I've been plowing for customers for about 10 years. Used all kinds of different vehicles and plows. Currently have a Chevy 1500 double cab with a 7.5' Fisher EZ V with 30 customers. Yes, a straight blade is fine up to a point. When you get to a foot of snow or more the first pass in V is a huge help. Also, when both sides of the driveway get high and winging it to the sides it just falls right back down, you can scoop and carry the snow elsewhere. Had a friend say the same as you, until he got a V, and now he'll never go back. My next setup will be a reg cab one ton with an 8.5' V blade.
Thanks for the feedback brother! Like I mentioned in the video, I have nothing against V plows at all. I have used them on multiple occasions and they have plenty of upsides. I speak mainly to guys trying to get into plowing who constantly hear from people that they need to go buy a $10,000 V plow if they want to make money... That just simply is not true, you can be very efficient and productive with just a straight blade with a much smaller investment. I am at about 15 years of plowing now with only 2 of them using a V plow. Those 2 years did not sell me on them... like I said in the video, the loose joysticks and 4 extra buttons are just annoying to me...LOL. Having that fixed joystick on the side of the steering wheel and the simplicity of up, down, left, right is what I love. I would love to have a fixed scoop plow someday though, that would be sweet! Thanks again for the comment and your setup is probably perfect for what you need, God Bless! ✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper They are expensive. Mine was $14K (Canadian). Stainless with LED light upgrade. Ball park I figure plowing will pay for the truck and plow over 8-10 years. I'm happy with that. I get a "free" setup and I get to help my community.
Glad you enjoyed it. I love the snow, don't think I could live somewhere that doesn't get it... So I can understand why you miss it. I have lived in Massachusetts my whole life ✌
Storage units are the kryptonite of straight blades.... 🤣 That is a perfect example of a place you need a V plow. Like I said in the video, I have nothing against them, especially in commercial settings. But the majority of driveways in any given state can be handled with a straight blade no problem. ✌
I'm in Southern NH just bordering Tygnsborough MA. I prefer the straight blades all day. Sure it's nice to be able to scoop but in my experience with XV2's I only used that function a few times. I have an F-450 dump truck and absolutely love it, what a game changer. Really want to get a switch n go next year, they seem super productive for mulch and hauling equipment on the back of the truck.
Oh sweet, a nice fixed scoop plow is something that I may try some day but not sure I would by a V. I can't wait to have a nice dump like that and those switch n go's are pretty wild.... Very helpful. Thanks for the feedback ✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper yeah I got my MM2 for $1k, sold the backdrage blade for $250 and it's been a great plow. I much prefer it over a v plow lol. Can't wait to see the hardscape videos this year.
Love the snow plowing content,there calling for 1-3 inches tonight the mix to ice Tommrow no Bueno. And I agree I’ve ran straight blade for the time I’ve been plowing only a few years
Glad to hear it, they are saying the same thing for around hear... hopefully enough to go scrape them all down at least. I'm completely content with the straight blade. Maybe a real nice fixed scoop plow some day, but not anytime soon. ✌
I have two Fisher's, a straight and a V-plow. I like them both. As mentioned, if doing single wide driveways, straight plows are great. I do some driveways where I have to bring the snow out to where the driveway meets the road and stack it on their front lawns. It's a lot easier and quicker to do with the V-plow, they just stack snow better. I haven't had any more maintenance issues with the V-plow then I've had with the straight plow. Grease them before using them, change the plow fluid once a season. It's the same for both plows. Good luck, 6.4!
Thanks for the comment, having one of each is a great thing. And I guess as far as the annual maintenance, they are pretty similar... Just more possible issues I guess is what I mean. But that regular greasing and fluid changes are key. ✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper, yeah, like I said, I have and like both, each have their pro's and con's. The V-plow is more versatile for sure. The straight plow is simpler to use. That said, I plow single driveways in the city and plow larger driveways and small lots out in the suburbs/country. If all I plowed were the city driveways, I'd probably go with a straight plow. Either a 8' HDX/HD2 or a 7' 6" HD2 w/factory wings. A lot of guys like the expandable plows, ie. XLS, Wideout, Power Plows. I'm just glad we have the selection of plows that we have. Good luck, 6.4!
