Used Snowplows: Buyer Beware This time of year, we get hundreds of calls for used snowplows from landscapers, contractors, business owners, and even homeowners just looking to plow out their own driveway. In most cases they’ve already bought a used snowplow and now they are looking for a truck-side kit (Truck Mount, Wiring, Headlight Adapters and Controller) the problem is, the majority of these callers didn’t properly research their used snowplow before purchasing it, and now that $700 snowplow might actually cost about $1500 or more. In an attempt to mitigate the frustration, stress, and financial impact to our customers, we have come up with a short blog on some things to watch out for if you are in the market for a used snowplow. Western Snowplows Uni-Mount The Uni-mount mounting system is no longer available. If you buy a used Uni-Mount plow, you will need an Ultra-Mount mounting bracket and a conversion kit to put it on your truck. In addition, if your truck is 2003 or newer you cannot use the old style relay wiring system and you will need to upgrade to the 3-port module system or hard wire the older wiring. (Western Unimount: End of an Era Ultra-Mount (2-Plug) this same theory applies to the first year Ultra-Mount plows, which still had the Uni-Mount wiring. The only difference is you will not need a conversion kit because your mounting bracket is the new style. Ultra-Mount (3-Plug) the current version of the Western Ultra-Mount is definitely the used plow you want if you have a newer truck. You only need a truck specific mount and headlight adapter if you bought the wiring, and you do not have to change the plow wiring. Quick Tip: Uni-Mount plows have 2-plugs on the plow; Ultra-Mount plows have 3-plugs besides the first year. Quick Tip: Uni-Mount plows attach to the truck with hitch pins, Ultra-Mounts are connected with hooks. UPDATE: As of 6-15-2015 some 2 -plug setups are now required to change all wiring (plowside & truckside to the 3-plug setup) Boss Snowplows RTII - The RTII Boss mounting system is no longer available as a kit; however, you can order the individual parts that make up the kit. The wiring on the older style RTII is compatible with the newer style RTIII system so if you can get the mount then you are golden, unless you liked the old style rocker box controller, which is obsolete. Their current mounting system is the RTIII. This mounting is compatible with the smart hitch 1 and smart hitch 2 wiring systems so you only need a mounting bracket, truckside wiring and a headlight adapter (If needed) to get up and running. Quick Tip: Boss Controllers are cross compatible from RTII to RTIII Meyer Snowplows Classic Mount - The Meyer Classic mounting system was wildly popular so there are many of these used plows floating around. The classic mounting system is still available, but only for trucks older than 2005, and they are expensive. If you have a newer truck this mount will not work unless it is fabricated to fit. Meyer had several wiring and controller options including twin toggles, slick stick (joystick), and touchpad. The wiring you need depends on which controller you have or prefer to use. EZ Mount Plus This is the current mounting style from Meyer, however most used Meyer plows will have the Classic mounting system. If you can find a used plow with an EZ Plus mount, you will have more options of which truck to mount it to. The Meyer Classic has a tubular lift frame; the EZ Plus has an angle iron lift frame Fisher Snowplows Minute Mount I -The Fisher Minute Mount II is a good option if buying an older used plow. Fisher’s Minute Mount I and Minute Mount II have identical mounting systems, even though the wiring systems are different. The Minute Mount I has a 2-plug system and the Minute Mount II has a 3-plug system, similar to Western. Minute Mount II (2-Plug) - This same theory that applies to the first year Ultra-Mount plows also applies to the first year Minute Mount II’s. The only difference is you do not need a conversion kit like Western because the MMI & MMII mounts are the same. Minute Mount II (3-plug); The Minute Mount II is the current mounting style from Fisher Engineering. If you find one of these models, switching it to your truck is relatively easy. Like Western, Fisher utilizes a 3-plug wiring system, however both Western and Fisher have recently moved back to a 2-plug system with their FleetFlex wiring systems. Since the FleetFlex system is only two years old, there will not be many used plows on the market using this system but it is a possibility. Quick Tip: Besides having a 2-plug system you can identify a FleetFlex system because it has the relay module and starter solenoid on the hydraulic powerpack instead of under the hood. Snowdogg Snowplows Since the Snowdogg snowplows have only been on the market for five or so years, they only have one mounting system. If you get a used Snowdogg you really don’t have to worry about finding mounts or wiring, however you do want to make sure that the plow isn’t under or oversized for your truck. For example, if you have a F250 or a Chevy 2500 you definitely do not want to put their medium duty plows on your truck, as the truck is oversized for those plows. Quick Tip: The Snowdogg Truckside kit is incredibly inexpensive and all of their plows come standard with a handheld controller Quick Tip: Snowdogg had some problems with their first year of plows so look for one that is not older than three years If you know a lot about snowplows getting a used snowplow can be a great deal, especially if you already have trucks wired up or it came off the same type of truck. Check out our specials section for deals on older inventory that is discounted but still has a warranty! This post does not replace any technical information or supersede any manufacture manuals. Good Luck! If you need any more help please give us a call at 800-761-1700 �
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