Snowblower Or Snowplow For ATVs & UTVs

As winter approaches, many of us start to consider the most efficient methods for snow removal and wonder about a snowblower or snowplow for ATVs & UTVs. One popular option is equipping all terrain vehicles (ATVs) or utility task vehicles (UTVs) with snow clearing attachments, like snowplows or snowblowers. Utility task vehicles generally have a larger engine and are better equipped to deal with an independent tool attached to it, such as a snowblower.

Decision Tree: Snowblower Or Snowplow For ATVs & UTVs

When choosing between a snowblower and a snowplow for my ATV or UTV, I began by considering the type of snow I typically deal with. Wet, heavy snow is better managed with a plow and lighter and fluffier snow can be efficiently cleared using a snowblower Next I thought about the size of the area I need to clear as a plow works better in large spaces as they require more room to maneuver and pile snow.

Then I wondered about the snow removal speed as I wanted to finish the job. Generally, ATVs or UTVs with a plow can clear snow about two to three times faster than snowblower. However, snowblowers have an advantage in propelling the snow significantly away from the cleared path rather than piling it to the side or in front of the plow, so I needed to decide which was more important.

Lastly, in terms of maintenance and upkeep, I weighed the costs and effort associated with both snow removal tools. Snowblowers typically require more maintenance than plows, as they have more moving parts, so I chose the tool that suited my mechanical skills and knowledge, which for me was the plow.

Snowblower for ATV and UTV

From my experience, snowblower attachments for ATVs and UTVs are generally robust and constructed to handle heavy duty snow clearing tasks. Snowblowers can withstand the force of the snow while ensuring a long life for the equipment as they are built with both durability and strength in mind. 

When it comes to maneuverability, snowblowers may require more effort to navigate compared to ATVs or UTVs with plows. However, these machines can be more effective at removing snow in tight spaces such as sidewalks and small driveways.

They outperform plows in snow removal efficiency and power, especially in deep and wet snow conditions, and a properly equipped snowblower can handle significantly deeper snow than an ATV with a plow. Moreover, snowblowers operate independently from the engine, allowing for effective clearing without overtaxing the vehicle’s engine. The snowblower might not be the most efficient choice in lighter and powdery snow conditions and would be slower than a plow.

Snowblower Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Snowblowers can handle deeper and wetter snow compared to plows.
• They provide more precise control over where the snow is deposited.
• They reduce the risk of potential damage to the terrain underneath.

Cons:

• Snowblower attachments are more expensive than plows.
• They can be heavier and require their own engine or power source.
• Maneuverability might be slightly reduced compared to plows.

Snowplow for ATV and UTV

In terms of speed, ATVs and UTVs with snow plows can often clear snow more quickly than snow blowers, which is particularly useful for larger areas with less snow depth. However, there are also drawbacks to using ATV or UTV plows, such as potentially damaging surfaces or causing uneven snow removal.

Considering the size of the blade, ATVs should use a maximum blade size of around 60 inches, while UTVs can typically accommodate a 72-inch blade. This larger blade size for UTVs is essential, as it offers greater efficiency in clearing snow.

Regarding strength and durability, ATV and UTV snowplows demonstrate impressive capabilities. ATV snowplows are typically made from steel or aluminum, providing strength in snow removal tasks. UTV snowplows, designed for more heavy duty applications, are often made from materials like stainless steel and polyethylene, ensuring maximum durability in harsh conditions.

In terms of efficiency and power, it’s essential to consider how much snow needs to be cleared and the type of terrain you need to clear. UTVs generally have larger engines and more horsepower than ATVs, thus granting them the ability to handle larger snowplows and clear more snow in a single pass. However, an ATV snowplow can still be reliable for lighter snowfall and smaller properties.

Pros and Cons

ATV Snowplow Pros:

• Lower cost
• Easy maneuverability in tight spaces
• Suitable for small to medium-sized properties

ATV Snowplow Cons:

• Less powerful than UTV snowplows
• Limited snow clearing capacity and plow width

UTV Snowplow Pros:

• Powerful engine and greater capability
• Able to handle larger, heavier snowplows
• Ideal for larger properties and heavier snowfall

UTV Snowplow Cons:

• Higher cost
• Less maneuverable in tight spaces

Depth and Type of Snow Considerations for Snowplows

The depth and type of snow you have is unique to where you live and will determine the need and effectiveness of a snowplow for your ATV or UTV. A proper snow thrower can handle much deeper snow than an ATV with a plow, and it usually requires at least a 750cc engine to push 6 inches of snow with a plow. UTV snowplows, on the other hand, can more effectively clear large amounts of heavy, wet snow thanks to their more powerful engines and larger plow sizes.

Preferred Conditions

For smaller snow removal tasks and lighter snowfalls, an ATV snowplow can effectively handle the job. If you have a small property with minimal snow to clear, an ATV may be the ideal choice. However, if you anticipate dealing with larger amounts of snow accumulation, or if you have a larger property, a UTV snowplow will likely be better equipped to handle the demands.

Direct Comparison: Snowblower vs Snowplow

Maintenance Requirements

When comparing snowblowers and snowplows for ATVs and UTVs, it’s important to consider maintenance requirements. Snowblowers generally require more regular maintenance, such as checking and replacing belts, lubricating components, and properly storing the unit during the off-season. On the other hand, snowplows mainly require lubricating pivot points and inspecting the cutting edge for wear. Overall, I find that snowplows may require less maintenance than snowblowers.

Performance Chart

Performance MetricSnowblowerSnowplow

Snow depth Can handle deep snow (>6 inches) Limited by the height of the plow (~6 inches)

Snow type Works well with light, powdery snow. It is more efficient with heavy, wet snow.

Area clearing More suited for detailed work in smaller areas Better for larger areas with open spaces

Speed Slower, more methodical clearing Faster snow removal

Visibility Better visibility for the operator Can sometimes block the view of the operator

Cost Analysis

The initial cost of a snowblower attachment for ATVs and UTVs can be higher than that of a snowplow, but it is important to consider not just the upfront cost but also the long-term expenses. Snowblowers might need more maintenance, which can lead to additional costs over time. Additionally, a powerful ATV or UTV is required for plowing, which can increase your initial investment if you don’t already own one. In contrast, most snowblowers can be used with a wide range of ATVs and UTVs, which may lead to a lower overall cost.

In summary, when comparing snowblowers and snowplows for ATVs and UTVs, it is crucial to consider factors such as maintenance requirements, performance, and costs. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses, so it depends on your specific needs and circumstances to determine which is best for you.

Final Thoughts

As I ponder the differences between snowblowers and snowplows for ATVs and UTVs, several factors come to mind. First, an important distinction is that a snow blower can handle much deeper snow than an ATV with a plow. A powerful snow blower can easily handle snow depths of over 6 inches, making it more effective for areas with substantial snowfall. 

Frequently Asked Questions