Snow Plow Attachment Systems: How They Connect to Different Machines

When it comes to moving snow efficiently, the plow blade itself is only part of the equation. The way a snow plow attachment connects to its host machine determines not only how securely it mounts, but also how quickly it can be installed, how versatile it will be, and how much control the operator will have while working.

Different machines—farm tractors, skid steers, wheel loaders, and more—require different connection systems. Understanding these mounting options can help equipment owners choose the right plow for their needs and make sure it’s compatible with their fleet. Four of the most common attachment types include 3-point hitches, KAGE direct hitches, skid steer attachment plates, and wheel loader quick attaches.

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1. 3-Point Hitch Attachments

Commonly used with:

• Larger Compact tractors

• Utility tractors

• Agricultural tractors

The 3-point hitch is the universal standard for attaching implements to tractors. This system uses two lower lift arms and a centered top link, forming three connection points that hold and control the attachment.

Advantages for snow plowing:

• Widely compatible: Almost every tractor on the market has a Category 1 or Category 2 3-point hitch.

• Simple hookup: Many operators can connect a snow plow attachment in just minutes.

• Lift and angle control: The hitch’s hydraulic lift allows operators to raise the plow for transport or drop it for cutting into packed snow.

• Rear or front mounting: While most 3-point attachments are rear-mounted, some front-mount options exist with the help of quick-hitch adapters or front 3-point systems.

Potential drawbacks:

• Limited floating ability: Standard 3-point hitches can be rigid, meaning they don’t always follow ground contours perfectly without a float function.

• Transport visibility: Rear-mounted plows can make it harder to see what you’re doing unless using a rear-view camera or constantly turning in the seat.

• Stacking capability: While the 3-point hitch does provide some lift, it is significantly lower than machines with loader arms

• Counterweight: Front 3-point hitch attachments tend to sit out further in front of the machine than other attachments thus causing a need for more counterweight.

For rural property owners or municipalities that already use tractors for mowing or grading, adding a 3-point snow plow attachment is a cost-effective way to expand winter capabilities.

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2. KAGE Direct Hitch System

Commonly used with:

• Compact tractors

The KAGE direct hitch is designed to offer a tight, secure connection without relying on a universal skid steer plate or 3-point hitch. This hitch connects directly to the machine’s loader arms or frame, creating a more integrated link between tractor and plow.

Advantages for snow plowing:

• Maximum stability: Because the hitch is designed for direct connection close to the machine, there’s less play or “slop” in the mount, resulting in more precise control.

• Quick changeover: Direct hitch setups from KAGE are engineered for fast, tool-free attachment.

Potential drawbacks:

• Machine-specific: Unlike a universal skid steer plate, the KAGE direct hitch must be used in conjunction with a KAGE Under-Hitch universal tractor undercarriage.

• Less lift & visibility: With the attachment being closer to the machine, the plow pivots upward rather than lifting and pivoting. The front of the equipment also blocks the drivers line of sight to the cutting edge more.

For operations that value precision and speed—such as commercial snow contractors clearing tight urban lots—the direct hitch system offers excellent productivity.

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3. Skid Steer Attachment Plates (Universal Quick Attach)

Commonly used with:

• Skid steer loaders

• Compact track loaders

• Telehandlers

• Utility Work Machines

• Modern tractors with adapter plates

• Wheel loaders with adapter plates

The skid steer attachment plate, often called the “universal quick attach” or “SSA (Skid Steer-Style Attachment),” has become one of the most common connection systems in the equipment world. It’s a standardized plate-and-pin setup that allows a wide range of attachments—from buckets to grapples to snow plows—to be used interchangeably between different brands of skid steers and other machines equipped with adapters.

Advantages for snow plowing:

• High compatibility: Most major brands (Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, John Deere, etc.) use this standard.

• Fast hookup: The quick attach levers make connecting a plow simple and fast, especially when combined with hydraulic couplers for angle control.

• Versatility: A snow plow and/or pusher can easily be swapped for a bucket, or broom without additional hardware.

• Stacking: Since Universal Quick Attaches are generally at the end of loader arms, it greatly increases lift capabilities for stacking snow.

Potential drawbacks:

• Weight balance: The universal plate adds some weight and can slightly extend the distance between the machine and the plow, which may increase the need for counterweight.

For contractors running multiple machines or wanting to share attachments across brands, the universal skid steer plate is hard to beat for flexibility.

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4. Wheel Loader Quick Attaches (Quick Couplers)

Commonly used with:

• Mid- to large-sized wheel loaders

• Some compact wheel loaders

Wheel loaders use their own style of quick coupler systems, which are larger and more heavy-duty than skid steer plates. These can be manufacturer-specific (like JRB, ISO, or Volvo couplers) and are designed to handle the higher lift capacities and torque loads of wheel loaders.

Advantages for snow plowing:

• Heavy-duty strength: Perfect for handling oversized snow plows and pushers that would be too large for smaller machines.

• Fast changes: Hydraulic quick couplers let operators switch from a bucket to a plow in under a minute without leaving the cab.

