Top 5 Best ATV Snow Plows For Winter 2022
Winter is almost upon us. When the snow falls, the back-breaking work of clearing it is never far behind.
It doesn’t have to be that way, however. With the ATV snow plow kit, you can attach a plow to your all-terrain vehicle and clear your driveway and sidewalk in no time at all.
However, a cursory look on Amazon (or other online retailers) in search of a new ATV snow plow, will bring up a ton of options.
With the wide range of models available and all their varying price points, it’s no small wonder you may end up getting frustrated finding the right snow plow for your needs.
So that’s where we come in. We have put together this list of snowplows to give you the lowdown on the best ones currently available. For those in a hurry, our top 2 choices are listed below. For the full in-depth reviews, keep on reading.
Our Top Picks
Top Pick Overall: WARN 78950 ProVantage
- Made from thick 12-gauge steel
- Heavy duty ribbing
- Center cross member for added rigidity
- Boxed design adds extra support
- Does not have a top lip
The WARN 78950 ProVantage straight Plow Blade is a high-quality tool. With a range of blade sizes available (50″ up to 72″), this plow is an excellent choice for someone looking to clear their driveway with their mid-sized ATV, right up to estate managers clearing large areas of snow.
If you have the budget to purchase all the components that make up the ProVantage system – you will not be disappointed with the performance you’ll obtain from this kit. Our top choice for winter 2022 for good reason.
Best for Large ATVs/UTVs: DENALI UTV Snow Plow System
- Fits: UTVs and SxSs: Polaris Ranger, General & RZR; Gator; Cub Cadet; CFMoto; Bencche;, Massimo; Kubota RTV; Honda Big Red, Pioneer & Talon; CanAm Commander, Defender, Maverick & Trail/Sport; Arctic Cat Prowler & Wildcat 1000; Rhino, RMAX, Wolverine, Viking & YXZ; Kawasaki Mule & Teryx
- Heavy duty 72" straight plow blade, made of 11 gauge steel and designed in America
- Attach and detach and seconds, and keep your winch in the factory location or mount your winch in the convenient, integrated location on the DENALI plow mount
- 3 year manufacturer warranty
- Includes straight plow blade, mount plate, replaceable wearbar, push tubes, adjustable skid feet and installation hardware
The 72-inch DENALI UTV Snow Plow System is a formidable piece of kit. If you need an all in one system to combat deep snow with your UTV, this is the system to buy. Our top pick for UTVs for good reason.
ATV Snow Plow Reviews
We have selected the following ATV & UTV snow plows based on build quality, stability, range of sizes available, and overall performance. We also paid close attention to how easy each unit is to install, and of course, value for money is a deciding factor too.
The following selection brings together what we believe to be the best ATV snow plows available for winter 2022.
1. BEST ATV SNOW PLOW: WARN 78950 ProVantage 50″ Straight Plow Blade
Our number one choice ATV snow plow comes from industry heavyweights WARN. The plow that we have selected from them to make our top 5 list is the WARN ProVantage ATV 50 inch plow. (Other sizes are available depending on the ATV you own).
WARN has an excellent reputation in the ATV snow plow arena and in many ways is seen as a premium brand.
Designed from the ground up with a priority towards durability and high-performance, buying a plow system from WARN is certainly an investment.
On the downside, however, is the fact you will need to buy the components separately before you have a complete working system.
With that issue in the back of our minds, let’s take a closer look at their Pro Vantage 50 inch plow.
(Should your needs be different the Amazon product page does provide the option for a range of plow sizes. See our buyer’s guide for more information on selecting the correct size. For compatibility questions you can also contact WARN direct).
First off is the sheer thickness of these things. Constructed from 12 gauge steel complete with reinforcing ribs the blade is certainly designed to last.
Furthermore WARN has added a center cross member with a boxed design to ensure that no area of the blade suffers from weak points/.
WARN has opted for a center-mount configuration on their ProVantage systems. Not only does this add extra stability to the ATV while the plow is in operation, but the fitting is also designed to generate high ground clearance. Ideal snow clearing over demanding terrain and with high curbs and steps.
