When winter hits and covers everything in snow, the challenges of snow clearing are inevitable. But with the right attachments, you don’t have to let the weather get the best of you. Instead of dreading the season, you can tackle it head-on and even take pride in your skid steer’s ability to handle the snow. Let's take a closer look at some of the snow attachments available and what each one can bring to the table.

Now, let's dig a little deeper into the different types of snow attachments and what they can do.

Snow Buckets

At first glance, a snow bucket might look like a standard bucket, but don’t be fooled. These are designed specifically to handle the lighter, bulkier nature of snow. They’re generally wider, ranging from 84 inches to over 100 inches, and have a larger capacity than your typical dirt bucket. Reinforced edges and high-strength steel cutting edges help you tackle even the heaviest, wettest snow with confidence. Some models come with side cutters to break through packed snow and ice, making it easier to scoop up.

The design of snow buckets also includes high backs and sides to prevent snow from spilling over, with some featuring a curved back to keep snow from sticking inside when you dump it. The versatility of a snow bucket makes it a great investment—you can use it year-round for hauling other materials, making it a cost-effective choice if you’re on a budget.

Tips: Snow buckets are great for clearing large, open spaces but may not be as effective in tight corners or confined spaces. For deep snow, it’s often better to remove it in layers rather than trying to scoop it all up at once.

Snow Pushers

Snow pushers are another powerful tool for snow removal. These box-shaped attachments are designed to push snow forward, collecting it within their side walls to move large amounts of snow in a single pass. Snow pushers are typically very wide, ranging from 8 to 16 feet, which gives you a bigger clearing path and helps you get the job done faster.

Many snow pushers feature a cutting edge at the bottom, made from steel, rubber, or polyurethane. Steel edges are tough and effective on hard surfaces, while rubber and polyurethane edges are gentler on surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Most models also come with adjustable skid shoes that allow the pusher to “float” over uneven terrain, protecting the surface below.

Tips: Snow pushers are ideal for moving snow, not piling it up. If you need to stack snow into high piles, you might want to use a snow bucket or blower. Plan your clearing path in advance and slightly overlap each pass to avoid leaving ridges of snow behind.

Angle Blades

Angle blades, or angle plows, are curved blades designed to not only push snow but also lift and roll it as it moves. The key feature of an angle blade is its ability to pivot left or right, typically up to 30 degrees, allowing you to direct the snow where you want it to go. This adjustment is usually controlled hydraulically from the cab, so you can fine-tune the angle on the fly.

The cutting edge of an angle plow is typically made from hardened steel for durability, but you can also find options with rubber or polyurethane edges. Many angle plows include a spring-loaded trip mechanism that allows the blade to tilt forward if it hits an obstacle, absorbing the shock and preventing damage to your machine and the blade.

Tips: Angle plows can create windrows, which are piles of snow left along the edge of the cleared path. Depending on how much snow you’re dealing with, you might need another attachment to manage these windrows. Also, ensure your skid steer’s hydraulic system is compatible with the plow’s controls, especially if the plow has advanced hydraulic functions.

Snow Blowers

Snow blowers are an excellent choice for dealing with deep, heavy, or wet snow. These attachments use an auger to lift snow off the ground and a powerful fan to blow it through a chute, directing the snow away from the cleared spot. Snow blowers can throw light, fluffy snow up to 45 feet or more, though for heavier, wetter snow, the throwing distance is usually shorter.

Snow blowers are powered by your skid steer’s hydraulics and typically require a higher flow rate, so it’s important to ensure your machine is compatible. The chute on most snow blowers can be adjusted to control the direction of the snow discharge, and many models offer hydraulic controls to adjust the chute’s direction and deflector from the cab.

Tips: Snow blowers are ideal for areas with frequent heavy snowfall or after large storms. They’re more expensive than other snow removal attachments like plows or buckets, and they have more moving parts, so regular maintenance is key to keeping them in good working condition.

Snow Brooms

Snow brooms are often overlooked but can be incredibly useful for managing snow. Unlike plows or buckets, snow brooms use rotating bristles to sweep snow off surfaces, making them perfect for light snowfalls, icy conditions, or cleaning up residual snow after plowing. They’re particularly effective for clearing driveways, sidewalks, and other paved areas where precision is important.

Tips: Snow brooms are best for light to moderate snowfalls and are great for finishing touches after using heavier equipment. They’re gentle on surfaces, which reduces the risk of damage to concrete or asphalt. However, they might struggle with deep or heavy, wet snow, where a blower or bucket would be more appropriate.

V-Plows

V-plows offer versatility that can be a game-changer in tough winter conditions. These V-shaped blades can be adjusted into different configurations to suit various snow removal needs. In the V-position, the plow is great for breaking through deep or hard-packed snow, while the scoop position is perfect for gathering and moving snow into piles. When you align the blades straight across, it functions like a standard straight blade for general snow pushing, and the angled position allows you to direct the snow where you want it to go.

V-plows typically have hydraulic cylinders so you can adjust the blade configuration from the cab. This on-the-fly adjustability is a key advantage, allowing you to adapt quickly to changing snow conditions. Most V-plows also come with a trip edge mechanism that tilts the bottom edge of the blade forward if it encounters an obstacle, preventing damage to the machine and the blade.

Tips: For the best results, start by clearing a path through deep or drifted snow with the plow in the V-position. Then switch to the scoop position to start gathering snow into piles. When clearing roads or driveways, angle the blades to push snow to the side, reducing the amount of snow left behind. Keep in mind that V-plows are generally more expensive than straight or angle plows due to their complex design and hydraulic controls, but their versatility can justify the investment. Also, V-plows are heavier than standard plows, so you’ll need a skid steer with sufficient lifting capacity and power to handle the additional weight.

When it comes to tackling winter’s toughest challenges, choosing the right attachment for your skid steer can make all the difference. From straightforward snow blades to versatile V-plows, each tool brings its own strengths to the table, helping you clear snow efficiently and effectively. Whether you’re pushing, blowing, or sweeping the snow away, with the right preparation and equipment, you can turn snow removal from a daunting task into a simple, manageable job. So, gear up, get ready, and let winter know that you and your skid steer are more than prepared to handle whatever it throws your way.