Best Lawn Tractor for Snow Removal | How to turn a Lawn Tractor into a Snow Plow or Blower: Snow Removal Equipment for Riding Lawn Mowers & ATVs

What is the best lawn tractor for snow removal? Despite its comparatively compact size, an advanced lawn/garden tractor should be equipped with a powerful engine to manage various volumes and types of snow. It should be equipped with a set of user-friendly features like a control panel, bright lightning system, and integrated high-performance mowing mechanisms. Besides, such tractors should be designed to accept various attachments and accessories applicable four seasons of the year.

The compatible snow removal attachments should be capable of struggling with huge amounts of snow quickly and efficiently. Besides, durability and wear resistance must be the prime features of snow blades and throwers. More than that, a decent tractor snow plow assembly is maintenance-free and easy for storage, thus considerably reducing its ownership costs.

Snow Removal Equipment: Lawn Tractors & Snow Plows and Snow Blower Attachments | Comparison

During winter time many people have a lot of concerns related to snow removal issues. If the amount of snow is unpredictably high, you would hardly manage it with appropriate manual or even light-duty power tools. Otherwise, you would spend oodles of time and effort struggling with huge piles of snow, or wait for city crews. A mini-tractor for snow removal would be the best wayout in this case; as facilitation of human labour is its primary function. Modern lawn tractors suitable for snow removal are differed by a type, design, and designation. Let’s learn about them in more detail below!

What lawn tractors are suitable for snow removal?

You’ve most probably thought: “Why do I need a lawn tractor, just for an occasional use?” Maybe, you are right. If you have a small house with a tiny backyard, then purchasing a heavy-duty lawn care machine would be unreasonable. On the contrary, when you own a large territory/garden more than 30,000 sq. ft., or live in a rural/remote area with a driveway which has to be cleaned after each heavy snow, then a machine compatible with various snow plow/blower attachments becomes an indispensable thing.

Front-engine lawn tractors for snow removal

Front-engine lawn tractors are designed to cut grass on vast territories. They are considered to be universal machines which can be adapted to multiple garden applications. Modern lawn tractors can tow a cart, and most of them feature a detachable mower deck which can be replaced by snow removal accessories in winter time. For instance, equipped with a powerful Briggs & Stratton 19 HP engine, the Craftsman T225 makes it suitable to fulfill larger snow cleaning jobs. However, there is one condition which may become a limitation of its use. And I mean the surface of your territory which has to be flat. Otherwise, you’d better use a heavy-duty gas snow blower.

A rear-engine riding lawn mower for snow removal

A rear-engine riding lawn mower is another option which can be used for snow removal. They are equipped with smaller mower decks, and come in a more compact design in comparison with lawn tractors. Thus, riding lawn mowers are more suitable for smaller yards and gardens. Due to their compatibility with various attachments, in addition to grass cutting purposes, these machines are widely used now for cutting, garden debris and snow removal. Also, they have enough maneuverability to mow through narrower bumpy land plots, as well. And the Husqvarna YTH24V54 with its impressive 16-in turning radius proves this feature.

ATV vehicles for snow removal

Also, a large snow-covered area can be easily cleaned by means of an ATV vehicle. You should realize that a four-wheeler can be used as a household assistant, additionally to an extreme off-road driving. All you need is supplementary accessories compatible with your vehicle, like a snow plow. With all ATV benefits, please, remember that it is not designed primarily for clearing driveways, paths or lawns from show; although it has plenty of power to do this. For instance, an ATV will pave your way through snow drifts to ice fishing locations.

Overall, there is a big selection of different snow plow riding equipment on the current market. Basically, all of them are designed for doing the same job. However, some of them appear to be more efficient than others. The most important thing is to ensure compatibility of your machine with a particular attachment before its purchase. Below, some of the most popular snow removal attachments are rounded up.