The plows are built with a large diameter pivot assembly. This enables a smooth and precise rotation of the blade that like the rest of the construction is designed with long-lasting service in mind.
The blade is covered in a low-friction powder-coated finish which helps prevent snow from sticking to the plow.
So lots of really good design features in the plow. However, do bear in mind that to have a fully working system you will need to purchase the base and mounting kit – both of which are sold separately to the blade plow.
- Robust premium design made from thick 12-gauge steel
- A wide range of blade sizes available should the 50 inches not be good for you
- Heavy-duty ribbing along with the boxed design allows for even greater durability
- Large diameter central pivot system for smooth rotation
- Low friction powder coated finish
- The blade is just one component – The base and mounting kit both have to be purchased separately.
- One user complaint regarding the instructions not being clear enough
2. Extreme Max 5500.5010 UniPlow One-Box
The Extreme Max, UniPlow One-Box is an all-in-one kit. Whereas some brands expect you to purchase the blade and mounts separately (along with other accessories to make everything work as it should), the Uniplow has everything you need upon arrival.
Within the kit, you have the plow blade, a universal mount, (as you will see, the plow is compatible with a wide range of ATP sizes), and push tube assembly.
For the purposes of this review, we will take a close look at the 50-inch blade version.
The one-piece steel blade plow comes in 50 inches wide and 16 inches high. With the added benefit of 3/16” grade 50 gusseting, you end up with the girth you need to move that stubborn snow.
The Uniplow also comes with a 2-sided, 3/16” steel wear bar attached. This attached to the main unit with grade 8 bolts and heavy-duty adjustable skid pads. The end result is extra durability and a more efficient snow plow function.
Another great feature is the ability to select multiple blade angles. The easy adjustments system works by moving the pin and angling the blade into one of 6 preset positions.
The Uni-Mount Universal Mount connects to the frame of your ATV behind the wheels. This allows for better user control as the configuration directs plowing force through to the ATV frame. The result is smoother, more effective plowing.
As we stated above, the unit fits many types of ATV with the universal mount, able to connect with square, round, and Polaris Sportsman frames. (However, Extreme Max recommends that you consult the fit chart for complete compatibility details. If in doubt you can always contact them directly too).
The ingenious UniPlow welded push Tube design allows for fast and easy installation. For increased durability, the plow has a black powder coat finish. This is also aesthetically pleasing.
To top it all off, the UniPlow One-Box ATV Plow is fully made in the USA and comes complete with a 1-Year Warranty.
- Durable UniPlow One-Piece steel blade construction (50 inches wide, 16 inch high)
- Features a 3/16 inch gusseting and 2-sided, 3/16 inch steel wear bar for better snow clearance
- The easily adjustable blade over 6 preset positions
- Mounts behind the wheels on the ATV for better power transfer
- Fits square, round, and Polaris Sportsman frames (fittings included)
- Strong, welded push tube design that allows for fast and easy installation
- The USA build and included a 1-Year Warranty
- Some minor user complaints about poor installation instructions.
Bottom Line
The UniPlow One Box Snow Plow from Extreme Max makes our top 5 because it has the convenience of an all-in-one ATV plowing solution, while still being packed with great features and robust design principles.
If you want to get the work done quickly and efficiently and at a price that won’t break the bank, in our opinion, this is a top-quality option.
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3. Kolpin 10-0520 X-Factor Plow in a Box
Another all in one solution makes our list. This time it’s the 10-0520 X-Factor Plow in a Box from Kolpin.
So how does it compare to our number one choice UniPlow? Not bad at all in fact.
Kolpin has opted for a forward-mounted frame on the X-Factor. With this configuration, the plow does have sufficiently high floor clearance and overall blade lift.
A double layer of steel has been used on the construction of the blade. The X steel stamped design provides greater robustness through the center of the plow.
The base and mounting components incorporate a heavy-duty 3-piece steel and tube frame.
While not up there with the likes of the ProVantage in terms of impact durability, this does tolerate the plowing conditions of the average user, however, some customers have complained that the construction does not do a good job of withstanding unintended bumps.
The universal forward mount attaches to the ATV frame via u-bolts or clamps and will comfortably fit most ATV models from 2002 onwards.
