With winter just around the corner, how prepared are you for the snowy, icy season?
If you live somewhere in the northern U.S., be ready, as winter 2024 to 2025 will likely be wetter and snowier. As reported by CBS News, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts December, January, and February this year and next will have colder and snowier than average conditions. NOAA forecasts higher-than-average rates of precipitation, mainly snow, up north.
One way to prepare yourself and your home for the snowy season is to invest in a snow plow for UTV (utility terrain vehicle) use. With one at home, snow removal will be much easier, quicker, and safer than snow shovels or salt.
If you’re unsure where to begin, don’t worry. Our team at HitchDoc Outdoors put together this guide sharing UTV snow plow buying tips and tactics, so read on.
Factor in the Size of Your UTV
The best UTV snow plows depend on your side-by-side’s size or width. The bigger or wider the model you have, the bigger the plow or blade it can accommodate.
Conversely, a smaller UTV with less horsepower may be unable to push around a plow attachment that’s too heavy or bulky. In most cases, the smaller or lighter the UTV, the smaller the snow plow you should get.
Consider the Type of Snow Cover Your Area Gets
Snow cover, also called snowpack, refers to all types of snow that fall on the ground and the ice that forms from them. Per the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), the types of snow cover include:
- New snow: Recent snow deposit
- Powder snow: Dry new snow composed of loose and fresh ice crystals
- Névé: Young, granular snow that has partially melted, refrozen, and became compact
- Firn: Old névé that failed to melt during an entire melt season and is very dense and heavy
- Old snow
- Seasonal snow: Snow that builds up and lasts for a single season
- Perennial snow: Snow that remains on the ground all the time
Knowing the types of snow cover your area gets is crucial to choosing a UTV or ATV snow plow system, as snowpacks vary in density and weight. For example, powder snow is much lighter than névé or firn and, therefore, easier to remove. Standard snow plow blades are ideal for this type of cover but may not be enough for wet, denser, and heavier ice.
Familiarize Yourself With Snow Plow Blade Types
Blades are the UTV snow plow essentials that come into contact with frozen precipitation. Depending on the type, they can simply push snow out of the way. However, sturdier, more rugged ones can cut or slice through denser, heavier ice.
Three primary snow plow blade types exist: standard or straight, country, and V.
Standard or Straight Blades
A straight-blade snow plow is a straight-edged blade that efficiently moves snow to the side. It’s often lighter than other blade types and relatively inexpensive. Selecting a UTV plow system with a straight blade will likely suffice for most tasks involving the removal of fresh powder or loose to lightly packed snow.
Straight blades are generally the least expensive of all blade types. While they’re the most budget-friendly option, they’re best for light to moderate jobs involving plowing loose snow.
Country Blades
If your area experiences frequent heavy snowfall, freezing rain, ice storms, or blizzards, a country blade may be better than a straight blade. Country blades, also called “tapered” blades, are ideal for heavy-duty use and more suitable for removing snow in larger areas. For the same reasons, they typically cost more than straight blades.
V Blades
As their name suggests, V blades feature a V shape or an arrowhead configuration. Their design allows them to slice through ice or frozen snow with ease. While many homeowners find straight-blade plows sufficient, those living in areas with heavy snowfall and icy terrain may find investing in a snow plow with a V blade a better choice.
With their power and efficiency, V blades often cost the most of the three blade types.
Choose a Compatible Snow Plow for UTV Use
To get the best UTV snow plow, you must ensure it’s compatible with your UTV. For this, you must factor in dimension, weight, and mount. As mentioned above, your UTV’s size, width, weight, and horsepower should accommodate the blade.
However, the mount, the device that allows you to connect the plow to your side-by-side, is just as crucial. No matter how efficient and fancy your snow plow is, it’s pointless if it won’t attach to your UTV correctly and safely.
Remember: Using a UTV snow plow should be a safer alternative to manually shoveling snow, which, according to WHSV.com, causes 11,500 injuries and U.S. emergency room visits yearly. However, UTV snow plow systems can only be safe with correct mount compatibility and proper installation.
A mount should be compatible with your UTV’s build and lift system. You can choose a manual lift or, for more convenience, a hydraulic lift. For a more in-depth look at mounts and other helpful components, check out our guide to UTV accessories for snow plow systems.
Don’t Forget Material Durability and Reliability
Snow plows for UTVs come in various material options, with steel being one of the most popular. American-made prime steel is an excellent choice, offering maximum durability and strength. Prime, made-to-order steel is laser-cut with precision, rolled, and welded for optimal performance and longevity.
Reputable manufacturers attach wear bars to the snow plow blades to make them last longer. Also made of steel, the bars absorb impact from road hazards, reducing damage to the blades and minimizing scraping noises. As “sacrificial” pieces, they’re reversible and replaceable.
Eagle Plows: Your Premier UTV Snow Plow Choice
Now that you know how to choose a snow plow for UTV use, the next step is to use what you learned in this guide to find the best option for your side-by-side.
Luckily, you don’t have to look far and wide. HitchDoc Outdoors is your one-stop shop for high-quality Eagle Plows, our UTV and ATV snow plow brand. You can buy a complete system, build your own, or purchase essential parts and accessories from us.
Shop our premium snow plows now to start preparing for this coming winter!