Understanding snow blowers and plows for safe winter roadway clearing
Snow it a fact of life for many farms. Love it hate it, removing snow on a farm is part of the many chores that must be done, an important part of winter management on farms and rural properties.
The right equipment can save time, reduce stress and help maintain safe access to roads and driveways. Snow blowers and snow plows are the two most common tools, and each option works better in certain conditions. This article takes a look at the pros and cons of each option.
Snow blowers are useful on narrow driveways or roads where snow cannot be pushed to the sides. Instead of creating large snow berms, a blower throws snow well away from the road. However, blowers are slower than plows, especially when clearing long distances like long farm driveways. Walk-behind snow blowers are only suitable for short driveways, while wider models measuring 5 to 6 feet are designed to mount on tractors, UTVs or other vehicles.
Tractor-mounted snow blowers powered by the PTO are common and cost-effective if the tractor already has sufficient horsepower. One disadvantage is that many rear-mounted blowers require operators to drive backward, which can be uncomfortable and slow. Front-mounted blowers are easier to use but may require a front PTO or a separate engine, adding complexity and cost.
Skid steers can also operate hydraulic snow blowers if they have the required hydraulic flow. Chains or tracks improve traction and make snow removal safer on icy surfaces. Blowers designed for trucks, SUVs and UTVs usually come with their own small engines because these vehicles do not have PTO systems. While this adds maintenance, it allows operators to work in a warm cab and drive forward.
Snow plows remain the simplest and often the cheapest option for tractor owners. Tractor blades are sturdy and offer good reach for pushing back snow berms. However, plowing can be slower than using a truck, and some tractor blades lack spring-trip systems that protect equipment when hitting hidden objects. Snow berms also build quickly, which may require additional time to push the berms back.
Choosing between a plow and a blower depends on budget, snow volume, which equipment you may already own, as well as your particular farm property and how much space is available beside the road. Understanding these factors helps farmers maintain safe winter access efficiently.
Photo Credit: Massey Ferguson