“V” blades…I’ll just bite my tongue! Quite a drive from Oxford to Sudbury! I guess if you grew up in it, it’s no big deal…but where I am in N.H., I’d go crazy! I start shaking when I see folks going cross country skiing or outside playing in the snow taking pictures while they pay someone to plow their driveway…I guess it’s too much like lowly peasant work to clean up your own driveway with a snow blower. Personally, I use only a snowblower…my driveway never mysteriously shrinks in size after 3 or 4 storms. Great video as usual!! Great work ethic!! Respect that!
🤣 nice! it is definitely a hike to get to where I plow but the pay is worth it in that area. And I hear you about people not taking care of their own driveways but hey, I'm thankful for all the lazy / wealthy people out there paying me good money to play in the snow at their house ❄🤑 Snow blowers definitely keep driveways very clean. Thanks for the comment brother! ✌
If you started the commercial ( tennis club ) site at the top of the shot angled plow to the trees your time on-site would’ve been halved . It seems you created windrows and had to go back and forth to clear them . 31:4831:51
The thing about straight blades is that you can only push so much snow... If you try to do a parking lot like that in one pass without making windrows, it will take you just as long as you seen it take me. Why? because you can only use 1/4 of your blade without it overflowing depending on how much snow there is... When there is a lot of snow like this video, the best thing to do is keep your plow straightish and push all the bulk . Then you go back and clean the windrows. takes the same amount of time if not less in my opinion because your not wasting your time trying to get it all in one pass without making windrows.
I was using a Jeep Wrangler with a 7’ Meyers ,all in good condition . I’d use 3/4 of the plow and YES , I’d be going slow never left a windrow . Must be different snow in NW Ohio .
My last comment I met with cencerity.i went moose hunting fall of 2023.a few trails were made for Utv or snowmobiling.scratches would be a understatement thks
Yea buddy! That classic Fisher control box is the best out there in my opinion... I don't like loose handhelds, it is nice taking your hands off it and it not falling on the floor... 🤣 Thanks for the comment ✌
I agree with the residential and straight blade. I used to do a lot more residential but now I do mainly commercial, and I would only use a V plow or straight blade with hydraulic wings that I can control. Little different animal doing parking lots for sure. Straight blades can be found used pretty cheap relatively speaking vs a new Vplow that can be 10k plus. No need for a massive vplow on residential driveways. I have a snowex stainless 9'6" and a snowex 8ft with hydraulic controllable wings up to 10ft. Love both. Whatever works for people. Our winters here in upstate NY have oddly been cut in half season snowfall totals.
You are 100% right. Parking lots are a very different animal and the plows you mentioned seem to the perfect choice and worth the money. 👌 You got to make the smartest decision based of what you will be using it for. The winters here have been the same way.... Kind of sad really but hey, we will see what February and March bring. I remember like 3-4 years ago we got buried in March by 3 large snow storms. 🤷♂️🤞
Have you ever considered going over the Western Wide Out? You have the option to wide out with the same comforts of using a straight blade. It would help you do less passes on driveways due to larger scoops
I'm not very familiar with the Western line of plows, but I hear pretty good things about them. I know Fisher makes a few models that have wings to extend out. The only thing I don't like about that is the wings risk breaking somewhat easy if you jam them against something... I do really like the idea of a fixed scoop plow, I may make a move like that someday. ✌
I had a Heineker scoop for years. The best of a lot of things. Cleaned nice, carried well, wasn't excessively heavy, no extra moving parts to get bent and jammed. Weve had v plows, and the expandable wings also. Vs are great for cutting a path in a deep snow and some stacking/carrying. The expandable wings were nice to windrow and carry but they can get jammed with a bad impact and more hoses to deal with. Just thinking out loud again lol be safe! @@TheChristianHardscaper
I will have to check them out, not sure I have seen one yet. Down pressure on the plow is very important, Fisher is not the best for that but the weight of the plow alone seems to be pretty decent.
for those small branches in a way you might wanna consider small one hand operating battery powered chainsaw.if you do same acces roads.Might be easier once you cut some of those in next passes and you can just push em away-might help a lot not to go out of vehicle more times when snow falls repeteadly and no scratches either.
That is not a bad idea at all. The only thing you need to be careful of is that you don't cut a branch on a tree the customers really like.... LOL Some of those trees are ornamental and once the snow melts they will raise back up into the normal position. But for trees that are broken or that do not matter, a small saw would have been nice. ✌
If you get the larger dump body, would you ever do municipal contract that way you know you're getting paid without heckling, it's still an hourly rate, and you're not on the hook if something happens to the truck or if you are on death's bed sick etc.
