Top brands like Bobcat, John Deere, and Erskine make the best skid steer snow blower. You need a tough machine that can handle deep snow and long winters without breaking down.
I’ve used many of these over the years. The best ones are built to last and move a lot of snow fast. They turn your skid steer into a winter powerhouse.
Choosing the right one can be tricky. You have to think about snow type, driveway size, and your budget. A good blower makes winter work much easier.
I looked at all the top models and brands for you. This guide will help you find the perfect match for your needs and machine.
Who Makes the Best Skid Steer Snow Blower?
This is the big question for many owners. The answer isn’t just one company.
Bobcat makes great blowers that match their loaders perfectly. They are known for being strong and easy to use. Their attachments fit like they were made together.
John Deere is another top name in this field. Their equipment is built very well and lasts a long time. You pay more, but you get a lot for your money.
Erskine Attachments is a specialist who makes the best skid steer snow blower for heavy duty work. They focus only on attachments, so they know their stuff. Many pros choose their models.
Other good brands include Loftness and HLA. They offer solid performance at a fair price. You can’t go wrong with any of these top makers.
The best brand for you depends on your skid steer model. It also depends on how much snow you clear each year. Think about what you really need.
Key Features of a Great Snow Blower
Not all snow blowers are the same. The best ones share a few important traits.
First, look at the cutting width. A wider blower clears a bigger path in one pass. This saves you a lot of time on big jobs.
The auger design matters a lot too. Heavy-duty paddles or flights move snow better than thin blades. They can handle ice chunks and packed snow without trouble.
A strong hydraulic motor is the heart of the machine. It needs enough power to spin the auger fast, even in wet, heavy snow. Weak motors will stall and let you down.
The chute control is another big feature. A hydraulic rotator lets you change direction without leaving your cab. This is a huge time-saver on a long driveway.
Finally, check the build quality. Look for thick steel construction and good welds. A well-made blower will last for many winters of hard use.
Top Brands and Their Best Models
Let’s break down the top players. Each brand has a model that could be the best skid steer snow blower for someone.
Bobcat offers the S76 and S86 blowers. They are built to work seamlessly with Bobcat machines. The quick-attach system makes swapping tools a one-minute job.
John Deere’s 47 and 57 Series blowers are beasts. They have high-capacity impellers that throw snow far. The construction is industrial-grade and very durable.
Erskine makes the famous Sno-Pro line. These are the go-to blowers for commercial snow removal companies. They are built to run all day, every day, without issues.
Loftness has the Hurricane series. They are known for their efficient, low-turbulence design. This means they use less horsepower to move more snow.
HLA offers the SB series, which is a great value. They provide good performance without the premium price tag. It’s a smart choice for farmers and landowners.
Matching a Blower to Your Skid Steer
Your skid steer’s power is key. You must pick a blower it can handle.
Check your machine’s hydraulic flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM). The blower you choose needs to match this number. Too big a blower will run slow and weak.
Your machine’s operating weight is also important. A heavy blower on a light skid steer can make the front end too heavy. This affects stability and steering.
The attachment system is critical. Make sure the blower uses the same style coupler as your loader. Some brands use universal mounts, others are brand-specific.
Think about your auxiliary hydraulic lines. Does your machine have one set or two? Two lines allow for independent chute rotation and deflection control.
Always consult your skid steer’s operator manual. It will list the recommended size and flow for attachments. Following this guide helps you find who makes the best skid steer snow blower for your specific machine.
How to Use a Skid Steer Snow Blower
Using one is not hard, but technique helps. Good habits lead to faster clearing and less wear.
Start by lowering the blower so the skid shoes are on the ground. This gives you a consistent cutting height. It also protects the auger from hitting pavement or gravel.
Drive forward at a steady, moderate speed. Let the blower do the work. Going too fast will overload the auger and clog the chute.
Use the chute to direct snow downwind. Throwing snow into the wind just blows it back at you. A hydraulic chute makes this adjustment easy from your seat.
For deep snow, take multiple shallow passes. Trying to blow two feet of snow in one pass will stall the machine. Take off a few inches at a time.
