Are you stuck deciding between UTV snow plows and ATV snow plows? This guide will help you make the right choice with ease. You’ll learn the benefits and drawbacks of each, as well as key features that matter when choosing a snowplow.
Read on to make an informed decision and ensure your winter preparation needs are met!
Understanding the differences between different types of snow plows is important if you want to choose the right option for your needs. UTVs (utility terrain vehicles) and ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) both offer their own unique benefits as well as drawbacks when it comes to snow plowing. This guide offers an overview of UTV and ATV snow plows and outlines which will work best for different situations.
Purchasing a snow plow can be a costly investment, so doing research on which type will work best for your application is important. This guide will provide information on the advantages and disadvantages of both types of snow plows so that you can make an informed decision based on your individual needs.
UTVs are known for their versatility, while ATVs offer smaller size and portability advantages when compared to UTVs. We’ll cover these differences in detail, along with several other factors like cost, durability, utility, performance, and more when determining which type of snow plow is right for you.
UTV Snow Plows
UTV snow plows are more expensive than ATV plows, but they come with many advantages that make it well worth the additional cost. UTVs are larger and sturdier than ATVs, so they can handle heavier materials and deeper snow depths with ease.
They also have additional capabilities such as turning on a dime and having great traction in difficult weather conditions. UTVs offer greater stability when attaching or removing the plow, which improves safety. Plus, these vehicles are designed for towing, so you can attach a plow and other implements without worries about weight distribution or overheating.
Finally, these vehicles typically feature larger headlights that make it easier to continue working after dark if necessary.
Definition and features
A Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) are both multipurpose vehicles that can be used for a variety of tasks, particularly off-road and rough terrain activities. UTVs are classified as multi-passenger vehicles while ATVs are considered single-rider machines. Both of these vehicles can be equipped with snow plows to clear driveways or paths of snow, debris and ice.
When it comes to choosing between a UTV snow plow or ATV snow plow, it is important to consider size, power and capabilities for the job. UTV snow plows generally have a greater weight capacity than ATV snow plows due to their heavier build and larger motors so they are better suited for bigger jobs. By contrast, most ATV models can only handle a few inches of light to moderate snow at most so they are more suitable for smaller tasks such as clearing patches of ice or clearing pathways with storm grates or tight turns that would not fit larger machines like UTVs.
The type of terrain is also an important factor when determining which machine is best for the job – UTVs have the advantage on hilly terrain because of their higher ground clearance whereas ATVs will work better in flat or low lying areas where large amounts of torque may not be necessary. Additionally, many dedicated side-by-side models have attachments designed specifically for clearing paths, such as built-in power gates that make deft movements around curves easier without having to turn 180 degrees every time you want to go back in the opposite direction.
Ultimately, the type you choose depends on your needs: if light duty jobs are all that is required then an ATV might meet your needs but if large scale commercial projects need tackling then those often require dedicated Utility Task Vehicles equipped with appropriately sized plows, equipped with extra features such as springs on all four corners and electronic sorting blades if dealing with uneven surfaces.
Pros and cons of UTV snow plows
UTV snow plows have a number of pros and cons that make them ideal for certain applications. Firstly, UTVs usually have more horsepower than ATVs, meaning they can handle larger loads of snow with less effort. UTVs also provide the operator with the comfort of a cab enclosure and may include additional seating for passengers. Additionally, most UTVs are longer than ATVs meaning they can fit into tighter spaces without compromising on their ability to move a large amount of snow at once.
On the downside, UTV snow plows cost significantly more than ATVs which can be very off-putting for some budget-minded shoppers. Additionally, most UTVs lack the cargo capacity of an ATV which makes them less suitable if you plan on carrying extra supplies such as fuel or materials while plowing. Finally, while UTVs generally have better stability than ATVs when it comes to slippery surfaces and deep powder, some operators may find them too bulky and cumbersome when navigating through tight spaces or in tight corners where an ATV would fare better.
Factors to consider when choosing UTV snow plows
When considering a UTV snow plow for your needs, there are several factors you should look at. The most important factor is the size of the plow. Depending on where you live and the type of terrain you have, a larger UTV snow plow might be best suited to handle heavier snow accumulations and rain water run off. If your terrain is more level and you’re operating in areas that don’t get much snow, then a smaller sized UTV snow plow can do the job just fine.
Other features that should be considered include the weight capacity of your UTV as well as its added features such as winch systems, lighting systems, and accessories that can help make the operation easier. Also be sure to consider how easy it is to mount a UTV snow plow on your vehicle when considering which one to purchase. Make sure you have all necessary tools such as a drill or wrench handy when mounting one in order to avoid any potential problems along the way.