I don't think I will ever plow for the town or state. Too many bad stories from people and man those roads can beat the crap out of your equipment. It is a great way to keep trucks and guys busy if you have the resources but not sure I would want to put my resources on it. My plan would be to sell a decent driveway list and 3-5 commercial accounts to keep 2 trucks and like 4-5 guys busy. ✌
Very tidy plowing Mr. Kyle, certainly helps keeps the customers happy! V blades are definitely overkill for most driveways, but if you have steep grade driveways you can drive up it plowing in V mode (saves a pass from a straight blade guy that has to drive all the way up and plow down) and when the snows super deep you can throw it into V and save a lot of wear and tear on your truck. We still get a little bit more snow up in NH than you guys 🤪Not knocking straight blades though I know they’ll get the job done just as well and like you said, cheaper to get into and maintain!
Thank you, no complaints is always my goal! The uphill down the center is definitely where a V plow would shine, can't argue with that... NH windy / uphill driveways would be a good place for a strong V plow. What do you use? In the majority of the areas I have always plowed in just don't require them, not that they could be slightly faster in an experienced guys hand... But for guys getting started and have a budget / don't need anything crazy, the straight Fisher is a great place to start. Thanks for the feedback brother! ✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper I hear ya for the majority of guys a straight blade will do just fine there might be a few driveways you tell the customer “no”. I tend to take on some of the trickier, steeper driveways in town that not a lot of other plow guys are willing to do. 80% of my accounts a straight blade would do just fine, those few steeper than shit accounts and small lots I do I sure am glad I’ve got the V lol. And it’s an 8’6 Fisher XV2. Wouldn’t have it any other way 😀
@@TheChristianHardscaper they certainly do! Can get yourself into a heap of trouble very fast not being careful tho lol. Looks like we’ll be out plowing today 😀
@@603landscapes That is for sure... I used to do a ton of curvy / steep driveways for a company I used to work for. Much less stressful when it is not your truck...LOL But being careful is very important in those situations or else that good money turns to not worth it money... Looking forward to another night of plowing, be safe brother✌
On average what should you get paid to sub out your truck and you to a company ? You do not have to tell me what you get paid but what would a good range look like ?
It can vary a good amount depending on where you are or what kind of rig you have. But in the area that I plow, if you are just a guy with a pickup and plow doing residential, you will get anywhere from $65-$100 an hour for you and the truck.
Looks like you need a pole saw to add to your plow kit. I had a branch in the way on one driveway and just happened to have my chainsaw with me so it was only a 3 minute delay.
CEL on on a newer truck like that? It is a ford though. A straight blade is simple but if you plowed more with a V you’d learn to like it over a straight blade.
Location is a huge factor, wealthier area and you can charge a little bit more than you would for more common folk lol. Tiny, little driveways $40-$50 per push all day long. Bigger ones can go for $70-100 especially if you do a little shoveling (walkways and garage doors). Again all depends on your area though. Wealthier clients=more $ to be made
I should add I hire a shoveler too, so it comes out to be a little more per push than if I was riding solo. Worth it though, makes for a cleaner finish and keeps the clients happy not having to lift a finger
@@Nathan-Muir right on man I’m in the Dover area. $60 a push is solid money, all my new customers this year I got up to around $60 per. Not really interested in plowing and shoveling someone out for $40 anymore lol. Hopefully tomorrow isn’t a dud and we get to drop the plows 🤞
Nice back and forth on this thread! It is all about location without a doubt.... In Middlesex county MA area that I am plowing, they are pretty wealthy neighborhoods and the prices can get very high. But driveways are mainly charged by the snow accumulations. There is a base price which will typically cover up to the first 5.9 inches. Then every 3 inches the price changes. Some companies have slightly different increments, but the same idea. Some charge per push but it causes issues around here because if you plow a customer and then 2 more inches come, they do not like being charged again... So making contracts based off snow totals makes it easier for billing. With that being said it probably equals out to be similar numbers but a base price is usually between $65-$100 plus shoveling is an additional line item. So if you have a $25 minimum shovel and base price driveway, that's a quick $90. Not bad really. Looking like 2-4 inches tomorrow down here, hoping to get out there also. Even if it is a quick cleanup... ✌
Let’s be real. If you can afford it, a wideout is the best option out there. I have 4 drives on my route I need the v to break open. I would drop those drives in a second if I had a wideout
That may be true, but most driveway guys don't have routes that require it. The ones who do typically by their plow based on them, which I totally understand. I have some up hills and long driveways on my current route and used to have a tone years ago at a company I worked for. but have not felt like I needed a V plow to get through it. It may have helped in some situations for sure, but not necessary.
