Single-horse snowplow

[Howling Farmer]

A couple of people have asked for more pictures of the single-horse snowplow I built. Fortunately, I was able to dig it out of the weeds and take some photos just before the snow hit! Sorry it has taken me so long to get these posted.

Leslie

[Rod]

What are the dimensions and is the small box on top a seat?

[jen judkins]

Yes…dimensions please. Looks like something, even I could build:D. Also, How do you hook it to the single tree…using those eyes at the apex?

[Howling Farmer]

The two boards that make the “V” are 6 foot 2X12s, bolted to a stub of a 4X4 to join them at the point. At the widest point, the plow is 8 1/2 feet wide. Yes, the box is a seat. My knees got sore kneeling, and I just happened to have this box lying around that needed to be put to use. Last year I used a heavy logging chain to attach the plow to the singletree, using small heavy duty caribeeners to attach the chain to the eyelets on the plow. I seem to have managed to misplace the chain, so this year I may try using a length of heavy duty climbing rope, with the caribeeners attached to the ends. The is what I use to pull most everything.

A couple of notes — be sure to get the eyelets right up near the point of the plow. The first time I put them in, I put them too far back and the plow fishtailed really badly, plowing my driveway in an interesting but not very functional zigzag. Also, in arranging the boards on the top, I would be sure to leave enough space between two of the boards for a place to wedge your feet against so you have some leverage.

I’m sure you could build the plow, Jen. If I can do it, ANYONE can do it.

Leslie

[Rod]

Thanks for the dimensions. Can you describe how the plow functions especially how it works for the second pass widening the windrows so to speak. Does it push them back or tend to drift into the previous pass or path of least resistance. Thanks.

[Howling Farmer]

The plow does tend to take the path of least resistance. Our driveway is 2/10 of a mile long and we usually make one run, down and up, going in the same track, without widening. The plow does a good job if the snow is light and fluffy and we plow right away. If the snow is heavy and icy, or if there’s a ton of it, the plow will push some to the sides, and just compact the rest. It doesn’t go a very good job with drifts, tending to go around them. We have one really bad section as far as drifts and couldn’t keep it open with the plow after the big storm last winter. The rest of the driveway we were able to keep open, but since the bad section is at the bottom, we were effectively “snowed out” as far as getting our truck up. This year we put up a section of snow fence, so we’ll see if that makes it possible to keep the whole drive open with the plow.

I knew a fellow who made the same type of plow who put some type of heavy roller in the back to make the plow heavier. He may have had better luck in deep, heavy snow, but he also had two horses to pull the plow though.
Leslie

[Author]

Posts