Snow Country Plow of Choice

By Craig Sandmann, managing director, Hilltip North America

For many large property owners, the snow season brings more than just pretty landscapes. It means early mornings, icy chores and the challenge of keeping driveways, barn paths and livestock areas accessible. A snowplow can improve winter work but deciding which vehicle to mount it on is a question of its own. Choosing between your utility vehicle( UTV), compact tractor or pickup truck depends on your property, workload, priorities and personal preferences.

Let’ s walk through each option and see how they stack up.

UTVs for Light, Nimble Clearing

A UTV might be a good choice if the property has narrow lanes, tight spaces or areas where maneuverability matters more than raw power.

These popular vehicles are compact, easy to handle and can zip around obstacles such as trees and fences without much trouble. For smaller, lighter snowfalls or shorter driveways, a plow on a UTV can be surprisingly effective.

But it’ s important to be realistic about their limitations. UTVs don’ t have the same weight as a truck or tractor, and that means they can struggle when snow gets deep, heavy or compacted. They may tend to ride up on snow rather than push cleanly through it, and once banks start to build, clearing them becomes a chore. As a result, if the property regularly sees tough storms, a UTV might not be quite up to the task.

Compact Tractors: The Reliable Workhorse

Compact tractors are a step up in power and capability. They’ re generally heavier, which can improve traction and help bust through compacted drifts. They can also push more snow without bogging down, depending on the size and horsepower of the tractor.

Furthermore, the versatility of tractors provides multiple front and rear mounting options to accommodate the needs of many users. Just make sure that the plow selected is wide enough to cover the track of the rear axle when the plow is fully angled at 30 degrees.

The downsides are worth noting, though. Tractors travel slower than other vehicles for clearing long driveways, and they don’ t always provide the same comfort level. Unless they’ re equipped with a cab, operators will be exposed to the cold, which makes long plowing sessions less appealing.

32 AcreageLife December 2025 AcreageLife. com