Snow Removal Vehicles

If the job is big – like a company parking lot, a rental property, or an acre-long driveway – then it may be time to employ the use of a vehicle for your snow removal. But what should you use? There are plenty of options – from attachments for your SUV or riding lawn mower to full-on heavy machinery. What you end up using will largely depend on the situation, and the below guide can help you best determine your level of need.

Passenger Vehicles

Trucks or SUVs with a snow plow on the front are a classic sight, and the options available can be reasonable if the job is big or you need to plow multiple locations. Most snow removal services and contractors utilize this option, allowing them to clear snow at multiple locations quickly, safely, and easily. However for your average residential homeowner, this option can be seen as a bit of overkill. Plus, unlike a contractor who is using the plow attachment multiple times with every snowfall, those unfamiliar with plow operation run the risk of damaging property, other vehicles, or even their own vehicle without the proper preparation. Consider carefully before you find you have pushed a mailbox into a ditch.

ATVs and Riding Lawn Mowers

There are many plow attachments available for ATVs and riding lawn mowers. And while it can be appealing to put away the shovel and hop onto the 4-wheeler, there may be a reason to pause. Some studies suggest that using your recreational vehicles or your riding mower for the removal of snow may shorten its life.

Even the best attachments may ultimately result in damage to the engine or mechanical components of the vehicle. Plus, there are added concerns such as installing the equipment every year when winter starts, then uninstalling it in spring. If you are installing to a riding lawn mower, it may be necessary to fully remove the lawn mower deck as well – a task which, for many homeowners, will require a mechanic.

Perhaps most compelling, many of these attachments, with all their added labor, are comparable in cost, and at times more costly than simply purchasing a snow blower or hiring a snow removal service. However, if you lack the space to store a snow blower, this could be an option to examine. Just bear in mind its drawbacks.