UTV Snow Plow Guide: Choosing, Mounting and Plowing With a Side by Side

When the first big storm hits, a side by side with a good plow turns a back breaking chore into a quick, almost enjoyable job. A UTV snow plow clears long driveways, farm lanes, parking areas and sidewalks faster than any shovel or snowblower, and with a heated cab you can do it in comfort. Every fall, our parts counter gets busy with owners who want to get set up before winter.

I am Mike from Parts at Tarti PowerSports. In this guide I will explain how to choose the right UTV snow plow, how mounting and lift systems work, which upgrades make winter work easier and how to plow efficiently without damaging your machine.

Why Use a UTV for Plowing

A UTV offers several advantages over a truck or an ATV for snow removal:

• Maneuverability: UTVs are compact and turn tightly, perfect for driveways, paths and tight spaces.
• Comfort: A roof, windshield and cab with a heater keep you warm.
• Weight and traction: UTVs are heavier than ATVs, which helps push snow.
• Versatility: The same machine hauls firewood, salt and supplies all winter.
• Cost: A UTV plow setup costs far less than a dedicated truck plow.

Choosing Blade Width

Blade width is the first decision. The blade should be wider than your machine’s track width so that when angled, it still clears a path wider than the tires. Most UTV blades range from about 60 to 72 inches, with some wider options for full size machines.

• Midsize UTVs like the Polaris Ranger 500 usually work well with 60 to 66 inch blades.
• Full size UTVs like the Can-Am Defender HD11 and the Polaris Ranger 1000 typically use 66 to 72 inch blades.
• Crew and cab machines with more weight can push wider blades effectively.

A wider blade clears more snow per pass, but it is heavier and harder to push through deep, wet snow. Match the blade to your machine’s weight and power.

Steel vs Poly Blades

Steel blades

Steel blades are strong, durable and less expensive. They can rust if the paint wears off, so touch up chips regularly.

Poly blades

Poly blades use a smooth polyethylene moldboard over a steel frame. Snow slides off poly more easily, so the blade pushes with less resistance. Poly does not rust and is lighter. It usually costs more.

For most owners, either works well. Poly is a nice upgrade for frequent plowing and wet snow.

Blade Profile and Height

Taller blades hold and roll more snow, which helps in deep storms. Curved moldboards roll snow off to the side efficiently. Look for a blade with a replaceable wear bar along the bottom edge, which takes the abuse of scraping and can be swapped when worn.

UTV Snow Plow Mount Systems

The mount connects the blade to your machine. There are two main types:

Front frame mounts

A mount plate bolts to the front frame of the machine. The plow push tube connects to this plate, usually with quick release pins. Front mounts give excellent control and are the most common setup for UTVs.

Mid frame mounts

Some systems mount under the middle of the machine. These are more common on ATVs. On UTVs, front mounts are typically preferred.

Many manufacturers offer factory plow systems designed for their machines, like the Polaris Glacier system and Can-Am ProMount system. These are engineered for an exact fit and quick attachment. Aftermarket systems are also available and often use a universal push tube with machine specific mount plates.

Quick attach features matter. If you remove the plow after each storm, a system that connects and disconnects in a minute or two saves a lot of time over the winter.

Lift Systems

Winch lift

The most common way to raise and lower a UTV plow is with the winch. A strap connects the winch to the plow frame, and you raise and lower the blade from the switch. This works well, but frequent plowing cycles are hard on winches. Use a winch designed for plowing with a fast line speed, use a plow strap rather than the winch hook, and install a limit switch or auto stop to prevent over pulling. Mike’s UTV winch guide explains how to choose a plow ready winch.

Electric actuator lift

Some systems use a dedicated electric actuator to lift the blade. This frees the winch for recovery work and reduces wear.

Hydraulic lift

Premium systems use hydraulics for lift and sometimes angle. Hydraulic systems are fast, smooth and strong, but cost more.

Manual vs Power Angle

Many UTV snow plow blades angle left, center and right. Manual angle requires getting out and pulling a pin. Power angle lets you change the angle from the driver’s seat using a switch, which saves a lot of time when plowing driveways with turns and different discharge directions. If you plow often or in a cab, power angle is well worth the upgrade.

Tires and Chains

Traction is everything when pushing snow. All terrain tires work in light snow. For heavy plowing, tire chains on the rear tires, and sometimes all four, dramatically improve traction on packed snow and ice. Some owners switch to aggressive tires or dedicated winter tires. Mike’s ATV tires guide covers tread and chains in more detail.

Weight and Ballast

Extra weight over the rear wheels improves traction when pushing snow. Some owners carry sandbags or a counterweight in the bed, secured properly. Do not exceed the bed capacity.

Cabs and Heaters: Plowing in Comfort

A cab with a heater changes winter work completely. Instead of fighting wind and blowing snow, you sit in a warm, dry cab. Factory cab machines like the Kawasaki Ridge HVAC, the Polaris Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar Premium and the Can-Am Defender MAX Limited Cab HD11 are built for exactly this. If your UTV does not have a factory cab, aftermarket soft cabs and hard cab enclosures, combined with a coolant heater, can create a comfortable winter workspace.

