How to plow snow with your atv


8 Tips For Plowing Snow With Your ATV

ATV snow plow plowing snow with ATV plowing snow with UTV snow plow tips snow plowing tips UTV snow plow

Instead of retiring your ATV for the winter season, consider using that summer toy as a winter workhorse! ATVs can be a simple and efficient way to plow snow from your driveway or other surfaces.

If you have never used an ATV to remove snow, be sure to follow these 8 tips for a smoother and safer plowing process.

1. Make Sure The ATV Has Enough Power

Check the manufacturer's specifications and make sure that the ATV you are using is powerful enough to attach a plow on and remove snow. If you overload your ATV, the best case scenario is that you will have trouble plowing through the snow. Worst case: you can damage your ATV and cause bodily injury. Never overload your ATV!

2. Do All Of The Proper Maintenance Before The First Flake

Working on any vehicle in frigid temperatures is never ideal. Make sure your ATV is tuned up and in good running condition while it’s still (relatively) nice out. Change the oil, check tire pressure and thread, check electrical wiring, and ensure all elements are debris-free and working properly. Review “ 9 Ways to Keep Your ATV or UTV in Peak Condition ” for more detailed tips.

3. Make Sure The Depth Of The Plow Is Adjusted Correctly For The Job

The plow depth needs to be set at the perfect spot where it clears the snow without overloading the ATV and so that it does not damage the surface underneath. You may have to change the plow depth when you are plowing on different surfaces and with varying depths of snow.

4. Determine The Best Angle For The Plow And Set The Angle As You See Fit

The proper angle of the plow depends on the driveway or surface that is being plowed. Consider how much snow is present and where you want the snow to end up. Getting the angle set right will make the snow plowing effort much easier and cleaner.

5. Avoid Especially Deep Or Heavy Snow Drifts

Plowing through snow that is too deep or heavy will overload the ATV and cause more wear and tear on the vehicle. Deep snow drifts may need to be plowed at an angle taking a little of the snow at a time, and going back over the area a few times.

6. Be Cautious Of Items Hidden Underneath The Snow

Landscaping features, curbs and kids toys are known to hide underneath snow, damaging the plow and making the plowing process unsafe. For those static items like landscaping features, considering adding poles or other labels to indicate where they are. To avoid other hidden items, put away any unnecessary items before snowfall to avoid them getting buried.

7. Plow With The Natural Contours Of The Surface

If you follow the natural slopes of the driveway or other surfaces you are plowing, you make the plowing and snow placement easier. You also avoid damaging the plow blade by hitting the ground in uneven areas.

8. Perform a Final Clean Up Before Storing the ATV

Clean all of the dirt and snow off your ATV and plow blade after snow plowing. If you don't remove the snow, ice and dirt clumps right away, they can freeze and get stuck to the plow or ATV. This will make it a more difficult process to plow the snow next time.

Using your ATV to plow snow can help make the chore more efficient and, dare we say, fun! Following these eight tips will help prevent damage to your vehicle, your property and yourself!

How to Plow Snow with an ATV – ATV MAN

Written by Brent Huntley in ATVs


Shoveling snow can be back-breaking work and if you have a long driveway that needs clearing regularly, you might want to look at that ATV parked in your garage as a means of relieving your back of the misery of wielding that snow shovel this winter.  How, you ask, can I utilize my ATV as a snowplow?  It may be simpler than you think.

How do you best plow snow with an ATV? Using an ATV to plow snow is easily accomplished by:

  1. Mount the plow blade correctly, making sure your ATV is properly maintained and ready to run.
  2. Set the depth of the blade
  3. Plow with the contours of your driveway
  4. Clean up your plow and ATV 

Having an ATV that is up to the job of plowing snow and having a plow blade designed for the snow loads you may encounter is as important as how you plow the snow with your ATV.  Choosing the right equipment will make the actual job of plowing your driveway clear of snow less of a frustration. Read on to see just how simply this job can be done. 

