Can Your ATV Plow Snow?

The winter season is here, and with it comes a slew of tasks that need to be done around the house. One of these tasks is plowing your driveway and sidewalks. If you own an ATV, you may be curious about whether or not it can be used to clear snow.

The short answer is that depending on the model, your ATV may or may not be able to plow snow.

In this blog post, we will explore can your ATV plow snow, if YES, how to plow snow with an ATV? We’ll also examine how effectively an ATV can plow snow. With this knowledge, you can make an informed judgment regarding whether your ATV is fit for snow plowing.

If you are in the market for an all-terrain vehicle that can handle the snow, then an ATV is a great option. However, not all ATVs are created equal when it comes to their ability to plow snow.

Some factors that determine an ATV’s plowing ability include the weight of the machine, the size of the tires, and the engine power.

The bigger the tires and the more powerful the engine, the better the machine will be at plowing snow. However, even a powerful ATV won’t be able to do much if it is too heavy or has small tires.

Another important consideration is how well the ATV handles turns. If you frequently have to turn your machine while plowing snow, make sure the turning radius is comfortable. A small turning radius will make it difficult to get your machine turned around quickly.

How To Plow Snow With An ATV?

To plow snow with an ATV, follow these six easy steps:

Get your ATV ready. Ensure that the chains are secure, the lubricants are full, and the tires are correctly inflated (at least 5-6 psi).
Start your engine and put on your safety gear (helmet, gloves, etc.).
Drive your ATV along the edge of the curb or sidewalk.
When you reach the spot where you want to start plowing snow, turn your ATV off and get out.
Take off your safety gear and put it in the truck or garage.
Push the ATV down the driveway or sidewalk until it hits something solid (a curb, a tree, etc.). Then turn it around and drive back up the driveway or sidewalk to where you started.

How Well Do ATV Snow Plows?

ATV plows are commonly used to clear snow from roads, but do they work well at plowing snow? In general, the answer is yes.

However, as I said earlier, briefly, there are a few limitations that need to be considered when using an ATV plow on snow.

The breadth of the wheelbase is the first constraint that must be considered. The wider the wheelbase, the more stable the ATV will be in deep snow and also the greater its ability to push through the snow. ATV with a wheelbase of 26 inches or more are generally best suited for use with an ATV plow.
The second limitation is engine strength. The motor on an ATV typically isn’t powerful enough to handle heavy snow loads, so it’s important to choose the right plow for your ATV. If your ATV doesn’t have a power steering system, use caution when operating an ATV plow in heavy snow conditions.

Overall, using an ATV plow on snow is a viable option if you’re looking for an affordable and easy way to clear your roadways of snow. Just be sure to select the right model and engine size for your ATV.

Tips For Plowing Snow with Your ATV

If you’ve ever had to plow snow with an ATV, you know that it can be a challenging job.

Here are four tips for a successful plowing experience.

Start Out Slow and Easy

If you strive to go too quickly, you will spin your tires and create extra work for yourself. Begin by snow plowing an area equal in size to your ATV. Once you are familiar with that, progressively expand the area, you are plowing.

Use Your Turns Wisely

When turning, keep in mind that you’ll want to steer your ATV in a straight line. Don’t try to make sharp turns; instead, make gradual turns that will keep your ATV headed in the same direction.

Pay Attention To The Slopes

When plowing snow, be especially careful on inclines and declines. If you go too fast on these slopes, you could end up flipping your ATV or plunging down into the snowdrifts below.

Take Breaks Often

It’s important to take breaks throughout the plowing process so that you don’t get tired and frustrated. You also need to stay hydrated if you’re working in cold weather conditions; drink plenty of fluids to stay warm and refreshed.

Make Sure The Tires Are Properly Inflated

Ensure that your ATV’s tires are adequately inflated before plowing snow with them. The pressure will help to prevent spin outs and help the ATV move more smoothly through the snow.

Use The Right Gear

Your ATV is designed for off-road use and should be geared accordingly. Low gear will help to minimize noise and help to move through snow more easily.

Navigate Appropriately

Pay attention to your surroundings so that you don’t end up in dangerous territory.

Stay in Control of the ATV

If you lose control, your ATV could become unstable and crash into something unintended. And finally, be safe while plowing!

What Angle Should Snow Plow Be?

One of the most important factors to consider when plowing snow is the angle at which the snowplow is mounted. Plows that are mounted perpendicular to the ground create a larger path in front of them, but this also means that they can move more snow.

A planer blade on a snow plow moves parallel to the ground, cutting through the snow more easily, but this also means that less snow is moved.

There’s no one right answer when it comes to deciding how much angle to plow; it depends on your terrain and what kind of effect you’re looking for.

Should I Plow While It’s Snowing?

No, even if you have a four-wheel drive ATV, plowing while it’s snowing is a bad idea. It won’t cause as much damage to your ATV, but the snow will clog up the plow, and you’ll end up spending more time trying to clear the snow than you would if you just waited. Plus, plowing on ice can lead to an accident.

Conclusions

Many ATVs are designed with special equipment that allows them to plow snow, but there are also models available that don’t have this ability.

So, before you purchase an ATV, make sure that you know if it can be used in snowy areas. If your ATV can plow the snow, then you should read the above instructions. I hope they will help you a lot and make your work easy.

Sources:

Can Your ATV Plow Snow? – All You Need To Know In 2023