Thing about plowing is you have to CONSTANTLY pay attention. One mistake and you can mess up your equipment or destroy someone else's property. Plus, it can be very dangerous. I plow a 130acre complex that has some gnarly hills and a huge amount of gigantic curbs. Extremely stressful sometimes.
@@qqslp yup. One lapse in attention, one failure to check before backing into the road for the 100th time that day/night or remember to watch the plow swing and you can wind up with a nasty situation. Things break down, it's freezing cold, it's wet, you're tired, there's 20 more sites to plow, it's still snowing and there's more coming in two days. The list is endless. Having a team to back you up is priceless.
Plowing is very fun until you get tired, then the shoveling is key because it gets you out in the fresh air to wake you up for the next couple stops.... 🤣 ✌
Skid steers may plow a tad bit faster but it is the travel in between houses that a skid steer is not good for. The ones who plow driveways with skid steers are blessed enough to have a lot of houses in one area so there is no long travel in between.
@@TheChristianHardscaper Makes sense. But bro, hats off for such courage and determination tho. You are definitely nailing it. May God bless you and keep you in good health.
I'm not sure I ever will honestly. maybe a fixed scoop plow in the future but probably not a V. That flag was really fun to paint, it came out pretty decent. Thanks for the feedback ✌
But why did it take so long to get to my driveeewayyyy??? (insert whiner homeowner voice here...lol) Def a winter wonderland though. I remember doing commercial and being waay behind in a blizzard. I passed thru a residential area and people were chasing me down the street to get me to stop plow their driveways lol
🤣 Isn't that the truth! Some people just don't realize what it takes... It was a really nice storm, very refreshing after a couple years of very mild winters. I get looks from people all the time while they are shoveling their driveway... 🤣 ✌
Of course you dont NEED it 😂.. but a V plow is a more versatile tool, no denying that. Its like saying you dont need a tilt/rotator bucket on an excavator... well of course not but its better!!! Lol 😆
More versatile maybe, but you are paying a large premium to have it. And if you do not need it, then it would be a waste of money in my opinion. An investment like that could take you a few seasons or more to pay for itself with the lack of snow we have been getting the past few seasons. That is my point with the straight blades, it is a smarter investment for driveway guys. More return on the investment, cheaper maintenance and less possible issues. The same goes for a very expensive tilt/rotator bucket. That would be a silly investment for someone whos does not use their excavator daily. It would take a long time to get your money back on the purchase....
I'm sure many can, but hey I have always made good money with my lists. for myself and the company I worked for. It is all about being on a smooth pace with little room for error. I don't try to be the fastest plow guy, I try to make little to 0 mistakes. Some things that save time cost a lot of money as well. Those things take time to acquire. ✌
I've been plowing for customers for about 10 years. Used all kinds of different vehicles and plows. Currently have a Chevy 1500 double cab with a 7.5' Fisher EZ V with 30 customers. Yes, a straight blade is fine up to a point. When you get to a foot of snow or more the first pass in V is a huge help. Also, when both sides of the driveway get high and winging it to the sides it just falls right back down, you can scoop and carry the snow elsewhere. Had a friend say the same as you, until he got a V, and now he'll never go back. My next setup will be a reg cab one ton with an 8.5' V blade.
Thanks for the feedback brother! Like I mentioned in the video, I have nothing against V plows at all. I have used them on multiple occasions and they have plenty of upsides. I speak mainly to guys trying to get into plowing who constantly hear from people that they need to go buy a $10,000 V plow if they want to make money... That just simply is not true, you can be very efficient and productive with just a straight blade with a much smaller investment. I am at about 15 years of plowing now with only 2 of them using a V plow. Those 2 years did not sell me on them... like I said in the video, the loose joysticks and 4 extra buttons are just annoying to me...LOL. Having that fixed joystick on the side of the steering wheel and the simplicity of up, down, left, right is what I love. I would love to have a fixed scoop plow someday though, that would be sweet! Thanks again for the comment and your setup is probably perfect for what you need, God Bless! ✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper They are expensive. Mine was $14K (Canadian). Stainless with LED light upgrade. Ball park I figure plowing will pay for the truck and plow over 8-10 years. I'm happy with that. I get a "free" setup and I get to help my community.
