Snow Blower vs Snow Plow: Which Attachment Is Best for Your Skid Steer?

When winter hits hard, the right attachment can make all the difference between a smooth day’s work and a frustrating, slow grind. If you’re using a skid steer to clear snow, you’ve likely faced the classic question: snow blower vs snow plow, which one actually gets the job done better?

The answer depends on more than just snow depth. Whether you're managing commercial lots, tight driveways, or heavy snowdrifts, choosing the right tool for your skid steer can save you time, fuel, and hassle all season long. In this article, we’ll break down the snow plow vs snow blower debate to help you make the best choice for your workflow and your machine.

 

What Is a Snow Blower Attachment?

A snow blower attachment turns your skid steer into a high-powered snow-clearing machine, especially when dealing with deep or packed snow. Unlike a plow that pushes snow forward or to the side, a snow blower collects and throws snow through a chute, sending it far off your path, ideal for avoiding snow buildup along curbs, fences, or buildings.

These attachments typically use hydraulic power from your skid steer to drive a two-stage system: the first stage gathers snow with an auger, while the second stage launches it through a directional chute. Many models allow you to control chute rotation and deflection from inside the cab, giving you precise control over where the snow lands.

Snow blowers are the go-to solution when you need:

• Clean pavement in a single pass
• To remove snow without blocking access points
• To manage heavy snowfalls that a blade can’t push effectively

What Is a Snow Plow or Pusher Attachment?

A snow plow attachment is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to clear large amounts of snow with your skid steer. Instead of lifting or throwing snow like a blower, a plow simply pushes it out of the way, making quick work of wide-open areas like parking lots, roads, or jobsite access lanes.

Plows are ideal when:

• You need to move snow quickly across flat, open ground
• Snow is light to moderate and not heavily packed
• Cleanup speed is more important than a perfectly bare surface

Want a deeper look at how snow plows work with skid steers? Check out our full breakdown in our article.

Which Attachment Is Right for You?

Choosing between a snow plow vs snow blower for your skid steer isn’t just about preference, it’s about matching the tool to your workload, terrain, and climate. Here are the key factors to weigh before you invest:

1. Snow Type and Depth

• Light or moderate snowfalls: A snow plow moves quickly and efficiently.
• Heavy, wet, or deep snow: A snow blower handles volume better by throwing snow clear of the work area instead of piling it.

2. Area Size and Layout

• Large, open lots (like parking areas or wide roads) are best suited to plows and pushers, where you can make long, clean passes.
• Tight, confined spaces (such as residential driveways, sidewalks, or alleys) often require the precision and throwing distance of a blower.

3. Surface Finish

• Plows are great for rough clearing, but they may leave a thin snow layer behind.
• Blowers can clear right down to the pavement, which is critical for preventing ice buildup on sidewalks and walkways.

4. Speed vs. Cleanliness

• If speed is your top priority and you’re clearing wide areas, the plow wins.
• If thoroughness and clean results are more important, especially in high-foot traffic areas, the blower is the better choice.

5. Machine Size and Hydraulics

• Make sure your skid steer has the hydraulic flow needed for a snow blower (typically standard or high-flow, depending on the model).
• Snow plows generally require less from the machine, making them a more plug-and-play option for a wider range of skid steers.

 

Quick Comparison: Snow Plow vs Snow Blower for Skid Steers

Here’s a quick breakdown of how each attachment performs in real-world conditions. Whether you're outfitting your skid steer for residential jobs or commercial contracts, this side-by-side view gives you a fast way to compare.

Feature	Snow Blower	Snow Plow
Best For	Heavy, deep snow in tight areas	Large, open spaces with light to moderate snow
Speed	Slower, precision clearing	Fast, efficient coverage
Snow Output	Throws snow far from path	Pushes snow to the side or into piles
Surface Finish	Cleans down to pavement	May leave a thin layer behind
Ideal Use Case	Sidewalks, narrow driveways, and snowbanks	Parking lots, access roads, and large open lots

Both tools can be incredibly effective, it’s all about matching the right one to the job at hand. Let’s take a closer look at how each works and where they shine.

Cost & Maintenance Differences

When comparing the long-term investment of a snow blower vs snow plow for your skid steer, it’s important to look beyond the upfront price tag. Each attachment has different maintenance demands and long-term value depending on how you use it.

Snow Plows: Lower Cost, Simpler Upkeep

• Generally more affordable than blowers
• Fewer moving parts = less maintenance over time
• Blade wear is the most common concern, easily fixed with replaceable cutting edges
• Ideal for operators who want a low-maintenance, high-speed snow solution

Snow Blowers: Higher Cost, Higher Capability

• Typically more expensive due to complex components (augers, impellers, chutes)
• Requires regular maintenance, especially on bearings, hydraulics, and shear bolts
• Long-term durability if well-maintained, built to handle deep and demanding snow conditions
• Worth the investment for operators who need maximum performance in heavy snow

If you need all-out snow-moving power, a blower pays off over time. If speed and simplicity are your top priorities, a plow may be the better financial and operational fit.

 

Final Verdict: Snow Blower vs Plow for Your Skid Steer

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer in the snow blower vs plow debate, it all comes down to your snow conditions, property types, and how fast and clean you need the job done.

If you’re tackling large areas with light snow, a plow gives you speed and simplicity. But for deeper drifts, narrow paths, or when you need to throw snow clear off the site, a blower is the better tool. Both are powerful winter solutions when paired with the right skid steer and both can help you move more snow, faster, and more profitably.

Need Help Picking the Right Attachment? Explore our full lineup of snow blowers and plows made for skid steers or contact our team at Skid Steers Direct and we’ll help you find the one that fits your machine and your workload.