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The 7 Best Snow Trucks and Snow Tires for Your Business

Published on December 5, 2017

There is a lot of debate as to which are the best snow trucks and snow tires for your business.

While your budget and individual business needs will determine which snow trucks and snow tires are the best for your business, the main things to consider are:

  • Budget
  • Horsepower (e.g. 300 HP is a good goal)

Remember, gas mileage isn't as important for snow trucks because your primary concern is strength, efficiency, and reliability.

Plus, the gas mileage estimates aren't as accurate for snow removal due to the additional weight of the plow and snow.

Use this article to equip yourself with all of the information you need to quickly choose the best snow trucks and snow tires for your business.

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Buying New vs. Used Snow Trucks

Whether you decide to purchase a new or used truck is largely dependent on your budget.

If you decide to purchase a used truck, just be sure it wasn't previously used in another business.

After all, snow trucks formerly used in businesses will likely have the most wear-and-tear — making them less reliable for your business.

Even though it might be tempting to purchase a used snow truck with a plow already attached, these trucks are likely worn out.

While buying a new truck would be the most ideal option, a gently used truck is a viable option if you don't have the budget for a new one just yet.

Plus, there are dealerships who still offer warranties on both new and used trucks. Just be sure your warranty will hold up for commercial use.

Although, as your business grows later on, it becomes increasingly important to standardize your fleet and equipment.

When your fleet and equipment are standardized, you can schedule maintenance for everything in the same way. Plus, if you run into similar problems, they can likely all be similarly fixed.

In addition, standardized fleets and equipment allow you and your team to get to know your equipment inside and out — making your entire operation more efficient.

As a result, standardizing your fleet applies to more than just your snow trucks, it applies to ALL of your equipment (e.g. tires, plows, snow blowers, shovels, etc.).

The Best Snow Trucks That’ll Scare the Snow into Neat Berms

Your budget, horsepower needs, and nearby dealerships will largely determine which truck is right for your snow removal business.

Plus, by choosing a truck that has a nearby dealership, you'll be able to easily get it serviced as-needed.

Take a look at some of the most trusted trucks from the best snow removal businesses:

Ford F-150

  • Base MSRP: $31,520+
  • Horsepower: 290-450

Ford Super Duty

  • Base MSRP: $39,445+
  • Horsepower: 385-475

Chevy Colorado

  • Base MSRP: $25,200+
  • Horsepower: 181-308

Chevy Silverado

  • Base MSRP: $34,600+
  • Horsepower: 277-420

Dodge Ram 1500 Classic

  • Base MSRP: $29,650+
  • Horsepower: 305-395

GMC Sierra 1500

  • Base MSRP: $35,400+
  • Horsepower: 277-420

Nissan Titan XD

  • Base MSRP: $38,810+
  • Horsepower: 400

The Best Snow Tires for Maximum Traction

Your budget and truck size (e.g. medium/heavy-duty truck or light-duty truck) will largely impact which snow tires are right for your business.

Keep in mind, ALL winter tires used for snow plowing should have the 3PMSF (i.e. Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol etched into the sidewall.

This indicates the tire is acceptable to use in severe winter conditions.

Also, just like with anything else you buy in quantity, you have some leverage you can use to get the best deal possible.

Consider working with a local tire shop and negotiate with the supplier to get a better rate for your tires all year.

Plus, the more trucks in your fleet, the better. However, a savvy tire shop might be interested in getting your snow removal business while you’re still small.

Best Snow Tires for Medium to Heavy-Duty Trucks

1. Michelin LTX Winter

Pros:
  • Strong and durable
  • Excellent snow traction
  • Improves fuel efficiency
  • 40,000-mile treadwear warranty
  • Excellent performance in freezing conditions
Cons:
  • Higher price

2. Bridgestone Blizzak LT

Pros:
  • Highway stability
  • Excellent snow traction
  • Outstanding traction over ice and slush
Cons:
  • No treadwear warranty

3. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT LT

Pros:
  • Excellent snow traction
  • Dry and wet performance
  • Outstanding traction over ice and slush
Cons:
  • No treadwear warranty
  • Ice traction isn’t as great as the top two performers

4. Bridgestone Blizzak W965

Pros:
  • Durable and strong
  • Outstanding snow traction
  • Excellent ice and slush traction
Cons:
  • No treadwear warranty

5. Firestone Winterforce CV

Pros:
  • Excellent snow traction
  • Performs well on slush and ice
  • Durable, commercial-grade tire
Cons:
  • No treadwear warranty

Best Snow Tires for Light-Duty Trucks

1. Michelin X-Ice Xi2

Pros:
  • Run flats
  • Outstanding snow traction
  • 40,000-mile treadwear warranty
  • Best-in-class winter grip and traction
Cons:
  • Higher price than the competition

2. Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2

Pros:
  • Performs well on ice
  • Outstanding snow capability
  • Excellent handling in dry and wet conditions
Cons:
  • No treadwear warranty

The Ultimate Secret Weapon for Your Snow Removal Business

Buying the best snow removal equipment for your business is important. However, great equipment can only grow your business so far.

The #1 snow removal software for your business has the power to automate and streamline your everyday business operations.

When you choose Service Autopilot, you’ll gain access to:

  • Flexible billing system
  • Pre-built master routes
  • Same-day automated payments
  • Job management from anywhere
  • Custom forms for estimates, pre-season visits, and more

See for yourself how Service Autopilot has the power to TRANSFORM your snow removal business into a long-lasting success.

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Choose the Best Snow Trucks and Snow Tires for Your Business

Ultimately, the best snow trucks and snow tires for your snow removal business are judgment calls only you can make.

After all, these decisions are largely based upon the financials of your business and how useful the equipment will be to you during the snow season (and year-round).

Consult your trusted CPA (i.e. Certified Public Accountant) about the debt you’re comfortable taking on in your business.

As always, weigh the opportunity cost of buying snow trucks and snow tires outright versus financing.

Now, you know how to choose the best snow trucks and snow tires for your business today!


Related: The Best Commercial Snow Plow for Your Business


Originally published Dec 5, 2017 10:32 AM, updated Sept 6, 2022 4:39 PM

Owen

Cody is a copywriter with Service Autopilot. He was writing before he could read, dictating stories to his mom. Of late, he distills business principles and practices learned from his ever-increasing trove of books and his year with SA Support into digestible blog posts designed to provide maximum value to service industry business owners.
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