Some areas of Minnesota have over 70 inches of snow each winter.
Because of this high snowfall volume, it’s important that individuals and commercial owners have quality ATV and snow plow systems to keep their property clean.
Here, we’ll discuss how to choose the right plowing equipment and use it as efficiently as possible. Read on to keep your driveway and roads clear and safe this winter!
Choosing Great Equipment for Efficient Winter Plowing
Choosing the best ATV and snow plow system is the first step toward effective winter snow removal strategies. Make sure to select a high-quality snow plow made from durable, long-lasting steel.
The ATV should have between 400-700 lbs of power to handle plowing large amounts of snow.
The precise blade and mount size should depend on your specific applications. Those using snow plows to clear their yards or sidewalks will require smaller blades than those clearing commercial parking lots or roads.
Beyond that, it’s important to choose the right blade type. Many homeowners and business owners choose a straight blade. It’s easy to use and perfect for pushing fresh snow.
Whether you’re contending with a light snowfall or a heavy storm, a straight steel blade is ideal for moving snow that doesn’t come with solid ice.
Those who do need to move ice should get a V-shaped blade made from the same durable materials. This V-shape makes it easy for the plow to cut through heavy snow that’s been solidifying in place for hours or even days.
Regardless of your chosen equipment, you’ll need to check some things before using your ATV. Look into:
- Oil
- Tire pressure
- Electrical wiring
- Engine coolant levels
Failing to check these things could lead to equipment failure. ATV maintenance for snow keeps both plows and their users safe.
ATV and Snow Plow Attachment
ATVs are the motorized vehicles that propel your snow plow blade forward. The two parts are not always attached. The user needs to fit them together before use.
It’s important to attach the plow blade to the ATV securely. If you don’t, the blade may not be able to manage the impact of plowing snow. You don’t want to cause damage to the ATV or break the blade.
Using a durable mounting frame is critical for attachment. In addition to being long-lasting, the frame should easily detach from the machine. You’ll want to take it off after wintertime for storage.
Luckily, some ATVs come with mounting points on their frames. This makes it easier to put the frame onto the plow so you can secure the blade more easily. All you need to do is use a plow blade that’s made for this unique type of mounting.
Adjust Depth
Once your blade is mounted onto the ATV, it’s important to set the plow depth:
- Low enough to clear the snow
- Low enough that the snow won’t overload the equipment
- High enough not to scrape against and damage the sidewalk/driveway/dirt underneath
Usually, this depth will be about two to four inches off the ground. However, if you have deeper snow, you might need to raise it a little more. This will let you get rid of the top layer before plowing normally.
Pick the Right Angle
You’ll need to set up your ATV to plow at the right angle, too. Think about:
- Whether the surface underneath the snow is smooth or rocky
- How much snow is piled up in the areas you want to clear
- Where you want that snow to go
Adjust the blade so that it’s at the correct angle for getting snow to the place you want it to end up. This will make your plowing much easier so you can avoid stressful situations. It will also be cleaner, meaning that the area you’re plowing will look great.
Follow the Surface’s Lead
When setting the angle, keep the contours of the underlying surface in mind.
Whether you’re plowing a sidewalk or a big yard, it’s going to have natural slopes and dips. It’s unavoidable even in areas that have accessible paths and slopes.
When you carefully look at the area you’re plowing and take note of these contours, you can place your blade at the appropriate depth and angle more easily. This makes both plowing and getting snow to the right place easier.
Contours on the surface beneath the snow also can damage the plow blade. If you hit concrete or large rocks with the blade, they might be too heavy to push. The hardness may also bend or wear down a blade intended solely to push snow, especially a straight blade.
Don’t hit uneven ground and ruin your equipment!
ATV Snow Plowing Tips to Stay Safe
Staying safe should be a top priority while moving snow. Make sure to:
- Wear waterproof clothing
- Wear a helmet
- Mark obstacles with stakes before the snowfall
- Only carry one or two people
- Avoid letting children use the plow
- Plow during daylight hours
You also need to brake properly by:
- Releasing the throttle
- Shifting to a lower gear setting
- Hitting both the front and back brakes equally
Clean Your Snow Plow Before Storage
Keeping your snow plow clean is also critical for safety. You don’t want dirt and grime building up inside the ATV. If you fail to clean up the plow, you’ll also make moving snow much harder in the future.
Scrape off:
- Dirt
- Ice chunks
- Lingering snow
If you don’t, they’ll freeze and stick to the ATV.
Make sure to store your snow plow in a warm place when it isn’t in use!
Get Started
Now that you know the ins and outs of ATV and snow plow use, it’s time to get started.
HitchDoc Outdoors offers a wide range of Eagle Plows in several shapes and sizes. You can purchase a complete plow system. However, if you prefer, you can also purchase parts of the system from the website.
We offer the most durable plows out there, and they’re all made in the USA. Contact us to learn more about why we stand out and get some help choosing the perfect snow plow for your needs.Â