[Scott R]

Thanks for any feedback you may contribute.
I've been plowing for 20+ years with my 52 Dodge powerwagon, I run a full hydraulic system. Vickers vane pump under the hood ( 5 GPM ) 2-spool valve body, tank, etc. This has served me well for many years will little to no breakdowns. I built my plow from scratch, using a Fisher as my template, then beefing it up in many areas.
It's time to upgrade as my body is getting older and power steering, brakes and things like that are very attractive. After a 12-14 hr day in my old truck I can barly walk.
My new rig I'm starting with is a 93 bronco. I have it down to just the frame and gas tank in my shop now. I'm installing 1-ton running gear from a superduty, I just built a 460 for high torque (not horse power). I'll mate a C-6 tranny and a 205 behind it. I'll be boxing the entire frame. I wanted a short wheel base as a do mostly residential accounts and I take on all the nasty driveways that pay top dollar along with all the others I do.
I'm at a point of having to decide weather to go full hydraulics again, or elect over hyd. like all the stock plows come. My current system is fast and strong. Better than the Blizzard and Fisher Wide out that I have plowed with belonging to my buddy. I have never had a light dim or a battery / alternater issue. Now, having said that, this build would go faster if I just pruchased a new power wing plow, wired it in and started plowing. I have also considered, buying a new power wing plow, pulling all the pump / valve body offit, selling it and plumbing in my own valves and running it off my full hyd. set up.
Given the choice, if you could set yourself up any way you wanted. What system would you choose and why ? I'll try and post a couple pics of my current set up and what I'm building now.
Thanks again for your thoughts.

 

[scottr]

The 460 I just finished

 

[scottr]

Current state of build

 

[scottr]

Pulling body off

 

[Mark13]

I'm having trouble remembering the guys name on here but he runs his wideout plows on a central hydraulic system he shares with his expanding wing pull plows. The videos of the wideouts look like they are scary fast.

Edit. Jon Geer.

 

[Italiano67]

Nice job on the 460! My advice would be to buy a new vplow with smartlocks ( I am partial to Boss). I just don't see the necessity of full hydraulics on a non salter rig. You will get a two year full warranty on anything that goes out with the plow but I don't foresee that happening. I would concentrate on the rigs creature comforts as you have been plowing old school for a long time and would appreciate plowing in a more modern comfy environment. make sure all of the basics are rebuilt or new ( alternator etc) and spend some time on having the interior redone just the way you want it. Make your longs days not seem so long riding around in styleThumbs Up.

 

[bcramblit]

Pulling body off

A build like this. You gotta do central hydros. As you mentioned the lights dimming drive me nuts. The power of centrals is a creature comfort in my opinion. The silent motion is another. The sound of elec. over makes me want to puke. If price is not a concern? Sounds like you know what your doing.

 

[Scott R]

Mark, I'll get a look at that video soon as I can, thanks
67, truth is, I don't have much call for a V-plow, I think Boss makes a great product, I just don't see drifting much where I'm at and good wings allow my to carry and stack pretty good. I'm looking forward to the creature comforts for sure.
bcramblit, Your right about the power of central Hyd. I do love that, price is being kept in check, however I want this done right so it's the best of both worlds, so I'm willing to pay for what I need on the front end. I've built many of systems and other plow rigs for customers. I'll post a couple of pics when I get time. I need to do more searching on others central hyd. systems so I can see how they did it.
BTW, the NOS bottle in my icon is my hydraulic tank on my 52 dodge. Gets the kids fired up when thet see it
thnaks

 

[myzx6]

Therrs nothing like plowing with a big block, I have a 496 in my truck, just as much power as a diesel and the exhaust sounds and smells much better. That bronco is gonna be a great pusher no matter what you decide for a plow set up. Is it gonna be a dedicated plow truck? What are your plans for rust prevention, I highly recommend por15. If you've never used it, it sticks better to rust then clean metal, 2 thick coats and you'll never worry about rust again. Looking forward to seeing your progress, I'm a Chevy guy but I've always loved the full-size bronco and anything with a gas big block and you have both in one!!

 

[Kubota 8540]

In years gone by having electric over hydraulic was a big battery drain. The newer pumps are much more efficient and use less electric. Also now days a 200 amp alternator is very reasonably priced for under $200. Or take your existing alternator to the local shop and have them bump it up. Run 2 batteries connected in parallel and all electric problems go away. Led amber strobes rather than halogen rotators = less drain. I don't see a need for a central hydraulic system on a non-salting rig. Electric over hydraulics are small and a isolated system which you can have a back up ready to bolt on in 10 minutes if necessary. Older and frame up build is the way to go.!

 

[scottr]

Myzx, rust here in Fairbanks is not a real issue (thankfully), so just painting the frame and parts with a good primer and paint will do fine. Yes this will be a dedicated plow rig. Here's some shots of the last one I built for a buddy.

 

[scottr]

Starting with a 12 valve dodge, cut frame off behind spring hangers

 

[scottr]

Welded in 600 lbs on ballast over rear wheels

 

[scottr]

Wiring and light check, rear recess if for the rear plow

 

[scottr]

Drivers side box holds the rear plow hydraulics, diesel fuel fill port

 

[scottr]

Passenger side box holds the big batt that runs both front and rear plows

 

[scottr]

Rig works awesome

 

[Kevin_NJ]

Can't help you with ideas on the build (nowhere near knowledgeable enough) but gotta say I'm drooling over the pics of your shop and work!

Edit to add:
How about pics of the '52?

 

[scottr]

My 52 dodge, I hope to retire it from plowing by next season

 

[scottr]

I pulled the stock flat head out and installed a 68' dodge 318. I tend to use the red and grey colors, I like the looks of the combo.Thumbs Up