@@wannabejeeper Nothing wrong with that logic at all. Great mindset bro, God Bless!
Love the video. I miss the snow. I grew up in R.I. and now I'm in Georgia.
Glad you enjoyed it. I love the snow, don't think I could live somewhere that doesn't get it... So I can understand why you miss it. I have lived in Massachusetts my whole life ✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper 👍
Good video, well done. Thanks for the input and service you're providing.
My pleasure, thanks for the feedback ✌
I have a self storage unit on my route with multiple long narrow rows to push, and the V plow is a huge time saver there. Definitely not overrated.
Storage units are the kryptonite of straight blades.... 🤣 That is a perfect example of a place you need a V plow. Like I said in the video, I have nothing against them, especially in commercial settings. But the majority of driveways in any given state can be handled with a straight blade no problem. ✌
Rhett
I'm in Southern NH just bordering Tygnsborough MA. I prefer the straight blades all day. Sure it's nice to be able to scoop but in my experience with XV2's I only used that function a few times. I have an F-450 dump truck and absolutely love it, what a game changer. Really want to get a switch n go next year, they seem super productive for mulch and hauling equipment on the back of the truck.
Oh sweet, a nice fixed scoop plow is something that I may try some day but not sure I would by a V. I can't wait to have a nice dump like that and those switch n go's are pretty wild.... Very helpful. Thanks for the feedback ✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper yeah I got my MM2 for $1k, sold the backdrage blade for $250 and it's been a great plow. I much prefer it over a v plow lol. Can't wait to see the hardscape videos this year.
Love the snow plowing content,there calling for 1-3 inches tonight the mix to ice Tommrow no Bueno. And I agree I’ve ran straight blade for the time I’ve been plowing only a few years
Glad to hear it, they are saying the same thing for around hear... hopefully enough to go scrape them all down at least. I'm completely content with the straight blade. Maybe a real nice fixed scoop plow some day, but not anytime soon. ✌
I have two Fisher's, a straight and a V-plow. I like them both. As mentioned, if doing single wide driveways, straight plows are great.
I do some driveways where I have to bring the snow out to where the driveway meets the road and stack it on their front lawns. It's a lot easier and quicker to do with the V-plow, they just stack snow better.
I haven't had any more maintenance issues with the V-plow then I've had with the straight plow. Grease them before using them, change the plow fluid once a season. It's the same for both plows.
Good luck, 6.4!
Thanks for the comment, having one of each is a great thing. And I guess as far as the annual maintenance, they are pretty similar... Just more possible issues I guess is what I mean. But that regular greasing and fluid changes are key. ✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper, yeah, like I said, I have and like both, each have their pro's and con's. The V-plow is more versatile for sure. The straight plow is simpler to use.
That said, I plow single driveways in the city and plow larger driveways and small lots out in the suburbs/country.
If all I plowed were the city driveways, I'd probably go with a straight plow. Either a 8' HDX/HD2 or a 7' 6" HD2 w/factory wings.
A lot of guys like the expandable plows, ie. XLS, Wideout, Power Plows. I'm just glad we have the selection of plows that we have.
Good luck, 6.4!
“V” blades…I’ll just bite my tongue! Quite a drive from Oxford to Sudbury! I guess if you grew up in it, it’s no big deal…but where I am in N.H., I’d go crazy! I start shaking when I see folks going cross country skiing or outside playing in the snow taking pictures while they pay someone to plow their driveway…I guess it’s too much like lowly peasant work to clean up your own driveway with a snow blower. Personally, I use only a snowblower…my driveway never mysteriously shrinks in size after 3 or 4 storms.
Great video as usual!! Great work ethic!! Respect that!