How to Prepare for ATV Snow Plowing

Before you start plowing snow with your ATV, you need to make sure that your ATV is in ready condition.  Moving snow can put a lot of strain on a smaller ATV.  Wet heavy snowfalls tend to be sticky and can tax the motor and drivetrain of an ATV.   Performing routine maintenance is a good place to start.  Other things to check include:

  • Check the oil and the oil filter.
  • Fill the fuel tank.
  • Check the coolant.  The heavy loads of snow can cause the engine to overheat if the coolant levels get too low.
  • If your ATV is air-cooled, make sure the cooling fins on the engine are clean and that there is nothing obstructing the airflow around the engine. Watch while you are plowing to make sure that snow doesn’t get packed into the air circulation areas around the engine.

Mounting a Snow Plow Blade on your ATV

Every snowplow blade mounts a bit differently and you should follow the manufacturer’s directions closely.   Failure to properly mount the snowplow blade could have disastrous consequences.  Here are a few tips to make sure that all goes well with your plowing job.

  • Check all the connections between the plow blade and your ATV twice.   
  • If you are using a winch to adjust the height of your plow blade, be sure that all the pins and retaining rings are in place and secure.  
  • If your plow blade is a manual adjustment, lubricating all the moving points can make the adjustments easier.
  • Before you begin plowing, wipe down your plow blade with cooking oil or spray the surface of the blade with silicone spray.  This will help prevent snow from sticking to the blade and keeps the snow rolling off the blade.
  • Set the depth of your blade based on the amount of snow that has accumulated.  You don’t want to take such big bites that the snow can’t roll and slip off the blade.  You can risk damaging your ATV if you try to take too much snow with each pass.   If this is late snow and the ground is only partially frozen, avoid setting the blade so low that you damage your gravel driveway.

How to move Snow with an ATV Plow

Moving the snow with your ATV plow is not a complicated maneuver, but there are some tricks that can make the job go faster and easier.

  • Plow with the contours of the driveway.   If your driveway only has one slope away from the house, plow downhill.   If you have a long-curved driveway with several different slopes, work the driveway in sections so that gravity helps you move the snow in the proper direction and to the proper place.  This may mean changing the angle and direction of your plow blade.
  • Move the snow to the lowest place possible.  Never pile snow on the high side of your driveway.  As the snow melts and then refreezes, it can leave dangerous sheets of ice on your driveway, which are worse than compacted snow.
  • To start your plowing operation, consider the direction of the slope of your driveway.   If the driveway is relatively flat from side to side and slopes away from the house, make your first pass in the middle of the driveway and move half the snow to one side, adjust the angle of your blade and then move the other half of the snow to the other side.
  • If your driveway has a definite slope to one side or the other, make your first pass at the high side and move the snow to the low side.   You may have to take smaller and smaller bites as the snow piles up.  This will leave the snow where it will not melt and run across your driveway.

What to do when you are done Plowing Snow with your ATV

After you have finished plowing snow, don’t just pull that ATV into the garage and park it.  There is still some work to be done.  

  • Clean the blade and the ATV as much as you can.  This is especially important if you have used salt or other materials to help melt the ice that may have accumulated on the driveway.  These materials, if left on the metal of the blade and the ATV can be corrosive and lead to major damage.
  • Lower the plow blade to the ground so that the weight of the plow blade, and its mounting equipment is not left on your winch or the ATV.  The added weight suspended out over the front of the ATV can put undue stress on the suspension and the frame of the ATV.

How Well do ATV Snowplows Work?

Overall, ATV snowplows work well.   If you experience dry snow, an ATV snowplow can handle almost any accumulation of snow.  If the snow is wet and sticky, an ATV snowplow may struggle with deeper accumulations, and you may be better off with a heavier machine or a snow blower.

On the upside, ATV snowplows are maneuverable and can handle most snow loads on driveways.  ATVs are also compact and agile enough to do walkways, paths, and other areas.

We loved using an ATV to plow snow when we lived in cold weather.  It makes the job so much easier!

