Having the right equipment can make all the difference when it comes to moving snow this year. Whether you’re maintaining a residential property or running a business, choosing the right tractor or skid steer snow attachments can be challenging because there are so many options available.
Each type of snow removal attachment comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. This guide will cover everything you need to know to make the best decision for your particular situation. With the right attachment for your equipment, clearing snow can be fast, easy and even fun.
Tips for Snow Removal
Because conditions can change very quickly in the winter, it’s essential that you have a plan before you start moving snow around. If you stack snow right up against the edge of your driveway, for example, it may freeze. The next time it snows, you won’t have anywhere to push the next snow pile.
If it doesn’t snow much where you live, you won’t need to worry about this so much. If you live somewhere with a lot of snow, it’s best to push the first snowfall as far back as you can. That way, you can get out of your driveway or clear more parking in a commercial lot over the whole winter. Having a plan when you start can save you a lot of time later.
It’s also important to move snow early, rather than waiting for it to pile up. If you have to drive over deep snow to get your equipment out of storage, you may compact it, making it more difficult to clear.
How to Prep Your Equipment
Ideally, you should also check over your equipment before the first snow to make sure everything’s ready to go. You might want to get a new edge for your attachment, lubricate moving equipment with a grease gun and ensure all bolts are in place.
If you can, it’s best to store your equipment in a heated building. Machinery that’s kept in cold conditions can be more difficult to get running. To prevent this problem, some people invest in heater blocks for their skid steer or tractor engine so that it’s easier to warm up and start in the winter.
Skid Steer or Tractor for Snow Removal?
If you’ve already chosen your equipment, skip down to the next section. However, if you haven’t, it’s worthwhile to go over the pros and cons of choosing a skid steer or tractor for snow removal:
- Versatility: One of the number one things to consider when investing in expensive equipment is versatility. What else do you need this equipment for? If you’re looking for the most versatile machine possible, go with a tractor. They’re better suited for farmwork like tilling and can clear brush effectively with the right attachment.
- Power: Skid steers are optimal when you need a lot of power and stability for heavy-duty projects. They’re designed for commercial applications, so they last longer and are tougher than tractors. If you’re running a business or completing dangerous jobs, you should consider getting a skid steer.
- Safety: In general, skid steers are safer to use in dangerous conditions because they’re heavy and can handle more weight than a tractor. However, it’s also easier to have a serious accident in a skid steer because you’re very close to attachments. A tractor gives you more space and an easier exit if something goes wrong.
- Maintenance: Both tractors and skid steers require regular maintenance. However, skid steers can go much longer without needing an oil change since they were designed for heavy-duty construction work. Getting new parts for both types of equipment can be expensive, depending on what manufacturer you choose.
- Cost: Overall, skid steers are much more expensive than tractors. Because of the cost barrier, many people rent skid steers for specific projects and own a tractor for regular, year-round work. However, some people just prefer skid steers and would rather make the investment to own one.
While both of these machines work well, they’re best suited for different conditions. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your goals and resources. Both skid steers and tractors can do a good job with snow removal, but skid steers are generally a better choice for commercial work or dangerous slopes. While tractors are hardy, they can’t safely lift or push as much weight as a skid steer.
Skid Steer and Tractor Snow Attachments
Both skid steers and tractors have a range of attachments for snow removal. The two main strategies for snow removal are pushing or blowing it away. Here’s more about five different types of tractor and skid steer snow removal attachments.
Back Blade
Also known as flat blades, road blades or grader blades, back blades are designed to level the ground. They can push dirt and gravel to create a smooth surface. Because of their simple design and affordability, people also use them to move snow in the winter.
If you go with a back blade, try to choose one that’s wider than your tractor. When you angle the blade during use, you should still be able to cover your tracks. Back blades can be mounted on the back or front of a tractor, depending on the equipment you choose. However, they’re not used with skid steers.
Depending on where you plan to push snow, you should consider adjusting your blade. Steel-edged blades last a long time and can cut through heavy snow, but they may also scratch asphalt or concrete. You can add a rubber edge for protection or adjust the blade to hover a few inches over the ground during snow removal.
Snow Plow
Snow plows are pretty standard attachments for snow removal. They are similar to back blades in that they have a single blade. However, they’re specifically designed to work with snow and have a curved shape that helps snow roll forward as it’s being moved.
You can hook a snow plow up to a tractor or a skid steer. They come in a range of different designs and materials so you can find the best option for your specific needs. Some snow plows have hydraulically controlled wings on the sides that help create a scoop shape.
Similar to back blades, snow plows come with different types of blades. The three kinds of material you can choose from are steel, rubber and polyethylene, or poly. Whereas rubber works best for loose material, steel is a good fit for hard snow and poly mixes the benefits of both.