Finally, consider comparing prices when choosing between different brands. Be sure to look for great customer service and an experienced staff who can answer any questions or concerns about purchasing or operating either type of UTV Snow Plows product before making a final decision.
Blade width and height
Blade width and height are relative to the type of vehicle your are attaching the snow plow to. UTVs have larger blade widths and heights compared to ATVs due to the size of their frames. Most snow plows for UTVs measure 60” wide with a maximum height at 36”. Conversely, ATV plows are typically 48″ wide with an average height of 30″.
Keeping these measurements in mind is important when choosing a snow plow as blades too large for your vehicle can cause decreased maneuverability and visibility. Furthermore, blades that don’t reach high enough may not fully scrape away wet or heavy packed-down snow, leaving you with an uneven finish on your driveway or walkway.
Plow weight
When it comes to plow weight, UTV snow plows and ATV snow plows have some notable differences. UTVs (utility terrain vehicles) are well built for carrying heavy loads so a heavier-duty plow is ideal for getting the job done quickly and efficiently. An ATV (all-terrain vehicle) will not be able to manage a larger or heavier-duty plow as easily, which can mean extra time when clearing snow.
UTV snow plows usually come in two weight classes – light duty and heavy duty. Light duty UTV snow plows are generally designed to handle lighter accumulations of snow on flat or relatively even surfaces such as driveways or paths. They range in weight from 40 to 150 pounds depending on their size and features; they usually include an adjustable blade angle up to 50 degrees and are typically limited to an 8 foot width.
Heavy duty UTV snow plows are sturdier than the light duty variety and more suitable for tougher jobs, like clearing more than 12 inches of heavy wet snow from larger areas such as parking lots, school yards, golf courses, etc. Most feature adjustable blades with up to 70 degree angles for maximum pushing capacity and can be up to 10 feet wide. Heavy duty rolls range in weight from 200–500 pounds depending on the size of the unit.
On the other hand, ATV snow plows are primarily made up of light and medium weight models that weigh anywhere from 65 – 260 pounds depending on features like adjustable blades angles and widths that range from 6–8 feet wide on average. Like all ATVs, they’re primarily built for agility rather than strength so they’re better suited for small areas such as residential driveways or paths with only light accumulations of reasonable dry powder type of snows such as shallow drifts that have yet to settle and freeze overnight into a solid surface layer due it’s lower blade height clearance then most commercial UTV models which got higher blade heights protecting them while they pass over frozen ground materials hidden under thick crust layers during high speed manouvering.
ATV Snow Plows
ATV snow plows are one of the most popular alternatives to UTV snow plows. They are beneficial to individuals and businesses because they are relatively affordable and easy to use. They attach directly onto the front of an ATV, which makes them a great choice for tasks that require navigating around tight corners or over narrow paths.
ATV snow plows often include a variety of features, such as: adjustable cutting edges (available in steel or rubber blade), mounting brackets, adjustability plates, additional springs, anti-scourging skids, expanded handle length and quick release hitch pins. Most ATV snow plows are designed with both manual and hydraulically operated functions in order to provide smoother operation and added control for delicate operations. Depending on the manufacturer and size of the plow, most can handle light-to-moderate snow depths with relative ease. It should be noted that it is not recommended to try clearing more than 8 inches of snow on a single pass without causing extensive wear on the ATV or damage to the blade itself.
When purchasing an ATV snow plow for your vehicle it is important to take into consideration other important factors such as: weight capacity rating (light duty vs heavy duty), compatibility with your model, blade design materials (steel vs rubber blades), size/capacity (width & height) and price range (budget friendly vs heavier investments). It is also vital to ensure that you have read all safety instructions prior to utilizing your new equipment!
Definition and features
Universal Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are both motorized vehicles capable of accessing most outdoor landscapes, but they have very different capabilities. A UTV is a four wheeler with sides like those of a pickup truck that can be used for work and play. They commonly come with features such as in-cab stereo systems, automatic transmissions, and even air conditioning units. ATVs are generally three wheelers without sides or cabins and are most often used for recreation rather than work.
It’s important to choose the right vehicle for the job; UTVs tend to be better choices for plowing snow due to their greater load capacity and power, as well as their ability to move heavy amounts of snow quickly over a significant area in less time. ATVs may be better suited if you need to plow lighter amounts of snow over short distances or value the smaller size or lower cost of an ATV over a UTV. The following guide will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option in further detail so you can make an informed decision when selecting a vehicle for snow plowing applications.
