ATV Snowplow Basics

Size

• ATV snow plows come in common widths and heights. The width of a plow is usually between 48 inches and 72 inches. The height of the plow also varies from 10 inches on some models to as tall as 16 inches. The size of a snow plow is determined by the size and strength of your ATV. Large 4x4 ATVs can utilize a much larger plow than a small two-wheel-drive ATV.

Types

• There are three types of plows, which differ in how the blade is raised. The three kinds are manual, winch raised and electronic actuated. Manual is the cheapest way to go, but requires the riders to use a lever to manually lift the blade before backing from the plowed snow. Winch raised plows use common ATV winches to pull up and lower the blade. Electron actuated use the same technology as most modern truck plows, an electric motor that raises and lowers the blade.

Considerations

• Choosing the right plow for your ATV is crucial to its performance. Choose a plow that is just a few inches wider than your ATV. This will allow the snow to clear its wheels while plowing. It is recommended that ATVs smaller than 500cc, or two-wheel-drive vehicles, use a blade under 50 inches. Larger 4x4 ATVs are the only machines that should be able to handle the 60- to 72-inch plows.

Benefits

• ATV snow plows provide several benefits to their owners. For those who already own an ATV, it is a relatively small investment compared to a truck plow. ATVs have a lot of uses and plowing snow can only add to their worth. ATV snow plows are very maneuverable and can be driven in much tighter places than a truck plow. The smaller models can even be used to clear sidewalks.

Warning

• Always be aware of where you are plowing, as there might be hidden obstacles that can damage your plow or ATV. Running a plow into a large or solid object can cause severe damage to the ATV and even injure the driver. It is the law in most states that ATV drivers wear helmets regardless of what activity they are performing with the vehicle. Wear high-visibility clothing so you will be easily seen in case of heavy snowfall.