Best Tires for Plowing Snow

Snow plowing can be one of the most demanding tasks you put your machinery through each winter. Whether you’re clearing a driveway, a commercial lot, or rural roads after a serious storm, having the best tires for snow plowing can make all the difference in traction, safety, efficiency, and overall performance. Different machines — from skid steers to pickup trucks, ATVs to tractors and wheel loaders — all have unique needs when it comes to winter traction. This guide will walk you through the best tire options for snow plowing across equipment types, with an in-depth look at standout choices like the KAGE Klawz skid steer snow tires.

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Why Tire Choice Matters for Snow Plowing

Before we dive into specific machines, it’s worth understanding why tire selection is so important:

• Traction: Snow and ice dramatically reduce grip. Specialized winter tread patterns, siping, and compounds help generate bite even in slick conditions.

• Control: Better traction improves steering, acceleration, and braking — all vital when pushing heavy snow loads.

• Wear Resistance: Winter compounds resist cracking and chunking in cold temps, extending tire life.

• Efficiency: Good tires reduce wheel spin and energy loss, helping you complete jobs faster with less fuel use.

Now let’s look at the top tire choices for common plowing machines.

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Skid Steers: Purpose-Built Snow Tires

Skid steer loaders are a favorite for commercial snow removal. But to get the most from them, dedicated snow tires are preferable to all-season or dirt tires.

KAGE Klawz Skid Steer Snow Tires

One standout option in the snow plowing world is the KAGE Klawz snow tire kit — specifically designed for skid steers.

These aren’t your average skid steer tires:

• Radial Design: Unlike many traditional skew steer tires, Klawz use a radial construction for better contact with snowy surfaces, improved traction and smoother ride.

• Michelin Snow Tread: They feature Michelin XM+S4 winter tread retreads — optimized for snow and ice grip.

• Durable Build: Full steel welded rims and heavy-duty valve stem guards make them tough for heavy plowing.

• Versatile Sizes: Offered in several sizes to fit popular skid steer brands like Bobcat, Caterpillar, Kubota, Case, and John Deere.

Operators report noticeable gains in traction, speed and comfort over stock tires — particularly useful when pushing deep snow or climbing slippery inclines.

Other Skid Steer Snow Tires

If KAGE Klawz aren’t available or you’re exploring alternatives, there are several capable tires built for winter duty:

• Studded Snow Tires: Some manufacturers offer siped and studded skid steer snow tires with specialized rubber compounds and deep tread for extra grip at low temperatures.

• Heavy-Duty Pneumatic Tires: Look for high-ply ratings (10-14+ ply) with aggressive tread for better flotation and stability.

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ATV Snow Tires for Plowing

ATVs and UTVs are popular for smaller lots, driveways, and trails:

Best Features for Snow Plowing:

• Deep Lugs: Aggressive, deep tread offers traction in soft snow.

• Directional Patterns: Help push snow outward instead of packing it under tires.

• Stud or Chain Compatibility: Add studs or chains for icy surfaces.

Some excellent tire options to consider:

• Maxxis Snow-Specific ATV Tires – Known for dedicated winter rubber and good icy traction in smaller machines.

• All-Terrain (A/T) Tires with Snow Rating – Tires like the Maxxis M910 or similar offer versatility for fall/winter work.

Chains and Studs

On ATVs, you can combine quality tires with chains or studs for maximum grip on ice or hard-packed snow — an inexpensive upgrade that dramatically improves performance.

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Snow Plow Truck Tires: From Light Duty to Heavy Plow Rigs

Your truck’s tires play a significant role when plowing:

Tire Types to Consider

• All-Terrain (A/T) Tires: Great balance between snow grip and year-round capability. Many A/Ts have 3-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) ratings, indicating they meet severe snow service standards.

• Dedicated Winter Tires: These are optimized for cold, snowy conditions but may wear faster in warm months.

• Narrower Tires (“Pizza Cutters”): Narrower footprints can cut through snow to firmer surfaces beneath — preferred by many plow drivers.

Popular Choices from Community Experience

While specific brand fitness varies based on region and truck size, some highly regarded options among plow operators include:

• BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3: Excellent snow traction and durability (often run on plow trucks).

• Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac: Great aggressive tread with optional stud capability.

• Studdable Winter Tires: Studdable tires like Bridgestone Blizzak or Hakkapeliitta offer phenomenal icy traction.

Tip: If your truck spends most of winter plowing, consider switching between dedicated winter tires for plow season and all-season/A/T for other months.

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Tractor Snow Plowing Tires: Industrial and Farm Snow Clearing

Tractors used for snow clearing — from small utility tractors to larger agricultural machines — have unique requirements:

Recommended Tractor Tires for Snow

• R1 Ag Tires (Agricultural): Deep, aggressive lugs provide excellent traction in deep snow and field conditions — particularly effective for uneven surfaces where snow tends to build up.

• R4 Industrial Tires: These have a flatter tread and can offer better traction on paved driveways or roads while still performing in snow.

• Dual Wheels or Chains: Adding dual wheels or chains improves stability and traction drastically — especially when carrying a front snow blade.

Considerations

• Terrain: R1 tires excel in soft ground but can be harsh on paved surfaces. R4 tires offer a more balanced compromise for mixed use.

• Chain Compatibility: Chains on tractors are common and effective.

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Snow Plowing Tires For Wheel Loaders: Big Jobs, Big Tires

Wheel loaders are large, heavy machines used for commercial and municipal snow removal:

Tire Features for Wheel Loaders

• High Load Ratings: Choose tires with a high ply or load index to support heavy loads and plow forces.

• Aggressive Tread with Lug Depth: Deep, widely spaced lugs help clear snow and reduce buildup between tread blocks.

• Ice-Optimized Compounds: Tires with winter-rated rubber stay more pliable for traction at low temps.

Tire Options

• Commercial Snow Tires: Major tire manufacturers offer wheel loader snow tires designed for winter conditions. These often include versions with siping and ice-biting tread patterns.

• Industrial Off-Road Tires: These can work in snow and ice but may not be as specialized as winter-rated options.

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Final Thoughts — Match Tires to Your Machine and Conditions

The best tire choice depends largely on how you use your equipment, the surfaces you’re clearing, and the snow and ice conditions you face. Here’s a quick recap:

Choosing the right tires can transform how effective your snow-plow fleet is — cutting down time, improving safety, and maximizing the life of your machines. Whether you’re outfitting a fleet of skid steers, a rugged plow truck, or a compact ATV for your driveway, investing in the right winter traction will pay dividends all season long.