🤣 nice! it is definitely a hike to get to where I plow but the pay is worth it in that area. And I hear you about people not taking care of their own driveways but hey, I'm thankful for all the lazy / wealthy people out there paying me good money to play in the snow at their house ❄🤑 Snow blowers definitely keep driveways very clean. Thanks for the comment brother! ✌
If you started the commercial ( tennis club ) site at the top of the shot angled plow to the trees your time on-site would’ve been halved . It seems you created windrows and had to go back and forth to clear them . 31:48 31:51
The thing about straight blades is that you can only push so much snow... If you try to do a parking lot like that in one pass without making windrows, it will take you just as long as you seen it take me. Why? because you can only use 1/4 of your blade without it overflowing depending on how much snow there is... When there is a lot of snow like this video, the best thing to do is keep your plow straightish and push all the bulk . Then you go back and clean the windrows. takes the same amount of time if not less in my opinion because your not wasting your time trying to get it all in one pass without making windrows.
I was using a Jeep Wrangler with a 7’ Meyers ,all in good condition . I’d use 3/4 of the plow and YES , I’d be going slow never left a windrow . Must be different snow in NW Ohio .
@@danielcutillo5683 Great job 👍
My last comment I met with cencerity.i went moose hunting fall of 2023.a few trails were made for Utv or snowmobiling.scratches would be a understatement thks
I understood no problem. Can't sweat the small things in life or they will take away from the experience at hand. ✌
Rhett
I request the control to the left and the older box even on new plows we buy. AND I would rather have a straight plow. I prefer it.
Yea buddy! That classic Fisher control box is the best out there in my opinion... I don't like loose handhelds, it is nice taking your hands off it and it not falling on the floor... 🤣 Thanks for the comment ✌
Love the plowing videos!
Glad you like them!
I agree with the residential and straight blade. I used to do a lot more residential but now I do mainly commercial, and I would only use a V plow or straight blade with hydraulic wings that I can control. Little different animal doing parking lots for sure. Straight blades can be found used pretty cheap relatively speaking vs a new Vplow that can be 10k plus. No need for a massive vplow on residential driveways. I have a snowex stainless 9'6" and a snowex 8ft with hydraulic controllable wings up to 10ft. Love both. Whatever works for people. Our winters here in upstate NY have oddly been cut in half season snowfall totals.
You are 100% right. Parking lots are a very different animal and the plows you mentioned seem to the perfect choice and worth the money. 👌 You got to make the smartest decision based of what you will be using it for. The winters here have been the same way.... Kind of sad really but hey, we will see what February and March bring. I remember like 3-4 years ago we got buried in March by 3 large snow storms. 🤷♂️🤞
Have you ever considered going over the Western Wide Out? You have the option to wide out with the same comforts of using a straight blade. It would help you do less passes on driveways due to larger scoops
I'm not very familiar with the Western line of plows, but I hear pretty good things about them. I know Fisher makes a few models that have wings to extend out. The only thing I don't like about that is the wings risk breaking somewhat easy if you jam them against something... I do really like the idea of a fixed scoop plow, I may make a move like that someday. ✌
I had a Heineker scoop for years. The best of a lot of things. Cleaned nice, carried well, wasn't excessively heavy, no extra moving parts to get bent and jammed. Weve had v plows, and the expandable wings also. Vs are great for cutting a path in a deep snow and some stacking/carrying. The expandable wings were nice to windrow and carry but they can get jammed with a bad impact and more hoses to deal with. Just thinking out loud again lol be safe! @@TheChristianHardscaper
Loving the new go pro
Me too, very good quality video! 👌
I use a Sno-Way 29r. With power wings. Best plow Down pressure. Can use like a box Wireless remote. Next one you get brotha. Try it
Haven't heard great things about their service support.
I will have to check them out, not sure I have seen one yet. Down pressure on the plow is very important, Fisher is not the best for that but the weight of the plow alone seems to be pretty decent.
not bad work at all :)
Thank you ✌
for those small branches in a way you might wanna consider small one hand operating battery powered chainsaw.if you do same acces roads.Might be easier once you cut some of those in next passes and you can just push em away-might help a lot not to go out of vehicle more times when snow falls repeteadly and no scratches either.
That is not a bad idea at all. The only thing you need to be careful of is that you don't cut a branch on a tree the customers really like.... LOL Some of those trees are ornamental and once the snow melts they will raise back up into the normal position. But for trees that are broken or that do not matter, a small saw would have been nice. ✌
If you get the larger dump body, would you ever do municipal contract that way you know you're getting paid without heckling, it's still an hourly rate, and you're not on the hook if something happens to the truck or if you are on death's bed sick etc.
