Can I Use an ATV for Plowing Snow?
Can I Use an ATV for Plowing Snow?
Most people struggle to plow all the snow manually during winter months, yet they have an ATV. While you may wonder whether an ATV can plow the snow, we're here to confirm that it's safe. An All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) is an off-road vehicle with non-pneumatic or low-pressure tires that effectively remove snow on your land, driveway, or backyard. But before you use your four-wheeler to plow snow, here are tips to guide you.
Ensure Your ATV Has Enough Power
There are different ATV models and designs suited for different needs. Therefore when getting an ATV for snow plowing, ensure you get a powerful one that you can attach to a plow and remove snow.
Preferably, get one with an engine power of about 400cc to 800cc. The larger the engine size, the heavier the ATV, which is great for navigating in the snow.
If you use an ATV with smaller engine power, you'll overload it making the snow plowing difficult. You'll also risk damaging your ATV, which will cause bodily injuries once the ATV breaks down.
Do Proper Maintenance Before Plowing
Like any other vehicle or equipment, using an ATV snow plow in cold weather is risky. Ensure your ATV is tuned to operate in the snow. This prevents unnecessary damage. Some of the maintenance tips include:
Checking the oil filter
Ensuring the fuel tank is full
Using high-quality fuel during fuel injection
Replacing worn-out spark plugs
Frequently checking the coolant (snow can get accumulated, causing the engine to overheat)
Checking the tire threads, pressure, and electric wiring
Ensuring the ATV is always clean
Ensure You Measure and Adjust the Plow Depth
When plowing using a utility ATV, ensure you correctly set up the plow to the right depth so that you only scrape the snow. This helps prevent you from destroying the surface underneath, your ATV, or plow.
Similarly, if you're plowing different surfaces, adjust the plow to the specific depth since not all surfaces have the same snow depths.
Also, determine the best angle for the plow and set it accordingly. The angle you set your plow depends on the surface you're plowing. While setting the angle, consider the amount of snow you're plowing and where you want to dispose of the snow. This makes snow removal easier.
Be Careful of Dangerous Items Beneath the Snow
During winter, heavy snow buries kids' toys and other items that may damage the plow. This makes snow plowing dangerous. To ensure your plowing process is seamless and your ATV snow plow isn't damaged, mark the static items with labels to know where they are. For items that may get buried by deep snow, collect them before snow falls.
Follow a Natural Contour When Plowing
Follow a natural contour depending on the area you're plowing with your ATV, be it your driveway or backyard. This prevents damaging your plow blade as it hits uneven surfaces. It also makes the ground clearance
a process with your ATV seamless.
Clean Your ATV After Plowing
Once you're done plowing, clean your ATV before storing it. If you don't clean it up, wet snow and dirt will accumulate and stick to your ATV. This makes snow plowing difficult the next time. While cleaning, use a snow blower to ensure you’ve cleaned up all the snow.
Get the Best Dealership for ATVs
If you're looking for an ATV to help you plow after a snowfall, we at FFUN are here to help. We offer a wide selection of ATVs of various brands, such as Yamaha, BRP, Alumacraft, Kawasaki, and Manitou. Contact us today to buy your dream ATV.