Snow plow blog,with snow plows,snowplow lights, check list and all kinds of information on snow plowing. Including new products coming to market for the snowplow and trucking industry. Join our Free trucking newsletter here.
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Snowplow lighting laws- Its HERE,Edgeolite Well this should be easy to answer. I will just type this question into Google and have my answer, well not exactly. If you are looking for answers on snowplow lighting laws or yellow roof lights you really need to do a little Investigating. But wait is there a Law? Because, I do not see all plow trucks with a yellow light on the top of there vehicle roof.
How are you going to find out what your requirements are if any. The failure to properly prepare your truck is your first mistake and to just go out and start plowing, with out any knowledge of what safety lighting you need is just plain foolish. There is no problem until somebody hits you, because they did not see your vehicle. Now, the few driveways you wanted to plow to make some extra money, has just became a major problem.
Why because you were negligent, you did not do your homework. You did not investigate to make sure your vehicle had the proper safety lighting on it, so now you have caused an accident while plowing. I ‘m not lawyer, but I try to keep in mind other people and how, what I do can effect them. Being a service provider like snowplowing you need to think along these lines. Other vehicles on the road will not think for you, that’s for sure and half the times you have to dodge them but that’s is part of the game. Now drivers pay less attention to driving because they are on the phone, texting and so on, we all see it every day on the road. So if you are going to snowplow you need to find out your laws for lighting as well as snow plowing.
The best place to find this answer is to search for the DOT for your state. The Department of Transportation website, should have the guidelines for snowplowing and snowplow lighting. Remember, because of the different type’s of winter storm area’s, the DOT guidelines change so you have to go by the state you are snowplowing in. This is very important. So when it comes to what are your snowplow requirements you should be able to find your answers at the DOT website. Happy snowplowing, remember Edgeolite is always trying to keep you safe. For more snowplowing article go to our blog here
Used snowplow, Find them now
Are you looking for a used snowplow, well we are getting to the end of the season and by now you will probably start to hear people saying they will buy new plow next year. Maybe, you have acquired more snow work this year and you are looking for a used back up plow. The first thing I would start looking locally in the used equipment guide and on the internet sites for used equipment, check out the prices. One site that is interesting is the Snowplow News Site, Hats off to this Veteran for offering Some seriously unique equipment.
Another site ,I found that handles a large amount of used snowplow equipment is the TrucknTrailer site ,again they have a vast amount of used equipment. But the only problems with used plows is the location, providing these companies are not to far away from you, they are a great resource for used snow plow equipment. However, they may also have an alternative to get the plows delivered to you for a low cost.
But before you start looking for used equipment you really need to do a little home work on what plow will service what you need. What type of application are you using the snowplow for? Highway, small driveway, parking lots? You also want to keep in mind the carrying capacity of your front end on your snowplow truck. The other thing I try to do is to keep all my plow the same brand. It is much easier to service and get parts. Instead of having to go to many different places to get parts You can mainly shop at one.
Used snowplow can also be at highway and construction auctions. There you can get some good deals but the down side to that is some piece can only be check by looking at the unit instead of inspecting it by cycling the hydraulics system, and you know they usually pressure wash the equipment before the Auction so you do not know what was leaking and what wasn’t. So the bottom line to buying a used snowplow is know what you want before you start looking for it, keep in mind it is also important to buy you equipment from reliable source. Edgeolite will be doing more reporting on used snowplow equipment If you want copy of this articles fill out the form on this blog. For more info go here
Snow plow wings, Do they work?
Plow wing extension are different then a snowplow wing. To me the ones that are used on the highway trucks are wing plows and snow plow extensions are what I believe are used on smaller plows to add more width to the same plow. Where wing plows are a total additional plow to the truck plowing system.
But everybody has a different interpretation at that there’s business. Snow plow wing plows are made by manufacturers and here are just a few. Henderson, Wausau. etc…Snowplow wings extensions or snow plow wing are made by Boss, Meyers, Western just to name a few. They are certainly some advantages for using this plow addition when snow plowing
Snow plow wing extension I heard people say they have cut there time down by 20-30% I have also heard that they are can be pricey . But they are some universal plow wings for around $200.00 instead of $1,000.00 Some plow operators put these wing on to too act like a scoop while other operators add a straight wing to be an extension of your plow. These extension are generally good for parking lots and not narrow driveways. The wing extension are also know to help stop snow trailing when cutting an a curve. They make a cleaner wider cut leaving you with a better finish in less time.
I have found some videos from some really skilled welding shops that have put out these product for there plow with only costing them $40.00 in materials. That was for plow wings that they designed for there plow and these designs can vary. But still they can be made for your plow with a little work. The main thing to keep in mind if you are going to make these Plow extensions is they application. Basically , do you want to to make the plow more wider or do you want a plow scoop, meaning you would have to angle the extension forward.
If you want more information on these snowplow extension and other plow article and ideas go here CLICK HERE
Snow plow pumps Edgeolite ,What’s the difference
Well it wasn’t that long ago that most snowplow pumps were mounted under the hood and run off a belt on your engine. The cables and hoses were run through the grill to the plow frame in front of the vehicle. It work well until the belts started to get worn or you were idling, then the plow would move slower then normal. Why? because the pump pressure was lower at the time. The pump was usually produced a set amount of output pressure and the pressure adjustment was on the outside of the truck on the valve body on some models. The control were activated mechanically from the cables in the cab. We did not use DC voltage to move the plow at all, except for the plow lights obviously. You are probably wondering were am I going with this?
I will tell you, the new style pumps and controls are usually not mounted a part from each other in most models. Those cable are now gone and you use dc current to control the plow , through you remote control or mounted joy stick. So basically how does this work. The pump and hydraulic valves are on the same unit so there is instant pressure, no delay for pressure to go from the pump out side to the controls. The valves are the solenoids that control where the fluid goes in the valve body to activate the cylinder you need to weather it is up, down, left ,right, and so on. But in order for all this to happen as quick as it does ,it is all working from the truck electrical system. The plow pump is not run off of the engine belts, it is run of the electrical system and that takes some strong amperage.
So knowing all that I just explained to you what pump system would be more prone to more maintenance . The old belt style or the new electrical pump systems? In my opinion the older system needed less maintenance, but did not perform as fast as the New systems of today’s plows. Not that being said. I would do a quick inspection prior to a night going out to plow.
Since everything is electrically operated I would check the all the connections to make sure they are snug and coated with dieelctric grease for anti corrosive applications. I would check the battery connections and also check the grounds these seems to be ignored to many times. It is also a good idea to make sure you have the proper fluid level in your pump and the fluid is clean, with no water in it. Some plows allow you to check this level on the truck. I hope this give you a better understanding of how your snow plow pump operates.
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Hazmat or cdl practice test
There are many truck driving career to choose from. Some of these driving careers hire fresh graduates from training schools Other times, companies hire drivers with years of experience especially in the hazmat category. There still are some fantastic job opportunities if you are willing to work hard and focus when they train you.
A truck driving job – It is possible for people as young as 18 to secure a high paying and rewarding career. Be aware however, that if you are between the ages of 18 and 21, you will be restricted to driving within your own state. But once you turn 21 you can then drive throughout the United States and of coarse , across state lines.. Some trucking companies don’t even care if you have a school education. What they do want is that you possess a Commercial Drivers License – commonly referred as a CDL.
Truck driving – You should be aware that you will have to pass the CDL Test. This is a test that all applicants must take and pass. After you have passed this test, you will want to take the Air Brakes endorsement, if you want to drive a truck with air brakes. To get a feel for some of the questions that you will see on the test you should take a CDL practice test
Many companies will be looking to add you to their employment list and reward you for your education and experience. However, truck drivers jobs can have a high turn over rate. Do to different reasons. You want to check the company turn over rate before applying for a job.
Please be aware that more than 400,000 people fail the CDL written test each year. So you can say , This is not an easy test and the States are changing the questions and answers continually. You need to get current on the laws and regulations regarding the trucking industry if you want to have any chance of passing the test. Look into sites and blogs like Edgeolite site. In order to pass you have to score at least an 80% to pass these tests. Many States like to throw tricky and confusing questions to the applicants to ensure that they have the minimum sufficient knowledge.
Before you take a CDL test, review and practice similar test items first. This way, you will have a good idea of what subject will be covered on the CDL test. The most convenient place where you can find a CDL sample test is in your living room – on the web.
I have found several websites on the Internet that offer you free sample tests.. This is a great place to start if you want to take a Free CDL Practice Test. Type the search in google and you will find information on hazmat, air brake, tanker, doubles and triples, passenger and combination tests. If you want to increase your income potential and you will have a large opportunity to work for many different companies, it is highly recommended that you and pass many of these optional endorsements. Most trucking job ,the drivers pay is based on miles the more that is involved in the delivery the higher rate Per mile.
Here are few links to help you get started in Hazmat practice test. Stay tune to Edgeolites blog to receive more information on this topic
A in exspensive truck brake adjustement guide. 5 minutes and install it on your truck.
There is a great little tool that is on the market. Maybe a little pricey but it is worth having on your truck It can pay for itself, saving you, from one ticket.
Simply put, these easy to install brake adjuster indicators tell you within a minute wheather your brakes are out of Service.
What did you say: You do not need this because you have automatic self adjusting slacks. Well I hate to break the news to you but automatic slacks can fail and be out of adjustment like manuel slack adjusters.
Most drivers probably do not know that. The DOT FMCSA Regulations require vehicles to be equipped with brake adjustment indicators that conform to the requirements of Federal Commercial Vehicle Standard 121.
This indicator meets that requirement!and you can get a discount on ordering for your fleet.
