No matter how pretty it is, when the snow starts falling we all have a little voice in our heads that starts to grumble about clearing it off the driveway. If you want to save your back some strain and keep snow out of your boots, get your machine outfitted for plowing snow.
Before you start measuring your side-by-side for the biggest plow that will fit, check to make sure that it can handle the job. You don’t need a superpowered engine to clear snow, but not enough power could leave you unable to push through dense snow piles and result in costly damage. Machines around 500cc are perfect for smaller jobs like sidewalks or a regular driveway, but if you have a huge driveway or want to clear access roads or parking lots, you’ll need more punch. If you are looking at a bigger job, full-size utility UTVs are the best models to make sure you have the power to get done on time and your equipment can keep up without being harmed.
The right equipment is vital for making sure your side-by-side is ready for snow removal. If you have the time, we recommend installing your equipment and preparing your UTV in the fall so you’re ready to plow at the first big snowfall—the last thing you want is to be scrambling to get your rig ready as the inches start piling up.
Most plows need a winch to operate, so you won’t get very much snow moving without one. Winches are invaluable tools to have for other chores or trail riding too, so there’s no reason to not have one on your rig—just make sure it has the capacity to handle the work.
If you need to add a winch to your UTV or are on the hunt for a capacity upgrade, check out SuperATV’s series of Black Ops Winches to find your perfect fit.
Many plows are purpose-built for specific UTV makes and models, so finding one that fits is usually as easy as matching. However, not all plows are created equal. Your plow is going to have to hold up to moving and breaking up ice and snow all winter long—and hopefully for many winters to come. To avoid consistently replacing your plow, choose one that is built with top-quality materials with proven durability and performance (like our Pro Plow Snow Plows).
Plow size and angle adjustability are also important factors to consider when picking your plow. Anything too long can be hard to maneuver, and if you can’t adjust the plow angle, any change in incline could leave you plowing the top of the snow or scraping against the pavement.
Traction is one of the keys for riding in wintery conditions, especially when the ground starts getting slick. A good pair of tires and a set of tire chains are a winning combination for driving on snow—just remember to set the psi to the manufacturer’s recommendation for cold-weather riding.
If you don’t want to shell out money for a set of tires you just use in the winter, mud tires and their deep lugs can perform very well in snow—and you can use them year-round! If you are in need of a set, check out SuperATV’s selection.
Keeping your UTV running at its best during winter, especially while plowing, requires proactive maintenance and inspections. A couple of the must-check items to hit before any time you head out to plow include:
If your winch isn’t working, more than likely your plow won’t either. Make sure the winch is operational and there are no loose parts in the mechanism. This is also a good time to check your winch rope for any damage or fraying.
Inspect your plow’s cutting edge before each use. For new plows, more than likely this will just be a good habit to get into. If your plow has seen some use, carefully look for any sign of wear. If you notice any, consider replacing the blade soon. Be sure to check the hardware mounting points and tighten any connections that look loose. While not necessary before every time you plow, greasing the moving parts will improve performance and extend your plow’s longevity.
Check all your fluids and oil levels before you head out to plow. This should already be a habit before every ride, but it is especially important before putting your UTV to work. If you have a liquid-cooled machine, give your coolant a double check since your engine can start running hot when you start moving snow around.
Fast, efficient, and simple—this is how plowing snow with your side-by-side should be. If you want to make sure this is your reality, we have some tips:
Whether you think of it as plow depth or blade height, you can save your blade and the ground from wear and tear by getting this correct. Take stock of the snow depth and adjust the blade accordingly—too low and you’ll scrape pavement or start digging, too high and you’ll be leaving lots of snow behind.
If the snow is coming down hard, starting your work early is essential. If you wait until feet of snow start piling up, the job will be much harder on you, your rig, and your plowing hardware. Plowing with the storm, as long as it is safe, is the best way to go. Removing a few inches at a time, even in multiple sessions, is faster and easier than waiting for the storm to blow itself out and taking it all on at once.
Sometimes, the weather just won’t cooperate and it isn’t possible to start plowing until after the snow has piled up. In this case, take your time and don’t be afraid of doing multiple passes to save your UTV from unnecessary strain.
Following the natural terrain allows for better performance and will reduce the opportunities for blade damage and overtaxing your engine. Also, if you can, plow in the direction of the snowfall—your job will be easier for it.
Once the plowing is done, it’s time to take care of your machine. Start with your plow blade, knocking away any ice, snow, or dirt that is stuck to it. This debris could freeze if left on the blade, making it much more difficult to remove later and reducing performance if unremoved at all. Once the debris is cleared, wipe down and dry the blade to avoid rusting.
When storing your UTV with the plow blade still on, make sure it is lowered. This will reduce strain on the winch and your rig’s suspension.
Going out in the cold and the snow with just your UTV and a plow can get the job done, but if you want to make the job easier, faster, and more comfortable, outfitting your machine with some extra cold-weather accessories is a must. Some of our favorites are:
If you have questions about the best way to get your UTV snow-plowing ready, drop us a line! We get you the answers you need and get your rig set up to make your winter chores a little easier.
8 Comments
Should the preload adjustment on the shocks be changed when plowing? If so should they be softer or stiffer?
Hey Jim, you don’t need to make adjustments to your preload unless you need to adjust your height, and that usually means making them stiffer. Thanks for the question!
New to UTV’s and plowing so just trying to learn as much as I can. Thanks for the response
That’s why we’re here! We’ve got a lot more info about shock adjustments in general here if you’re interested: https://www.superatv.com/offroad-atlas/how-to-adjust-atv-shocks/
Is a 570 polaris ranger big enough to plow snow
Hey Jan, it definitely is. We’ve got a snow plow kit for you too: https://www.superatv.com/polaris-ranger-midsize-570-plow-pro-snow-plow-n
I purchased a 2019 Polaris Ranger XP1000 with full cab and heat and a plow and 1300 miles on it. last year. I had a full size 2002 Chevy Silverado with a Western pro plow. I had a full-size truck with plow since 1977. I moved to Wisconsin in 1979. I sold it last year.
(2023). It had 51,000 miles on it. It sat in the Garage and paid high insurance, except for snow plowing since I retired 17 years ago. 82 years old now. Now I was ready for the big snow In Rhinelander. We broke the snow record 2 of the last 4 years over 100″ Well this past winter, we had an inch or so a few times, except 6″, and the last one 9″ heavy wet stuff, the least in 45 years. It pushes great. It has manual turn. Do you have an actuator that will work with a 6′ KFI poly pro plow. I like your site. Thank you!
Hi Bud—thanks for reading! It’s awesome that you’re still out movin’ snow.
Our actuators are only compatible with SuperATV’s Plow Pro Snow Plows. If you ever decide to switch from KFI, we’d love to have your business.