Anybody Snow Plow With Their Land Cruiser?

[bjowett]

As TeCKis300 mentioned above, the 2007+ Tundra plows will work. The mounting bracket may require a little reworking depending on brand/how it mounts along the sides of the frame. The LC is heavily built, the front end can take it.... just don't be aggressive or stupid with it (ramming snow banks). The only limitation over the Tundra, is the shorter wheelbase, which of course is an advantage when maneuvering. Something mid duty up to 7.5' and maybe 550+lbs is the practical limit. Though at this weight, it will require heavier springs and/or a Timbren type bump stop. Most plow manufacturers will not recommend their mid duty plows, but many will fit if the mounting bracket is compatible.

 

[Markuson]

Man, on a new-to-me property like that, I’d be nervous about stuff hidden under snow piles (stumps, rocks, holes, drops, etc.). Especially pushing with my LC!

Hope I get suuuper familiar with that stretch of road before the first big snow.

Where are all the snow-dwellers in this thread?

 

[coleAK]

I’ve only ever seen 1 or 2 tundras with a plow attached up here in AK. And they were very small blades. All the industrial snow removal is done with CAT heavy equipment and sidewalks are done with Holder’s. Local driveway services use 3/4 or 1 ton’s and carry a blower in the back for areas the plow won’t fit.

 

[4xoddic]

Man, on a new-to-me property like that, I’d be nervous about stuff hidden under snow piles (stumps, rocks, holes, drops, etc.). Especially pushing with my LC!

I let a friend drive my brand new 77 FJ55 just after a deep fresh snow onto Ft. Riley. He pulled into the lane of an abandoned farmsite to turn around. Something had caught the cruiser. We got out to find a 3' tall, six-inch dia., wooden fence post inside the left fender well, probably another 2' in the frozen ground. It had passed between the turned tire & the fender, without any damage! The drift had completely hidden it. Put a "minor" dent in the fender getting off.

 

[nalabama]

Talked to the folks at RealTruck (the link Markuson put up) today. They said they tried to put a plow on 2008 TLC, but could not get a front hitch on it to use as the mount for the hitch. I thought it interesting that they are located in Ocala, Florida of all places. We go by there at least two or three times each year, so I will swing in and talk to them some more on one of those trips.

I agree with y'all about getting up there early enough to get any obstacles out of the way. It will be a rental property if it happens at all, and probably only for that one season. Thank you all for your input; I'll post up if any more info comes my way.

 

[TeCKis300]

They said they tried to put a plow on 2008 TLC, but could not get a front hitch on it to use as the mount for the hitch.

So plows are mounted to the vehicle by way of a hitch?

Unless I'm misunderstanding, curious they said they couldn't install a front hitch on an LC? It's been done.
Receiver for front hitch

 

[coleAK]

Nice. Light weight LT plows mount via a 2” reciever.

 

[swatski]

So plows are mounted to the vehicle by way of a hitch?

Unless I'm misunderstanding, curious they said they couldn't install a front hitch on an LC? It's been done.
Receiver for front hitch

Do we know if this front hitch needs to be taken off for oil/filter changes? The other thread left that kind of open.
I'd be very interested in doing this, but probably not if it needs to be uninstalled for service...

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[M1911]

Where are all the snow-dwellers in this thread?

I pay a plow service. I’m not going to tear up my LC with a plow. Bobby has been plowing for 30+ years and if he tears up his Silverado 2500 he has two other trucks he can use to plow my driveway.

 

[TeCKis300]

Do we know if this front hitch needs to be taken off for oil/filter changes? The other thread left that kind of open.
I'd be very interested in doing this, but probably not if it needs to be uninstalled for service...

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Looks like the Tundra install instructions call for cutting a hole in the skid shield to change oil. The Tundra engine, engine placement, and geometry relative to the frame/suspension is all very similar to the 200-series. So likely applies.

2018 Toyota Tundra with Skid Plate Front Hitch Recommendation | etrailer.com

 

[SWUtah]

Isn’t there a saying about using the right tool for the right job a $90,000 SUV is not the right tool to use to plow snow. Just Saying

 

[studawg]

Already in Maine! My work is done here.

 

[MikeVpdx503]

Isn’t there a saying about using the right tool for the right job a $90,000 SUV is not the right tool to use to plow snow. Just Saying

I know a guy that uses a GMC5500 for snow plowing driveways and parking lots. That is the minimum I would consider for that type of work.

 

[JOFS]

You can buy a beater plow truck cheaper than you can buy many of the new plows.

Lots of folks around here plow for extra money in the winter. Cheaper to pay for it and not beat up the cruiser.

John

 

[TeCKis300]

Isn’t there a saying about using the right tool for the right job a $90,000 SUV is not the right tool to use to plow snow. Just Saying

I hear your point. Just playing devils advocate, but couldn't one say the same about rock crawling in a 200-series. Or transporting a family of 8. Or towing an 8,000lb trailer.

I'm from socal, so I'm not a proper judge of any of this, but I'd imagine it'd be nice to plow with seat and steering wheel heaters on.

 

[Weedhopper]

Don’t plow with anything but a Tundra.

Or an older 4runner. My 01 4Runner and my new Tundra use the tow hook holes as a mount. The original bolts get re used. There are a couple of bolts that mount to the frame and a cross bar.

Whether you have a plow or not the skid plate has to be removed to replace the oil filter so I had a hole cut into the skid plate to access the filter. (like above)

I spent a lot of time on Sundays ( when the dealer was closed) underneath a Runner, Taco and a 200 trying to figure out how to mount a plow. There is no way without the possibility of serious damage.

The homeowner plows are too light for any storm. One mistake hitting a curb can do serious damage that would make calling a plow guy cheap compared to the repair.

I have had a landscaping business for 40 yrs and that includes snow removal. The best plow is a cosmetically beat pickup that the owner took great care of.

 

[MikeVpdx503]

I hear your point. Just playing devils advocate, but couldn't one say the same about rock crawling in a 200-series. Or transporting a family of 8. Or towing an 8,000lb trailer.

I'm from socal, so I'm not a proper judge of any of this, but I'd imagine it'd be nice to plow with seat and steering wheel heaters on.

Rock crawling could require some modification from stock, but the rest is within the original spec of the vehicle, so while the 200 might not be the "best" tool, it could certainly be capable. Another specific purpose vehicle would always be better. However, plowing any decent amount of snow is beyond the spec of any medium duty vehicle and would require significant modification and maintenance to perform long term. I mentioned a GMC 5500 earlier, and it definitely has the chops to perform HD work all the way around, and has heated/air ride seats and steering wheel warmer for maximum comfort!

 

[Derf62]

Been plowing with Cruisers since winter of 1977-'78.
Plenty of snow here in the Northern Adirondacks near the Canada border.
1,750' driveway + neighbors and around the sheds never had a problem.
Short wheel base , enough power, tough truck.
Just got a brand new Boss V plow for her but need to fabricate a pushbeam mount.

 

[4wheelgreg]

I like my 200 LC to put a plow on it ,might look a little gaudy with the salt spreader .