Beater Plow Truck Update

"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion) 10/02/2019 at 11:32 • Filed to: POS plow trucks

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I’m looking at buying a $1500 truck to use only for plowing, for this winter at least. Driveway is too big for a snowblower, tractors are too expensive.

Searching for plow trucks on my local CL is at least quite entertaining, if also a bit frustrating - I think I’ve missed two good options already, a ~$2k (asking) F250 with no “known” issues, and a diesel F350 that was uninspectable (duh) but otherwise fine, though it was priced at $2,500. I’d be ok at above $2k for something I know I can re-sell, especially a diesel.

Haven’t found any great options since those both disappeared (one ‘96 that’s stuck in 4-low, no big deal, but oh it also “just needs a jump” mmm hmm). It’s also over an hour away.

This is my favorite one so far, not to buy, but for the listing - 2004 Dodge $2400

Here’s the description (emphasis mine) :

runs.....engine issue was repaired

drives,i have been told there may be an issue shifting

stops....appears to be in working order

miles?.....224,000 well loved im sure

rust?....yes,rear wheel area......end of cab elbows/corners

frame?...yes....appears to be good

plow?....works

sticker?.....unknown......not inspected

driver seat ?......eh......to .....uggg

rear tires replaced last year

taken off the road in july,,,,,needs extensive exhaust repairs?......what?...the entire system....manifolds appear to be good.....however.....

there is a hitch out the back.....good/bad.....dont know

glass is good

i am not seeking any offers or trades

having looked this up......crappy condition is 3400....average trade is 4350

i am in no rush //////winter is coming and has the promise of not being a good one either

can ya drive it home.......you decide....not me...

i have proper papers,yes

serious inquiries please

do not text me thanks

LOL.

Then there’s this, which, if it wasn’t over an hour from me, I might actually go look at. Because Tahoe? Plow was probably added late in its life, i t’s probably not as bad overall as some of the heavy-duty trucks that plowed for 16 hours straight every time it snowed for the last decade.

2001 Tahoe, $1,500

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

I did at least LOOK at tractors on Craigslist, and there’s nothing under $10k that would really do the job. For that kind of money, I’d rather have an inspectable truck that I could actually, you know, drive on the road too.

Or hell, I’ll put a plow on my ‘61 and use that for just the driveway.

Stay tuned. 

lone_liberal > functionoverfashion 10/02/2019 at 11:49

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When I lived out in the boonies and had a long (300 yards or so) driveway I looked in to getting a tractor as it would have been good to have one for both plowing, driveway maintenance (it was gravel) and dealing with the landscaping . I was shocked how much they go for. Even old stuff was out of reach and those would put you out in the elements since they didn’t have cabs. I think it’s a much more reasonable idea to get an old plow truck. Good hunting!

412GTI > functionoverfashion 10/02/2019 at 12:00

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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

LOL okay buddy maybe on Mars.

You have to love brutally honest ads like that. 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > functionoverfashion 10/02/2019 at 12:15

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You don’t think a garden tractor + snowblower would work?

https://westernmass.craigslist.org/grd/d/several-john-deere-garden-tractors-snow/6969014952.html

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > functionoverfashion 10/02/2019 at 12:19

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https://kalispell.craigslist.org/search/cto?query=plow

Wacko > functionoverfashion 10/02/2019 at 12:20

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I have a 7 foot plow on my side by side

Don’t have an enclosed nor heated cabin but I do have a very warm snowmobile suit for when it’s “Fucken” cold.

It’s a 2011 Kawasaki Teryx 750.  It’s about 1500 lbs dry and add me and the plow and I’m guessing it’s about 2000 lbs. no problems at all even if over a foot of snow.  When I used to plow with my atv, I would have to pass the snowblower when there was too much snow.  

facw > functionoverfashion 10/02/2019 at 12:21

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Obviously what you need is a luxury plow truck:

2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR $1500 (NORTH HAMPTON)

functionoverfashion > Snuze: Needs another Swede 10/02/2019 at 12:43

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I think it would be slow and cold, if effective at all with my driveway. But now I want to know what a “chainsaw attachment” is for a lawn tractor. 

functionoverfashion > facw 10/02/2019 at 12:45

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Considering the plow truck I started with, brakes and heat  is a luxury to me. My father’s plow vehicle used to be a 1966 Scout with no back door, vacuum wipers that barely worked, no brakes, mediocre clutch and uh... oh but it ran well! 

functionoverfashion > Wacko 10/02/2019 at 12:46

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That sounds like a fun plow vehicle. 

functionoverfashion > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/02/2019 at 12:48

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That thing is amazing.

I’ve looked at ex-municipal trucks here and there. If I could find one cheap enough, I’d totally do it. It’s just going to sit in the back corner of my property until I need it.

facw > functionoverfashion 10/02/2019 at 12:50

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But think of it, you could have a fancy E xplorer that clearly can’t pass NH inspection due to a mysterious check engine light that the dealer has no doubt evaluated isn’t worth fixing...

functionoverfashion > facw 10/02/2019 at 12:54

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I mean, slap a plow on there, kids can watch DVDs in the back while I plow... perfect!

If only it wouldn’t cost another $1500 to get a plow on that thing. 

facw > functionoverfashion 10/02/2019 at 13:03

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Honestly I have no idea how plows attach, but I figured there must be kits for that- gen E xplorer which would probably also fit the Lincoln.

vicali > functionoverfashion 10/02/2019 at 13:10

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RHD goodness..

Also;

functionoverfashion > vicali 10/02/2019 at 13:55

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YESSS

Snuze: Needs another Swede > functionoverfashion 10/02/2019 at 14:06

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I’m rather curious about that as well!

To be fair I don’t know how big your driveway is, and it would be a little chilly. 

functionoverfashion > Snuze: Needs another Swede 10/02/2019 at 14:30

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I could live with chilly if it were a big tractor and I could make big snow piles for my kids. But I don’t have extra time in the winter (typically) either, so... 

facw > vicali 10/02/2019 at 14:46

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Honestly, why even bother plowing when you’ve got a vehicle with tracks? Just drive that until April/May...

Snuze: Needs another Swede > functionoverfashion 10/02/2019 at 14:46

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They do make a little “cab” for these as well. I’ve seen them online but don’t have any experience. Though they look like they’re more for keeping rain out and mitigating wind. These little garden tractors have no provisions for a heater.

I think the biggest issue is you mentioned possibly getting some land, and I don’t think this tractor is going to cut if you’re looking to do anything besides mow the grass. Or maybe cut wood with the chainsaw attachment!