Snowed In? Pick your Power

For many large property owners, the snow season brings more than just pretty landscapes. It means early mornings, icy chores and the challenge of keeping driveways, barn paths and livestock areas accessible. A snowplow can improve winter work but deciding which vehicle to mount it on is a question of its own. Choosing between your utility vehicle (UTV), compact tractor or pickup truck depends on your property, workload, priorities and personal preferences.

Let’s walk through each option and see how they stack up.

UTVs for Light, Nimble Clearing

A UTV might be a good choice if the property has narrow lanes, tight spaces or areas where maneuverability matters more than raw power.

These popular vehicles are compact, easy to handle and can zip around obstacles such as trees and fences without much trouble. For smaller, lighter snowfalls or shorter driveways, a plow on a UTV can be surprisingly effective.

But it’s important to be realistic about their limitations. UTVs don’t have the same weight as a truck or tractor, and that means they can struggle when snow gets deep, heavy or compacted. They may tend to ride up on snow rather than push cleanly through it, and once banks start to build, clearing them becomes a chore. As a result, if the property regularly sees tough storms, a UTV might not be quite up to the task.

Compact Tractors: The Reliable Workhorse

Compact tractors are a step up in power and capability. They’re generally heavier, which can improve traction and help bust through compacted drifts. They can also push more snow without bogging down, depending on the size and horsepower of the tractor.

Furthermore, the versatility of tractors provides multiple front and rear mounting options to accommodate the needs of many users. Just make sure that the plow selected is wide enough to cover the track of the rear axle when the plow is fully angled at 30 degrees.

The downsides are worth noting, though. Tractors travel slower than other vehicles for clearing long driveways, and they don’t always provide the same comfort level. Unless they’re equipped with a cab, operators will be exposed to the cold, which makes long plowing sessions less appealing.

Additionally, cold mornings can present their own challenges. Without a block heater or warm storage, a tractor may take some coaxing to start when the mercury drops. Still, for versatility and strength, tractors occupy a sweet spot that appeals to many property owners balancing mixed chores.

Pickup Trucks: Speed and Comfort

For long stretches of driveway or wide-open areas, it’s hard to beat a pickup. When equipped with a snowplow, especially a four-wheel-drive model, a truck clears snow quickly and comfortably from a heated cab. Plows designed for trucks are built to handle everything from light dustings to wet, heavy drifts.

The trade-offs come in vehicle wear and maneuverability. Using pickups regularly for snow removal can add wear to the suspension, drivetrain and steering components. They’re also less nimble than a UTV or tractor, which makes them a less-than-ideal choice for tight barnyards or narrow paths.

Choosing the Right Plow

Regardless of the vehicle used, choosing a plow with the right features may matter even more. For instance, trip edges are an excellent option that allow the blade to flex when it hits an obstacle, protecting both the plow and the vehicle from potential damage.

Another useful option is a tilt feature, which allows the plow to tilt and oscillate on uneven ground to produce a cleaner scrape. Additionally, an angling ability on some plows lets the operator change the plow’s angle of attack to adapt to different surface and weather conditions.

Next, consider the mounting options available. Quick-hitch designs let users attach and detach the snowplow easily. This is especially helpful when using the vehicle for multiple jobs around the property.

Ease of use is another key factor, especially on UTVs and pickups. The most advanced products on the market have intuitive joystick controllers that make operation a breeze.

The best choice depends on individual needs. A UTV, compact tractor or pickup can each get the job done, but the decision really comes down to property layout, type of snowfall typically experienced and vehicles available.

Choosing the right plow with the features you need can make the operation experience even better. And when the snow flies, you’ll be ready — not just to push it aside, but to take on winter with confidence.