Other winter comfort upgrades include heated grips or a heated steering wheel, a windshield wiper and washer, defrost vents and LED lighting for early morning work.

Lighting for Winter Work

Winter days are short, and storms often hit overnight. Good lighting lets you plow safely in the dark. Add an LED light bar on the roof, work lights facing the blade and rear lights for backing up. A beacon light helps others see you if you plow near roads or in shared areas.

Plowing Techniques That Save Time

Plow early and often

Do not wait for a foot of snow. Plowing every few inches keeps each pass light and prevents the snow from compacting into ice.

Plan your route

Before you start, plan where the snow will go. Avoid piling snow where it will block drainage, sight lines or where melting will refreeze across your path. Push snow away from buildings and toward open areas.

Angle the blade

Angle the blade to roll snow to one side as you drive forward. On a straight driveway, make a pass down the middle with the blade angled, then work outward.

Stack and push back

After big storms, push snow piles back farther with the blade straight to leave room for future storms.

Keep speed moderate

Plowing too fast causes jarring hits and can damage the blade, mount or machine. A steady, moderate speed works best.

Use low range

For heavy, wet snow, use low range to protect the belt and give more pushing power. Sam’s UTV belt replacement guide explains why low range matters for CVT health.

Back drag near garages

Use the blade in reverse to pull snow away from garage doors and walls, then turn around and push it away.

Protecting Surfaces

Gravel driveways need special care. Raise the blade slightly or use shoes or skids on the blade so you do not scrape gravel into the lawn. On paved surfaces, a rubber cutting edge can reduce scraping noise and protect pavers or decorative concrete.

Safety While Plowing

• Wear your seat belt and keep arms and legs inside the cab.
• Watch for hidden obstacles under the snow, like curbs, rocks and drains. Mark them with stakes before winter.
• Do not plow on steep slopes where the machine could slide.
• Keep kids and pets away from the plowing area.
• Be visible near roads with lights and reflective markings.
• Take breaks to warm up if you are working in an open machine.

Maintenance for Winter Plowing

Plowing is hard work for any machine, and winter adds cold, salt and moisture. Keep your UTV and plow in good shape with these habits:

• Rinse off salt and slush after plowing near treated roads to prevent corrosion.
• Check the blade bolts and mount pins regularly, since vibration loosens hardware.
• Inspect the wear bar and replace it before it wears into the moldboard.
• Check the winch strap or lift system for wear.
• Grease suspension and steering points, since cold and moisture push grease out.
• Keep the battery charged. Cold weather and frequent winch use drain batteries.
• Check tire chains for broken links.
• Warm up the engine before plowing so the oil circulates and the belt warms up.
• Use the right oil viscosity for cold temperatures. Sam’s ATV oil change guide explains how to pick the right grade.

Storing the Plow in Summer

At the end of winter, clean the blade, touch up any bare steel to prevent rust, grease pivot points and store the blade off the ground in a dry place. Inspect the wear bar, springs and mount parts and order replacements before next winter. Store the push tube and mount pins together so nothing goes missing.

UTV vs ATV for Plowing

Both machines can plow well. An ATV plow is great for smaller driveways and sidewalks, and an ATV fits into tight spaces. A UTV snow plow setup handles larger areas faster, pushes wetter and heavier snow thanks to more weight, and offers a cab for comfort. If you plow a long rural lane or a large property, a UTV is the better tool. Jerry’s ATV vs UTV guide explains the broader differences.

Choosing the Best Machine for Plowing

If you are buying a machine specifically for snow work, look for:

• A full size work UTV with good weight and torque
• Factory plow mount compatibility
• Power steering for easy steering with a heavy blade
• A cab option with heat
• A strong charging system for lights, heater and lift
• Good ground clearance for deep snow

Popular plowing machines include the Ranger 1000, the Defender HD9 and HD11, the Kawasaki Ridge and the Kawasaki Mule PRO FXT 1000. For smaller properties, a midsize Ranger or the Can-Am Defender HD7 can handle the job.

Plowing for Profit

Some owners use their UTV snow plow setup to earn extra income in winter by plowing neighbors’ driveways, small parking lots or rural lanes. If you plan to plow for others, check local regulations, get proper insurance coverage, set clear agreements and invest in a reliable setup with power angle and good lighting. A dependable machine and a professional approach can turn winter into a profitable season.

Setting Up Your Plow Step by Step

Installing a UTV snow plow for the first time takes some time, but once the mount is on, attaching the blade before each storm takes only minutes. Here is the general process for most systems.

Step 1: Install the mount plate

Bolt the mount plate to the frame using the hardware and torque specs supplied. Some machines require removing a skid plate or bumper. Use thread locker where recommended.

Step 2: Assemble the push tube and blade

Attach the push tube to the blade using the pivot pin and angle mechanism. Install the springs that let the blade trip over hidden obstacles. Check that the blade pivots and angles freely.

