Adding a snow plow to your UTV is one of the most practical upgrades you can make, especially if you live in areas where winter means business. It turns your side-by-side utility vehicle into a powerful snow-moving machine, ready to clear driveways, paths, or even large spaces. But, before you head out to push the first pile of snow, it’s important to know which parts and components you’ll need to make sure your UTV can handle the job efficiently.
Here’s a breakdown of the key components to get your UTV snow-ready:
1. Plow Blade
The heart of your snow plow setup, the plow blade does the heavy lifting (or pushing). When choosing a blade, look for one that’s made of durable materials like steel or reinforced poly. Common blade widths range from 60 to 72 inches, depending on your UTV’s size and the area you need to clear. Many come with adjustable angles, allowing you to control the direction the snow is pushed.
2. Mounting Bracket
The mounting bracket is the link between the plow blade and your UTV. It’s usually custom-designed to fit specific UTV models, so you’ll want to make sure it’s compatible with your vehicle. These brackets are typically made from heavy-duty steel to ensure the plow stays securely attached, even in tough conditions.
3. Plow Frame or Push Tubes
The plow frame (or push tubes) connects the blade to the mounting bracket. This framework transfers the pushing force from your UTV to the plow blade, making sure the blade stays at the right angle and height during operation. Push tubes come in different lengths and configurations, depending on the plow system you’re using, so it's essential to choose one that's compatible with your setup.
4. Winch or Hydraulic Lift
A winch or hydraulic lift system raises and lowers the plow blade. Most UTVs that come equipped with a winch can use it to lift the blade, but if you don’t have one, it’s a critical addition. A winch-operated system is the most common due to its affordability and ease of installation. However, for those wanting more precision and smoother operation, a hydraulic lift system is an upgrade worth considering.
5. Wear Bar
To extend the life of your plow blade and protect it from premature wear, a wear bar is a must-have component. This bar is attached to the bottom edge of the blade and is usually made from hardened steel or composite materials. As the blade scrapes against concrete, asphalt, or gravel, the wear bar takes the brunt of the abuse, saving your blade from excessive damage.
6. Skid Shoes
Skid shoes are small, but they make a big difference when plowing uneven terrain like gravel driveways or bumpy paths. These adjustable shoes keep the plow blade slightly elevated, preventing it from digging into the surface and helping it glide over obstacles. They’re especially helpful for preventing damage to both your plow and the ground below.
7. Snow Deflector
If you’re dealing with deep snow or snowdrifts, a snow deflector will keep the snow from rolling over the top of the blade and blocking your view. Most deflectors are made of rubber or flexible plastic, and they mount on top of the blade to direct the snow down and to the sides.
8. Plow Markers
Plow markers are simple but extremely useful when it comes to navigating tight spaces or avoiding obstacles while plowing. These vertical poles attach to the edges of the blade and give you a visual guide of where the blade ends, making it easier to maneuver safely.
9. Options
UTV Source offers more than 230 essential snowplow products and accessories from high quality brands including KFI, Kolpin Outdoors, MotoAlliance, Rival Powersports, SuperATV, Tusk, WARN and more. We're here to help. If you need assistance building your perfect snow pusher, shoot us an email to support@utvsource.com or give us a call at (661) 463-9700 with your vehicle details:
- Year
- Make
- Model and sub-model
- Do you have a winch installed, or do you need to add one
With these essential parts, your UTV will be ready to take on the toughest snow days. Each component plays a crucial role in making sure your plow operates smoothly, efficiently, and safely. Whether you’re clearing your driveway or helping out the neighborhood, a well-equipped UTV snow plow setup makes winter much more manageable.
Happy plowing!