Best of 2024 Commercial Snow Trucks and Snow Tires for Your Business

As a snow removal business, your equipment is the backbone of your operations. Choosing the right snow trucks and snow tires can make the difference between a successful season and a winter full of breakdowns and dissatisfied clients.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best snow trucks and snow tires to keep your business running smoothly through even the harshest winter conditions.

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Buying New vs. Used Snow Trucks

Whether you decide to purchase new or used snow trucks is largely dependent on your budget.

If you decide to purchase used snow trucks, be sure it wasn't previously used in another business since it will likely have the most wear-and-tear—making the truck less reliable for your business.

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

While buying new snow trucks 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, many dealerships 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 for Plowing

There’s a lot of debate as to which are the best snow trucks for businesses. Although, your budget and individual business needs will determine which is right for your snow removal business.

While there are a great deal of factors to take into account, the main factors you want to consider are:

• Budget
• Horsepower (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 accurate for snow removal due to the additional weight of the plow and snow.

Take a look at some of the best commercial options for snow trucks:

1. Ford F-250 Super Duty

• Base MSRP: $44,970+
• Horsepower: 385-450

The Ford F-250 Super Duty is a popular choice for snow removal businesses due to its robust build and powerful engine options. The latest models come with a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine, providing excellent torque for pushing heavy snow.

Pros:

• High towing capacity (up to 22,800 lbs)
• Available with factory-installed snow plow prep package
• Comfortable cab for long hours of operation

Cons:

• Higher initial cost compared to light-duty trucks
• Lower fuel efficiency

Light-Duty Model: Ford F-150

• Horsepower: 290-450
• Base MSRP: $37,065

2. Chevy Silverado 2500-3500HD

• Base MSRP: $44,400+
• Horsepower: 401-470

The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is another excellent option for snow removal. It offers a choice between a 6.6-liter V8 gas engine or a Duramax 6.6-liter Turbo-Diesel V8.

Pros:

• Available with Z71 Off-Road Package for enhanced performance in tough conditions
• Durable build quality
• Advanced trailering technologies

Cons:

• Some users report a stiffer ride compared to competitors
• Interior design may feel dated to some

Light-Duty Model: Chevy Silverado 1500

• Base MSRP: $36,800+
• Horsepower: 270-420

3. Dodge Ram 2500-3500

• Base MSRP: $45,250+
• Horsepower: 410

The Ram 2500 is known for its comfortable ride and powerful engine options, including a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 and a 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel.

Pros:

• Class-leading towing capacity (up to 19,780 lbs)
• Available with factory-installed snow plow prep package
• Comfortable interior for long work hours

Cons:

• Some users report higher maintenance costs
• Fuel efficiency could be better

Light-Duty Model: Dodge Ram 1500

• Base MSRP: $40,275+
• Horsepower: 270-420

4. GMC Sierra 2500-3500HD

• Base MSRP: $46,300+
• Horsepower: 401-470

The GMC Sierra 2500HD shares many components with the Chevrolet Silverado but offers a more upscale interior and unique styling.

Pros:

• Available with the innovative MultiPro tailgate
• Powerful engine options
• Comfortable and quiet cabin

Cons:

• Higher starting price compared to some competitors
• Some advanced features only available on higher trims

Light-Duty Model: GMC Sierra 1500

• Base MSRP: $37,700+
• Horsepower: 277-420

5. Nissan Titan XD

• Base MSRP: $52,850+
• Horsepower: 400

While less common in the snow removal industry, the Nissan Titan XD offers a capable alternative to domestic brands.

Pros:

• Standard 5.6-liter V8 engine provides good power
• Comfortable ride quality
• Generous warranty (5-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper)

Cons:

• Lower towing capacity compared to some competitors
• Limited customization options

Light-Duty Model: Nissan Titan

• Base MSRP: $46,690+
• Horsepower: 277-420

The Best Snow Tires for Snow and Removal

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 all-season and snow tires year-round.

Plus, the more snow 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.

Here's a look at some of the top-rated commercial snow tires for your snow removal business:

Best Snow Tires for Medium to Heavy-Duty Trucks

1. Michelin X-Ice Snow

The Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV is designed specifically for light trucks and SUVs, offering a great balance of winter performance and longevity.

Pros:

• Strong and durable
• Excellent ice traction
• Excellent snow traction
• Improves fuel efficiency
• 40,000-mile treadwear warranty
• Good tread life (up to 40,000 miles)
• Excellent performance in freezing conditions
• Performs well in both deep snow and on cleared roads
• 60-day satisfaction guarantee and roadside assistance

Cons:

• Premium pricing
• Some users report a slightly firm ride

Cost: Ranging from $117-$446 per tire, depending on size.