How to equip a tractor for residential snow removal | Snow Removal Equipment: Snow plow attachments for lawn tractors: snow plows and snow blower attachments

If you doubt which type of attachment you need, think of what snowfall intensity you usually receive, and whether you have to face constant weather fluctuations causing variations in snow cover structure (soft, wet or glazed packed snow).

Also your choice will be grounded by the fact what tractor you own, as hooking up an attachment will depend on a model and its particular instructions from a manufacturer. If you have already purchased a suitable snow plow for your machine, learn these manual instructions first, and then proceed with installation. In general, you will need to fix an attachment to an engine via clutch and V-belt (strictly as per manufacturer’s instructions!).

Snow removal equipment for any type of tractor comes in a big design to provide a wider clearing path. Also, they have enough capacity when run by a tractor’s engine to deal with a bigger amount of snow than any heavy-duty gas-powered snow blower.

Snow plows and blades

Snow blade, sometimes called a plow blade looks as a bucket with sharpened edges. It can be used for clearing pathways and sidewalks from snow. This attachment is fixed in the front of a tractor. During riding of the machine a snow blade shovels snow. In general, plow blades can get closer to the ground, and therefore remove more snow, than throwers. The Denali 46-in snow plow kit from Motoalliance is compatible with most lawn/garden tractors and it consists of several plowing and mounting attachments which allow its usage for various snow removal jobs.

Snow blower attachments

A snow thrower (also known as a snow blower) is a more versatile attachment. It also has a bucket which is additionally equipped with an auger. They serve to break up chunks of hardened or icy snow and supply it to a snow throwing chute. Overall, such tooling will handle larger amounts of snow. By adjusting throw distance and direction during the cleaning process, it is possible to counter crosswinds and pile snow directly at a side road. And the CUB CADET 42 IN. 3-STAGE SNOW BLOWER is an awesome combination of the high-capacity and new technologies.

Thus, purchasing a decent tractor snow plow combination will allow maintaining your driveway, and other larger routes of your property free from snow. It’s important that in this case the ground surface will be left undamaged throughout the winter months.

Top-8 Tractors & Snow Removal Equipment | Snow Plow/ Blower Attachments for Riding Lawn Mowers and ATVs

The selected options feature numerous benefits like an enlarged clearing width from Agri-Fab, Craftsman enhanced maneuverability, an innovative 3-stage technology from MTD, and even more.

Craftsman CMXGZBF7124441 42 Snow Blade Tex Snowblade

CRAFTSMAN was established by Sears, the retail store owner, in 1927. Nowadays, the company belongs to Stanley Black & Decker and manufactures a vast variety of outdoor power equipment, including snow blowers, lawn and garden tractors and attachments to them.

The CMXGZBF7124441 snow blade ensures a 42-in clearing width to cope with snow cover of 8 inches deep or less. The height of the blade can be adjusted with a handle from a driver’s seat. The pivoting mechanism contributes to higher snow removal efficiency. Replaceable side shoes and scraper bar prevent blade surface from damage and contribute to its longer service life.

This model is made of high-quality 13 ga. steel enhancing its overall durability. Besides, it comes in a compact design which provides superior maneuverability and convenience for storage. A universal bracket of this blade is designed to fit a variety of lawn tractors, and the entire range of Craftsman tractors, like Craftsman T225 19 HP Briggs & Stratton Gold 46-Inch Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mower.

This powerful gas-powered machine, additionally equipped with hydrostatic transmission will provide 46-inch cutting swath in one pass. Apart from snow removal capabilities with appropriate attachments, it can perform multiple lawn care tasks like cutting, trimming, grass clipping in forward and backward directions. The 15-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels improve its maneuverability through bumpy terrain due to its higher clearance.

Features

• Clearing width (in): 42
• Weight (lbs): 79
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 48 x 42 x 14

This unit will clear various surfaces in your yard like sidewalks, paths and driveways from moderate snowfalls. With all said, this reliable combo will last for years with no mishaps.