Picking the Right Snow Plow for Your ATV

Finding the right plow may be as easy as going to your dealer for his recommendation for your situation or finding a plow that is made by the same manufacturer of your ATV.  There are many choices to be had.  These are a few of our favorite selections that should work well for almost any user on any ATV.

WARN 78950 Provantage 50” Blade

The WARN blade is a good all-around blade.  The universal mount design is easy to set up and assemble.   One advantage to the WARN snowplow blade is the ground clearance and the fact that it is so compactly mounted you won’t feel the need to take it off between uses.

You can see the current price of the Warn 78950 on Amazon.

Extreme Max Uniplow One-Box ATV Plow

If you are looking for a quick to attach and durable plow blade, the Extreme Max Uniplow should be on your shopping list.  This plow kit comes complete with everything needed to fit the blade to your ATV, including a welded push tube for easy installation.  

You can see the current price of the Max Uniplow on Amazon.

KFI Products 105500 SNO-Devil ATV Plow

This universal mount ATV snowplow requires a winch already mounted on your ATV.  This plow features powder coating on all exposed metal parts to add years to the service life as well as a unique hybrid mounting system that mounts to the frame of the ATV rather than to the front of the machine.  

You can see the current price of the KFI Products 105500 on Amazon.

Get your Snow Plow and figure out how to use it before the first snow!

Now is the time to start considering the addition of a snowplow to your ATV so that you are ready when that first snowfall happens.  Imagine the difference between heading to the garage to get that snow shovel and stepping onto your ATV, cranking the engine, and moving that snow quickly and easily.  A back-breaking chore can be a fun new use for that ATV

Recent Posts

link to How To Use An ATV Spreader

How To Use An ATV Spreader

  One of the greatest things about summer is yard work. As the heat and humidity rise, so do the plants and flowers. The advent of technology has made seeding and fertilizing, a job that used to...

Continue Reading

link to When Should You Use High vs. Low Gear On Your ATV?

When Should You Use High vs. Low Gear On Your ATV?

ATVs will provide any off-roader with a fun, thrilling experience. However, if you want to make the most of your ATVing trip without incident or frustration, it is important to know when and where to...

Continue Reading

TRYING TO BLOW SNOW WITH A QUAD RESULT.

video content

Rating: 4.5; Votes: 2

TRYING TO CLEAN THE SNOW WITH THE ATV RESULT. Alexander: Guys this year there is no snow but imagine next year if it falls and quite a lot and try to leave it with a shovel who hasn’t tried that you Chatter all sorts of nonsense about the fact that he doesn’t need it to me in a city where everything is turned off cleaned and put in order correctly did that he took the blade Let the transport itself come in handy If you attach it to the trailer, you can carry anything for the house, it will do
Date: 2020-02-26

← THIS HAPPENED FIELDS NO MORE WE HAVE FLOODED

WINTER IS ENDING AND WORK CONTINUES. Sheathed the terrace →

Similar videos

Beginning of winter - heating - new tools

• Village boy

Found 10 bags in a landfill. She opened it and Wowed! This must be seen. Not a dump - a flea market! Vintage

• Ella Australia

Poltava dishonored in the restaurant put a candle

• Samvel Adamyan

Life on a forest farm. There are more mushrooms in November than in summer! White mushroom julienne. Stone plinth

• Blueberry Farm

Nadya, what's up? Let's check?

• Samvel Adamyan

Renovation of bathroom-heating, walls. Did a manicure. Order from Waldberis. They harvested.

• Adamyan family

Comments and reviews: 9

Denis
Maxim in two you will save a battery that is not really charging at low engine speeds. Proven by many years of experience. By the way, before the roller was sold complete with a blade. Good luck.

Tatiana
Maxim Hello. I accidentally saw your videos two days ago. Now I won't rest until I see everything. What good fellows you are that you have chosen an environmentally friendly place to live. And the children will be very happy here. I sincerely wish you health, happiness, love and new waters. I have lived in the country all my life. And it's a pleasure to watch you. Thank you.