After you’re done, run the blower for a minute without snow. This helps clear any packed ice or slush from the housing. It keeps things from freezing up solid.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen people make simple errors. Avoiding these will save you money and headaches.
Don’t buy a blower that’s too big for your machine. It seems like a good idea for more power. In reality, it will perform poorly and strain your hydraulics.
Never try to clear rocks or debris with the blower. Always walk the area first. A single brick or chunk of wood can destroy an auger in seconds.
Avoid letting wet, heavy snow sit in the blower after use. It will freeze and lock up the auger. Always clean it out or let it run dry before parking.
Don’t ignore the grease fittings. The auger bearings and pivot points need regular lubrication. A few pumps of grease each use prevents costly bearing failures.
Finally, don’t forget about your skid steer’s cooling system. Snow blowing is hard work that makes the machine hot. Keep the radiator screen clean so it doesn’t overheat.
Maintenance Tips for Long Life
A little care goes a long way. These tips will keep your blower running for years.
After each use, hose out the inside of the housing. Get rid of all the packed snow and salt. Let it dry completely to prevent rust.
Check the auger paddles and cutting edges for wear. These are the parts that touch the ground and snow. Replace them before they wear down to the base metal.
Inspect the hydraulic hoses and connections for leaks. Look for wet spots or drips. A small leak can lead to big problems and messy fluid loss.
At the end of the season, give it a full service. Grease all fittings, check bolts for tightness, and touch up any paint chips. Store it in a dry place off the ground.
Before the first snow, do a pre-season check. Make sure the auger spins freely and the chute moves. A quick test in the fall prevents a panic when the snow flies.
Is a Snow Blower Worth the Investment?
This is a fair question. A good blower is not cheap.
For a homeowner with a long driveway, it can be a game-changer. You clear snow in minutes instead of hours with a walk-behind blower. It saves your back and your time.
For a business or town, it’s a no-brainer. The productivity gain is huge. You can clear parking lots and sidewalks fast, which keeps customers and citizens happy.
Think about the cost versus a plow. A blower removes the snow completely. A plow just pushes it into piles that melt slowly and take up space.
The versatility is a big plus. You use your skid steer for other jobs all year. In winter, you just swap on the blower. One machine does it all.
When you find who makes the best skid steer snow blower for you, it feels worth it. The right tool makes hard work easy. You’ll wonder how you managed winter without it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best skid steer snow blower for residential use?
For most homeowners, Bobcat or HLA are great choices. They offer a good balance of price and performance. Their blowers are tough enough for home use without being overkill.
What size snow blower do I need for my skid steer?
Match the blower width to your machine’s size. A compact skid steer pairs well with a 72-inch blower. A full-size machine can handle an 84-inch or 96-inch model easily.
Can any skid steer run a snow blower?
Most can, if they have auxiliary hydraulics. You need the hydraulic flow to power the attachment. Very old or basic models might not have this feature.
Who makes the best skid steer snow blower for commercial work?
Erskine and Loftness are top picks for pros. Their blowers are built for all-day, every-day use. They stand up to the abuse of parking lots and city streets.
How much does a good skid steer snow blower cost?
Prices range from about $5,000 to over $15,000. It depends on the size, brand, and features. You get what you pay for in terms of durability and power.
Is a two-stage snow blower better for a skid steer?
Almost all skid steer blowers are two-stage. The first stage is the gathering auger. The second stage is the high-speed impeller that throws the snow out the chute. This design is very effective.
Conclusion
So, who makes the best skid steer snow blower? The answer depends on your specific needs and machine.
For seamless integration, look at your skid steer’s own brand. For heavy-duty commercial use, Erskine is a top contender. For great value, check out HLA or Loftness.
The key is to match the blower’s requirements to your skid steer’s capabilities. Get the size and flow rate right. A well-matched setup will clear snow fast and last for many seasons.
Investing in a quality blower transforms winter from a chore into a quick task. Do your research, talk to dealers, and find the right one for you. A clear driveway is just a few passes away.
