Snow season can be tough, not only on roads and property, but on your time and equipment. When the flakes start falling, contractors and property managers know the pressure is on to clear the snow quickly, keep customers happy and stay ahead of the next storm.
But not all snow removal setups are created equal. If you rely on outdated methods or underpowered equipment, you’re wasting hours that could be used to finish more jobs or win more contracts. That’s why more professionals are turning to skid steers with snow plow attachments as a winter tool.
In this guide, we’ll break it down what does plowing snow mean and explore the different types of skid steer plows available, so you can choose the right tool and keep your operations running, even when the snow piles up.
Snow plowing: what it is and how it works
A snow plow is a heavy-duty blade attachment designed to expel snow from roads, driveways, sidewalks and parking lots. It is mounted on a vehicle, often a truck, loader or skid steer, and clears large amounts of snow quickly and efficiently. Snow plows come in a variety of styles and sizes, but they all have the same basic purpose: to move snow away so that surfaces remain safe and usable.
Snow plows give you the ability to move large volumes of snow in a short period of time, turning blocked areas into safe and usable spaces. Its main task is to expel snow from surfaces such as roads, driveways, parking lots and sidewalks.
Depending on the type of plow and its pitch, the blade either pushes the snow to the side or collects it in a box-style plow to be piled elsewhere. The result is a clear road, better traction and a safer environment for both vehicles and pedestrians.
So what is snow plowing? It is the process of using this blade to clear snow from a surface. Whether you’re managing a commercial lot or a residential property, snow plowing is all about restoring access, reducing slip hazards and staying operational through the winter.
Types of snow plows for minicarts
Choosing the right type of snowplow for your skid steer can mean the difference between a quick and clean job and a frustrating one. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types and when to use them:
1. Straight blade plow
The most common and cost-effective option, a straight blade pushes the snow straight forward or to the side. It is ideal for general cleaning and open areas.
- Best for: Driveway, small parking lots, general snow removal
- Why it works: Simple design, easy to operate, effective in light to moderate snow
2. V-Blade Plow
V-plows have a pivoting blade that forms a “V” or an inverted “V” depending on the angle setting. This allows you to cut through deep or compact snow more efficiently.
- Best for: Breaking through heavy snow or ice, narrow areas
- Why it works: Versatile spoon, straight or V-shaped configurations
3. Snow pusher / Box plow
Snow plows feature large side containment panels that “encapsulate” the snow as you go, making them perfect for clearing lots without leaving long lines.
- Best for: Large commercial lots, fast bulk snow removal
- Why it works: Move more snow per pass, require minimal clearing
4. Winged plough
Winged plows offer the flexibility of a straight blade with hydraulically controlled wings that tilt forward or backward. This allows you to carry, drag or drag back with ease.
- Best for: Operators who need to quickly adapt to the job
- Why it works: An attachment that can handle multiple snow conditions
Each of these options mounts directly to your skid steer using standard quick-release plates, and many include hydraulic angle controls to make operation even smoother. The right plow depends on the needs of the job site, the snow conditions and the level of efficiency you want to achieve.
Benefits of plowing snow with a minicar
When it comes to plowing snow, speed and control are everything and that’s exactly where skid steers shine. Whether you’re managing commercial lots, private driveways, or municipal sidewalks, pairing a skid steer with the right snow plow attachment gives you a huge advantage over traditional methods.
Here’s why more contractors and property managers are turning to skid steers for snow removal:
-
Compact size, great performance
Skid steers are incredibly manoeuvrable, meaning you can plow into tight spaces that trucks can’t reach like between parked cars, along fences or on narrow paths. You don’t have to sacrifice power for accuracy. -
One machine, all seasons
If you’re already using a minivan for gardening, grading or construction, adding a snowplow makes it a year-round workhorse. That’s more value than a single machine. -
Faster job completion
Plowing snow with a skid steer is much faster than using hand tools or small snow blowers. With the right plow, you can clear a parking lot or driveway in minutes, which means more jobs per day and more profit. -
Cleaner and safer surfaces
Mini directors give you better control over blade pressure and angle, allowing for cleaner passes and less snow left over. This means less ice build-up, fewer slip hazards and safer surfaces for pedestrians and vehicles. -
Better ROI for contractors
If you’re in the snow removal business, your time is money. The versatility and speed of a skid steer with a plow attachment helps you complete more contracts in less time, especially during back-to-back storms.