Leonid
a little more snow and you won't clean anything with it. after a blizzard does not go. thaw is not coming. generally a little fresh puff. that's what he's good for. has been verified for a long time. and no one uses it. If you want to clear snow, buy a rotary snow blower. and more helpful. well, so. sometimes near the house it’s really possible to clean them. keyword sometimes)

March
Very good. A necessary thing in the household; what a quadric, what is adapted to it. How are the households doing? How is the animal? You didn’t start filming something about the house, how is the construction progressing? Good luck in your endeavors, and the fastest completion of the work you have begun.

Oleg
Maxim, it finally happened ) I've been hoping for a long time that you will peep at Dmitry's Twice Father how to use a quadric and what kind of quadric to buy, especially since you know each other personally. Well done Keep it up Decent technique in worthy hands; )

Radmir
God, what a series I watch about this quadric, nothing. But explain to this amateur that you can’t ride it standing up. You don’t get cooler from this. Yes, on the video it was clear when he was handing back while standing, he almost tipped forward.

Anatoly
Maxim is another useful thing in your village troubles, and remove the supports when you work, and the street was cleaned by a good fellow doing good health to you and your family good luck in business greetings from the Belgorod region.

Oleg
First, it was necessary to go through a complete break-in, with a margin except for 1000 km which are recommended for normal break-in, change the oil and give it an average load for another 100 km, and then give buckets and maximum loads.


In our village, they always said two completely unnecessary things: to clean the snow and stroke the girls on the chest. The snow itself will melt, and the chest itself grows. I don't quite agree with the last one though.

Using an ATV or ATV for snow removal and winter fun

We'll help you prepare your SUV for snow conditions

To paraphrase the old adage, there's no bad weather, just bad tires. There's a reason they're called all-terrain vehicles, and there's good reason to call them all-season vehicles. Built for all types of terrain, from mud to sand and rocks, ATVs and ATVs also conquer whatever winter has to offer. With a little preparation, your Can-Am SUV can be a master at handling deep snow and harsh winter conditions, and even keep you warm on cold days off-road.

In this article, we'll remind you why your ATV or ATV is an indispensable tool for clearing snow and other tasks in the winter, as well as a super fun companion for relaxing in cold weather.

Why your ATV or ATV is great for winter

Whether it's weekend trips with the family, hunting with friends or hard work on the farm, your ATV or ATV will bring you a lot of fun and rewards. So why not use your SUV all year round and enjoy it just as much in the winter? Your technique overcomes all kinds of deep sand and mud, and snow is no exception. An SUV can be extremely useful in the winter for light snow removal in your driveway, and when the neighbors see what you're up to, you can even become the most popular person in your neighborhood. Once the job is done, it quickly turns into fun as the snow-covered trails can turn your days into unforgettable adventures. The main thing is to prepare your car well and have the right equipment to help you enjoy the winter. Think about the extra time you can spend on your favorite ATV or ATV instead of letting it go dormant in your garage.

Using an ATV or ATV as a snow blower

Shoveling snow is not everyone's favorite pastime. But when you use the right tools, this job will certainly become much easier. It's also no secret that in the off-road world, she can actually be fun. We don't promise anything, but you can get neighbors to knock on your door, give you gifts, or promise favors in exchange for helping you clear the snow.

Connecting the plow to an ATV or ATV will help clear a large amount of snow much faster and easier than other methods, and the maneuverability of these vehicles allows them to get into hard-to-reach places where large snowblowers cannot go. With amazing traction and plenty of power, clearing even the deepest snow is a breeze. In fact, many people living in areas with harsher winters buy this technique specifically for this purpose.

What to look for in an ATV or ATV that you plan to use for snow removal

Let's take a look at some of the specifications and accessories that will make it easier for you to clear snow on your SUV.

This is perhaps the most important feature. Clearly, snow and ice are slippery and affect traction, making maneuvering difficult. There is nothing more frustrating than wheel spin in sticky snow from half a meter high due to traction problems, but with all-wheel drive this is not a problem. In fact, the deeper the snow where you live, the more important all-wheel drive is, which is a game-changer in the winter.

