Skid Steer Snow Plow vs. Truck: Which is Better For Snow Removal?

With Mother Nature about to unleash her fury, it's a good time to start thinking about how ready you are to tackle the elements later in the year. When a blizzard comes knocking, dumping about a foot (or maybe three!) of snow, the clock starts ticking on finding a solution.

If you're a business, you must clear parking lots and larger spaces. If you're a homeowner, you need to clear driveways and walkways. The city must also keep the roads open using the right tools and equipment.

In all these situations, you may wonder, what's the best tool for the job? 

Skid Steer vs. Truck For Snow Removal

This matchup features two titans, the skid steer snow plow: a compact, agile machine known for its versatility, and the truck snow plow: a powerful workhorse built for long-distance hauling.

Let's dive in and break down the strengths and weaknesses of the skid steer snow plow vs. truck snow plow to see who emerges victorious (or at least which helps you dominate winter).

Skid Steer: The Key is Maneuverability

A skid steer is a compact and very versatile piece of heavy equipment. If you currently use it for construction and landscaping, you can transform it into a powerhouse for snow removal, especially with the right attachments.

Advantages

• Agility: Skid steers are masters of tight spaces. Their zero-turn radius lets them easily navigate around parked cars, sidewalks, and other obstacles, making them ideal for clearing parking lots, sidewalks, and smaller roads. The maneuverability of skid steers can turn snow removal into a choreographed show.
• Versatility: Skid steers are more than just snowplows. They can be equipped with a variety of attachments (think snow pushers, blowers, and sweepers) to handle different snow removal tasks. This flexibility changes the game entirely, allowing you to tackle any winter challenge. Check out our extensive line of snow removal attachments – they'll turn your skid steer into a snow-annihilating machine.
• Cost-Effective Champion: Skid steers are generally a more affordable investment than trucks. Plus, their smaller size translates to lower fuel consumption. If you already have both, you'll find that a skid steer is easier to use and maintain.

Limitations

• Lighter Weight, Less Power: Skid steers are lighter than snow trucks, which can be a disadvantage in deep snow. They might struggle to push massive snowdrifts or clear heavy, packed snow.
• Limited Travel Speed: Skid steers aren't built to be speed demons. Their slow travel speed can be a drawback if you need to cover large distances quickly.

Even with the guardrails on speed and size, skid steers can be outfitted with the right attachments to cover their bases. Check out the right fit for you.

The Powerhouse Plow Truck

Trucks have been around for a long time and have an earned reputation for power. You can attach anything you want behind, to the side, or in front of it, and let the large chassis and engine do the talking.

Advantages

• Heavyweight Champ: Trucks pack a serious punch in terms of power and weight. They can handle deep snowfalls and push through hefty drifts with ease. They're perfect for clearing highways, large parking lots, and long stretches of road.
• High-Speed Hauling: Need to clear snow from multiple locations? Trucks excel at traveling long distances, allowing you to tackle snow removal across a wide area efficiently.

Limitations

• Less Maneuverable: Trucks are big and bulky. They struggle with tight spaces and can leave behind unwanted snow piles in intricate areas.
• Higher Investment: Trucks require a more significant upfront investment compared to skid steers. Additionally, their larger size translates to higher fuel costs.
• Not as Versatile: Other than attaching a plow to a truck, there isn't much else you can do with it. This means that unless you have a wide open space or parking lot to clear, you'll need some additional help.

Prime Attach Snow Removal Attachments

Considering everything, choose the truck if you need to clear large, wide-open areas and require heavy power and higher speeds. For everything else, there's the skid steer. Parking lots, sidewalks, small roads, and tight angles — your skid steer can do it all.

If you’re in category number two, Prime Attachments has the ultimate skid steer weapon in your winter arsenal: our top-of-the-line snow removal attachments. We build skid steer snow plows, efficient pushers, blowers, and everything in between, to transform your skid steer into a snow-clearing champion.

Don't let winter slow you down. Contact us today to discuss snow removal needs and find the perfect attachment for your skid steer.