This winter, rather than living at the mercy of the weather, consider doing something about it by hitching a snowplow to your truck and clearing out the roads around your house. Whether you hope to make some extra cash or just want to do a good deed, having this capability is useful. Wondering what you need to get started? Here are three requirements.

Your Guide to Using a Snowplow

1. Mount for the Plow

Firstly, you need a way to attach the plow to your vehicle. Some plows are hitch-mounted: they simply attach to a hitch installed on the front (or occasionally the rear) of the vehicle. This is generally the simplest and quickest mounting method. Alternatively, some plows can be frame-mounted, which is exactly what it sounds like: you attach brackets to the front of the truck, then attach the plow to those brackets. Because this method is more heavy-duty, it is typically preferred for commercial plowing.

2. Commercial Driver’s License

The moment you connect a plow to your truck, it turns into a commercial vehicle. As such, you need a commercial driver’s license to operate it in most states. This helps protect both plow drivers and others on the road by ensuring that the person behind the wheel has the skill and knowledge to maneuver in harsh weather conditions without causing harm.

3. A Powerful Vehicle

The vehicle must be able to handle the extra weight—roughly 130 to 160 extra pounds, not including the mount—and it must be able to force its way through deep snow as it handles itself well on ice. This requires a powerful engine and a vehicle designed for rugged work—typically an SUV or pickup truck.

If you want to put a snowplow on your truck this winter, check out the options at Currier’s Certified Welding in Kalispell. They’ve served the Flathead Valley area since 1972. In addition to being the largest authorized BOSS Snowplow dealer in Northwest Montana, they also provide welding work and steel fabrication. Whether you need to outfit your truck for a plow or you want to install a custom metal gate around your home, they can help. Learn more about their services by visiting them online or calling them today at (406) 752-2366.