And of course being an all in one box solution, the Kolpin 10-0520 X Factor Plow has everything you need upon purchase. No welding is required, just bolts (clamps) and easy to follow instructions.
- 14-gauge steel blade – X stamp double layer of steel at the center
- Heavy-duty 3-piece steel and tube steel frame (simple push tube assembly)
- Features a 5-position right/left blade angle
- The system includes a double-sided steel wear bar
- Some customers have complained about the plow’s weak construction that does not withstand bumps.
- A minority of users have experienced the unit arriving damaged or with missing pieces.
Bottom Line
Overall the Kolpin 10-0520 X-Factor Plow in a Box is a good option ATV snow plow for those that want a convenient and affordable ATV plow solution. However, it does lose out to the UNIPlow on a couple of design aspects and features and is not as robust as other plows on our list.
4. BEST UTV SNOW PLOW: DENALI UTV Snow Plow System
Now we turn to the daddy plow of our top 5 list. The Denali UTV snow plow system comes in at a extremely large 72 inches.
As the name suggests it is designed for the more rugged conditions suited to your average UTV. (The manufacturers state that snow, sand, and ice are all terrains this 72-inch beast can handle)
Being an all one kit, everything you need to connect the system to your UTV is provided. While a number of brands are supported, (see tab below), it is still advised that you contact Moto Alliance direct should you have any questions regarding compatibility.
You should also consider the fact that the inclusion of the 2-inch receiver mount, means the system works with UTVs (or mini trucks for that matter) with a 2″ receiver hitch installed.
The 72-inch blade is constructed using 11 gauge steel. A design feature that helps enable such a large blade from maintaining consistent strength throughout are the four, 7 gauge ribs that run the full height of the plow.
Furthermore, the addition of 3 horizontal stabilizers helps support the deepest recess of the blade; the bottom line being you have a plowable to sustain high impact force and weight of heavy-duty UTV application.
The entire system has been designed with an “Easy-Connect” principle in mind. Created by Moto Alliance engineers the kit can be disconnected from the frame of the UTV with great speed and efficiency.
- All in one kit designed specifically for demanding UTV application
- Large heavy-duty, 11 gauge steel 72″ straight snow plow blade
- Blade supported by four 7 gauge ribs (that run the full height of the construction)
- 3 additional horizontal stabilizers – adds extra support to the deepest recess of the blade
- Easy connect system for fast and efficient assembly
- Comes with a 2-inch receiver mount to work with a UTV winch.
- You need a good winch to be able to use this device
- More expensive than the other plows in our top 5 list (this size is for UTV use, however).
5. Swisher 2645R 50-Inch Universal ATV Plow Blade
The final entry in our top 5 best ATV snow plow review round up is the Swisher 2645R 50-Inch Universal ATV Plow Blade.
Like the WARN blade reviewed above, the 2645R requires additional components in order to function. In this case, before you can begin to plow using your ATV you will need to purchase the Swisher universal mounting kit.
With that advice out of the way, let’s take a closer look at the blade.
This 50-inch plow blade is made from 1/8-inch corrugated steel construction and features a heavy-duty swivel with dual engagement.
The blade also has a heavy-duty cutting edge (reversible and replaceable to extend work-life) and skid shoes. It is also capable of being adjusted to multiple angles.
An added bonus is the fact this can easily be adjusted from the seated position. No unnecessary jumping on and off your ATV to change the settings.
Furthermore, the inbuilt dual-locking angle position holds the plow fast where ever you select it.
The lift height clearance is good (you have between 18 and 24 inches to play with – depending on the ATV bike and tire size). The plow blade can also be used with an existing winch to power the up and down movement.
Like all good ATV snow plows, Swisher has designed the blade so that it can be attached and detached from the main unit in seconds, without the need for extra tools.
- 1/8 inch steel construction
- Dual engage-inch angle selection – provides a double lock for plow angle
- Good ground clearance with 18- to 24-inch lift height
- Can be attached and removed from ATV mount fast and efficiently without tools
- One user has suggested that a fast winch makes this difficult to use
- User instructions have been cited as poor.
Bottom Line
The Swisher 2645R Universal ATV Plow Blade is a versatile tool with some good features, Build quality is also adequate. However, we would recommend the WARN system over this.
ATV Plow Buyer’s Guide
The principle behind how the ATV (or UTV) snowplow works is quite simple.
The kits available contain a plow that is attached to the front of your vehicle.
Some ATV plows will have lift systems that are powered by your machine. This enables you to efficiently dispose of the snow in piles where you please.
Other, more budget-friendly models will not have this option. Instead, you use your vehicle and plow to push the snow away in order to clear the surface.
What to look for when buying the best snow plow for your ATV
When buying an ATV snow plow, there are a number of issues you should consider before parting with your money
Let’s take a look at a few of them now.
Blade Width
Blade width is the most important consideration and should be decided upon early on.
The fact is the type and size of ATV or UTV you have can help determine the snow plow kit you should buy.
If you own a larger sized UTV with a width of 60 inches across or more, we recommend purchasing a snow blade between 60 and 70 inches.
For more standard-sized ATVs (no larger than 50 inches in width or above 500cc) the more common 50 to 55-inch model ATV snow plow should do the trick.
Blade Height
The size consideration is blade height. Most blades range from 16 to 24 inches high.
Basic physics apply here. The fact is, short blades have less surface area so do not require as much power to push.
This means if you have a lower cc ATV you should opt for a short blade plow.
On the other hand, more powerful ATV or UTVs have the capacity to cope with the extra snow load you get with a taller blade.
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Weight
Take a moment to look at the weight specification when buying your ATV plow.
Again, the power and size of your vehicle are relevant. If you have a lower cc ATV, you should not buy the heaviest plow on the market.
Common sense should be applied here. The weight of the plow you buy should not put undue strain on the motor or suspension of your ATV.
Straight or V-Plow?
The two main designs of ATV snow plow are straight or v-shape.
Straight plows are more common and are generally cheaper and lighter too.
The V-plows benefit from having an arrowhead design. This enables the plow to slice through frozen snow more efficiently.
Stacking snow is also easier with the V-plow due to the shape and onboard features that the kits provide. They are more expensive and are better suited to larger ATV and UTVs however.
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The Lift System
The majority of ATV snow plows kits on the market today come with 1 of 3 lift system designs. These are:
- The Manual approach
- Onboard ATV winch
- Direct Lift hydraulic system
The most common approaches are lifts one and two. These are sufficient methods for the home user, however, having the benefit of using the ATV winch is recommended.
For those clearing on a more commercial scale, (public parks, etc) a direct lift system would be the preferred approach.
If you need to plow on a commercial scale, it’s well worth looking into a direct lift hydraulic system. Here the kit snow plow has the inbuilt capacity to lift up and down, meaning you can remain comfortably seated on the ATV as the plow does the work for you.
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Tire size & Tread
Further ATV specifications that should be considered before you buy the best ATV plow system for your needs, are tire size and tread.
Your tires should be in good condition to provide the traction required to plow the snow. It can be difficult to determine the best ATV tires for plowing, however, an aggressive tread pattern in terms of size and depth will help stop those wheels from slipping and sliding.
- Related Content: ATV Mud tire reviews – top 10 picks for 2022
ATV Snow Plow Pricing
$200 and below: You will not find many snowplows under $200. At the budget end of the market, the lowest priced snow plows have smaller blades (around 50″) and in some instances will be the blade only, without a mounting kit.
$200-$400: This is the ballpark budget you should be aiming for. ATV snow plows in this price range will cover all sizes and will even include models with motorized lifting mechanisms. If you are a non-commercial user, you will be able to find an ATV snow plow suitable for your needs between $200 and $400.
Over $400: This is the domain of the farmer, contractor, or estate manager. ATV snow plows at these price points will have the largest blades available and will be built to clear large sections at a time. You will also find premium V-blade snowplows at this end of the market.
Top Tips when using an ATV Snow Plow
If after buying your new ATV snow plow, you feel a little unsure on how to use it, these following tips should help.
1. Make sure everything is working properly before attacking that snow!
Your ATV should be tuned up and in good working order before you venture outside into those freezing temperatures. Ensuring that general maintenance has been taken care of is your first priority. Check your oil levels, tires, and electrics, and then move on to the installation of the plow. Ensure the attachment is all as it should be, and if your plow has a lifting mechanism, make sure that this is working properly.
