When winter hits hard, the right attachment can make the difference between a smooth day at work and a frustrating, slow process. If you use a skid steer to clear snow, you’ve probably faced the classic question: snow blower vs snow plow, which one really does the job better?
The answer depends on more than the depth of the snow. Whether you’re managing commercial lots, narrow driveways, or large snowpacks, choosing the right tool for your miniature can save you time, fuel, and hassle all season long. In this article, we’ll break down the snowblower vs. snowblower debate to help you make the best choice for your workflow and machine.
What is a snow blower accessory?
A snow blower attachment turns your mini cart into a powerful snow clearing machine, especially when dealing with deep or compact snow. Unlike a plow that pushes snow forward or to the side, a snowblower collects and throws snow through a chute, sending it away from your path, ideal for preventing snow from piling up on sidewalks, fences, or buildings.
These attachments typically use your skid steer’s hydraulic power to drive a two-stage system: the first stage collects snow with an auger, while the second stage throws it through a directional chute. Many models allow you to control the rotation and deflection of the chute from inside the cab, giving you precise control over where the snow lands.
Snow blowers are the ideal solution when you need:
- Clean the floor in a single pass
- To remove snow without blocking access points
- To handle heavy snowfall that a blade cannot push effectively
What is a snow shovel or push attachment?
A snow plow attachment is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to clear large amounts of snow with your skid steer. Instead of lifting or throwing snow like a blower, a plow simply pushes it out of the way, making quick work of open areas like parking lots, roads or jobsite driveways.
Plows are ideal when:
- You must move the snow quickly across flat, open terrain
- The snow is light to moderate and not very packed
- Speed of cleaning is more important than a perfectly bare surface
Want a more detailed look at how skid steer snow plows work? Check out our full breakdown in our article.
Which attachment is right for you?
Choosing between a snow shovel and snow blower for your minivan isn’t all about preference, it’s about matching the tool to your workload, terrain and climate. Here are the key factors to consider before investing:
1. Type and depth of snow
- Light or moderate snowfall: A snow plow moves quickly and efficiently.
- Heavy, wet or deep snow: A snow blower handles volume better by throwing snow away from the work area rather than piling it up.
2. Size and distribution of the area
- Large, open areas (such as parking lots or wide roads) are best suited for plows and pushers, where long, clean passes can be made.
- Narrow, confined spaces (such as residential driveways, sidewalks, or alleys) often require the accuracy and throw distance of a fan.
3. Surface finish
- Plows are great for rough clearing, but can leave a thin layer of snow.
- The fans can clean right down to the curb, which is critical to prevent ice build-up on sidewalks and walkways.
4. Speed vs. cleaning
- If speed is your top priority and you’re clearing large areas, the plow wins.
- If thoroughness and clean results are more important, especially in high traffic areas, the blower is the best choice.
5. Machine size and hydraulics
- Make sure your skid steer has the required hydraulic flow for a snow blower (usually standard or high flow, depending on the model).
- Snowplows generally require less of the machine, making them a more pluggable option for a wider range of skid steers.
Quick Comparison: Snow Blower vs Mini Trailer Snow Blower
Here’s a quick breakdown of how each attachment performs in real-world conditions. Whether you’re outfitting your minivan for residential work or commercial contracts, this side-by-side view gives you a quick way to compare.
| characteristic | snow blower | lift up |
|---|---|---|
| Better for | Heavy and deep snow in narrow areas | Large, open spaces with light to moderate snow |
| speed | Slower and more precise cleaning | Fast and efficient coverage |
| Snow departure | Throws snow away from the path | Push snow to the side or into piles |
| Surface finish | Clean to the curb | It can leave a thin layer behind |
| Ideal use case | Sidewalks, narrow driveways and snowbanks | Parking lots, access roads and large open spaces |
Both tools can be incredibly effective, it’s just a matter of matching the right one to the job at hand. Let’s take a closer look at how each works and where they shine.
Differences in cost and maintenance
When comparing the long-term investment of a snow blower versus a snow shovel for your skid steer loader, it’s important to look beyond the initial price. Each accessory has different maintenance requirements and long-term value based on how you use it.
Snow tires: lower cost, easier maintenance
- Generally more affordable than blowers
- Fewer moving parts = less maintenance over time
- Blade wear is the most common concern, easily corrected with replaceable cutting edges
- Ideal for operators who want a low-maintenance, high-speed snow solution
Snow blowers: more cost, more capacity
- Usually more expensive due to complex components (worms, impellers, channels)
- It requires regular maintenance, especially on bearings, hydraulic systems and shear screws
- Long-term durability if well maintained, built to withstand deep and demanding snow conditions
- Worth the investment for operators who need maximum performance in heavy snow
If you need full power to move snow, a blower is worth it over time. If speed and simplicity are your top priorities, a plow may be the best financial and operational choice.
Final Verdict: Snow Blower vs Plow for Your Skid Steer
At the end of the day, there is no single answer to the snow blower vs plow debate, it all comes down to snow conditions, property types, and how quickly and cleanly you need to get the job done.
If you are tackling large areas with little snow, a plow gives you speed and simplicity. But for deeper drifts, narrow paths, or when you need to blow the snow off the site, a blower is the best tool. Both are powerful winter solutions when paired with the right skid steer, and both can help you move more snow, faster and more cost-effectively.
Need help choosing the right attachment? Explore our full schedule of snow blowers i plows made to skate cattle or ccontact us team in Skid Steers Direct and we will help you find the right fit for your machine and your workload.