Snow Pusher
Although snow plows are familiar, many people opt for a snow pusher instead. If you have light snow, a snow pusher will clean it up quickly. However, it’s an equally effective tool for large amounts of snow and can handle different types of snow with ease. The versatility of a snow pusher is one of its greatest strengths.
Another strength has to do with their simple design. Snow pushers mount to the front of your tractor or skid steer. They don’t require hydraulics to function, so less can go wrong when you need them in the winter. Because they sit close to your machine, they also give you more control behind the load you’re pushing.
The snow pusher design includes a second blade at the top front, called a back drag. By rolling this attachment forward, you can use that blade to pull snow away from buildings when pushing it away isn’t an option. Each part is adjustable and you can choose how high you want the lower blade to level snow off the ground.
Bucket
If you have a tractor or skid steer, you probably already have a bucket. Although it’s not designed for snow removal, buckets can do a decent job of cleaning off snow. Using them as a giant scoop, you can lift and carry snow to another location.
Many people like using a bucket because it’s affordable and versatile. They’re also easy to attach to a tractor or skid steer. However, clearing snow with a bucket does take a significant amount of time because you have to raise and lower this attachment so often.
You also have to be careful not to dig too far into the snow — many buckets have teeth that can cause damage to your lawn or driveway. Because they’re designed for digging and scooping, it’s easy to go too far and cause damage. If you’re very comfortable with a bucket, however, this can be a good option.
Snow Blower
This attachment is another great option for snow removal. It’s easy to use and very effective, but it’s also the most expensive snow removal attachment you can invest in. If you live somewhere with consistently deep snow, this could be the best option for you. Snow blowers aren’t as effective for light snow removal.
Snow blowers can be attached to the front of a skid steer or to the front or back of a tractor. While most snow blowers operate while moving forward, some of them have to be operated by driving backwards. This can be hard on your back since you need to constantly twist while driving.
Some snow blowers come with a hydraulic option for moving the snow chute while driving. This is fantastic because you won’t have to get back out of the cab to make any adjustments. If you can afford the investment, snow blowers are a great option for snow removal on both residential and commercial properties.
How to Choose the Best Snow Attachment for You
There are a few factors that can help you choose the best snow removal attachment for your tractor or skid steer. While there are multiple good options, every situation is unique. Machine attachments are an investment, so you should feel good about your decision.
Here are five things to consider before you order a snow removal attachment this year:
Mounts
Skid steers and tractors have different attachment options because of their respective shape and size. While snow removal attachments can go on the front or back of a tractor, they generally only mount to the front of a skid steer.
It’s important to make sure you have the right type of mounting gear on your equipment before you purchase an attachment. While skid steers can usually handle three different types of hookups — mechanical, hydraulic or electric — tractors typically only have two options built-in. You can add more, but it will take additional tools and time.
Snow
The best attachment for you also depends on the type and quantity of snow you deal with each year. If you’re planning to clean up a few inches of snow a few times a year, you’ll probably want to invest in a back blade or snow plow.
People who are dealing with larger amounts of snow a few times a year can choose between the snow pusher, snow plow and bucket options. Snow blowers are best if you deal with a lot of heavy snow.
Projects
Think about versatility — what other types of projects do you need to complete? Can you safely and efficiently use a snow removal attachment for something else too? If not, which attachment is worth investing in solely for the purpose of snow removal?
If you’re running a commercial business, a larger investment may pay off by saving you time and fuel. For example, using a snow pusher will be much easier than working with a bucket. Think about the areas you need to clear, what material is on the ground and whether you’ll need a protective edge for your equipment.
Weight
While some attachments are interchangeable between a tractor and a skid steer, others are designed to work best with one or the other. Although both machines can handle tough projects, skid steers are much heavier than tractors. That means they can handle attachments that are also very heavy.
In general, heavier attachments are made of better material and will hold up longer. However, some attachments may be a poor fit for tractors because they’re so heavy. You can check with the manufacturer to determine if an attachment is a good fit for the weight of your tractor.
Budget
Another important factor to consider is cost. Buckets and back blades are fairly inexpensive, while snow blowers can be very pricey. If you’re planning to use this attachment a lot, it may be worth the initial investment to you. However, that depends on your specific budget and goals.
You should also consider the cost of maintenance and storage, both for the attachment and the equipment you’ll be using it with. If you take good care of your attachment, you can potentially resell it when you want to upgrade in the future.
Prepare for Snow With Stinger Attachments
At Stinger Attachments, we put quality and the customer first. All of our attachments are designed and manufactured in-house with high-quality steel. We offer a wide range of attachment options for skid steers, compact tractors and utility tractors.
Our equipment is designed to last, so you don’t get outside and have to deal with a broken part. We follow a strict manufacturing process and fast turnaround times for shipping. Browse our shop today so you can be prepared before the next snow comes!
