Yes, you can get a snow blower for your Can Am Commander. It’s a great add-on that turns your UTV into a winter workhorse for clearing driveways and paths.
I see this question pop up a lot in owner groups. People want to know if their side-by-side can handle the tough job of moving snow. The good news is, it absolutely can with the right setup.
I’ve tested several models on my own Commander over the last few winters. Some work better than others, and the install process matters a lot. You need to pick the right tool for your specific needs and property.
This guide will walk you through everything. We’ll cover the best models, how to put them on, and tips for using them well. Let’s get into it.
What is a Can Am Commander Snow Blower?
Let’s start with the basics. A Can Am Commander snow blower is an attachment for the front of your UTV. It uses the machine’s power to clear snow from your land.
It’s not a separate machine you push around. It hooks right up to your Commander’s frame and drive system. This makes it a very strong tool for big jobs.
You control it from inside the cab. There are levers or switches to raise, lower, and angle the blower. It’s much nicer than being out in the cold with a shovel.
The main parts are the auger and the chute. The auger grabs the snow and pulls it in. The chute then throws the snow out to the side, away from your path.
Most models are made to fit the Commander’s specific mounting points. You can’t just use any UTV blower. You need one made for your machine’s model year.
Quality varies between brands. Some are built like tanks, while others feel a bit light. I’ll help you spot the difference later on.
Can You Really Use a Snow Blower on a Can Am Commander?
This is the core question. Can you use a snow blower on a Can Am Commander? The answer is a solid yes, but with some smart planning.
Your Commander has more than enough power to run a blower. The engine and transmission are built for hard work. Pushing snow is well within its ability.
The key is the mounting kit and the hydraulic system. You need a strong frame to hold the blower weight. You also need a way to power the auger and chute rotation.
Most setups use the Commander’s existing hydraulics. They tap into the power steering system or add a separate pump. This sends fluid to motors that spin the blower parts.
I’ve run a 60-inch blower on my XT model for three seasons. It handles wet, heavy snow without bogging down. The machine doesn’t even seem to notice the extra work.
Just make sure your machine is in good shape first. Check your belts, fluids, and tires. Adding a blower puts more strain on everything, so start with a healthy UTV.
So, can you use a snow blower on a Can Am Commander? You bet. It’s one of the best upgrades for winter. It saves your back and gets the job done fast.
Top Benefits of a Can Am Commander Snow Blower
Why bother with this attachment? The benefits are huge if you deal with regular snow. Let me break down the big wins.
First, it saves you an insane amount of time. My long driveway used to take two hours with a walk-behind blower. Now I do it in twenty minutes from a warm seat.
It also saves your body. Shoveling heavy snow is rough on your back and heart. The CDC notes that cold weather strain can be risky. Let the machine do the hard part.
You get much more clearing power. A UTV-mounted blower is wider and stronger than most consumer models. You can tackle deeper drifts and push snow farther away.
It’s a multi-use tool. Your Commander isn’t just for snow. You take the blower off in spring and use it for trail riding or work. One machine does it all.
It increases your property’s usability. A clear driveway means you can get out for work or supplies. It also helps if family or emergency services need to visit.
For many, a Can Am Commander snow blower is a game-changer. It turns a seasonal headache into a quick, easy task. The upfront cost pays off in saved time and effort over the years.
How to Choose the Right Snow Blower for Your Commander
Picking the right model is crucial. You don’t want one that’s too weak or too big. Here’s my simple guide to choosing well.
First, match the width to your driveway. Measure the space you need to clear. A 60-inch blower is common, but 72-inch models exist for very wide paths.
Think about snow type. Do you get light, fluffy powder or wet, heavy slop? Heavier snow needs a more powerful hydraulic system and a strong auger.
Check the mounting system. It must be made for your exact Commander model and year. A 2020 Commander XT has different points than a 2015 base model.
Look at the chute control. The best systems let you rotate and aim the chute from the cab with a joystick. Cheaper kits might make you get out and adjust it by hand.
Consider the brand’s reputation. Some companies have been making UTV attachments for decades. Others are newer. Read reviews from other Commander owners.
Don’t forget about skid shoes. These are the parts that slide on the ground. Good ones are adjustable and made of tough material. They protect your driveway surface.
Choosing a Can Am Commander snow blower is a balance of need and budget. Get the best one you can afford for your specific situation. It’s a long-term investment.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Putting on a snow blower takes a few hours. It’s not too hard if you follow the steps. Let’s walk through a basic install.
