I plowed a lot of snow in 25 yrs, with a grader and a 10 yd dump truck with a front mounted plow, and a live bottom sander in the back. Some nights up in the hills it would snow and blow so hard you didn't know where you were, but,the roads had to be plowed. We'd chain the machines up all the way around, front and rear and we were on our own from then on. Trees making 4ft circles over your head, and your wondering when one is going to fall on the grader or the cab of the truck. It would really get exciting especially if it was about 2 in the morning, and your coming down a very steep and twisted blacked out road. You found out quick where the turn around's were and how far to back up before you were off the road. It was exciting to say the least.
I dont miss those night days in the least! Snowing so hard you can barely see the plow, never mind where you're going. I put in one winter in a tri axle dump plowing on the highway. Spent far more time sleeping under overpasses waiting for the DOT to bring us back out than actually plowing. Longest most boring winter ever. Except at the end of the storms moving out in the breakdown lane throwing the snow over the guard rail.
When the plow driver comes past our house, he dumps the snow on the opposite side of the road...its great! Maybe only a couple times per year he pushes the banks back on our side.
Not that familiar with Massachusetts geography. Where does Lowell fall on this map? “Yeah baby, like a frickin’ play dough factory.” Guy cracks me up.
Plow drivers probably actually spend a lot more time cursing @$$#*7&$ in cars and cars parked where they're not supposed to be.
There has always been a complete ban of overnight parking on the streets around these parts as long as I can remember. The first thing I thought of, while watching the vid, is why are there so many cars parked on the streets?
I'll always remember the first time I got completely disoriented clearing snow in a storm. Strangest feeling ever. I had no idea where I was or where "up and down" were in my own driveway.
Lots of the old mill towns have very close houses, many without driveways. There are winter parking bans or park on one side of the street. Municipal lots offer free parking, but too far to walk for many. A cleared parking space is almost considered "real estate" if you shovel it yourself. It is a tough winter reality in these parts.
I plowed residential for the city a handful of times for my old roommate. People that smile and wave, or talk to you politely would get the blade angled straight as I went by, or if I was in a truck with a V blade I'd make it scoop as I went by their driveway. Then there were the assholes. Yell at you, give you the finger, etc. (Throw shovels or start fights in some instances) Those people you dig extra hard into the bank with the blade as you approach their house so you can really fill in the apron of their driveway. If they just weren't douche bags, they would have a lot less work to do!
