VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS
WARNING!
Always inspect snowplow components, connections, and fasteners
for wear or damage every time you attach or detach the snowplow. Worn or
damaged components may allow the snowplow to fail without warning, resulting
in serious injury or vehicle damage.
VEHICLE RECOMMENDATIONS
The vehicle with the snowplow installed must comply with applicable motor vehicle
safety standards and with the vehicle manufacturer’s stated gross vehicle and axle
weight ratings (found on the driver’s side door corner post of the vehicle) as well
as the front and rear weight distribution ratio. In some cases, rear ballast may be
required to comply with these requirements. (See Ballast Requirements below.)
The weights of front seat occupants can be adjusted above 136 kg (300 lb.), but
the total vehicle weight with snowplow must not exceed vehicle GVWR or GAWR.
Installation, modification and addition of accessories must comply with
manufacturers’ and regulators’ published recommendations and instructions.
Available capacity decreases as the vehicle is loaded with cargo or other truck
equipment or as snowplow accessories are installed.
If there is uncertainty as to whether available capacity exists, the actual vehicle as
configured must be weighed.
BALLAST REQUIREMENTS
Because of the front/rear axle weight ratio, ballast (additional weight) is important
in qualifying vehicles for snowplow eligibility. Rear ballast must be used when
necessary to remain in compliance with axle ratings and ratios as specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.
Ballast, if required, must be retained correctly behind the rear axle, distributed
evenly across the width of the vehicle. The weight of the ballast retainer should be
considered part of the ballast weight. We recommend sand bags for ballast.