I don't think I will ever plow for the town or state. Too many bad stories from people and man those roads can beat the crap out of your equipment. It is a great way to keep trucks and guys busy if you have the resources but not sure I would want to put my resources on it. My plan would be to sell a decent driveway list and 3-5 commercial accounts to keep 2 trucks and like 4-5 guys busy. ✌
Very tidy plowing Mr. Kyle, certainly helps keeps the customers happy! V blades are definitely overkill for most driveways, but if you have steep grade driveways you can drive up it plowing in V mode (saves a pass from a straight blade guy that has to drive all the way up and plow down) and when the snows super deep you can throw it into V and save a lot of wear and tear on your truck. We still get a little bit more snow up in NH than you guys 🤪Not knocking straight blades though I know they’ll get the job done just as well and like you said, cheaper to get into and maintain!
Thank you, no complaints is always my goal! The uphill down the center is definitely where a V plow would shine, can't argue with that... NH windy / uphill driveways would be a good place for a strong V plow. What do you use? In the majority of the areas I have always plowed in just don't require them, not that they could be slightly faster in an experienced guys hand... But for guys getting started and have a budget / don't need anything crazy, the straight Fisher is a great place to start. Thanks for the feedback brother! ✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper I hear ya for the majority of guys a straight blade will do just fine there might be a few driveways you tell the customer “no”. I tend to take on some of the trickier, steeper driveways in town that not a lot of other plow guys are willing to do. 80% of my accounts a straight blade would do just fine, those few steeper than shit accounts and small lots I do I sure am glad I’ve got the V lol. And it’s an 8’6 Fisher XV2. Wouldn’t have it any other way 😀
@@603landscapes Nothing wrong with that at all. I'm sure the steeper / trickier driveways pay well.... 🤑
@@TheChristianHardscaper they certainly do! Can get yourself into a heap of trouble very fast not being careful tho lol. Looks like we’ll be out plowing today 😀
@@603landscapes That is for sure... I used to do a ton of curvy / steep driveways for a company I used to work for. Much less stressful when it is not your truck...LOL But being careful is very important in those situations or else that good money turns to not worth it money... Looking forward to another night of plowing, be safe brother✌
On average what should you get paid to sub out your truck and you to a company ? You do not have to tell me what you get paid but what would a good range look like ?
Wheres the shovel helpers?
Ben and his wife just had a baby and Travis was not available for this one.
Question what is an hourly rate for plowing in your area
It can vary a good amount depending on where you are or what kind of rig you have. But in the area that I plow, if you are just a guy with a pickup and plow doing residential, you will get anywhere from $65-$100 an hour for you and the truck.
Looks like you need a pole saw to add to your plow kit. I had a branch in the way on one driveway and just happened to have my chainsaw with me so it was only a 3 minute delay.
🤣 Not a bad idea... LOL Anything to keep things rolling! ✌
CEL on on a newer truck like that? It is a ford though. A straight blade is simple but if you plowed more with a V you’d learn to like it over a straight blade.
Mr. Plow that his name again is Mr plow .
🤣 ✌
If u got a 550 would u plow and maybe salt with that to
Definitely. I would probably buy a spreader along with the truck. At that point I could get a nice driveway list with a few commercials on top. 👌
What would you charge for an average driveway ? Planning on starting something in my neighborhood next year and was wondering
Location is a huge factor, wealthier area and you can charge a little bit more than you would for more common folk lol. Tiny, little driveways $40-$50 per push all day long. Bigger ones can go for $70-100 especially if you do a little shoveling (walkways and garage doors). Again all depends on your area though. Wealthier clients=more $ to be made
I should add I hire a shoveler too, so it comes out to be a little more per push than if I was riding solo. Worth it though, makes for a cleaner finish and keeps the clients happy not having to lift a finger
@@603landscapes Yeah my average is $60/push. I end up making some pretty good money for big storms on my own. I'm in Hudson, NH
@@Nathan-Muir right on man I’m in the Dover area. $60 a push is solid money, all my new customers this year I got up to around $60 per. Not really interested in plowing and shoveling someone out for $40 anymore lol. Hopefully tomorrow isn’t a dud and we get to drop the plows 🤞
Nice back and forth on this thread! It is all about location without a doubt.... In Middlesex county MA area that I am plowing, they are pretty wealthy neighborhoods and the prices can get very high. But driveways are mainly charged by the snow accumulations. There is a base price which will typically cover up to the first 5.9 inches. Then every 3 inches the price changes. Some companies have slightly different increments, but the same idea. Some charge per push but it causes issues around here because if you plow a customer and then 2 more inches come, they do not like being charged again... So making contracts based off snow totals makes it easier for billing. With that being said it probably equals out to be similar numbers but a base price is usually between $65-$100 plus shoveling is an additional line item. So if you have a $25 minimum shovel and base price driveway, that's a quick $90. Not bad really.
