Heavy-duty snow blowers and high-flow hydraulic systems – these are the best skid steer attachments for snow blowing in tough winter conditions. I’ve tested many models to find the ones that move the most snow without breaking down.
Winter can dump a lot of snow fast. You need gear that can keep up and clear paths quickly. A weak attachment will leave you stuck in the cold.
I’ve run skid steers for years on my own property and for clients. Finding the right tool for snow makes the job easy instead of a fight.
This guide will show you the top picks. You’ll learn what makes each one great for different jobs and budgets.
What Makes a Great Snow Blowing Attachment
Not all snow blowers are the same. The best ones share a few key things that make them work well.
First, they need strong hydraulics. A high-flow system gives you the power to chew through deep, wet snow. Low-flow models will just clog up and stall.
Build quality matters a ton. Look for thick steel augers and a solid chute. Cheap metal bends and breaks when you hit ice or hidden debris.
The chute control is super important. You want a hydraulic rotator that can turn 180 degrees or more. This lets you pile snow exactly where you want it.
Size needs to match your machine. A huge blower on a small skid steer will overload it. A tiny one on a big machine wastes time and fuel.
Finally, think about ease of use. Quick-attach systems save you time switching tools. Good visibility from the cab helps you see where you’re blowing.
Top Heavy-Duty Snow Blower Attachments
These models are built for professional use and deep snow. They handle the worst storms without trouble.
The Erskine Sno-Pro is a beast. Its two-stage design pulls snow in with an auger, then throws it out with an impeller. This moves a huge amount of snow very fast.
I like the heavy-duty skid shoes on the bottom. They protect the blower when you scrape down to pavement or gravel. The chute rotates a full 220 degrees for precise placement.
The Bobcat SB series is another top pick. It’s made to work perfectly with Bobcat machines, but fits others too. The direct-drive motor is simple and strong with fewer parts to fail.
Its fan design is great for wet, heavy snow. It keeps moving when other blowers would jam. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stresses using well-maintained equipment for winter work.
For big areas, look at the Pronovost Puma. This is one of the best skid steer attachments for snow blowing large parking lots or long driveways. Its wide intake clears a big path with each pass.
The hydraulic deflector on top controls how far the snow flies. You can adjust it from the cab to avoid hitting buildings or cars.
Best Value Picks for Mid-Range Budgets
You don’t always need pro-level gear. These options give great performance for less money.
The Ventrac Snow Blower is a solid all-around choice. It’s well-built without the super high price tag. The single-stage design is simpler but still effective for most storms.
Its quick-attach system lets you switch from blower to bucket in minutes. This is handy if you also need to move piles or load trucks. The auger is made of durable steel that resists damage.
Another good value is the Rankin Snow Blower. It offers many features of more expensive models for a lower cost. The hydraulic chute rotation comes standard, which is a nice bonus.
The housing is reinforced at stress points. This prevents cracks from forming over time. According to the National Weather Service, proper equipment is key for snow removal safety.
The Farm King YSB series is worth a look too. These blowers are known for reliability and easy maintenance. Parts are common and easy to find if you ever need them.
They offer different widths to match your machine size. Picking the right size is one of the best skid steer attachments for snow blowing decisions you can make.
High-Flow vs. Standard Flow Systems
Your machine’s hydraulic flow decides which attachments will work best. Getting this wrong means poor performance.
High-flow systems deliver more gallons per minute (GPM). This extra power runs bigger, more aggressive augers and fans. It’s needed for two-stage blowers and very wide models.
If your skid steer has high-flow, use it. You’ll clear snow much faster. The attachment will be less likely to bog down in heavy, wet snow.
Standard flow machines are more common. Many great blowers are made for this setup. They use efficient designs to move snow well with less hydraulic power.
Always check the attachment’s required GPM before you buy. Matching the flow rate is critical. A mismatch can damage your machine or the blower.
Some attachments can work with both systems. They might have different performance settings or gear ratios. This flexibility is a good feature if you might upgrade your skid steer later.
The best skid steer attachments for snow blowing will list their flow needs clearly. Don’t guess on this spec.
Key Features to Look For
Beyond basic power, these features separate good blowers from great ones. They make your job easier and safer.
A hydraulic chute rotator is a must-have in my book. Turning the chute from the cab saves you from climbing in and out constantly. You can direct snow away from windows, roads, or walkways with precision.
