The Blizzard IS a monster people on another forum are all reporting 30-40% time savings. We bought it our first season, so we can't really compare. It does outperform the 80 Chevy with 7.5 foot straight blade

 

When I lived in Montana, we had custom shops to fabricate the necessary equipment for our trucks. Boss is the brand of choice for plows. http://www.bossplow.com/

I preferred driving older 12-valve Cummins with a regular cab 4x4 so I wasn't out too much money when the rig eventually became
an irrigator. I've had a couple of F250/C2500's but they never survived plowing. The front suspension just doesn't hold up. Someone else mentioned using a Bobcat. That works great for a residential driveway, but you can't clean a parking lot quick enough.

On a new truck, I'd do some moderate hauling for about 4-5k miles before pulling a travel trailer.

After twenty minutes of plowing I'd have the heat up and running. Michigan winters are not much different than Montana or Wyoming, exc that we had high winds to deal with more than anything else.

 

Gotta respectfully disagree with you induchman on the Bobcat. I had several parking lots as customers and had no problem outplowing the vehicles with plows. Plow speed is the same, I ran an 8 foot six way blade, so volume was the same. I also could throw my bucket on the trailer and switch it out with the blade in about 2 minutes if I needed to scoop snow. Where I had the advantage over vehicles was manuverability (360 degree turn in my wheelbase) my machine is shorter and narrower than a truck, no shifting, no braking, cost of fuel (dyed), fuel consumption, traction and wear and tear. My Bobcat is designed for industrial work. Where the vehicles beat me was in speed from one plow job to another. I have to load, tow and unload my equipment. So that mean't I had to make sure my clients were not spread out too far.

 

We just picked up a 763 a few days ago, only it is a 2000. Very slick machine I also agree that with a properly equipped skid loader, you can out plow a truck. Maybe with a 10 foot snow pusher on there

 

Nothing comes close to a large front end loader with a 30' blizzard-style plow for clearing large parking lots...

 

A guy around here has a 863 I balive with a 10 foot blade that folds 10 million ways. That would definatly out plow a truck in a heart beat. Plus it can push snow up the pile 8 or10 feet and make the pile taller than a truck. As mentiond its made for that kind of abuse and will take it for ever.

 

I agree with blackjack dont if ya' dont have to. On the other hand I will take the snow and crappie weather over the Earth Quakes! At Least here the dang ground dont move!! But welcome to Michigan!!

 

cant believe nobody has mentioned warranty problems. Ive heard from bunches of people that if you dont have the plow prep package and the dealer finds you had a plow on the truck, your warranty is toast. sure its dumb, but you need the package.

 

How come some sites do not list the dually for a blade? I can guess that is cuz they are tough in the snow...but...I saw two today with plows and they were doing fine. One ford and one Dodge

We got dumped on here and more coming. Vehicles stuck everywhere.

This truck can go thru snow easier then my 01. 4x4 3500 dually.

 

I have an ongoing relationship with a major plow manufacturer and although the 2003+ trucks ahve been cured of some of the steering problems of the 1994-2002 trucks the frame is still too light. They do not recommend a plow for anything but the Ford SD because of the frame design, however they will sell you what you want. My plow will be mounted on my 1978 Chev 3500 SW 4X4 after I swap out the F44HD front axle for a F60HD. Darren Tessiers front end kit and trac-bar upgrade makes this a valid statement. I know there are those out plowing with Dodges and NO problems but remember plow weight, service hours and conditions play a major role in the maintenance cost and problems encountered. The NEW tech frames Hydro-Formed are also lighter by design and as a frame are very durable but not designed for some of the stresses accessories like plows and cranes will exert on the thinner outer frame walls. Try and put cost of plow and truck repair in line with the plow's return either personally or financially.

 

Just moved here from NorCal, I hope your doing it for the money.....

 

THE ONLY THING I CAN SAY ABOUT MICHIGAN IS THAT IT IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE FROM. I GET AWAY FROM IT EVERY CHANCE I GET.

 

After being in San Diego for 20 years, it's GREAT to be back. Things are getting too crazy in good ole CA.

PS...I'm from here anyway.

 

Welcome back--we need more tax payers

 

Snow plow prep is a 160 amp alt (?) and even tougher springs for the front, I beleive. If you plow without it, I think your warranty is void.