Looking like 2-4 inches tomorrow down here, hoping to get out there also. Even if it is a quick cleanup... ✌
V plows are a lot more maintenance if something messes up for something that isn’t a huge difference
That's for sure ✌
Let’s be real. If you can afford it, a wideout is the best option out there. I have 4 drives on my route I need the v to break open. I would drop those drives in a second if I had a wideout
That may be true, but most driveway guys don't have routes that require it. The ones who do typically by their plow based on them, which I totally understand. I have some up hills and long driveways on my current route and used to have a tone years ago at a company I worked for. but have not felt like I needed a V plow to get through it. It may have helped in some situations for sure, but not necessary.
Don’t sweat the scratches.they make plow trucks every day and paint
I tottaly agree man, the trucks are meant for work and play!
Rhett
Plowing looks fun. Shoveling, not so much.
Until you've been doing it for 12 hours and there's no end in sight
Thing about plowing is you have to CONSTANTLY pay attention. One mistake and you can mess up your equipment or destroy someone else's property.
Plus, it can be very dangerous. I plow a 130acre complex that has some gnarly hills and a huge amount of gigantic curbs. Extremely stressful sometimes.
@@qqslp yup. One lapse in attention, one failure to check before backing into the road for the 100th time that day/night or remember to watch the plow swing and you can wind up with a nasty situation. Things break down, it's freezing cold, it's wet, you're tired, there's 20 more sites to plow, it's still snowing and there's more coming in two days. The list is endless. Having a team to back you up is priceless.
Plowing is very fun until you get tired, then the shoveling is key because it gets you out in the fresh air to wake you up for the next couple stops.... 🤣 ✌
Another guy I follow on here takes that screw out the front plate cause it ruins the lines.
Not a bad idea... ✌
Wouldn't a skid steer make these easier and less costly to operate too?
Skid steers may plow a tad bit faster but it is the travel in between houses that a skid steer is not good for. The ones who plow driveways with skid steers are blessed enough to have a lot of houses in one area so there is no long travel in between.
@@TheChristianHardscaper Makes sense. But bro, hats off for such courage and determination tho. You are definitely nailing it. May God bless you and keep you in good health.
Get a v plow. And what do they pay you hourly being a sub. I love the American Flag on your plow.
I'm not sure I ever will honestly. maybe a fixed scoop plow in the future but probably not a V. That flag was really fun to paint, it came out pretty decent. Thanks for the feedback ✌
But why did it take so long to get to my driveeewayyyy??? (insert whiner homeowner voice here...lol) Def a winter wonderland though. I remember doing commercial and being waay behind in a blizzard. I passed thru a residential area and people were chasing me down the street to get me to stop plow their driveways lol
🤣 Isn't that the truth! Some people just don't realize what it takes... It was a really nice storm, very refreshing after a couple years of very mild winters. I get looks from people all the time while they are shoveling their driveway... 🤣 ✌
lol
@@TheChristianHardscaper
Of course you dont NEED it 😂.. but a V plow is a more versatile tool, no denying that.
Its like saying you dont need a tilt/rotator bucket on an excavator... well of course not but its better!!! Lol 😆
More versatile maybe, but you are paying a large premium to have it. And if you do not need it, then it would be a waste of money in my opinion. An investment like that could take you a few seasons or more to pay for itself with the lack of snow we have been getting the past few seasons. That is my point with the straight blades, it is a smarter investment for driveway guys. More return on the investment, cheaper maintenance and less possible issues. The same goes for a very expensive tilt/rotator bucket. That would be a silly investment for someone whos does not use their excavator daily. It would take a long time to get your money back on the purchase....
Rhett
See money to be made along those driveways!!!
I'm sure many can, but hey I have always made good money with my lists. for myself and the company I worked for. It is all about being on a smooth pace with little room for error. I don't try to be the fastest plow guy, I try to make little to 0 mistakes. Some things that save time cost a lot of money as well. Those things take time to acquire. ✌
A+! Solid work all the way around!