According to AccuWeather.com, many cities across the Northeast will see more snow this 2024-2025 winter season than last year. From 15 to 20 inches in Philly, 30 to 45 inches in Chicago, to a whopping 75 to 100 inches in Buffalo, these are just some of AccuWeather’s snowfall forecasts. It also says that parts of the Midwest, from Minnesota to Michigan, will likely get more snow.
So, whichever part of the country you live in, as long as it experiences snowy conditions, it’s best to prepare by having a trusty snow plow for an ATV. With this attached to your quad, you can say goodbye to backbreaking snow shoveling and salting.
To that end, our team at HitchDoc Outdoors put together this guide that shares the best ATV plow tips and tricks for customization.
Front- vs. Mid-Mount Plow for an ATV
When customizing your ATV plow setup, your first consideration should be where to mount the system. You have two primary options: the front of your ATV (front-mount system) or its underside (mid-mount system).
Because a front-mount plow system attaches to the front of an ATV, it often has a greater lift height than standard mid-mount plows, allowing you to push the load higher.
On the other hand, a mid-mount system’s installation location (the middle section of your ATV’s underside) allows for a more even distribution of its weight. The better weight distribution also helps increase the system’s plowing performance.
Mind Your Mounts’ Model Requirements
Front-mount plow systems typically have model-specific mounts to optimize ATV plow fit and performance. So, if you opt for this type, ensure you purchase one specifically made for your ATV’s make, model, and year.
Conversely, mid-mount plow systems are usually available with two types of mount plates: model-specific and universal push tubes.
At HitchDoc Outdoors, we offer both mid-mount plow systems, allowing you to customize your ATV snow plows to your unique needs and preferences.
Our model-specific mid-mount plate for ATV snow plows provides the following benefits:
- It acts as a steel skid plate that offers year-round protection for your ATV
- It doesn’t affect ground clearance
- It doesn’t interfere with oil-draining tasks
- It’s rugged and durable, made from 11-gauge steel
- It comes with all the necessary hardware for secure attachment
As for our universal push tube mount plates for ATV snow plows, here are some of their key features:
- They provide instant engagement and disengagement of blades using Quick-Latch brackets
- They’re removable after the snow-plowing season
- They’re easy to replace
- They’re long-lasting, made from 11-gauge steel
- They come with grade 5 carriage bolts for safe and secure attachment
Decide Which Blade Suits Your Needs and Style
Snow plow blades should generally be wider than your ATV wheels to ensure optimal plowing performance. However, their style also influences their plowing efficiency.
HitchDoc Outdoors offers two plow blade styles for your ATV: standard or straight and country blades.
Standard or Straight Blades
As their name suggests, standard or straight-blade snow plows have straight-edged blades that push and remove snow efficiently to the side. They’re lighter than other blade types and generally cost the least. They’re ideal for dealing with fresh, loose, or lightly packed snow.
The straight blades work with any of HitchDoc Outdoor’s Eagle Plow System. They also allow quick and easy plow blade adjustments to five swivel positions.
Country Blades
Country blades feature tapered or slanted blades that help push higher snow volumes. They make for an excellent choice if you live somewhere that experiences more frequent and heavier snowfall. They’re heavier-duty than straight blades, so they also cost more.
HitchDoc Outdoor’s country blades also work with any Eagle Plow System and provide five swivel positions.
Consider a Snow Plow Side Shield
Snow plowing is much quicker, more convenient, and safer than shoveling. As MedicalXpress.com points out, snow shoveling can impact heart health, making it particularly dangerous for people with cardiovascular conditions. On the other hand, plowing requires less physical exertion and places less strain on the back.
Plowing can also be safer than salting, whose effectiveness depends on the temperature. Plus, as the Allegheny Front explains, the overuse of road salt contributes to water pollution, threatening marine and freshwater ecosystems. It can also contaminate water wells and cause issues for people with hypertension (high blood pressure).
However, that doesn’t mean snow plowing is 100% safe; it can pose safety risks if it diminishes visibility. For example, allowing your plow to create a snow cloud can obstruct your view as you operate your machine. Reduced visibility can put you at risk of crashing into obstacles.
So, when customizing your snow plow for an ATV, consider using accessories that minimize snow spillovers and snow clouds.
A perfect example is a snow plow side shield, which you attach to the sides of a blade. It helps contain the plowed snow within the desired area, especially when angling the blade. Think of it as a barrier that keeps snow from flying everywhere and to the side while you plow.
Boost Blade Performance and Longevity With Wear Bars
Snow plow wear bars from HitchDoc Outdoors feature quality American steel for durability and wear resistance. They protect your plow blades from excessive wear and tear during use. They also help enhance the plow’s performance while taking the brunt of the physical force to which you subject your plow system, such as the impact from:
- Rocks
- Hard soil
- Gravel
- Pavement
Installing wear bars on plow blades can minimize the damage they sustain and help increase their longevity.
Ready to Customize Your Plow for an ATV?
Choosing between a front- and mid-mount plow system, considering your machine’s specific model, and choosing the right blades are crucial tips for customizing a snow plow for an ATV. Also, remember that installing side shields can boost safety and efficiency while using wear bars can help make your blades last longer.
If you’re ready to customize your new ATV plow system, our team at HitchDoc Outdoors is ready to help! Our Eagle Plows are highly customizable, and we can even assist you in building your plow system. Since 2005, we’ve manufactured top-tier products using high-quality materials, including American steel.
Browse our snow plows, parts, and accessories today, or contact our friendly customer support team for expert help!