The Right Truck & Plow for Alberta Winters

The Right Truck & Plow for Alberta Winters

How to Choose the Right Truck & Snowplow for Alberta Winters

Alberta’s winters are legendary, and when it comes to clearing snow, choosing the right truck and snowplow is essential for getting the job done efficiently and safely. Whether you’re a commercial snow removal contractor or just taking care of your driveway, the right equipment makes all the difference. Let’s break down what you need to consider when selecting the perfect truck and plow combo.

1) Choosing the Right Truck

Each truck is unique, and the variables and features of your vehicle will determine the ideal snowplow for your needs. It's crucial to ensure that your truck is properly equipped with enough power, capacity, and handling capabilities to support a snowplow system.

To help us recommend the perfect plow for you, make sure to gather the following truck specifications:

  • Truck Year
  • Truck Model
  • Cab and Bed Size
  • Engine Type and Size
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
  • Front/Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (FGAWR/RGAWR)

Once you have this information, reach out to the Alberta Forest & Garden team by phone or email. We’ll use the details to match you with the right snowplow, the first time around.

1.1) Why Can't I Run a Larger Plow?

The main reason you can’t mount a larger plow than recommended by the manufacturer is because the plow may be too heavy for your truck’s specifications. For instance, if the plow exceeds your truck's FGAWR (Front Gross Axle Weight Rating) or GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), you could run into serious problems.

When your truck carries too much weight, it can lead to premature wear and potential damage, often affecting the suspension and other vital components. Furthermore, it’s illegal to drive a truck that exceeds its rated weight, and you could face hefty fines, a revoked business license, or even jail time if you're caught driving an overweight vehicle. That's a nightmare scenario for anyone in the business!

1.2) The Deal with Diesel Engines

Diesel engines are known for their torque and are often the preferred choice for towing and hauling, offering excellent fuel efficiency. However, when it comes to snowplows, a diesel engine’s additional weight can actually become a disadvantage. Diesel engines tend to be hundreds of pounds heavier than their gasoline counterparts, which could push your truck's axle ratings beyond their limits, especially when you're mounting a 700-1000 lb plow on the front.

To counter this, some truck brands offer "snowplow prep packages," which include a stronger front suspension and larger alternators to support the added weight and electrical draw of the plow's lights and hydraulics. If you're concerned about weight, you can also add ballast to the truck bed or flat deck to help balance the load, as long as the GVWR isn’t exceeded. (See section 1.3 for more on ballast.)

1.3) What Is Ballast, and Why Is It Important?

Ballast refers to adding weight to the rear of your truck to counterbalance the weight of the plow mounted at the front. This ensures that the plow blade sits flush against the ground for optimal operation. If the blade isn't level, it can lead to uneven wear, reduced efficiency, or potential damage.

The most common types of ballast are sandbags, patio stones, or other heavy objects placed in the truck bed. Even your truck-bed spreader, loaded with salt or sand, can act as ballast. A metal slab bolted to the bottom of your truck bed can also be an effective and durable ballast solution.

Typically, you'll want at least 500 lbs of ballast for most trucks, but it’s best to consult with us directly for the best setup for your specific vehicle and plow combination.

1.4) What Does 1/4-Ton, 1/2-Ton, 3/4-Ton, and 1-Ton Mean?

When referring to trucks, the terms "1/4-ton," "1/2-ton," "3/4-ton," and "1-ton" represent the vehicle’s payload capacity, or the maximum weight it can carry.

  • 1/4-Ton: Typically smaller trucks like the Ford Ranger or Chevy S-10, with a payload capacity of around 500 lbs. These trucks have the smallest snowplow options available.
  • 1/2-Ton: Trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevy 1500, or RAM 1500, which can carry around 1000 lbs.
  • 3/4-Ton: Includes the 2500 series trucks, capable of carrying 1500 lbs or more.
  • 1-Ton: Includes the 3500 series trucks, designed for heavy-duty tasks and higher payload capacities.

The larger the truck, the larger and heavier the snowplow it can handle.

2) Choosing the Right Snowplow

Like trucks, snowplows come in a variety of models, designs, and features. Choosing the right plow depends on the type of work you’re doing, the truck you’re driving, and your performance requirements. At Alberta Forest & Garden, we primarily work with SnoWay and SnowEx snowplows—both known for their durability and performance. We’ve received fantastic feedback on both brands, and both come with a 2-year limited warranty to ensure your investment is protected.

2.1) Which Plow Is Right for Me?

First, consider the type of work you’re doing. If you're a residential contractor with a smaller truck, the SnoWay 22 Series might be a great choice. It's lightweight and efficient for residential driveways. For commercial and larger residential contracts, a SnoWay 26 Series or SnowEx RD 7600 might be a better fit.

For larger areas, like highways or parking lots, you might want a V-plow or a winged plow. These types of plows can efficiently clear long stretches of road or large parking lots by allowing you to adjust the plow’s width and angle.

  • V-Plows are excellent for breaking through deep snow drifts and managing long stretches of road.
  • Winged Plows, such as the SnoWay Revolution HD or SnowEx PowerPlow, offer the flexibility to adjust the width of the blade, which is perfect for both wide areas and tight spaces.

2.2) Understanding Plow Designations

To help make your selection easier, snowplow brands like SnoWay and SnowEx use a designation system for their models.

  • SnoWay uses the blade height followed by the type (e.g., 26V means a 26” blade height, V-plow).
  • SnowEx uses the blade width followed by the type (e.g., 7600HD means a 7'6" heavy-duty plow).

Each plow also has a rated cubic yard (yd³) capacity, which tells you how much snow it can handle at once. The larger the plow, the more snow it can move—leading to faster, more efficient snow removal. A larger plow can often get the job done 66% faster than a medium-sized plow, or even 3x faster than a small plow.

2.3) Installing a Snowplow

Installing a snowplow is a complex task that requires knowledge of both your truck and the plow. The front bumper may need to be altered to fit the plow’s undercarriage, and there are several steps involved in ensuring everything is connected and functional.

At Alberta Forest & Garden, we offer snowplow installation for $1195 and spreader installation for $595. We recommend scheduling your installation ahead of time, as availability depends on our schedule. Installation typically takes between 1-3 business days.

3) Why Buying Quality Equipment Matters

We’ve all heard the saying, "You get what you pay for," and when it comes to snowplows, this couldn’t be more true. While it may be tempting to go with a cheaper, used plow, many of our commercial clients regret not investing in a high-quality, new plow with a warranty.

Snowplows work tirelessly in extreme conditions—heavy snow, sub-zero temperatures, and the toughest terrain. The last thing you want is to find yourself dealing with breakdowns in the middle of a storm. Off-brand or used snowplows may seem like a good deal initially, but they often lead to costly repairs, frequent maintenance, and frustrating downtime.

When you invest in a reputable brand like SnoWay or SnowEx, you’re not just paying for the equipment, you’re paying for peace of mind. These plows come with a warranty, and should anything go wrong, you have access to quality service and parts.

Ultimately, buying quality equipment saves you money in the long run. You’ll experience fewer breakdowns, lower maintenance costs, and more reliable performance throughout the winter season.

Get in Touch with Our Sales Team Today!

Ready to get your truck and snowplow set up for the Alberta winter? Contact our friendly sales staff at Alberta Forest & Garden for expert advice and personalized recommendations.

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