Some models add a hydraulic deflector too. This controls the throw distance and angle. It’s great for piling snow high in a tight spot.
Look for replaceable skid shoes or runners. These wear down as you scrape the ground. Being able to swap them out cheaply beats replacing the whole bottom plate.
Shear pins or bolts protect your auger. If you hit a rock or solid ice, these pins break first. This saves the expensive auger shaft and gearbox from major damage.
Good visibility from the operator’s seat is important. You need to see the intake area and where the snow is going. A low-profile design or angled chute helps a lot.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) highlights visibility as a key factor in equipment safety.
Step-by-Step Mounting and Use Guide
Using your new attachment right keeps you safe and gets the job done fast. Follow these steps.
First, park your skid steer on level ground. Lower any existing attachment to the ground and shut off the engine. Engage the parking brake for safety.
Line up the snow blower with your machine’s attachment arms. Drive slowly forward until the locks click into place. Connect the hydraulic hoses, making sure they’re clean to avoid dirt in the system.
Start the machine and let the hydraulics warm up for a minute. Operate the controls to test the chute rotation and auger spin. Make sure everything moves smoothly before you hit the snow.
When blowing, take overlapping passes. Don’t try to cut too deep in one go, especially with heavy snow. Let the blower work at its own pace.
Change the direction you blow snow often. This prevents building one giant pile that’s hard to manage later. The best skid steer attachments for snow blowing give you this control.
After you’re done, run the blower for a minute without snow. This helps clear any slush or ice from the auger and chute. It prevents freezing up when you park it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen these errors slow people down or cause damage. Learn from them.
Don’t run the blower too fast. High RPMs don’t always mean better performance. It can cause premature wear and increase the risk of throwing debris dangerously.
Avoid blowing snow towards buildings or cars. The force can break windows or dent metal. Always be aware of your surroundings and what’s downwind.
Never try to clear ice chunks or frozen piles with the blower. Use your bucket or a breaker tool first. Forcing ice through will damage the auger and likely shear the pins.
Don’t forget to check and grease the fittings. Snow and ice removal is hard work. Pivot points and bearings need regular lubrication to last.
Skipping the shear pin check is a bad idea. Always carry spare pins specific to your model. Getting stuck in a storm without them means your day is over.
Ignoring your machine’s hydraulic fluid level and temperature is risky. Pushing a blower hard makes the system work. Overheating can cause costly damage.
Maintenance Tips for Long Life
Take care of your attachment, and it will take care of you for many winters. This upkeep is simple but vital.
After each use, wash off any salt and slush. Road salt is very corrosive and will eat through paint and metal. A quick rinse with water prevents rust.
Let the blower dry completely before storing it. Moisture left inside can freeze and crack welds or housings. Park it with the intake facing down so water drains out.
Check all bolts and hardware for tightness every few uses. Vibration from snow blowing can loosen them over time. A quick walk-around with a wrench keeps everything secure.
Inspect the auger blades and cutting edge for wear. Look for bends, cracks, or excessive thinning. Sharp, straight edges move snow most efficiently.
At season’s end, give it a full service. Grease all fittings, check hydraulic hoses for leaks or cracks, and touch up any paint chips. Store it in a dry place, off the ground if possible.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that proper equipment maintenance reduces environmental impact from leaks and waste.
Matching the Attachment to Your Property
Think about where you’ll use it most. The best skid steer attachments for snow blowing for a farm are different from a suburban driveway.
For long, narrow driveways, a standard-width blower (around 72 inches) works well. It’s maneuverable and fits between fences or trees. You don’t need the widest model.
Clearing large, open areas like parking lots or fields? Go wider. An 84-inch or 96-inch blower covers more ground per pass. This saves you time and fuel.
If you have gravel drives, look for models with adjustable skid shoes. You can set a higher clearance to avoid sucking up rocks. Some even have a protective bar in front of the auger.
For areas with very deep snow drifts, a two-stage blower is best. Its separate impeller keeps throwing snow even when the intake is full. A single-stage might clog.
Consider storage space too. A bigger blower needs more room in your shed or garage. Make sure you can fit it through your doors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best skid steer attachments for snow blowing on a budget?
Look for value brands like Rankin or Farm King. Also, consider buying a used model from a reputable dealer. Just check for worn augers or cracked housings first.
How wide of a snow blower do I need?
Match
