Posted by Clint Dixon on Thursday, May 08, 2003 at 7:25PM :
In Reply to: Need advice on buying a PW posted by Carl on Thursday, May 08, 2003 at 6:46PM :
I use my Power-Wagons in the same manner that you are thinking of. I am very happy with them. From my experience, it sounds like the best candidate for your use would be a Civilian style 1-ton 1946-1968 model WDX-WM300, like what is shown in the image at the top of the page. These trucks will give you the low range capability from the transfer case that the WWII trucks do not have. This may be beneficial on those hilly roads in the timber. They also have a full 4'x8' bed size that the WWII trucks and M37s do not have. Having the larger bed size may come in handy for the variety of things you will find yourself carrying. Snowplows are easy to adapt to these trucks. They have a strong 4-pinion differential and lockers are available for the differentials if you require added traction for snowplowing and those hilly fire roads. Get one with at least a front mounted winch and learn the correct way to use it. You will find that it is a very handy tool to have. The PTO (required to operate a winch) can also be used to power your irrigation needs. A flat bed with a hydraulic tilt feature for dumping may be useful to you. These fit very well on the Power-Wagon and can also be powered from the PTO. If you do not have to travel more than a few dozen miles into town to the lumber yards and nurserys, you will find the 230ci or 251ci L-head engines more than adequate on 2-lane rural roads, as well as the 5.83 gearing in the 3rd members. The '57 and newer conventional bodied Power-Wagons, while great trucks, may not be the model you want for working around trees. They have a lot more sheet metal out towards the wheels that tends to take a beating when working around trees.
Good luck in your endeavor, welcome to the 'hobby', and keep us posted on what you decide/find. You're always welcoime with questions here.
Clint
Follow Ups: