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will I miss a locking diff for plowing?

Discussion in 'General Truck Info' started by Rockridge, Oct 28, 2020.

  1. Rockridge

    Rockridge New Member

    Basically, that's it. Looking hard for a minitruck to take over winter plowing and stuff around the property. My driveway is no joke, 1000 ft long and steep, with a hairpin. How steep? When I use my GMC Sierra, I run chains, all the time. We haven't owned 2wd since building here. In winter, my driveway is a right of passage for any new UPS guy's. It's skiable.

    In looking for a mini truck, just how much better is having a diff lock than without? Worst case I'll chain it up and not worry about it?
     
  2. Jigs-n-fixtures

    Jigs-n-fixtures Well-Known Member

    I don’t use the rear diff lock very often.

    But, mine locks both axles, when in low range, and I run low range anytime the plow is down.

    So, you don’t need the diff lock often when plowing, but you do need low range, 4wd.

    I have an electro-hydraulic Blackline 72-inch plow, and mounting it takes about three hundred pounds off the rear axle. So, I add sand bags in the bed over the rear axle, to get the truck back to a fifty-fifty front to rear weight distribution. And, with that additional weight I’ve never needed to put the chains on.

    There was a guy in Minnesota who was selling a 72-inch wide snow blower with a Subaru Robins engine on it. Not sure if he is still out there, it’s been a while since I was looking at plows and such.

    I will say that I am very happy with the Blackline plow I have, even tough I have broken and fixed a few things over the last three years.

    The full hydraulic setup is really nice, because it limits how much time you have to get out and be cold. And, the less expensive ATV/UTV plows are winch operated and don’t have any down force. The Blackline, has I think 400-lbs down force, which lets you break loose packed snow and ice. Plus the hydraulics lets you stack snow if you’re careful.
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    Limestone likes this.
  3. Jigs-n-fixtures

    Jigs-n-fixtures Well-Known Member

    And, if you can find a dump truck that is a big bonus in my mind. On the Hijets, there is no bed below the dump bed. Which means that if you put the bed in dump mode and raise it, you have only a engine protection plate to remove and you’re at the top of the engine. On the standard bed you have an access plate that is about 1.5 by 2-ft to work through. Lots easier on the dump trucks.
     
    Limestone likes this.
  4. Jim Nelson

    Jim Nelson Active Member

    I bought a mini truck for my son that didn't have the dump and going down or up our driveway which is paved but pretty steep his would chirp the back tires in low gear. Mine with the dump didn't do that. lots of difference in weight where you need it. This was in 2 w.d. of course.
     
  5. Limestone

    Limestone Well-Known Member

    Rock,
    A lot of great info here, and on the forum! It's important to get the right Mini, to suit your needs! If you rush into, and get the wrong one, you'll kick yourself! You have a unique situation, get the right unit!
    Limestone
     

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