Diamond Headgear

[SLSNursery]

I have a question for those folks with newer Diamond plows - maybe Geoff. I have only ever had Fishers, and am finding a few differences in structural integrity. I would like to know if the following items are normal, or if I need to get the unit checked out. I put an 8' Diamond on a '00 F-350 SRW truck (because I didn't want to wait for a Fisher, and I'm willing to check new stuff out). <p>1. Headgear seems sloppy - normal? The front of the pump assembly is sort of wet, and it moves way more than the Fisher setup.<p>2. Chain Hooks are weak, and one weld broke already. I had to weld it back together. Is this a defect, and should I beef it up now rather than have it fail on the road?<p>Unfortunately due to knee surgery I only get to sit at the computer and run the loader when customers come in for sand/salt. I have to watch the trucks leave the yard (I miss plowing, that is why I am writing so much). <br><p>----------<br>Phil Grande - Soundview Landscape Supply - http://members.aol.com/slsnursery<br>Ivy League Landscaping - http://members.aol.com/scagrider

 

[GeoffD]

Ok I answer this as quick as i can for right now. I had to go back to the shop for a second, and ended up in my office and then ended up at the forum. We are in the middle of plowing right now. However we will stop for 3 hours and all rest because the storm will stop for like 3 hours.<p>Ok the head gear. I take it you have a brand new pull a way system, right?<p>The lift frame should be able to be pushed back in forth a little. There are adjustment screws that are set by the dealer. They aren't their to support the whole head gear, just to shim it a little. It is probably fine the way it is. <p>Ok the pump should be able to move a little bit too, because as your raise and lower the plow the angle of the pump shifts some. If you have a doubt retighten the bolts and nuts to the correct specs ( the specs are printed on the pump).<p>As for your chain, i don't know how that broke. I would look at where it connects to the plow. Make sure that the links aren't twisted when they connect to the plow a-frame. <p>Sorry these response are quick and messy, maybe it will help. Will provide a better response when i can. It's going to snow the rest of tonight and all day saturday. Have allready plowed all the lots once really quick. We will take a break to 3 am then start up again.<p>Other than these questions and the broken chain, how do ya like your diamond?<p>PS I think the pump and head gear sound normal, they will have some play in them, but 5 or 6 years from now the amount of play will be the same.<p>Geoff<br>

 

[SLSNursery]

Geoff - Thanks for the response - we are plowing too, and it hasn't been a fun one. My F-800 broke down last week in VT and is ready to be picked up (I'm not ready for a 3 hour ride though). Its a back up plow, but I need it to haul snow out of some lots. My brother just called, and my 94 250 dropped the front drive shaft. 2 down, 3 to go......My buddy Jack needs to borrow a truck because his tranny blew. And, first thing this morning we put a new starter on a sander. <p>Oh, the Diamond is fine so far.<p><p>----------<br>Phil Grande - Soundview Landscape Supply - http://members.aol.com/slsnursery<br>Ivy League Landscaping - http://members.aol.com/scagrider

 

[GeoffD]

Well now that i am done moving snow untill later tonight i will try to answer this better.<p>Ok there are two adjustment screws on the tubes that hold pump and lights. These screws should be adjusted in to the point where they don't support any weight on the headgear. <p>The pump should have some play in it. Only if you have any doubts retighten the bolts. I belive they are to be tighten to 65 or 70 lbs, only it is marked right on the pump.<p>The chain. Make sure that when they istalled the chain that the links were held up. If they didn't do this the links will bend and snap after awile. This is on the a frame.<p>Hope this helps.<p>Geoff

 

[SLSNursery]

Geoff - good call on the A-Frame, but I noticed that right off the bat, and have been straightening the links ever since. A buddy snapped both on a brand new Fisher 10' on a (you will like this) loaded F-650 Hook body. Overall, the plow is great. My brother likes it a lot. <p>----------<br>Phil Grande - Soundview Landscape Supply - http://members.aol.com/slsnursery<br>Ivy League Landscaping - http://members.aol.com/scagrider

 

[GeoffD]

Tell me more about what broke on the F 650? I am wondering now, whats hook body?<p>Geoff

 

[plowking35]

Geoff<br>A hook body is a truck that has a hook lift system mounted on it. Similar to a roll off body, but instead of a cable and winch, it uses a hook and hyraulics. You can have mutiple bodies on and off in a few minutes.<br>Install a hook on a truck, and then swap bodies like a flatbed, dump,box , sander anything you want.<br>Dino <p>----------<br> Professional Ice and Snow Management <br>Products:Services:Equipment www.sima.org

 

[SLSNursery]

Geoff - the chain to lift the plow must have been kinked near the bottom. Either the last link or the two u-bolts snapped, I'm not sure which. But, he lifted up, drove down the road, hit a bump (probably hit it hard), and the plow dropped like a lead sinker.<p>----------<br>Phil Grande - Soundview Landscape Supply - http://members.aol.com/slsnursery<br>Ivy League Landscaping - http://members.aol.com/scagrider

 

[GeoffD]

Well sorry to hear your Diamond dealer messed up the chain on your plow. Anyways help to spread the positive information about Diamond Snowplows. Diamond is a very small company and almost went under if it wasn't for Meyer buying them out about 10 or 12 years ago ( i think). They have a very small manufacturing facility compared to Fisher. Only they build great products, at least i think so. So Phil spread the word about Diamond and maybe others will start to look at them.<p>Geoff