Craftsman CMXGZBF7124441: Check the current price

Agri-Fab LBD48D Front Mount Plow Blade to Fit L&G Tractors Made by Husquvarna | Best snow plow attachment for Husqvarna Lawn Mower

Agri-Fab is the U.S. company which has been focusing on manufacturing multifunctional residential-grade lawn and garden tools since 1936.

The Agri-Fab 48" snow plow blade can be attached to many brands of lawn and garden tractors with MTD LT, GT, YT types frames (except ZT tractors). The height and angle of the blade can be adjusted with the help of an ergonomic handle which can be reached right from a tractor seat. This model comes in a rugged steel design with a replaceable scraper bar and adjustable skid shoes.

For instance, the Agri-Fab LBD48D makes a perfect match with the Husqvarna YTH24V54 54 in. 24 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower. The latter is offered by a world-famous brand and features a super powerful 24 HP Briggs and Stratton Intek V-Twin engine. Besides, its unmatched performance is ensured by a foot hydrostatic transmission and easy starting function. More than that, it has a 16-in turning radius which allows running in tighter spaces and riding over various obstacles.

Features

• Clearing width (in): 48
• Weight (lbs): 89
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 48 x 36 x 14

This product is an awesome option for light-duty snow removal jobs. With an enhanced maneuverability of this tractor plow combo, its potential use can be significantly enlarged.

Agri-Fab LBD48D Front Mount Plow Blade: Check the current price

Black Boar Snow Plow Kit ATV Kit-48 with 9-Position Blade Angle, Adjusts to 30 Degrees to Each Side (66016) | Best ATV snow plow

This versatile snow plow kit is suitable with most ATVs designed with round or square tubular frames. The 48-inch snow plow blade features a reversible wear surface contributing to its durability. The blade angle can be adjusted, as well as its skid pads ensuring its height variability. The unit can be easily mounted or disconnected from the bracket with the help of two quick pins.

In particular it is compatible with the ATV 200B Quad 4 Wheelers Utility (Tree Camo) comes with a large robust frame to bear a load applied. Also, it features 23”/22”-inch tires which make it suitable for all-terrain usage, and contributes to its navigation through moderate snowdrifts. Its power is ensured by a 169cc 4-stage air-cooled engine which can be activated by an integrated electric start function. Besides, this vehicle has an innovative LED headlight which will perfectly illuminate your way in the night, and make snow plowing easily.

Features

• Clearing width (in): 48
• Weight (lbs): 88
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 11 x 41.6 x 19.5

This option offers a solid construction to cope with snowfalls in a more efficient manner, by attaching the blade immediately, whenever you need it.

Black Boar Snow Plow Kit ATV Kit-48: Check the current price

ARNOLD 19A40024OEM MTD GENUINE PARTS 3-STAGE SNOW THROWER | Best snow blower attachment for Troy-Bilt riding lawn mower

The Modern Tool and Die Company (MTD) is the U.S. based brand and one of the leading manufacturers of power garden equipment in the world.

The 42-in MTD snow blower attachment features an innovative 3-stage technology which contributes to 25% higher snow removal efficiency in comparison with conventional 2-stage models. Its 42 inches wide housing can handle up to 18-inch snowdrifts. A 180-degree throwing chute of this model comes in a robust steel design, and allows 20 ft. snow tossing and or more. The thrower also features adjustable skid shoes and scraper blades which increase its plowing efficiency and prevent any surface to be cleaned from damage.

This unit is compatible with Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP riding lawn mower, a model of 2015, and its upgraded versions, like Troy-Bilt Pony 42X with 42-Inch Deck and 547cc Engine Tractor. It comes with a 547cc OHV engine and a forged-steel crankshaft which enhances the overall durability. Its high-performance is provided by a 7-speed transmission which can be controlled via dash panel. The Step-Thru frame design of this tractor ensures easier access for maintenance and easier attachment replacement.

