Battery Info:

Why are AGM batteries recommended, they're expensive?

We recommend utilizing the best battery you can afford. Your snow plow is a significant investment. And to achieve peak performance AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat.) deep cycle battery is recommended for use in the EZ-Plow. But most Group 24, deep cycle, 12V batteries will work. You can also use your deep cycle battery on your boat (or other vehicles) after the snow season.

For more info on AGM's see below.

What's the perfomance difference between AGM and "regular" batteries?

AGM batteries are the latest technology in the battery industry  today. They can be charged to a higher nomimnal voltage (usually around 13.5V) while traditional "wet" lead cell batteries charge to approximately 12.5V nominal. This means that the extra one volt of charge can help extend you snow storm plowing  life by as much as 33%. So depending on your usage this can make a significant difference...

How is charging time important?

AGM batteries are better charged with higher amperage (AGM rated) chargers. In fact the higher amps (8 amps and up) your charger has the better and quicker recovery time. While AGM batteries prefer high amp, short time charges, traditional "wet" lead cell batteries prefer long, slow (2-6 amps)   multiple hours of charging. Which means longer recovery times between storms. This becomes more important in the case of back to back, or continuous snow events.

What about  battery safety?

AGM batteries have very little liquid in them which means they are approved to be shipped by common carriers, and are completely sealed. They are so safe they can be mounted on their sides if needed. Lead cells are shipped dry and then have highly toxic acid installed in them. They need special handling and ventilation because of the acid, and are not sealed. So there is a potential for acid leakage. Proper handling is required!

Why doesn't my EZ-Plow come with a battery?

Because AGM batteries are not required, and may not be necessary, we have left the option up to you. AGM batteries cost more but usually have a longer warranty, (and features as explained here) but we understand the economics of the situation, and want our customers to make an informed decision.

With any deep cycle battery will it last for a storm?

As longs as you start with a fully charged battery, and are not plowing professionaly, the battery will last through all storms. The key is to charge, and maintain your batteriy between storms, so it is ready when you need it. We recommend our ES model for most home owners. The plow only uses significant power (125 amps for 2-3 seconds) on the up stroke.

What is the differences between the Odyssey and Genesis AGM batteries that EZ-Plow sells?

Reserve capacity between the two batteries is the main difference the Odyssey has 78 minutes of reserve, and the Genesis has 38 minutes of reserve. They are both AGM batteries. The Odyssey is made in the U.S.A and has a 3 year warranty vs. 1 year on the Genesis. Prices are significantly different as well... Again the choice is up to you!

• Simple Effective Snow Plowing
• Snow Plow In Two Directions (forward and reverse)
• “Just Plug and Plow” Technology
• Portability To Your Next Vehicle (no extra expenses)
• Can Be Used On Multiple Vehicles
• Ease of Use And Maintenance
• No Special Wiring or Framing Necessary
• Affordability vs. Front Mount Snow Plows
• Does Not Void Auto Makers Warranties
• Buy Plow, Add Battery…Start Plowing

We have been able to design and package EZ-Plow with all the necessary powering components on board the plow, with the ability to "trickle" charge the on  board battery through some  “state of the art” technology. The benefits of this package are that this snow plow is truly portable to ANY vehicle with a Class III hitch, and AWD or 4WD without special wiring or framing. This makes use on multiple vehicles Trucks, SUV’s, and Crossovers seamless, and flexible. Our Plow will also be ready for your next vehicle too…

A fully charged battery without the trickle charge feature (ES- model) is usually more than enough for most homeowners use.

A deep cycle (style 24) battery needs to be added. EZ-Plow sells the Odyssey PC-1200  or Genesis NP38-12 AGM batteries. (batteries can be ordered with your plow)  See the differences between these batteries on opposite side of page. Raising and lowering the snow plow  is done by either our wireless remote control “key fob” or our New tethered remote control. These are simple two button systems.  (1. Up 2. Down)

The heart of EZ-Plow is the electronic battery isolator. This unit is the brains of the "trickle" charging system. The battery isolator monitors the host vehicles battery for state of charge, and will only allow charging of the plow battery when vehicle battery is above 13.4volts. That way it will not “draw down” your vehicle’s battery.

Once this voltage is sensed the Isolator will monitor the plow battery and when it falls below 13.4volts will "trickle" charge automatically through the 7 pin RV blade connector that comes on most vehicles. This system will ensure extended plowing time. For more information see the EZ/ES Plow User's Guide.

For most homeowners the "trickle" charge system may be more than what is required for your needs. If you utilize a deep cycle battery, and start "fully" charged, the battery will last for several hours (min. 4-5 hrs.) of "typical" plowing. We now have available the ES model that  costs less and runs off the batteries charged state. Just put on a charger/maintainer after each storm and you are ready to go....

For those of you who are not interested in the technical details, “just plug and plow”, we’ll worry about how it works…

Note: With either system your battery should be "fully" charged  and maintained between storms...