2. Adjust the height of the plow sufficiently for the job
The plow height is an important issue to get right and can be tricky for first-time users (especially if you are using a manual model). The plow depth needs to be set so that you can clear snow without overloading, as well as avoid scraping the ground.
You should err on the side of caution, to begin with. Setting the blade higher if you are unsure, and then lowering as you plow in order to find that optimum height. After a bit of practice, you will be able to set the plow correctly from the start, only adjusting as the terrain and snow levels demand.
3. Avoid really large snowdrifts
Where snow has gathered in large amounts it is unwise to try to shift it with a standard ATV snow plow. (A UTV rig may be able to handle it, however, that’s generally the domain of the professionals anyway).
Plowing heavy snow will likely overload the ATV and in the worst-case scenario cause damage to both your plow and the motor.
If you really do need to tackle a deep snowdrift, your best course of action is to clear the snow at angles so that you are only taking the edge off with each sweep. It can be a long process, but gradually chipping away at the drift is better than attempting it head-on.
4. Set the blade at the correct angle for the terrain
Point number 3 leads nicely to this one, make sure that the blade is set to the correct angle for the terrain and what you want to achieve.
If shifting snow to the side of the driveway, you will need an angle that will move the material in the right way. Essentially, you should consider how much snow there is, and where you want it to end up. With these in mind, you can set the angle of the blade accordingly.
5. Follow the natural shape of the land
It may seem like an obvious point to make, however, plowing in line with the natural contours of the terrain will make your job easier. It will also help prevent the blade from scraping the ground.
6. Know what’s beneath the snow
Features of your yard, flower beds, and other obstructions need to be considered when you are using your plow. Don’t just don the headphones and blindly begin plowing. If you are run over items beneath the snow, you will damage both the thing you are riding over, plus components of your plow and ATV.
If possible, mark areas with sticks before the heavy snow falls, and clear other items into the garage.
7. Clean everything properly after you have finished
Snow, ice, and if present, the salt will all take their toll on your ATV and plow if left untouched after you have finished. Make sure that you perform an adequate clean down after the day’s plowing is done.
Remove any lodged chunks of snow, because in below zero temperatures, that stuff will remain.
And besides, a clean and dry ATV is going to be a lot nicer prospect, next time you have to tackle that driveway again.
ATV Snow Plow FAQs
Q. How do I attach a snowplow to my ATV
This depends slightly on the model you buy. However, generally speaking, your snowplow will be attached to the front of your ATV using the installation kit that comes with the plow. You should check the specifications of the snowplow before you buy, to ensure that it will fit your model of ATC. (Although, universal fitment kits are available).
Q. How does the snowplow work?
The plow is shaped so that when you move against ground snow with your ATV, the snow is pushed to the side. The result is a driveway and/or terrain cleared of snow. Some plows will allow you to control the height of the plow with an inbuilt drive mechanism, others will require you to manually adjust the height before you begin to plow. This is important when clearing snow over unlevel terrain.
Q. How durable are ATV snow plows?
Most available models are built with durability in mind. Clearing snow and ice is no easy task, so the plow needs to be strong. To this end, hardened steel is often used complete with a finish that will endure corrosion.
Q. What size ATV is good for plowing snow?
Clearly, the more power the better. However, on the minimum end, a 300cc ATV would get the job done if all you need to do is clear your driveway.
When using larger blades (60 inches and above), you will need more power because of the amount of snow you will be able to clear in one sweep. In this case, a 500cc ATV and above is more appropriate.
Another factor is weight. To shift large amounts of snow without your wheels spinning in protest, your ATV needs to have bulk. The bike should weigh between 400 to 700 lbs in order to adequately perform with a snowplow.
Q. I only have a 125cc ATV, can I still use a snowplow?
Yes, however, bear in mind that this is underpowered and that you should only use a small snowplow (no larger than a 50″ blade).
Q. Can I plow snow with a 2WD ATV?
Yes, of course. However, the issues of power, weight, and blade size, all factor in on how well the ATV will perform.