If you're going to clear a lot of snow, an ATV or ATV with plenty of torque is a must. As a general rule, the more power the engine has, the better, but that doesn't mean that a smaller, less powerful engine can't do the job. In fact, they can clear large volumes of snow, but it will take longer and they only need a few passes to get you a clean surface.

It's cold outside, so snow removal often involves pulling on all sorts of jackets, boots, gloves, etc. But what if you make it a little hotter? There are many options for off-road equipment for cold weather operation, such as a heated enclosed cab with a windshield anti-frost system like the Can-Am Traxter PRO ATV, and some ATVs have heated handlebars to keep your hands warm. Sounds comfortable?

The snow is heavy and clearing it can be a challenge for the machine. Many off-road vehicles have an increased risk of failure during extended snow removal, so you should consider utility models that can actually handle hours of snow removal without giving up. Luckily, Can-Am SUVs are engineered to perform, made from the finest materials, and proven to take on any challenge. People all over the world rely on them in tough everyday work situations.

If your ATV or ATV has these four features, you'll be ready to handle winter and snow removal with no problems!

Things to do before clearing snow

So now that you know what to look for in a hard-working snow blower, let's take a look at how you should prepare for clearing snow.

Nobody wants to repair their equipment in howling wind and snow. Before you go outside or before the temperature drops, make sure your SUV is winterized and in optimal operating condition. Change the oil, check the wiring, and make sure all components in the ATV or ATV are clean and working properly. Double check tire pressure and tread condition for excessive wear. If your machine has a liquid-cooled engine, it is very important to check the coolant level, as snow removal requires a lot of effort from the engine and can cause it to heat up quickly.

It is very important to set the plow deep enough to clear the snow, but high enough not to scrape the surface under the snow. Scratching can not only damage paved surfaces, but also creates more work for your SUV, which invariably results in overloading it. The harvesting depth can be different for different surfaces and different depths of snow cover, so you should adjust the angle of the plow blade every time before harvesting. The correct blade angle depends on the type of roadway, the surface being cleared, and where you want the snow to collect. The correct angle of inclination means fewer passes, it will make cleaning easier and the surface cleaner.

After clearing snow, it is important to remove all dirt and snow from the ATV or ATV and plow blade. If lumps of snow, ice and dirt are not removed while they are fresh, they may freeze and harden. A clean plow blade releases snow more easily and is essential for good performance. Not to mention the salt, which can very quickly damage plow and vehicle surfaces. Prevent corrosion and clean the plow and equipment after each use.

Remember that snow removal is a lot of work not only for you, but also for your car. This can be one of the toughest tasks you put on your ATV or ATV, and preparing it and then clearing it of snow will minimize the impact and extend the life of your vehicle.

Winter fun on your ATV or ATV

It's time to stop thinking of your ATV or ATV as just a good-weather fun machine. Winter provides a variety of recreational opportunities when you have an SUV ready for the cold weather challenge. In addition to making riding on snow feel light and joyful, snow makes everything new and fresh - even those old trails you've ridden countless times. Winter is also a great opportunity to improve your off-road driving skills in slipperier conditions that are perfect for learning to drift, move on loose surfaces and more. Winter offers a unique cross-country skiing experience not to be missed, and if you do it safely, it can provide some unforgettable moments.

But you need to winterize your ATV or ATV, and in some regions it may be a problem if your SUV is not equipped with the right equipment. The track system for your SUV is a major upgrade that essentially transforms it into a whole new kind of vehicle and provides the traction and buoyancy your vehicle needs.

As we saw above, your ATV or ATV is likely already well equipped for winter use, and some upgrades can make it even better and more comfortable during the colder months. But there are SUVs already born with features that make them winter-ready, like the Can-Am Outlander North Edition, which comes with a windshield, heated grips and visor heater connector, a factory-installed winch, and an ultra-low gear that fits perfectly. for snow removal.

How do you prepare your ATV or ATV for winter riding?

