Skid Steer Snow Blowers: The Ultimate Guide to Clearing Snow with Ease

Skid steer snow blowers are an essential tool for those who live in areas with heavy snowfall. These attachments are designed to be used with skid steer loaders, making them ideal for a variety of applications. They are capable of clearing snow from parking lots, roads, farm yards, sidewalks, and other areas with ease.

There are many different types of snow blowers available, but skid steer snow blowers are particularly popular due to their versatility and ease of use. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, allowing users to choose the perfect attachment for their specific needs. Some models are designed to be used with compact track loaders, while others are designed for use with skid steer loaders.

Whether you are a homeowner looking to clear your driveway or a contractor responsible for clearing large areas of snow, a skid steer snow blower can make your job easier and more efficient. With their powerful motors and durable construction, these attachments are capable of handling even the toughest snow removal tasks. So if you live in an area with heavy snowfall, consider investing in a skid steer snow blower to make your winter months more manageable.

Understanding Skid Steer Snow Blowers

Skid steer snow blowers are powerful attachments that can turn your skid steer into a snow-removing machine. These attachments are designed to chew through loose and packed snow, making snow removal from parking lots, roads, farm yards, and sidewalks an absolute breeze.

Skid steer snow blowers come in different sizes and capacities, and they are designed to fit different skid steer models. They are usually two-stage hydraulic blowers that can blow snow up to 45 feet away. The blower is powered by a direct-drive motor that eliminates moving parts and wear, making it a reliable and durable attachment.

Skid steer snow blowers are usually equipped with an electro-hydraulically controlled, poly-lined chute and deflector that allows you to direct the snow where you want it to go. The blower also features bolt-on replaceable wear edges that can be easily replaced when they wear out.

When choosing a skid steer snow blower, it's important to consider the size of your skid steer and the amount of snow you need to remove. You should also consider the width of the blower and the throwing distance, as these factors will determine how quickly and efficiently you can remove snow.

Overall, skid steer snow blowers are a powerful and reliable attachment that can make snow removal a breeze. With the right attachment, you can turn your skid steer into a snow-removing machine that can handle even the toughest snow removal jobs.

Key Features of Skid Steer Snow Blowers

Skid steer snow blowers are an essential tool for clearing snow from driveways, sidewalks, and other areas. They come with a variety of features that make them efficient and effective in removing snow. In this section, we will discuss the key features of skid steer snow blowers.

Auger and Fan

The auger and fan are the two main components of a snow blower. The auger is responsible for breaking up the snow and ice, while the fan is responsible for blowing the snow out of the chute. Skid steer snow blowers are designed with heavy-duty augers and fans to handle tough snow and ice conditions.

Chute and Deflector

The chute and deflector are critical components of a snow blower. The chute is responsible for directing the snow out of the machine, while the deflector controls the height and distance of the snow. Skid steer snow blowers come with electro-hydraulically controlled, poly-lined chutes and deflectors that can rotate 220 degrees.

Cutting Edge and Skid Shoes

The cutting edge and skid shoes are responsible for keeping the snow blower level and preventing damage to the surface being cleared. Skid steer snow blowers come with adjustable skid shoes that allow the operator to set the height of the cutting edge. The cutting edge is typically made of high-carbon steel and is bolted on for easy replacement.

Shroud Opening and Discharge Fan

The shroud opening and discharge fan are responsible for controlling the flow and velocity of the snow. Skid steer snow blowers come with five blades that evacuate high volumes of snow quickly, with tighter tolerances to the housing increasing the velocity of the snow exiting the chute. All Bush Hog® snow blowers come with a manual pin-style deflector allowing a true set it and forget approach to blowing snow.

Cutting Width and Height, and Fan Diameter

The cutting width and height, and fan diameter are important factors to consider when choosing a snow blower. