow that they will go too slow and get stuck. also, its never a good idea to have a really nice truck as your plow rig. the long wheelbase trucks dont turn quite as well. extended cab, short bed is just right.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Yeah...momentum can be your friend when plowing

[@superunknown8645]

@@HeavyMetalLearning also It's not the best idea to put a plow on a diesel pickup truck unless you're carrying extra weight in the bed just because of the heavy plow and heavy diesel pulling the front end down.

[@lamp00n]

Sometimes plowing in 4 Low is the only logical way.

[@tonykassander4990]

When going in reverse, allow the idol to carry you instead of accelerating. This will avoid accidents.

[@christopherpelkey8256]

If really helps when you can fix your own equipment. I've been a auto tech for 8 years and it's insane the amount of customers I get that don't know How to fix there own equipment. It's easy guys, it really is. FIX YOUR OWN STUFF DON'T PAY SOMEONE TO FIX IT. Questions?? I'll answer!! I work on probably 100 Sanders per year. Gotta know this stuff living in New England.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Yes...good call...but sometimes I find it makes more sense to pay a guy who can prob do the repair in a quarter of the time it would take me.

[@mediasmoker]

I thought I would miss commercial plowing once I hung it up after 30 years... I don't. No more wrenching under trucks at 4:00 AM, no more phone calls, no more close calls from people sliding into you, no more hired help excuses, no more sleep deprivation, no more "can I get a jump, my car won't start", No more HOA douch-bags, no more window watcher/armchair quarterbacks, no more sign-in's, no more weight stations, no more salt shortages, no more waking up to see if it's snowing yet, No more "The check's in the mail BS", no more slip & falls BS, No more emergency call-in's, etc, etc, etc...Now I sleep like a baby!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Agree. Nice when you can just plow your own property on your own schedule.

[@hunterlarabee3737]

Do a Pretrip inspection of you vehicle and plow

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Yes...good call.

[@birdhunter2754]

Always forget that one manhole cover and it will wake you up big time lol. Plowed snow for 40yrs. Had enough. Ya still miss it. Just got so dam expensive. Trucks plows labor. And repairs

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Totally agree...thanks for sharing!

[@BC41B]

One of my former local guys forgot about an emergency dig (yes they knew about it) that had a temporary steel plate on the road over the dig. I’m assuming we knew what happened next - yep, right thru the blade into the hydraulics rendering it DOA and then they hadda figure out how to move the plate BACK so nobody else drove into the ditch (Case Extend-A-Hoe solved that dilemma). Moral of the story - small details are key!

[@christopherpelkey8256]

Don't pay someone to fix it maybe?!?!

[@birdhunter2754]

@@christopherpelkey8256 fix most yourself but parts and down time are still expensive.

[@christopherpelkey8256]

@@birdhunter2754 True. I stock all plow solenoids at my shop. And my local Napa makes hydraulic lines and keep all rams and wiring harnesses in stock. Gotta have a couple kickers in your fleet or YOU WILL NOT SURVIVE. Man I love theese new polycaster Sanders!! So easy to work with! I'm a sucker for a Fisher. Douglas Dynamics for the win since 1948.

[@ChristopherPuff]

Pull left, dig right. Smelled the dazzle plow in the dip drain constant

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Hmmm...ok then

[@14moldyhamsandwich]

do the knees in the back seat belong to a stow away ?

[@TN-ez6lz]

They seem to be videoing from that angle.

[@michaelsarka2421]

One of the issues I have is when traveling around the city or town, having the BOSS DXT V plow on the truck, I have to constantly adjust the plow back and forth so the blade doesn't scrape the pavement. In my area of Wisconsin, roads here are for shit!

[@dylanbjug]

What do you think of this cold eh? I live near Madison

[@michaelsarka2421]

Well the older I get the more I dislike the cold. I am originally from the U.P. so I grew up with it. But still, I can do without it.

[@dylanbjug]

@@michaelsarka2421 couldn't agree more. Everytime I've gotten up in the middle of the night this season, I'm telling myself I'm getting too old for this lol especially with the weather we've had over the last couple weeks.

[@tonykassander4990]

I always have my hand on the plow control when I’m driving for that reason.

[@edyacheraii4279]

You should see the roads in North East Pennsylvania probably worse then yours

[@tombeer4544]

Two things, kinda same thing knowing your vehicle's dimensions. How it turns, how it fits in spots, when to ask for advice....next along same lines is swing radius. You now have four feet of 1200(+ or-) lbs sticking out front and backing and turning with blade angled may add enough inches you won't fit. ;) Just like hitting something, you don't want to peel grass either, hehehehe! Like you stressed, know and mark your site!!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Excellent advice...thanks for sharing!

[@Boomer2Galactica]

Wow, this woman is the truth nice work. You got a follower

[@thedeerhunter4407]

all good advice

[@daviegore9990]

When you're rolling it into the wind......Rule #6, clear the ice build up in your windshield wipers regularly, before it pops the wiper arms right off. & Dont ask why I thought of this...

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Lol...yeah

[@nickamoratis3533]

I’m a shovel and calcium rat mostly. our last snow storm I plowed for my first time with a bobcat and material bucket. We don’t have blades only for our wheel loaders. I took it slow, my boss said I did a great job and actually learned more about the site I’ve been at the site countless times for five years. Had a safety guy that worked for us and told us not to drink coffee drink water and those mio energy! I have a story at the same site we had a guy that was a super same site same bobcat he hit a guy that was walking up to him. Injured guy is still alive but has a limp for the rest of his life. He didn’t walk in front of machine so operator could see him. Operator was going too fast. Always wear hi-vis clothing

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Good advice, and sorry to hear about that co-worker. Yes, safety is #1 priority.....especially in skids with their limited visibility. Thanks for the comment!

[@emilgunnary8732]

In Tech School I had an instructor teach us probably the Most important thing in life, - The word Ass/u/me when you assume something it makes an ass out of you and me. The person assumed the loader Operator could see him. The last Snow we had a young girl pulling into the mall with her laptop open on the passenger seat and the Skid was working at the pile of snow and she assumed she could sneak by, but she ended up getting hit.

[@emilgunnary8732]

@@HeavyMetalLearning The people that are in car's have no idea just how limited the visibility is if the arms of the skid are in a partially raised bucket. They assume that you can see them but in reality you can't. You have good visibility if the arms are all of the way up or all of the way down.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Emil Gunnary totally agree

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Emil Gunnary yep...love that saying!

[@westmibaddrivers2573]

With all the GPS systems we have now, I am surprised no one has come up with a system that allows a plow driver to go GPS in detail a given area then download that info to a local computer that tracks the movement of the plow, the same way farmers use GPS for their fields.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Agreed...I’m sure we’ll see it within next few years. I think it would be tough with an “open” lot for safety reasons, but there are plenty of areas that are closed to public (or could be temporarily) that you could set up something automatic.

[@camperjack2620]

Had one of those running on a farm tractor bush hogging 4 years ago. Worked from my cellphone, and it would show where you were on the field within inches. Kinda hard on the cellphone to keep up, and I didn't get the best software, but it's out there. You go when it's nice and create a property map by driving and recording the perimeter as a map you save to memory as a computer file. A laptop mounted in your truck will become needed. Maybe one of the GPS specific 7 inch models will do this.

[@bahlztodawhalzawsome]

I deliver for a local company and have always wondered why they never created this tech. Would be a billion dollar idea.

[@kevincloonan9787]

Major mistake is not letting the truck come to a complete stop begore shifting. I see a lot of guys in a hurry and slamming the truck reverse to drive and beating on the trucks.

[@mainaccount5658]

gonna enjoy this

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

We sure hope so

[@NorthSideNorm]

The biggest mistake I have seen is not ramping your piles. When you push wet snow it will pack together and if you don't lift into the pile you end up with a frozen wall in the shape of the blade. It also allows you to pile alot taller with a truck. I plow with a quarter tonne and a straight blade (I do some tight residential driveways) and its nothing to pile it up 6-8ft.

[@MrThenry1988]

Ran 100 hours this year. Always learning though.. I have an f350 service truck that's 15,000 lbs. Weight is a deal buster for sure. I van go where most can't.

[@JorgeRomero-q1n]

thank you

[@brucebannerman6848]

One thing I preach is , Keep your footing clean, if this a local saying it means to plow right down to the ground,don't try to take the top half off and come back to get the bottom, unless you enjoy using a shovel,

[@fixerman6404]

Just my 2 cent's.always make sure trucks and trailers are moved to provide an area for the snow.before it snows.nothing like showing up for work and you have to re calculate whare to push to.be safe out there people .

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Good tip...thanks for sharing!

[@jonathanrose829]

The number one rule to follow is to have your dog at your side while plowing.

[@kyleda3167]

If your a Rockies just starting out how slow should in km.? And when do your 1st pass look easy. How do know were to put plow on next pass snow 1/2 or the length blade?

[@drz400sm5]

Best advice never plow with IFS.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

IFS?

[@stevelamby7658]

Independent front suspension?

[@Zach-k2p]

I use to/ still run gm 3500 trucks with plows on them never had any issue from any of the trucks( model year varied from 98-2017). But 2018 we bought 7 brand new f350 6.2 v8 for our fleet was time to retire the older rigs and it hurts to say it but I’ll never have a gm as a work truck again.

[@ronmexico1975]

@@Zach-k2p elaborate then. Leaves the comment reader wondering what your reasons are. If you have something to say to help others based off of experience, say it.

[@Builder99]

@@Zach-k2p ok what will you use now ?

[@LoneWolfSnowplowing]

sick blizzard bro

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks!

[@mathewmolk2089]

When you see me stick a fishing rod in the bucket of a 988 Cat loader and head out for Canada you will see me stick a snow plow on my pick-up. --- Ther is NO pick up that can stand up to snow plowing. Damage and serious break downs to pick ups with snow plows is not "if". It;s when and how bad. - I have made money on them, though, - I had a welding business. . My buddy with the transmission shop did pretty well too.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

lol....good one!!!

[@thegreenerthemeaner]

That would apply to about 90% of most operators. Speed kills in more ways than one. You don't see my brake lights except in reverse. I let the pile stop me most times. I don't care about how far I can throw snow with a blade. I care about not tearing my truck and plow up. Trimming 15 minutes off of the day is ridiculous. Understand what your equipment can produce per hour of given conditions and live with that. Maintain your equipment and you will succeed. Big equipment can do LOTS of damage quickly. I have run about everything going in 45 years of plowing. Everything has it's place.

[@shanegurney5843]

Yeah ok...tell that to the millions of guys with plow trucks.

[@thegreenerthemeaner]

@@shanegurney5843 Hey I am right there with him as far as repairing other people's messes. I treat my stuff differently. 40 plus years plowing with trucks plus everything else practically ever invented. Worst thing ever was twisting a u joint in a front axle on ice 30 years ago. No frames broke, no smoked transmissions or clutches. They are not a high speed dozer. Too many guys don't see it that way. Check my avatar. IFS trucks are not snow plow trucks, PERIOD.

[@lemans310]

Remember ....those yard or driveway edge markers are targets. 😂😂

[@alanhilgers3544]

When there's more than one piece of machinery operating on a lot make sure that each operator has a designated area most snow plow accidents end up being snow plower hits snowplower

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Excellent point...thanks for sharing!

[@Blackford86]

Have you ever had your headlights go Dim when you raise your plow at night of course?

[@williamspropertymaintenanc5570]

We just had 55cm in less then 24hrs in Oshawa, On Canada 🇨🇦 It took 27 hrs to get it cleared up over 2days

[@jamesdickson7510]

heat up, windows down! Keeps ya awake at night!

[@curtiscomes9754]

Spare parts should also include hose clamps, just in case somebody has a power steering hose leak at three in the morning and don't forget windshield washer fluid.

[@JayJay-de5jv]

Thanks

[@RDC21210]

My question is: do I want my blade all the way down when plowing or is it better to raise it up an inch or so? Thanks for these videos super helpful

[@warrengoodin236]

It needs to be in float mode , all the way down on the ground. You should find someone to give you a rundown on your equipment or something man.

[@tonykassander4990]

If you are plowing a dirt road or a shale covered lot, lower the plow the whole way and then tap the up button once. On paved lots, keep it lowered the whole way.

[@DTPGMedia585]

May be late. But sidewalk plows.. drop your plow. You may be plowing a foot of snow from the road but drop the plow. You make it harder with snow giving out from under us if theres still a layer

[@rrodgers3285]

Thx great video I'm still a rookie at plowing...can u write done ur points somwhere in the video it helps me with notes... on this u cover x5 points u can write feal brief stay focuse,no dui,watch corners,survey job site

[@user-sv9sf1ns7g]

Don't forget to add winter air to tires

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

I’ve been having challenges storing my summer air...my gallon milk jugs are leaking. Any tips?

[@user-sv9sf1ns7g]

@@HeavyMetalLearning keep em in the freezer

[@stanhudson2802]

3 things, prep, ummmm, prep, and prep. All good points, drain, drifting ect. FFS, first few snow falls, go slow, speed breaks Stuff

[@Nfl_fan_12]

When I get older I want to do this and yes I know in spring summer and alot of fall you do landscaping I want to do this because it seems like an nice job to get money for doing something little bit fun it's better than sitting in an small room in an building for 20 hours an day