In short, plowing snow with a minicar isn’t just efficient, it’s smart business. And with the right accessory, it can turn your machine into a snow-clearing beast. For a deeper dive into snow removal strategies and the best accessories for the job, check out our full guide: Skid Steer Snow Removal: Best Accessories, Pro Tips & What You Need To Know.
Choose the right accessory for the snow shovel
Choosing the right snow plow can make a big difference in how quickly, cleanly and cost-effectively you clear snow. Whether you’re outfitting one machine or an entire fleet, it pays to understand which features are most important to your specific jobs.
Here’s what to consider when selecting a snow plow attachment for your skid steer:
-
Match the blade width to your machine
A wider blade covers more ground, but if it’s too wide for the size or weight of your skid steer, you risk losing traction or getting stuck in heavy snow. As a general rule, make sure the plow is slightly wider than the wheelbase of your machine, but not so wide that it overwhelms the hydraulics. -
Choose the right type of blade for the job
- Straight blades are ideal for general use and small batches.
- V-plows excel in deep, compact snow or areas where you need more control.
- Box plows (snowblowers) are ideal for moving large volumes quickly in open areas.
- Wing plows offer the ultimate in versatility for changing snow conditions.
Choose based on your environment and customer base: residential vs. commercial, small spaces vs. wide lots, it will pay off both in time and in results.
-
Consider blade materials and wear edges
Steel blades are durable and aggressive, but may be too hard for delicate surfaces. Poly and rubber cut plows offer more forgiveness and quieter operation, especially on concrete or cobblestones. Look for replaceable cuts and shoes to extend the life of your accessory. -
Look for the hydraulic angle control
Hydraulic angle adjustment allows you to redirect the snow without leaving the cab. If you’re plowing in changing conditions or varied layouts, this feature is worth every penny. -
Consider visibility and lighting
Snowstorms usually mean mornings or evenings. Some plows come equipped with integrated lighting or supports for auxiliary lights. Good visibility helps you work safer and faster.
Snow plowing tips for skid steer operators
Knowing what it means to plow snow is one thing, doing it efficiently in real world conditions is another. Whether you’re clearing your first lot or managing snow removal for dozens of customers, a few pro-level techniques can save you time, reduce wear and tear on your equipment, and deliver cleaner results.
Here are some tried and true tips for getting the most out of your skid steer while plowing snow:
-
Adjust blade height for surface type
Avoid scraping gravel or damaging pavement by adjusting the blade height. Use non-slip shoes or floating mode when working on uneven ground to prevent the blade from digging into it. -
Use fly fishing to your advantage
If your plow allows hydraulic fishing, use it to push snow to one side with each pass. This is especially effective in large batches and reduces recoil. -
Do not overload the blade
Trying to move too much snow at once slows you down and puts unnecessary strain on your hydraulics. If the conditions are heavy, make smaller passes and plan several rounds. -
Consider visibility
Snowstorms usually come with poor visibility. Add auxiliary lights to your skid steer loader if you are plowing early in the morning or at night. Always make sure your mirrors and windows are clear. -
Carry out periodic checks
Snow and ice can be tough on gear. Check the blade, assembly, hydraulic hoses and wear edges before and after each job. A few minutes of inspection can prevent costly downtime.
With a few professional habits and the right accessory, your skid steer becomes a winter workhorse that keeps customers coming back.
Turn your skid steer into a snow clearing machine
Now that you know what a snowplow is, what it means to plow snow, and how to choose the right attachment for your skid steer, you’re one step closer to taking full control of winter. Whether you’re clearing a few driveways or managing multiple commercial properties, the right snow plow makes the job faster, cleaner, and much more cost-effective.
Skid steers offer the perfect platform for plowing snow: compact, powerful and capable of navigating tight spaces that trucks can’t touch. And with a wide range of snowplow options available, there’s a perfect match for every job and operator.
Ready to get started? Browse our full selection of snowplow accessories for minicarts and find the tool that turns your machine into a winter-ready workhorse. Still have questions? Our team is happy to help find the best fit for your team and your workplace needs.