• Optimized for loader geometry: The plow is mounted at the correct angle and height for maximum pushing power.

• Additional Float: Some snow plow attachments including KAGE plows offer additional float in their quick attaches to allow for better control of the machine by keeping the front tires on the ground.

Potential drawbacks:

• Brand-specific: Many wheel loader quick attaches are not interchangeable between brands without an adapter.

• Higher cost: Wheel loader attachments, including snow plows, tend to be more expensive due to their size and build quality.

For airports, municipalities, and large industrial sites, wheel loaders with quick attach systems offer unmatched snow-clearing capacity and speed.

5. Bucket Clamps

Commonly used with:

• Mid- to large-sized wheel loaders

• Backhoe Loaders

• Telehandlers

• Crawler Loaders

Some equipment has buckets permanently attached to the loader arms and sometimes the operator prefers to leave the bucket in place. For these situations bucket clamps come in handy, allowing a snow plow to be attached to the bottom edge of the bucket.

Advantages for snow plowing:

• Flexibility: Allows snow plows to be attached any machine with a bucket without having to invest in dedicated mounting system

• Reach: The plow sits farther in front of the machine, extending reach and increasing stacking capabilities

Potential drawbacks:

• Reduced Power: The snow plow attachment sits farther in front of the machine reducing pushing power and traction

• Reduced Precision: The bucket can get in the way for back dragging and the plow will not be as responsive and maneuverable as plows mounted directly to the machine

• Reduced Durability: Extended leverage can put extra strain on hydraulic arms and pins as well as the bucket. Clamped plows also have increased risk of shifting during heavy use.

• Limited Features: By attaching to the bucket, it makes it harder to connect hydraulics for angling functions

For airports, municipalities, and large industrial sites, wheel loaders with quick attach systems offer unmatched snow-clearing capacity and speed.

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Choosing the Right Attachment System

The right snow plow mounting system depends on several factors:

• Machine type: Tractors, skid steers, and wheel loaders all have different mounting norms.

• Attachment sharing: If you plan to use one snow plow attachment on multiple machines, a universal plate or widely compatible hitch is best.

• Speed of changeover: In commercial snow work, downtime switching attachments can be costly.

• Durability needs: Heavy-duty couplers and direct mounts can offer more rigidity and long-term reliability.

From the simplicity of a 3-point hitch to the precision of a KAGE direct hitch, from the flexibility of a skid steer plate to the muscle of a wheel loader coupler, each connection system has its strengths. Understanding them ensures your snow plow isn’t just the right size and shape—but also the right fit.

Attachment Type	Common Machines	Speed of Hookup		Compatibility	Durability	Cost	Best Use Scenarios
3-Point Hitch	Compact & utility tractors, agricultural tractors	Moderate (5–10 minutes)		High within tractor categories (Cat 1 & 2 hitches)	Good, but can be rigid without float	$$	Rural properties, municipal tractors, farms
KAGE Direct Hitch	Compact tractors	Moderate (5-10 minutes)		Any Tractor with a KAGE Under-Hitch	Excellent — tight, stable connection	$$	Commercial snow removal, tight urban areas, precision work
Skid Steer Attachment Plate (Universal Quick Attach)	Skid steers, compact track loaders, tractors, telehandlers, utility work machines & wheel loaders with adapters	Very fast (1–3 minutes)		Very high across brands with SSA plate	Very good, minor wear possible over time	$	Contractors with multiple machines, mixed fleets, rapid attachment swaps
Wheel Loader Quick Attach	Mid- to large-sized wheel loaders	Very fast (1–3 minutes)		Medium — many couplers are brand-specific	Excellent — heavy-duty build for large loads	$$$	Airports, municipalities, industrial sites, heavy snow volumes
Bucket Clamp	Wheel Loaders, Crawler Loaders, Backhoe Loaders, Telehandlers	Fast (3-5 minutes, often from cab)		High within equipment with durable loader arms	Good — depending on machine and bucket	$$	Rural properties & contractors with multiple machines, mixed fleets,

KAGE Snow Plow Attachment Options

• 3 Point Hitch
  • SnowFire 2-in-1 Systems
  • SnowFire Xtreme
  • SnowStorm 2-in-1 System
  • SnowStorm BLAST
  • SnowStorm BLAST STEEL
  • SnowDozer 2-in-1 System
  • SnowDozer Wing
• Direct Hitch
  • SnowFire 2-in-1 Systems
  • SnowFire Xtreme
• Skid Steer Attachment Plate
  • SnowFire (SBK) 2-in-1 System
  • SnowFire (LBK) – 2-in-1 System for wheel loaders
  • SnowFire BLAST
  • SnowFire Xtreme
• Wheel Loader Quick Attach
  • SnowFire 2-in-1 Systems
  • SnowFire Xtreme
  • SnowStorm 2-in-1 System
  • SnowStorm BLAST
  • SnowStorm BLAST STEEL
  • SnowDozer 2-in-1 System
  • SnowDozer Wing
• Bucket Clamp
  • SnowStorm BLAST
  • SnowStorm BLAST STEEL