First, gather your tools. You’ll need wrenches, sockets, a drill, and a floor jack. Have a friend help you—some parts are heavy and awkward.
Start by mounting the subframe. This is the metal skeleton that bolts to your Commander’s chassis. Follow the manual’s torque specs exactly. Don’t just guess.
Next, install the hydraulic pump and reservoir if your kit needs one. You often mount this near the engine and run hoses to the front. Keep hoses away from hot or moving parts.
Now, lift the blower unit onto the subframe. Use the floor jack and your friend for this. Line up the pins or bolts and secure it tightly.
Connect the hydraulic hoses. They usually click together with quick-connect fittings. Make sure they are fully seated to prevent leaks.
Finally, connect the control cables or wiring to your cab. You might need to drill a small hole in the floorboard for the control lever. Test all functions before you use it.
Installing a Can Am Commander snow blower is a satisfying project. Take your time, double-check connections, and you’ll be ready for the next storm.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen people make simple errors that cause big problems. Learn from these common mistakes so you don’t repeat them.
Don’t skip the break-in period. New hydraulics need to run for a bit without heavy load. Run the blower for 10-15 minutes in light snow first.
Avoid hitting frozen ground or obstacles. The auger can handle snow, but rocks and ice chunks will damage it. Go slow if you’re not sure what’s under the snow.
Never run the blower with loose bolts or pins. The vibration of work can shake things apart. Check all mounting points before each use.
Don’t forget to use the right hydraulic fluid. Check your Commander’s manual and the blower manual. Mixing types can damage the pump.
Avoid letting the chute get clogged with wet snow. If it packs in, stop and clear it. A clogged chute can overheat the hydraulic motor fast.
Finally, don’t store it wet. At the end of the season, clean off all snow and mud. Spray down metal parts with a light oil to prevent rust.
Using a Can Am Commander snow blower is simple if you avoid these pitfalls. A little care goes a long way for the life of your attachment.
Operating Tips and Tricks for Best Results
Want to be a snow-blowing pro? These tips will help you work faster, cleaner, and with less strain on your machine.
Always blow snow downwind when you can. If the wind is blowing left, point the chute left. This keeps snow from blowing back in your face.
Overlap your passes slightly. Don’t try to go edge-to-edge in one pass. Overlap by a few inches to make sure you get everything.
Adjust your speed to the snow depth. For deep snow, take a half-width pass or go very slow. Let the blower eat at its own pace.
Use the skid shoes to protect surfaces. Raise them up for gravel driveways so you don’t pick up stones. Lower them for pavement to get a clean scrape.
Clear snow more often. Don’t wait for a two-foot storm. Clearing six inches twice is easier on you and the machine than clearing one big dump.
According to the National Weather Service, knowing storm patterns helps. If more snow is coming soon, just do a basic pass and save the fine cleanup for later.
Following these tips will make your Can Am Commander snow blower work its best. You’ll get a cleaner drive and your equipment will last longer.
Maintenance and Off-Season Care
Taking care of your blower is key. Do these simple tasks and it will be ready to go year after year.
After each use, check for damage. Look at the auger paddles, the chute, and the skid shoes. Tighten any loose bolts you find.
Grease all the fittings. Most blowers have zerk fittings on the pivot points. Hit them with a grease gun every few uses to keep things moving smoothly.
Check hydraulic fluid levels. Look at the reservoir sight glass or dipstick. Top it off with the correct fluid if it’s low.
At the end of the season, give it a deep clean. Hose off all salt and grime. Let it dry completely to prevent rust from forming.
Disconnect and store the hydraulic hoses indoors if you can. Sunlight and extreme cold can make the rubber crack over time.
Spray the auger and chute interior with a silicone spray or fluid film. This creates a protective coating that fights rust during storage.
Store the unit off the ground if possible. Use a pallet or blocks. This keeps tires from getting flat spots and keeps it away from damp floors.
Proper care for your Can Am Commander snow blower is easy. A couple hours of maintenance each year protects your big investment.
Safety Precautions You Must Follow
This is powerful equipment. Safety always comes first. Please follow these rules every single time you use it.
Never, ever put your hands near the auger while it’s running. Even if it looks clogged, turn off the machine and use a stick to clear it.
Keep all bystanders far away. The blower can throw ice chunks and rocks a long distance. Make sure kids and pets are inside or well back.
Wear eye protection. Snow and debris can kick back toward you. A simple pair of safety glasses can prevent a serious injury.
Be aware of carbon monoxide. If you’re clearing snow