Pros and cons of ATV snow plows
ATV snow plows are smaller than UTV snow plows and are, overall, more affordable. They are also fairly easy to install and remove. Additionally, the fact that they’re smaller makes them more maneuverable in tight spaces, which can be beneficial when you need to plow a small driveway.
However, they do have some drawbacks when compared to UTV snow plows. ATV plows won’t be as efficient at moving bigger piles of snow as their size is limited compared to UTV ones. Depending on the type of terrain you live in, an ATV snow plow might not be suitable for your needs as it is less durable than a UTV one and won’t stand up quite as well against rough terrain or tough surfaces like asphalt or gravel driveways. The use of an ATV for long periods of time over rough terrain can potentially cause wear and tear on the machine and your body from vibrations and shocks from the road surface.
Straight blade plows
Straight blades offer a full-length flat edge, which makes them ideal for larger projects and can be used on all types of surfaces including cement, asphalt, and dirt. The straight blade design of the plow allows it to move material in a forward motion away from the vehicle. This makes it extremely efficient at pushing large amounts of snow or other debris over long distances or large areas.
ATV snow plows with straight blades are quite simple to operate and are often preferred by those with larger tasks, as they can cut through heavy patches of snow much more efficiently than the other type of plows available. UTVs with a straight blade attached are particularly popular among industrial businesses looking to clear large areas quickly.
V-blade plows
V-blade plows are recommended for clearing large work sites and parking lots, as they allow you to push more snow in a single pass. This makes the job quick and efficient. V-blade plows typically have wings on either side of the central blade. This helps send material away from the edges of the parking lot so that it is not left behind or packed down by foot traffic and vehicle tires.
If possible, it is best to use a UTV with a v-blade plow as this offers more power and stability than an ATV. UTVs can accommodate heavier blades and also do better when pushing through thicker materials such as ice chunks or slushy snowdrifts. However, if you do decide to go with an ATV for your v-blade, then be sure to get one that has been designed specifically for use with snow plow systems.
Conclusion
When it comes to deciding between purchasing a UTV snow plow and an ATV snow plow, both are capable of efficiently clearing snow from your driveway or other surfaces. However, for larger jobs or operations in colder climates, a UTV offers an advantage over an ATV due to its larger storage box, increased power and sturdier construction. There are several factors to consider when making your decision and you should weigh the pros and cons of each type to determine which is the best fit for your needs.
Ultimately, UTVs offer overall better performance in most cases than ATVs due to their higher engines powers, sturdier construction and additional storage capacity. These advantages make them better suited for more demanding jobs and operations in colder climates. If you have a smaller job that doesn’t involve harsh terrains or heavy materials, an ATV may be sufficient for clearing any amount of snow. Either way, the right snowplow can make all the difference in keeping up with the winter weather.
FAQ’S
Is it better to plow with 4 wheeler or side by side?
It depends on the amount and type of snow, the terrain, and the intended use. In general, a side by side is more suitable for heavy duty plowing, while a 4 wheeler is better for light duty work.
What type of snow plow is the best?
The best type of snow plow depends on the vehicle, the intended use, and personal preference. Some popular options include straight blade plows, V-plows, and pusher plows.
Are ATV snow plows any good?
Yes, ATV snow plows can be effective for light duty snow removal on smaller areas such as driveways and sidewalks.
Can a UTV plow snow?
Yes, UTVs can plow snow. Many UTVs come with snow plow attachments and are designed for heavy duty snow removal.
What is the difference between ATV and UTV?
ATVs are smaller and designed for one or two riders, while UTVs are larger and can accommodate multiple passengers. UTVs typically have a cab and a cargo bed, while ATVs do not.
What size of snow plow is best for UTV?
The size of the snow plow for a UTV depends on the vehicle size and intended use, but plows between 60-72 inches are typically recommended.
What is a disadvantage of a plow?
A disadvantage of a plow is that it can damage surfaces such as pavement, gravel, and grass. Plows can also create snow banks and piles that can obstruct visibility.
What size ATV is best for plowing snow?
A 400-500cc ATV is typically suitable for light duty snow plowing, while a 700-800cc ATV is better for heavier workloads.
Will a ATV plow fit a UTV?
It depends on the size and compatibility of the plow attachment and the UTV. Some ATV plows can be adapted to fit UTVs, while others are not compatible.
What is the best ATV plow system?
The best ATV plow system depends on the intended use and personal preference. Some popular options include the Warn ProVantage and the KFI Plow System.
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