Snowplow on a Honda

[Northern Tire and Auto]

I just bought three mini trucks and will be putting a snow plow on the one I decide to keep. The other two will be sold. One of the trucks is a '93 Honda AWD that only has 64,000 kilo on it and is in very nice shape. I like the layout better than the other two, a '92 Mitsubishi and a '93 Diahatsu but the truck has no 4 low so I'm wondering if I would burn out the clutch trying to plow with it this winter. The Diahatsu has 4 hi and low and also has a diff lock. Would it be a better choice? The Mitsubishi has a dump box with 4 hi and low but no diff lock. It's in decent shape but the other two are in better shape overall.

[Mighty Milt]

the daihatsu climber with the diff-lock sure seems to be the crowd pleaser when it comes to traction. and i know from experience that the the low range is so low that i top out at about 25mph in 5th gear, low range... and in 1st gear i could climb walls with a little bit of velcro :D

[Northern Tire and Auto]

I sure like the Honda and wondering if it could handle a plow. The Honda's a 5speed and with the engine in the rear quieter than the other two. Plus the cab is a little bigger.

[d rock]

the 1st gear is pretty low on the Acty, i rarely use it. keep us posted on the plow as i am thinking of doing the same thing on my Acty next year

[speedy67]

I think Honda and Subaru have very soft springs, I don't know how well they would handle a plow. The engine in the back would be a plus for the snow plow application, though. (better weight balance) Maybe if you can get stiffer springs for at least the front. Or maybe some rubber stiffeners to install in between the spring coils to compensate for the weight.

[Northern Tire and Auto]

the 1st gear is pretty low on the Acty, i rarely use it. keep us posted on the plow as i am thinking of doing the same thing on my Acty next year


I didn't notice till now but see your in Winnipeg. I'm located in Kenora. I'm still trying to decide weather to keep the Honda or go with the Mitsubishi. The Mitsubishi has 4X4 hi/low plus has a trailer hitch installed. The Mitsubishi is also easier to work on but the Honda's cab is a little bigger and is quieter to drive. It also has a 5 speed and only has 64,000 kms on it. I'm worried that I will burn out the clutch on the Honda because it doesn't have low gear.

[Timetripper]

Subaru's don't have "soft" springs. All the kei trucks should be equal in weight carry dept.

I have read about other owners bottoming out springs but have never once had that happen in my Sambar.

One more thing to ponder on your buying decision -

As noted by speedy67 on the Honda being better balanced

With my Subaru Sambar the F/R is 51/49% on rear, so I would say the Honda should be almost as good as Sambar for weight dist.

So it comes down to Honda having better traction [without adding weight] versus the Mitsi's Low range.

With the Honda I would say you still have the option of using the box for whatever but with the Mitsi you will be have to have weight back there when plowing to give the rear some traction.


I think Honda and Subaru have very soft springs, I don't know how well they would handle a plow. The engine in the back would be a plus for the snow plow application, though. (better weight balance) Maybe if you can get stiffer springs for at least the front. Or maybe some rubber stiffeners to install in between the spring coils to compensate for the weight.

[Mighty Milt]

i have to agree with trip... it seems to be a common misconception that coil springs are soft. these trucks are all rated at the same load capacity. just because it's not a leaf spring does not mean it's weak. there are different spring rates applied to each application. my old 65 chevy long bed had coils all the way around it had a great ride and still would haul a half ton with no problem.

[Northern Tire and Auto]

So it comes down to Honda having better traction [without adding weight] versus the Mitsi's Low range.

With the Honda I would say you still have the option of using the box for whatever but with the Mitsi you will be have to have weight back there when plowing to give the rear some traction.

The Mits that I have has a dunp on it so the weight is already added. I was surpised how heavy it is. We removed it to do some work on the frame and it must weight around 300-350lbs.

[d rock]

as far as burning out a clutch, the first gear on the sdx, while not being as low as the one on the Attack model, is still a very low gear. in city driving, i rarely use first and just start off in second.