Step 3: Connect the lift

Attach the plow strap from the winch or lift system to the push tube. Adjust the strap length so the blade lifts high enough for transport but does not over stretch the winch.

Step 4: Attach to the machine

Drive the machine up to the push tube, align the mount, and insert the pins. Quick attach systems use latches or pins that lock in place.

Step 5: Test

Raise and lower the blade several times. Check the angle function. Make sure the blade does not hit the tires or bumper when angled and that the lift system stops at the correct height.

Step 6: Add markers

Blade markers, which are tall flexible rods on each end of the blade, help you see the blade edges from the cab, especially in deep snow.

Common Plowing Mistakes

• Waiting too long and letting snow pile up deep and heavy.
• Using high range and burning the belt.
• Plowing too fast and hitting hidden obstacles.
• Forgetting to mark curbs, drains and landscaping before winter.
• Using the winch hook to lift the plow, damaging the winch.
• Ignoring salt and corrosion after plowing near roads.
• Over pulling the winch and damaging the plow mount.

Planning Ahead for Winter

The best time to set up a plow is before the first snow. Order parts and accessories in early fall, install the mount, test the system and mark obstacles while you can still see them. Check your tires, chains, battery and lighting. Make sure you have the right oil for cold weather. When the first storm hits, you will be ready.

Plowing Different Types of Snow

Light, dry snow

Light powder is the easiest to plow. You can push long distances and roll it off to the side quickly. Higher speeds are fine as long as you watch for hidden obstacles.

Heavy, wet snow

Wet spring snow is heavy and compacts quickly. Plow sooner, take narrower passes, use low range and keep the blade angled so snow rolls off rather than piling up in front. Poly blades really shine in wet snow.

Drifts

Wind blown drifts can be dense and deep. Take small bites from the edge of the drift rather than ramming into it. Back up and take another bite.

Ice and packed snow

Plows do not cut through hard ice well. Use chains for traction, scrape what you can and apply ice melt or sand to improve traction for walking and driving.

Ice Melt and Sand

Many owners carry a spreader on the rear of their UTV to apply ice melt or sand after plowing. A tailgate or hitch mounted spreader makes it easy to treat driveways and paths in one trip. Choose ice melt products that are safe for your surfaces, pets and landscaping. Rinse your machine after spreading salt to prevent corrosion.

Budgeting for a Plow Setup

A complete plow setup includes the blade, push tube, mount plate, lift system and any upgrades like power angle, blade markers and a wear bar. Add chains, lighting and, if needed, a cab and heater. Factory systems usually cost more but fit perfectly and attach quickly. Aftermarket systems can offer savings. Consider how often you plow and how big your area is when deciding how much to invest. If you are buying a new machine and plow together, financing on approved credit can include accessories. Jerry’s side by side cost guide explains how to budget for accessories.

Dressing for Winter Plowing

If your machine does not have a full cab, dress for the conditions. Wear insulated, waterproof layers, a warm hat or balaclava under your helmet, insulated gloves and waterproof boots. Goggles keep blowing snow out of your eyes. Heated gloves and heated jackets powered by the machine’s electrical system are a great upgrade for long plowing sessions. Even with a cab, keep warm gear in the machine in case you get stuck or the heater fails. Cold hands and a cold body make you slower and less careful, so staying warm is a safety issue, not just a comfort one.

Plowing Around Farms and Rural Properties

On farms and large rural properties, plowing often means long lanes, barnyards and paths to livestock areas. Plan routes that keep feed and water accessible, and push snow where meltwater will not flood barns or pens. A crew UTV can carry hay and supplies on the same trip as plowing, saving time on cold mornings. Jerry’s guide to choosing a UTV for farm use covers machines that excel at this kind of all season work.

Quick Pre Storm Checklist

Before every storm, run through a short checklist: battery charged, fuel tank full, tire chains installed and tight, blade attached and lift tested, lights working, wear bar in good shape, warm gear packed and obstacles still marked. Five minutes of preparation the evening before a storm makes the next morning faster, safer and much less stressful when you head out with your UTV snow plow.

Final Thoughts on Choosing a UTV Snow Plow

A UTV snow plow setup turns winter from a chore into a manageable, even enjoyable task. Choose the right blade width for your machine, pick a mount system that attaches quickly, use a plow ready lift system, add chains and lighting, and if you can, add a cab and heater. Plow early, plan your piles and maintain your equipment, and your side by side will keep your property clear all winter.

Browse plow ready UTVs on our shop page, and contact us through our contact page to put together a complete winter package. For winter safety tips on public lands, the ROHVA has helpful resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size plow do I need for my UTV

Most UTVs use blades from 60 to 72 inches. Choose a blade wider than your track width when angled.

Can I use my winch to lift a plow

Yes, but use a plow ready winch, a plow strap and a limit switch to prevent damage.

Steel or poly blade

Both work. Poly sheds snow more easily and does not rust; steel is strong and less expensive.

Do I need chains for plowing

Chains greatly improve traction on packed snow and ice and are recommended for heavy plowing.

Is a cab worth it for plowing

If you plow often, a cab with a heater makes winter work far more comfortable.