A snowplow (also spelled snow plow , see miscellaneous spelling differences ) is a vehicle, or a device intended for mounting on a vehicle, for removing snow and sometimes ice from outdoor surfaces, typically those serving transportation purposes. In many cases, pickup trucks and tractors are outfitted with plows to fulfill this purpose. In areas that regularly receive large amounts of snow every year, and also in specific environments such as airfield, specifically snowplowing winter service vehicles are used. Some regions that do not frequently see snow may use graders and other equipment to fulfill this task, but graders are nonetheless the best equipment to remove compacted snow and ice off the streets. Snowplows can also be mounted on rail cars to clear railway tracks.
A snowplow works by using a blade to push snow to the side or straight ahead, clearing it from a surface. Modern plows may include a great deal of technology to make the joband staying on the roadeasier, such as Global Positioning System receivers, head-up displays and infrared cameras.
The earliest GM series internally regulated alternator is the 10Si series alternator . It has a 6 1/2" hole-to-hole spread, one two-inch thick mount and one thin mount, matching the 12Si series alternator's mounting specs. Though both good choices, they are not very good at producing idle output. We recommend replacing the 10/12Si series alternator with the larger CS144 series alternator . The CS144 series also has the 2-foot 2-inch mount, but the hole-to-hole spread is 7 1/8".
Snow plow drivers will find their alternator can not keep up with demand from added lights, hydraulic pump motors, and other accessories used. Stock alternators are meant to maintain battery voltage at highway speed, but can not hold up to high-demand, low-rpm conditions common to snowplows. The most common alternator for GM vehicles from 1987 till 1995 is the CS130 series alternator . This small unit, only 130mm in diameter, put out very little power at idle. The CS130 series was also plagued with cooling issues, suffering from a combination of rear bearing and voltage regulator failures. The CS144 series alternator has a 144mm stator diameter, giving it improved idle output and thermal mass.
After 1996, most Chevy and GM trucks used CS130D , AD244 , or CS144 series alternators . The mounting remained the same throughout these years, the only differences being the thickness of the alternator from behind the pulley to the rear of the case, as well as voltage regulators. The CS130D series has the same voltage regulator and plug as both the AD237 and AD244 series alternators . This 4-pin plug can also be converted to the plug used on the CS144 with the help of our W1206 wiring harness conversion plug. For vehicles with the CS130D , we recommend upgrading to either the AD244 or the CS144 . Both are excellent performers, but the AD244 has a slight edge with a thicker stator improving idle output. If your vehicle came stock with the AD237, the AD244 will be the best fit . The only other caveat when upgrading the alternator in 1996 to present Chevy and GM vehicles, notably the 1996 GMC Yukon, is interference with the heater hose. We have a thorough description of the problem and solution located in this thread on our forums at https://www.AskTheRebuilder.com
Ford's 1G series alternator was a lot like the Delco 10DN, externally regulated and not very powerful. Ford added internal regulation with the 2G series alteranator. But the 2G series alternator has a power plug, which cannot handle high power. The 2G power plug can become a fire hazard at over 150 amps. We recommend replacing the 1G and 2G series with the 3G series heavy duty alternator. An internal, self-exciting voltage regulator, and our new Ford type 3G all-in-one wiring harness ( Part #925606 ), make installing the 3G simple.
After a high failure rate with the 2G and 1G series alternators, the 3G series alternator has been continuously used on Ford trucks for many years. We offer top quality, large case 3G series alternators. Ford's 7.3L Power Stroke diesel F-series uses the 3G exclusively until 1999, when it was replaced with the 6G series. This small case 110 amp alternator was used on the majority of Ford trucks from 1999 till present. The 4G alternator is very popular on Ford vehicles with the dual alternator option. For the most part, we recommend replacing the small case 3G and 6G series alternators with the large case versions. Take a look at this page to identify large case units from small case: How can I tell if my Ford alternator is large case or a small case?
The 4G series alternator was not commonly used. It was, however, popular on the diesel engine with dual alternator option. It also existed for a while on the Lightning Series F-Series trucks. We recommend replacing the 4G with another 4G, which we upgrade using the Quicktifier Dual or Triple Rectifier Kit. Adding diodes to the bridge rectifier circuit help balance the load, decreasing heat and thermal cutoff.
