An ATV for plowing snow is often used in countries where there is a substantial amount of snow falling. The ATV makes it easy to maneuver the plow around and get into places a traditional plow can’t go.
Did you know that a plow attachment can be bought for an ATV for as little as $300? With so many ATV manufacturers offering a plow as an add-on, it is a wonder that anyone would still use a shovel to plow snow!
Many manufacturers are now jumping aboard the train and producing ATVs that are highly capable in all terrains. With advanced technology making it easier and easier to use, now is the time to buy a new ATV.
Using an ATV to plow your snow saves you money and lots of hard work. Stay tuned below where we highlight the best ATVs to use for plowing your snow this winter!
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What To Consider When Using An ATV For Plowing Snow
Plowing snow has been around forever and the human race has adapted over the years to make it easier and easier. Using an ATV as a plow for the first time can be a little tricky but if you follow these guidelines, you will be plowing in no time.
First, you will need to buy a plow. There are three main types of lift systems available: manual, winch, or direct lift hydraulic system. A manual or winch system is fine to use if you have smaller jobs, like one or two houses but a direct lift system is better used if you are a contractor.
A manual or winch system will both require you to manually direct the plow to whichever direction you need and with the manual system, you will have to lower and raise the plow by hand which can get tedious over time.
A hydraulic system is by far the easiest system to use when plowing as the plow can be adjusted while in motion and the driver doesn’t need to leave the ATV to manually adjust it. If you are looking for a fast, efficient way to plow then a hydraulically controlled system is the way to go.
Another important factor to consider when purchasing a plow is the ease of removing the plow come the summer months. An ATV is very versatile so come summertime and you want to go trail riding, the plow will need to be removed easily.
A Few Tips For Plowing Snow With Your ATV
Plowing seems daunting at first but with a little practice you will figure out what works best for you. There are however a few things everybody should know before you start:
- Choose an ATV with a Powerful engine and reliable automatic transmission
- Make sure the ATV is properly maintained
- Adjust the depth of the plow according to the job at hand
- Set the angle of the plow as you see fit
- Avoid deeper snow
- Be wary of items hidden underneath the snow
- Clean up before storing the ATV away
Yamaha Grizzly 700
Yamaha’s Rugged Grizzly has gained a reputation for being one of the toughest ATVs on the market and making light work of some of the toughest terrains that the modern ATV has to navigate.
The Grizzly comes with a powerful 686cc single overhead cam, a four-stroke motor that has 47Hp so it’s safe to say it can pretty much pull or plow through anything. The engine is attached to a CVT fully automatic transmission that lets you shift between 2WD and 4WD and lock the differential while you moving which is a major plus.
The Grizzlies independent suspension uses nitrogen shock absorbers that the user can adjust the preload with a range of different settings to suit different loads. A front-mounted 2500w winch comes standard from the factory with a carrying capacity of 140 kgs( 308lbs) which a winch system plow will fit effortlessly to.
Key Features Making It Good For Snow Plowing
- Powerful 686cc engine
- Fully automatic CVT transmission
- Fully selectable 2WD and 4WD
- Electronic Differential Lock
- Factory Fitted Winch
- Brake discs and pads all around
- independent suspension with adjustable preload
- Total load of 140kg(308lbs) on front and rear grids
- The towing capacity of 600kgs (1322lbs)
Can-Am Outlander
Can-Am started off by manufacturing snowmobiles for the tough Canadian terrain so you know with an ATV designed by them, its ability in the snow will be second to none. With the Can-Am Outlander, it is exactly that.
Powered by either a 649 cc 62hp or 854 cc 78 hp V-twin cylinder, a liquid-cooled four-stroke motor that is both electronically controlled, either engine has the ability to perform efficiently when plowing snow. Coupled with the engine is an automatic CVT transmission that has the option of high and low.
With the 850 cc model, the intelligent throttle control assists the driving in using the right amount of power at the right time which will assist an inexperienced driver with plowing. Once again you get a highly capable drive train with selectable 2WD and 4WD with an auto-locking front differential feature.
What sets the Can-Am apart is the track system that can be bought directly from Can-Am which will transform your ATV into a snowmobile, making it even easier to plow snow the right way.
Key Features Making It Good For Snow Plowing?
- Class-leading 1650lbs (750kg) towing capacity
- 3500lbs(1588kg) HD winch
- Continuously variable automatic transmission
- Dynamic power steering
- Intelligent throttle control
- Rotax V-twin powerful engines
- Removable snow track system
Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4X4 EPS
Kawasaki hasn’t always been known for its ability in the snow or its capabilities to plow snow, but in recent years this has all changed. Kawasaki has come full force into this market segment.
The Brute force is an ATV that is highly capable in all terrains with its powerful four-stroke v-twin 749 cc single overhead cam engine that delivers 50 HP and 42.7 pounds of foot torque. The fuel is electronically controlled with two 36mm throttle bodies which make the throttle sensitive and keep the power through each RPM.
The front and rear suspension are highly adaptable with its double-wishbone technology that provides a more comfortable ride and better handling. The Brute force with its electric power steering will tackle any tough snow with ease and can be equally useful in the summer on any outdoor trail.
Key Features Making It Good For Snow Plowing
- Double wishbone independent front and rear suspension
- 1250 lb (566 kg) towing capacity
- Electric Power steering
- Automatic CVT transmission
- variable control front differential lock
- 749 cc V-twin engine
- DFI Fuel system with two throttle bodies
Honda Fourtrax Foreman 4×4
The most reliable ATV brand on the market, the Honda Fourtrax can go anywhere and not leave you stranded when you need it the most. Reliable in both the hottest and coldest weather, Honda is an ATV most people would be using for the toughest of jobs.
With the Foreman, power is delivered to the wheels by a 518 cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine that has a longitudinal layout with two overhead intake and exhaust valves per cylinder that produces 28 hp on the crankshaft and 28lb of torque feet on the wheels.
What sets this Honda apart from the competition is its belt-less automatic CVT transmission that shifts by the push of a button thanks to Honda’s electric shift program (ESP).
To shift up or down, all you have to do is push one of two handlebar-mounted buttons.
Since there’s no foot lever, ESP comes in handy when riding in heavy mud- or snow-covered boots. The single lever electric reverse system is especially useful when you have to change from forward to reverse repeatedly like when you’re plowing through snow.
Key Features Making It Good For Snow Plowing
- Electronic Differential Lock
- Electric Reverse
- ESP handlebar gear shifting
- Front and Rear Cargo racks
- Reliable 518cc fuel-injected engine
- Swingarm suspension
- Electric power steering
- Trax lock 2WD or 4WD selecting system
- Powerful alternator output
Plowing Snow With An ATV Makes Sense
Let’s face it, not all ATVs are capable of plowing through snow, most are only designed for trail riding or to be raced. With an ATV for plowing snow, though, you can’t go wrong.
Offering powerful engines, easily controlled transmissions, electronic steering and so much more, it’s no wonder more and more people are using ATVs for this tough kind of work.
Are you interested in buying an ATV to help with your plowing needs, or do you prefer a UTV? Check out our news feed for more information before making your mind up!