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Choosing the Right Tractor Snow Plow Attachments

by | Dec 13, 2024 | Ag Tractor | 0 comments

Tractor Snow Plow for John Deere 5 series

Winter brings its challenges, and for those in snowy regions, clearing driveways, parking lots, and pathways is a crucial task. Snow plows are invaluable tools for this purpose, and with the versatility of tractors, they can be outfitted with a variety of snow plow attachments. Choosing the right tractor snow plow attachment depends on the type of snow you typically encounter, the terrain you need to clear, and the size and type of your tractor. Let’s explore the different types of snow plow attachments available for tractors, their mounting options, and how to choose the right setup for your needs.

Types of Snow Plow Attachments

8000 Series KAGE Under-Hitch Tractor Undercarriage with SnowFire Snow Blade Plowing Snow

1. Front-Mount Tractor Snow Plow Blades

Front-mount snow plow blades are one of the most common attachments for clearing snow. These blades attach to the front of your tractor and are highly effective for pushing snow in straight paths or at an angle. Front blades often come with adjustable angles, allowing you to direct snow to either side.

Advantages:

  • Easy to maneuver.
  • Ideal for clearing driveways, sidewalks, and smaller areas.
  • Can handle moderate snow depths.

Considerations:

  • Limited by the width of the blade and the tractor’s size.

Shadow Blade Rear Tractor Snow Plows2. Rear-Mount Tractor Snow Plow Blades/Wings

Rear-mount snow plow blades attach to the back of a tractor, typically via a 3-point hitch. These are great for tasks extending plow widths and cleaning up windrows. Depending on the size and style of the blade, they can also be used for bench winging and clearing snow from under objects such as semi-trailers.

Advantages:

  • Versatile, as they can sometimes rotate for different tasks.
  • Ideal for areas that require precision, such as near walls or fences.
  • Can counteract crab-walk effect of front plows

Considerations:

  • May require looking backwards over the shoulder or turning around to get a good view plow edges. When using a rear blade of any kind, it may be helpful to use a laser plow guide like KAGE’s Wingline, which projects a green laser light in front of the driver identifying the projected path of the rear wing.

SnowStorm Blast Snow Pusher on John Deere Tractor3. Front Tractor Snow Pushers

Front snow pushers, also known as box plows, are designed for moving large volumes of snow. They feature high sidewalls and a wide blade to collect and push snow efficiently.

Advantages:

  • Excellent for large, open areas like parking lots.
  • Capable of handling heavy snowfalls and wet snow.
  • Reduces the number of passes needed compared to traditional blades.
  • Offer the best stacking capabilities.

Considerations:

  • Limited ability to angle snow to the side.
  • Requires more powerful tractors for larger models.

SnowDozer Wing Large Tractor Snow Plow4. Front Tractor Wing Plows

Front wing plows offer a center blade with pivoting wing extensions on each end. These wings are often hydraulically powered, allowing the operator to control the angle of the blade extensions for optimal containment or windrowing.

Advantages:

  • Extremely versatile with multiple adjustable angles
  • Eliminates the need for separate blades and pushers
  • Great back dragging containment
  • Variable width options

Consideration

  • High purchase and maintenance costs
  • More skill needed for operation due to complex controls

 

Mounting Options for Tractor Snow Plows

Snow Plow Bucket Clamp

1. Tractor Bucket Clamps

Bucket clamp systems allow snow plow blades or pushers to attach directly to a tractor’s front loader bucket. These are a popular choice for operators who need flexibility and quick installation without removing the bucket.

Advantages:

  • Easy to install and remove.
  • Allows for multi-use functionality of the loader bucket.
  • Use with loader arms allows for higher lift heights

Considerations:

  • May not be as secure or durable as direct attachments.
  • Less control over blade angle and positioning.
  • Places additional strain on loader arms
  • More difficult turning when plow is on the ground due to distance from plow to cab

Under-Hitch 1200 with 3 Point Pivot Frame Attachment

2. 3-Point Hitches

This attachment method is robust and provides excellent control over the plow’s angle and depth. Rear-mount plows commonly use 3-point hitches, which are standard on most tractors. A KAGE Under-Hitch can put the 3-point hitch on the front of virtually any tractor, enabling it to be used for front tractor plows as well.

Advantages:

  • Compatible with a wide range of implements.
  • Ideal for front- and rear-mounted blades as well as back-dragging.

Considerations:

  • Requires the tractor’s hydraulics, limiting use of other implements simultaneously.

SnowFire Blast Tractor Snow Pusher With Skid Steer Quick Attach Plate

3. Skid Steer Quick-Attach Plates For Tractors

Skid steer plates provide a quick and secure attachment method for front-mounted plows and pushers. This system is often found on tractors with front-end loaders equipped with a quick-attach system.

Advantages:

  • Fast and easy to switch between attachments.
  • Provides a solid and stable connection for heavy-duty snow plowing.
  • Use with loader arms provides higher lift heights

Considerations:

  • Requires a tractor with a compatible skid steer-style quick-attach system.
  • Can be more expensive than other mounting options.
  • Requires loader arms which are slower and less durable
  • Distance from plow to cab must be considered for turning

Compact Tractor Direct Hitch Snow Plow

4. Tractor Direct Hitch

Generally used on compact tractors, this attachment method is extremely secure and durable for front snow plows, bringing the plow close to the machine.

Advantages:

  • Improved steering capabilities
  • Easy to attach and detach plows
  • Maximum durability

Considerations

  • Specific to KAGE tractor plows
  • Requires use of KAGE Under-Hitch tractor undercarriage
  • Reduced visibility of cutting edge
  • Limited lift height

Matching Plow Attachments to Tractor Sizes

SnowFire on Bobcat Compact Tractor

Compact Tractors

Compact tractors, typically in the 20-100 horsepower (HP) range, are perfect for residential use and light commercial snow removal. These tractors pair well with smaller front-mount blades (4-12 feet wide) and pushers. Rear counterweight is generally recommended for better traction. They’re ideal for clearing driveways, sidewalks, and small parking lots.

SnowStorm 2-in-1 Snow Plow and Pusher SystemMid-Size Tractors

Mid-size tractors, in the 100-300 HP range, offer increased power and versatility. They can handle larger plow attachments, making them suitable for clearing snow in medium-sized parking lots and private roads.

SnowDozer Wing Large Tractor Snow PlowLarge Tractors

Large tractors, exceeding 300 HP, are designed for heavy-duty snow removal tasks. They can handle the largest attachments, including industrial-grade snow pushers and plows. These machines are ideal for municipalities, commercial properties, and farms with significant snow-clearing needs.

  • Recommended attachments: Wide snow pushers, Front Wing Plows (10-28 feet or more), heavy-duty plow blades and back blades.
  • Mounting options:
    • Heavy-duty 3-point hitches

Final Thoughts

Under-Hitch 1200Snow plow attachments for tractors offer a customizable solution for winter snow removal. From compact tractors for residential driveways to large machines for industrial-scale clearing, there’s an option for every need. Whether you prefer a front-mounted blade, a rear-mount setup, snow pusher or wing plow, understanding your tractor’s capabilities and your snow-clearing demands will help you choose the right equipment. If you’re considering using a front tractor plow of any kind, it’s worth checking into KAGE universal Under-Hitch system, which accommodates both 3-point hitch plows and direct hitch plows while adding safety, stability and versatility.

Equip your tractor wisely, and enjoy the efficiency and effectiveness of a well-prepared snow removal arsenal.

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