(ARA) – With more than 2.5 million half-ton pickups sold annually, these trucks are beloved for their versatility and durability. Whether they’re being used to pull a trailer or haul a heavy load, half-ton pickups work hard and are fun to drive. And now, almost every half-ton pickup truck can also serve as an efficient, effective snow-clearing machine.

This is good news for homeowners and small business owners who are looking to maximize their existing equipment in an effort to save time and money. As daylight fades and winter weather gets closer, homeowners and small business owners in the north turn their attention to snow removal options. While many will maintain snow removal contracts or perhaps purchase a new snow thrower, others will investigate the benefits of outfitting their pickup truck with a snowplow.

One of the most essential benefits to equipping your truck with a snowplow is the amount of time that is saved. Depending on the size of your driveway or parking lot, a snowplow will get the job done in a fraction of the time it takes to remove snow with a snow thrower. Another key benefit is cost savings, especially if you contract with a snow removal professional. Handling your own snow management ensures that you can easily maintain lots and driveways, and often the initial snowplow investment can pay for itself in savings over one or two winters.

Independence is another factor that draws many homeowners and small business owners to investing in a snowplow. By being responsible for your plowing needs, you no longer have to wait for a contractor. When there’s a snowstorm, simply hop in your truck and take care of your own snowplowing, on your own schedule. This is often especially important for retail business owners with liability concerns. Another benefit is health and safety. Each year, health-related injuries occur as a result of snow removal. Muscle and back problems are common occurrences while, luckily not as frequent, some individuals even suffer heart attacks.

Using a snowplow allows you to move snow with less stress, all from the comfort of your own vehicle. Until recently, homeowners and small business owners couldn’t seriously consider a legitimate snowplow for their half-ton pickup. That’s because in an effort to maximize fuel economy, manufacturers began building half-ton trucks with lighter axles, frames and suspension. While these lighter packages helped to increase miles per gallon, standard size commercial snowplows were too heavy and exceeded truck manufacturers’ gross vehicle weight limitations. Fortunately, snowplow manufacturers recognized these manufacturing improvements and responded with new lines of full-sized, full-featured snowplows designed for light commercial, institutional and home use specifically for half-ton truck owners.

Each of these plows offer similar features as their larger counterparts, including rugged steel construction, fast and easy mounting systems and hydraulics, and important safety features. The plows are available at local truck equipment dealers and snowplow dealers who specialize in snowplow installation and set-up. Dealers can also provide accessories, parts and service as well as plowing information and tips for new plowers