Before heading out into the cold, it goes without saying that you need to put on warm clothes and protective equipment, but what else do you need to do to prepare your SUV for winter driving? In addition to regular maintenance, the following should be considered:

Moisture in the fuel tank or fuel lines is bad news for your machine. This is a common problem in cold weather as temperature fluctuations can cause water to form in the fuel tank in the form of condensation. The engine will not be able to start due to water or moisture in the fuel, and water may freeze in the fuel lines and block fuel from entering the engine, causing the engine to run hard or not start at all. A fuel stabilizer will prevent this problem by keeping the gasoline fresh and keeping the engine running smoothly.

Fresh spark plugs keep the engine running smoothly at idle and revive cold engines in winter. While you don't need to change them every year, winter can be the right time, especially since you don't want surprises when temperatures drop.

After a few months of dusty summer driving, the air filter becomes clogged with debris - this is normal. When the snow on the trail rises into the air and is sucked into the engine, it turns into water, and water plus dust equals, you guessed it, mud. A clogged filter will choke your engine by cutting off the airflow it needs to run smoothly. Before the start of winter, a quick purge of the filter will save you a headache in the future. As with spark plugs, winter can also be a good time to change your filter if you haven't done it in a while.

The oil keeps your SUV running smoothly, and jerky pulling away and a drop in power is usually a sign that the oil needs topping up or changing. If you already change your oil regularly, if you check your oil level and change your oil filter regularly, then you're probably fine. Again, if you need an oil change reminder, make it part of your annual maintenance along with your spark plugs and air filter.

Now that your ATV or ATV is ready for the cold, remove the cover and get ready to ride.

Basic accessories for ATVs and ATVs in winter

Winter riding requires a little more gear and extra equipment than other seasons to keep you safe and warm while shoveling or trail riding. It is vital that you and your vehicle are protected in case something goes wrong, so proper preparation is the key to success.

Here are some essential accessories for you and your ATV or ATV to help you get the most out of your awesome winter rides.

Track Systems for ATVs and ATVs

As we said, a track kit can turn your ATV or ATV into a whole new type of vehicle. These kits replace your tires with a snowmobile-like track system for incredible performance in deep snow and rough terrain. Under these conditions, they will outperform any tire and can make the impossible possible. Usually, when you are on wheels, you avoid snow deeper than your SUV's ground clearance, as burrowing will cause you to get stuck, while the tracks give you the ability to "float" through deeper snow and handle winter conditions with ease. The improved traction also makes hauling loads and clearing snow much easier, while the tracks can make it easier to transport on slippery roads, even on steep slopes.

Finding compatible track systems for your equipment can be tricky and installation can be challenging. But thankfully, Apache Track Kits, designed specifically for Can-Am SUVs, match the engine power, frame, and speedometer on your model, and work with the power steering system for perfect handling. Learn more about Apache Tracks for Can-Am ATVs and ATVs.

Plows (snow plows) for ATVs and ATVs

If you want to use your SUV to clear snow, a plow is a must. There are an endless number of options on the market, some of which are even equipped with a winch mechanism to raise the plow blade. It's important to take the time to find a compatible system, but Can-Am makes it easy with their ProMount plow system. It's the quickest and easiest way to start clearing snow and you'll be sure our plow is compatible with your vehicle. Learn more about Can-Am ATV and ATV ProMount plows.

ATV Cabin Shell

Staying warm and comfortable is definitely one of the most important conditions for off-road winter riding. Choosing waterproof and windproof clothing is important, but there is equipment that can make your SUV a warm and cozy shelter from the cold. The cabin shell for your ATV is a great way to protect you and your passengers from the elements and allows you to spend whole days off-road even in the coldest months. Some Can-Am models, such as the Traxter Limited and Traxter PRO Limited, have a temperature control system that provides cab heating.

ATV and ATV heating accessories

Other accessories can also be very useful if you want more comfort in cold weather. Some ATVs and ATVs have heated seats that can be your best friends on long, cold rides. If your hands are in need of love, Can-Am offers the option of installing a heated steering wheel on your ATV or heated grips on your ATV.


Learn more