The DOT is not going away anytime soon, and neither is out of service violation. So why worry about out of service ticket when this little item can keep you out of trouble and safe at the same time.
This also gives you something to go by.If the DOT is ins question about your brake adjustment you can show them quickly the distance that the rod moves just by putting on the parking brake.
So it does not hurt to have a little gauge to keep you from an out of service ticket. More importantly keeping you safe on the road
Remember Edgeolite is always trying to keep you informed with new device coming to market . That can make your job a little easier
I Also wanted to show you this "SELF ADJUSTING SLACK ADJUSTERS VIDEO"So you can understand how they work. THEY ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO BE ADJUSTED IF THE TOOL SAYS YOUR BRAKES ARE OUT OF ADJUSTMENT. CHANCES ARE THE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS ARE BAD.
ABS) means antilock brake system , which is a safe and effective braking system. (ABS ) gives the driver the ability to maintain directional stability, control over steering, and in some situations, to help reduce stopping distances during emergency braking situation, particularly on wet and slippery or icy road surface. To gain this safety advantage, drivers NEED TO learn how to operate their ABS correctly. You want to make sure to read the owners manual of the vehicle you drive that is equipped with the ABS system. . ABS simply keeps your base brakes from locking up. In vehicles not equipped with ABS, the driver can manually pump the brakes to prevent wheel lockup
What does the ABS do to my brakes What ABS does is very similar to a person pumping the brakes. It automatically changes the brake pressure in your truck's brake lines to maintain maximum brake performance just before locking up the wheels. ABS does this very rapidly with electronics impulses in your brake system.
Why should I think it is important ? As you know when your brakes lock up on wet and icy or slippery roads or at other times ,during a panic stop, you lose steering control and your vehicle can spin. Rear wheel ABS prevents wheel lockup so that your car stays in a straight line. If your car has ABS control on all four wheels, you also keep steering control. If you have steering control, it is possible to avoid a crash by steering around hazards if a complete stop cannot be accomplished in time So that’s why you should consider this a very important brake feature. When driving you may experience a rapid pulsation of the brake pedal--almost as if the brakes are pushing back at you. Sometimes the pedal could suddenly drop. Also, the valves in the ABS controller may make a noise that sounds like grinding or buzzing. In some cars you may feel a slight vibration--this means the ABS is working. It is important NOT to take your foot off the brake pedal when you hear noise or feel pulsations, but instead continue to apply firm pressure. Not all Abs systems are the same so make sure you read the ABS section in your vehicles owners manual.
TRUCK led lights - How to rate them By Edgeolite Why buy Led lights for my truck or car? Well. led lights are semiconductors, just like a computer chip in you r computer . When voltage is passed through them, they emit energy in the form of light. They are made with certain chemicals, that determine their light color. leds convert the majority of voltage passed through them to light, as opposed to other incandescent bulbs that produce light by energy heating them. But led can be up to 90% more efficient than traditional truck filament light bulbs
What s the cost to you? They can be more expensive than the traditional truck bulbs. But if you shop online you can get them for a fair price. The led light last a lot longer and use less voltage from the batteries. But most of all they are far more reliable then the old style filament bulbs. They run cooler and use less energy to work. They generally are sealed units so you do have to take tem apart and clean the sockets like you do some times with filament bulbs. I guess you can say it means less down time. When you are trucking time is money you do not want any down time.
Led rating: originally when LED bulbs came out there were no real standards, manufacturers would claim lifetimes of 100,000 hours with no real testing. Since then the standard has been to scale back to 50,000 hours so as not to over-state claims. (Beware of bulbs that are rated at 100,000 hours unless they state specifically Why they are rated at so high I would be wary of trusting this rating).Many of the manufacturers producing their 3rd generation LED bulbs are now starting to be more conservative and rating their bulbs at 35,000 hours, having gotten test results back from 1-2 years of testing. Rated at 35,000 hours, you can rest assured the manufacturer is not overstating their claims. Anything more than 50,000 hours... buyer beware or it could be BS.
The led lifespan led bulb may continue to be useful for several thousand hours past its stated lifetime. Unlike old-fashioned light bulbs, it is extremely rare for an led light to simply burn out. Rather, it will gradually fade over time, as the little diode start to fade ,but your truck light is still visible to on coming cars unlike filament bulbs that just quit.
How do you compare the led bulbs to each other? There are quite a few websites like our “Edgeolite.com” online that you can buy led bulbs. The problem is "how do you compare one bulb to another?" A quick way to do this is to calculate the lumens/watt, or , the total amount of light you get from the amount of electricity you put in. This is done by simply dividing the bulbs wattage by the stated number of lumens. Anything over 50 lumens/watt is good at the moment. 75 lumens/watt is very good while 100 lumens/watt is excellent. Keep in mind this is just a general comparison - some bulbs may be rated as brighter or dimmer than this.
