plowing tips

[custom patios]

does anyone have any tips on plowing steep terrain? steep and winding terrain. I have some accounts which are pretty dangerous and need some advice. does anyone else plow steep terrain?

[Mbella]

Are you talking about driveways Steve?

[Ground effects NH]

does anyone have any tips on plowing steep terrain? steep and winding terrain. I have some accounts which are pretty dangerous and need some advice. does anyone else plow steep terrain?

Are you plowing up or down? If at all possible I like to plow up step terrain also I have found that a little extra ballast (if you’re using 200#jump it up to 300-350#) then normal worked well. I run studs on all 4 tires.
Also I don’t like to plow like you would a street(bottom to top without stopping) in deep heavy snow but like to wing into the banks then back out repeat pushing up hill. On steep grades downhill Good luck, but have found doing the street style (Plowing from top to bottom nonstop) plowing worked better for me.
I think it a lot of trial and too much error; also keep in touch with other plow driver’s cell phone a quick call and I would have 4 trucks there to help. Good luck Hope this helps a little.

[custom patios]

Are you talking about driveways Steve?

yes, these are driveways I have and am looking for advice on how to approach them. I've gotten stuck a few times and thats no way to make money. now help. if I go off the one driveway my truck will roll for sure.

[custom patios]

Are you plowing up or down? If at all possible I like to plow up step terrain also I have found that a little extra ballast (if you’re using 200#jump it up to 300-350#) then normal worked well. I run studs on all 4 tires.
Also I don’t like to plow like you would a street(bottom to top without stopping) in deep heavy snow but like to wing into the banks then back out repeat pushing up hill. On steep grades downhill Good luck, but have found doing the street style (Plowing from top to bottom nonstop) plowing worked better for me.
I think it a lot of trial and too much error; also keep in touch with other plow driver’s cell phone a quick call and I would have 4 trucks there to help. Good luck Hope this helps a little.

thats part of my problem. plow up or down? I have had people suggest both.
when I plow up hill its dangerous because as I plow, everything behind me becomes ice. since I dont have a spreader the situation only gets worse. my truck slides. I have to stop hand spread calcium, wait, get unstuck. it sucks.
I have tried going up the drive first then plow down. this works but its harder to remove the snow I just drove over. then going back up is tough again. my tires are good I'm just surprised how easy it is for my truck to spin and slide. I would cancell these accounts in a heartbeat but they pay pretty good.

[Ground effects NH]

thats part of my problem. plow up or down? I have had people suggest both.
when I plow up hill its dangerous because as I plow, everything behind me becomes ice. since I dont have a spreader the situation only gets worse. my truck slides. I have to stop hand spread calcium, wait, get unstuck. it sucks.
I have tried going up the drive first then plow down. this works but its harder to remove the snow I just drove over. then going back up is tough again. my tires are good I'm just surprised how easy it is for my truck to spin and slide. I would cancell these accounts in a heartbeat but they pay pretty good.

Are you running any ballast??:noidea:

[STLPONDS]

When you guy's plow uphill are you getting the snow off to the sides so when it thaws it won't run downhill and freeze again? Sounds stupid but a lot of guy's don't think about that aspect.

[CMSStoneworks]

chain her up....Simple fix. why take the chance?

[GreenMonster]

Steve, the keys to traction are a.) ballast b.) good tires. I've learned, and paid over the years for not having one or the other.

[Meanix]

i only run chains if it is a last resort. The extra travel time is a killer, aside from the annoying vibration. I would much rather get out and throw some salt for traction. Also we carry a snow blower in the pick up which helps with shoveling in front of the garage and tough places to get to with a long truck. Wouldn't be much fun to get out of a dump without long ramps though.
The last storm we got was 12-15 and we were greatful it was cold because the snow was light and only one job (dentist office) we plowed twice.

[CaptainsLS]

Steve, are all the driveways in one neighborhood?

We have one account that you would have to be insane to accept. 'Steep' would be an understatement. It has about 100 terrifying driveways. There is one drive that I can only go down with the sander full (2 tons) and we actually dump snow with the bobcat in front of the plow first to help slow/stop the truck as it goes down. Getting back up is a different story, lol. Yesterday I choose to drive into a post&rail fence on my way out rather then fall off the ravine.

[paponte]

Screw that!! I saw some driveways a buddy of mine does up in Clinton, NJ last year. You couldn't pay me enough to do them with a truck. I have done some steep roadways before where we would plow down and literally steer with the plow without accelerating at all. White knuckles and a change of drawers. I would try loading up a super sac with sand and carrying it in the back of the truck. This way if you get stuck you can always throw some down.

[CaptainsLS]

I’m starting to think that “screw that” might be a good option, lol. We’ve been doing this place for 3 years and they just keep getting more and more picky/unrealistic.

Would you believe that of all the people to live at the bottom… it is a paraplegic dude in a wheelchair that drives a mini-van!?!? I’ll try to snap a picture of this place later (looks like big snow is coming our way).