When your livelihood depends on getting it right before the first big storm hits, you need to know exactly which plow to get.
To help clear things up, we sat down with Jim Richardson, a sales specialist at Ty’s Outdoor Power who has spent the last ten years focused on winter equipment. From truck compatibility to spec mistakes, Jim breaks down what commercial crews, landscapers, and municipalities need to know before they buy. Here’s what we learned.
Where the Conversation Starts
Before recommending any plow, Jim asks a few key questions to make sure the equipment fits the truck and the job. “The first thing I ask is what year, make, and model of the truck it is to determine their compatibility.” From there, he digs into how the equipment will be used, whether it’s clearing parking lots, residential driveways, city streets, or highways.
Surface type matters too. Jim asks whether customers are plowing asphalt, concrete, or gravel, and what shape those surfaces are in. An older street with pothole patches needs a different approach than fresh pavement.
Understanding the Boss Plow Lineup
Boss offers one of the widest ranges of snow plows in the industry, which makes it easier to match equipment to almost any job. “Their product range includes V blades, straight blades, backdrag plows, and equipment designed for a wide variety of machines.”
That lineup covers everything from ATVs and UTVs to half-ton pickups, one-ton trucks, and even tractors. A V blade shifts into different shapes for cutting through deep snow, while a straight blade works well for pushing snow across open lots.
Landscapers vs. Municipalities
The right setup depends a lot on who’s doing the plowing.
Landscaping Needs
Landscaping companies often handle residential and commercial properties, and many pick up extra work for cities during big storms. Because of that, Jim asks about both their current accounts and future goals.
Municipality Needs
Municipalities need the toughest gear available. “Municipality customers generally require the heaviest duty, most durable and most reliable equipment available because their trucks operate under demanding conditions and often run continuously during snow events.”
What You Need to Know About Your Truck
Truck compatibility comes down to weight and capability. “The most efficient commercial snow trucks are typically three-quarter ton or larger.” That said, lighter trucks can still work well when paired with the right plow. Jim evaluates the truck’s year, make, model, weight rating, and intended use to keep things safe and efficient.
The Most Common Spec Mistakes
Two mistakes come up again and again.
- Buying a plow that isn’t heavy-duty enough for the actual workload
- Grabbing a cheap, used plow without knowing its true condition
That second one can burn you. As Jim puts it, hidden wear, corrosion, and hydraulic or electrical issues “could quickly turn what seemed to be a bargain into a really expensive repair.”
How Boss Holds Up Under Heavy Use
Durability is where Boss stands out. Their plows use heavy-duty steel construction, and even the poly models get extra reinforcement. “Even their poly stainless models feature a heavy-duty structural reinforcement behind a moldboard… in layman’s terms, it’s a good steel back bracing.” That backbone gives Boss a heavy-duty edge over many competitors.
What Happens When a Plow Goes Down
When snow is falling and your plow quits, response time is everything. During business hours, Jim says it’s “all hands on deck,” with six technicians ready to work on trucks, sidewalk machines, and snow blowers.
After hours, it becomes an on-call effort. If a big snow event is coming, you call the Gretna store, and Shane, the service manager, or Jim often answers the phone. From there, the crew comes in and stays through the night to get contractors rolling again.
Building a Complete Snow Setup
A full snow removal operation usually needs more than a plow. The goal is a complete solution for every kind of snow removal work. Depending on the job, Ty’s can add:
- Tailgate and salt spreaders
- V box spreaders
- Liquid brine application systems
- Boss sidewalk machines
- Ventrac tractors with snow implements
- Commercial-grade snow blowers from four different manufacturers
The Honest Talk About Startup Costs
For landscapers eyeing snow removal as a winter revenue stream, Jim keeps it real. “Invest in equipment that fits not only the current workload, but also what you want your business to be in the future.”
Buying right the first time helps you avoid costly upgrades down the road. But he’s also upfront about the risk: some winters bring little snow, which means capital tied up in equipment with less revenue coming in. Smart planning keeps your business steady through busy and slow seasons alike.
Become Ready for Whatever Winter Brings
The right plow keeps you working when the snow piles up, and the right partner keeps you running when something breaks. Whether you’re a landscaper adding a new service or a municipality clearing miles of road, our team is here to help you find equipment that fits your truck, your budget, and your goals.
Stop by Ty’s Outdoor Power in Gretna, or give us a call. We’ll walk you through your options and get you ready before the first flake falls.