Features

• Clearing width (in): 42
• Throwing distance (ft): 20
• Weight (lbs): 283
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 60.7 x 33.5 x 31.1

This pricy tractor attachment combo demonstrates a superior strength and durability to tackle most challenging heavy, wet and icy snow with ease.

ARNOLD 19A40024OEM: Check the current price

HUSQVARNA 967343901 TWO STAGE LAWN TRACTOR MOUNTED SNOW THROWER

This snow blower attachment from a global manufacturer of power equipment and tools uses its 12” serrated input augers and a high-speed impeller for the improved snow removal efficiency. After initial attachment of this model, there won’t be necessity in additional tools anymore to disconnect it or install it back. The thrower and 180° rotating chute can be manually controlled from a tractor seat. This model is compatible with the entire lineup of Husqvarna tractors.

HUSQVARNA 967343901: Check the current price

MotoAlliance DENALI 46" Plow Kit - Lawn Tractors, Cub Cadet XT1, XT2, Husqvarna, JD 100 Series, etc | Best for most garden tractors

This Denali plow kit is designed and manufactured by Motoalliance, the U.S. company which focuses on developing high-quality power sports accessories, and ATV/UTV snow plow attachments. The kit comprises a 46-in steel snow plow blade, 2 replaceable bars, skid feet, a mounting set and installation hardware. The lifting/lowering can be manually adjusted, along with an angle which can be varied depending on an application. This snow plow system can be attached to most garden tractors like Cub Cadet, Husqvarna, John Deere, etc.

MotoAlliance DENALI 46" Plow Kit: Check the current price

Cub Cadet Snow Blower Attachment | Best 3-stage Snow Blower Attachment

This high-performance unit is offered by the Cub Cadet, the U.S. company which produces power equipment and grants outdoor services, as well as handling vehicles and snow plow systems. The company declares that their products are 100% U.S. made. They present this 3-stage snow blower as an upgraded version of conventional 2-stage models which allows achieving 25% higher efficiency. It can handle 18-in snowdrifts faster with the help of a high-capacity accelerator and a rugged steel throwing chute. Also, it comes with skid shoes and a scraper blade.

Cub Cadet Snow Blower Attachment: Check the current price

Why attaching a snow plow to a riding mower might be a bad idea? | Problems & Downsides

If you live in a rural area with a large property which receives heavy snowfalls on a constant basis during winter time, you have probably already purchased some powerful unit to cope with the snow. And if you own a lawn/garden tractor to tend your farmland, you might have thought about various attachments to turn it into an all-season piece of equipment. Frankly speaking, this idea could come to you only if you’ve already invested in such a pricey vehicle. Otherwise, taking into consideration that an advanced plow attachment would cost you as much as many powerful snow blowers on the current market, you would hardly make the decision to purchase such an expensive combination at once. Besides, you should realize that this assembly usually has a large footprint; that is an appropriate storage space must be always available.

Best alternative to a lawn tractor for snow removal

So, if you don’t have a tractor or a riding lawn mower and your land plot has plenty of turns and bumps, then it is recommended to pay attention to a snow clearing equipment with an improved maneuverability. In this case, you would save much time and effort instead of navigating around different obstacles. In the vast majority of cases, a gas-powered 2-stage or an battery-operated cordless wheeled snow blower would be a reasonable choice. This is a versatile unit indeed, operation of which is neither restricted by the snow type, nor by power supply availability. Such snow blowers can successfully perform walkway and driveway clearing from huge amounts of snow.

For instance, a self-propelled battery-powered two-stage Snow Joe iON8024-XR 80-Volt iONMAX will help you to cope with any winter’s nasty snowy surprises. An outstanding power of this 80V unit is provided by a 2500W brushless motor and two interchangeable 40 V 5 Ah batteries. Thus, these features allow reaching up to 30 minutes of an uninterrupted and smooth runtime in an eco-friendly manner, and with greater comfort for an operator.

Best-Selling Tractors for Snow Removal & Snow Blower Attachments for Riding Lawn Mowers and ATVs