There is no doubt snow plowing is one of the most time-consuming, resource-hogging tasks home and business owners must endure. Fortunately, technologies have improved how people remove snow from sidewalks, driveways, walkways, entrance ways, and walking paths. The solution is an ATV with a snowplow. An ATV for plowing snow will get you through piles and piles of snow for years. Below, you will find a list of the best ATVs for plowing snow and a short buying guide.
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What To Look For When Choosing An ATV For Plowing Snow
How well do ATVs plow snow? Well, there are plenty of factors to consider when choosing an ATV for plowing snow. These factors include, but are not limited to construction, warranty, storage, capacity, motor type, tire size, and design. These are described as more in-depth below.
Construction
The construction is one of the most important factors that must be considered when choosing an ATV for plowing snow. Most manufacturers utilize steel combined with Chromoly, chromium-molybdenum, for the frame construction. This combination creates a durable, strong frame that can endure the test of time.
It is crucial to focus on the frame construction. The tubing should be constructed of steel and other durable materials with strong welds. This high-level of construction will support a lot of weight and provide stability when riding on rough terrain.
Capacity
Two numbers that are very important when shopping for an ATV for plowing snow. These numbers are the weight capacity and towing capacity. Depending on your preferences and needs, the ATV should have a towing capacity of at 1,250 pounds.
Is plowing bad for ATVs? Well, the towing capacity should meet or exceed your snow-plowing needs. As far as the weight capacity goes, An ATV for plowing snow should support your weight, the snowplow, and other gear. Larger models support on average 600 pounds (272 kilos) while smaller models around 300 pounds.
Engine
Nearly all ATVs are integrated with a four-stroke engine. This type of engine offers a full range of benefits, including fuel- and oil-efficiency, cleaner emissions, and higher RPM capability. It also offers more durability, torque, and reliability.
The engine should be durable to ensure the longest service life possible. Four-stroke engines are always going to be your best option. Since the main purpose of this ATV is to plow snow, the engine must deliver enough power to push the snow plow through large heaps of snow, slush, and ice for as long as necessary.
Tire Size
There are three very important factors that are associated with tire size. These factors include width, height, and rim diameter. Tire size is more about preference than need in most cases. As far as an ATV with snow plow, the front tires should be 25×8-12 and rear tires 24×10-12.
If the ATV is only going to be utilized for plowing snow, the above are recommended. If you are going to utilize the ATV for plowing snow and other activities, your best option may be ATV all-terrain tires.
Our Top 3 ATV Picks for Plowing Snow
Kawasaki BruteForce 750
The Brute Force 750 is integrated with state-of-the-art technologies and components to deliver high-level performance during the toughest snow-plowing jobs. The age recommendations are 16 and above. This is a heavy-duty ATV with a towing capacity of 1,250 pounds, making it ideal for plowing snow and large-statured drivers.
The Brute Force 750 is available in several models, including 4x4i, 4x4i EPS, and 4x4i EPS CAMO. Each model has unique features that set it apart from the others. For snow-plowing jobs of all sizes, the basic model will do but upgrading is always an option.
The Brute Force 750 has a 4-stroke, SOHC, V-twin engine that is liquid-cooled to minimize overheating risks. This is one of the best ATV engines. It will endure the test of time for many years to come. Whether you are tackling only a few inches of snow or a 20-inch snow pile, the 4-stroke, V-twin engine will deliver continuous power from beginning to end.
The DFI fuel system offers fuel-efficiency, thanks to its 36-millimeter throttle bodies. This design is guaranteed to reduce fuel usage compared to other ATV fuel systems. Fuel consumption is important to most ATV owners, especially those living in rural areas where gas stations are few and far between.
Yamaha Kodiak 450 EPS
The Kodiak 450 EPS by Yamaha is integrated with the latest technologies and components to deliver continuous power for hours. The 421cc, SOHC 4-stroke engine will power through heaps of snow from daylight to dark. This is the ideal ATV for plowing snow in both residential and commercial settings.
The Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), 34-millimeter fuel system keeps fuel consumption to a minimum. Remove heaps of snow from your driveway utilizing only a few gallons of gas. The YFI fuel system is high-quality to ensure the longest service life possible.
The Ultramatic transmission utilizes a V-belt and all-wheel engine braking to eliminate the need for engaging the braking system. This design delivers a smooth, gradual transition from moving to stopping while climbing hills and riding on rough terrain. Regardless of your speed, the all-wheel engine braking feature is guaranteed to decrease the stopping distance.
Honda FourTrax Foreman 4×4
The FourTrax Foreman 4X4 by Honda has been rated one of the best ATV for plowing snow in New York, North Dakota, Utah, and Colorado. The ATV is integrated with a high-quality four-stroke engine with liquid-cooling capabilities. Never worry about your ATV overheating with this capability. Even if you are powering through multiple piles of snow for hours, this design will reduce the risk of the engine overheating.
The Swingarm rear suspension is designed to minimize shock when riding on rough terrain. It works by holding the rear axle firmly when making vertical pivots. Overall, the Swingarm helps the rear tires deliver smoother rides on bumpy surfaces.
If your snow-plowing job involves hill-climbing, this is the ATV for you. The 518cc, 4-stroke engine is guaranteed to deliver continuous power when scaling hills and rough terrain.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The ATV models listed above would make the perfect machine for plowing snow. Never again will you be left dealing with a snow-covered driveway or walkway with one of these ATVs sitting in your garage. Choose from the above three best ATV models and plow through multiple layers of snow with a breeze.
More information
Check out our other ATV buying guides, including the best ATVs for farm work and are tracks on an ATV better than a snowmobile?
