Setting up a snow plow for your ATV or UTV can feel overwhelming if it’s your first time, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right components and a little know-how, you can build a reliable plow system that clears snow efficiently, protects your machine, and lasts for seasons to come.
This guide walks you through the four essential components of any plow setup: the blade, the push tube, the mount, and the accessories that make it all work smoothly.
Step 1: Choose the Right Blade
Your blade is the workhorse of the entire system. Its size, material, and style determine how fast you can clear snow, how well you handle deep or compacted conditions, and how your machine responds under load.
What to Look For:
1. Width
Bigger machines and wider paths generally call for bigger blades.
- Typical snow plow blades range 50–80 inches.
- ATVs: usually under 60 inches
- UTVs: typically 66–80 inches
Pick a blade that’s as wide (or slightly wider) than your machine, but not so wide that it strains your vehicle.
2. Material
- Steel: Best for heavy-duty use, hard-packed snow, and general conditions.
- Poly/Composite: Ideal for residential areas or delicate surfaces you want to protect.
3. Style
- Straight Blades: Cost effective, easy to use, and versatile, but can struggle with thick snowbanks or icy buildup.
- Country/Slanted Blades: Stronger for heavy-duty work but less versatile than V-blades.
- V-Blades: Highly adaptable with multiple configurations, great for tough conditions. Most expensive and require a bit of learning.
Step 2: Select the Push Tube / Lift Mechanism
The push tube is the backbone of your plow setup. It’s what connects the blade to your machine and absorbs the stress involved in pushing snow. A weak push tube = poor performance and possible bending or failure.
What to Look For
- Configuration: Options include front-mount, mid-mount, or receiver-mount depending on your machine.
- Build quality: Look for strong tubing that resists flex and bending.
- Features: Hydraulic lift/tilt systems make operation far easier.
- Compatibility: The push tube must match your blade and your mount type.
Product Highlights
Pro Tip
If you frequently tackle deep or densely packed snow, invest in a heavy-duty push tube or a hydraulic lift upgrade.
Step 3: Match the Mount to Your Machine
The mount is what ties everything into your ATV or UTV’s frame. The wrong mount means poor fitment, reduced strength, or a plow system that simply doesn’t work.
What to Look For
- Exact machine fit: Make sure the mount matches your year, make, and model.
- Mount style:
- Frame-specific mounts for maximum stability
- 2″ receiver-style mounts for flexibility and easy removal
- Durability: Must withstand the forces your push tube and blade generate.
Browse compatible snow plow mounts here!
Step 4: Accessories & Enhancements
Accessories help fine-tune your plow system, improve ease of operation, increase safety, and extend the life of your equipment.
Key Accessories to Consider
- Marker Flags: Improve visibility of blade edges.
- Wear Bars & Skid Shoes: Protect your blade and improve longevity.
- Hydraulic Upgrades / Controls: Make lifting and angling effortless.
- Replacement Parts: Straps, pulleys, rollers, lift components.
- Blade End Shields: Reduce snow spillover at the sides.
- Storage / Removal Kits: Helpful if you frequently switch between plowing and riding.
Pro Tip
Accessories usually account for only about 5–10% of total system cost, but they can dramatically improve performance and user experience.
System Bundles
Some plow kits include the blade, push tube, and mount, a great way to ensure guaranteed compatibility.
- Denali® 72 inch Universal UTV Snow Plow Kit: heavy-duty straight-blade workhorse.
- Eagle Plow 72 Inch Snow Plow System – Can Am Defender: a durable steel blade option, built to handle the toughest snow, ice, and winter conditions.
Pro Tip
- Measure your clearance width and make sure your machine’s front-end components (frame strength, winch capacity, etc.) can handle the blade you choose.
Your Complete Snow Plow Checklist
Before you start plowing, make sure you have:
- Blade
- Push Tube
- Mount
- Accessories (markers, wear bars, hydraulics, etc.)
Sticking with the same brand across all components often ensures the cleanest, easiest compatibility.
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