2. Bridgestone Blizzak W965

The Bridgestone Blizzak W965 is a top performer in winter conditions, offering excellent traction on snow and ice.

Pros:

• Quiet ride
• Fuel efficient
• Highway stability
• Long-lasting tread life
• Excellent snow traction
• Designed for winter, snow, and ice
• Outstanding traction over ice and slush

Cons:

• Higher price point
• No treadwear warranty
• Performance on dry roads is average

Cost: Approximately $176-$323 per tire, depending on size.

3. Goodyear Winter Command LT

The Goodyear Winter Command LT is a sturdy option for heavy-duty trucks engaged in snow removal.

Pros:

• Excellent snow traction
• Good performance on ice
• Dry and wet performance
• Excellent traction in deep snow
• Outstanding traction over ice and slush
• Durable construction suitable for heavy loads

Cons:

• No treadwear warranty
• Can be noisy on dry pavement
• Tread life may be shorter than some competitors
• Some reviewers have reported:
  • Premature wear
  • Poor traction (especially on ice)

Cost: Typically between $202-$307 per tire, based on size.

4. Firestone Winterforce CV

The Firestone Winterforce CV offers impressive performance in all winter conditions, including wet roads.

Pros:

• 90 day buy and try
• Excellent snow traction
• Performs well on slush and ice
• Durable, commercial-grade tire
• Wet, snow, and ice performance

Cons:

• May wear faster than some competitors in milder conditions
• No treadwear warranty
• Some reviewers have reported:
  • Poor traction
  • Premature wear

Cost: Usually priced between $100-$197 per tire, depending on size.

Best Snow Tires for Light-Duty Trucks

1. Michelin Agilis CrossClimate

Michelin Agilis CrossClimate is designed specifically for light trucks and SUVs, offering excellent performance in severe winter conditions.

Pros:

• Long tread life
• Reduce downtime
• Treadwear warranty
• Commercial durability
• Good performance on wet roads
• Outstanding traction on ice and snow
• Durable construction for heavy-duty use
• 60-day satisfaction guarantee and 20% more mileage satisfaction guarantee

Cons:

• Premium pricing
• May be overkill for regions with milder winters
• Some reviewers have reported:
  • Issues with performance, design, and safety

Cost: Typically ranges from $195-$395 per tire, depending on size.

2. Bridgestone Blizzak LT

The Bridgestone Blizzak LT is a top performer in winter conditions, offering excellent traction on snow and ice.

Pros:

• Quiet ride
• Fuel efficient
• Long tread life
• Winter, snow, and ice performance

Cons:

• Higher price point
• No treadwear warranty
• Performance on dry roads is average
• Some reviewers have reported:
  • Durability issues

Cost: Approximately $197-$513 per tire, depending on size.

Snow Trucks and Snow Tires: Choosing the Right Combination

When selecting the best combination of snow trucks and snow tires for your snow removal business, consider these factors:

• Local climate: If you operate in an area with severe winters and heavy snowfall, it might be worth investing in top-tier equipment, such as the 2500 heavy-duty trucks paired with one of the heavy-duty snow tires.
• Workload: For snow removal businesses handling large commercial properties, a heavy-duty truck paired with heavy-duty snow tires could be ideal.
• Budget: If you're just starting out or working with a tighter budget (and you have light to moderate snowfall), a light-duty truck paired with light (or heavy-duty) snow tires might offer a good balance of performance and cost.
• Terrain: For areas with hilly terrain or frequent ice, prioritize trucks with advanced 4WD systems and tires with superior ice traction, such as any of the heavy-duty snow tires.
• Fuel efficiency: If your routes involve a lot of driving between jobs, consider a heavy-duty truck (anything between 2500 and 3500) with an efficient diesel engine option that will make it last longer.

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

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

• Flexible billing system
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• Same-day automated payments
• Job management from anywhere
• Track chemicals, crews, equipment, and assets
• 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 Snow Removal Business

Investing in the right snow trucks and tires is crucial for the success of your snow removal business.

While the initial costs may be significant, the right equipment will pay for itself through improved efficiency, reliability, and client satisfaction.

Remember to regularly maintain your snow trucks and rotate your snow tires to maximize their lifespan and performance.

With the right tools at your disposal, you'll be well-equipped to tackle whatever winter throws your way.

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

As always, consult your trusted CPA (i.e. certified public accountant) about the debt you’re comfortable taking on in your business. They'll help you 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 Oct 17, 2024 3:30 PM CT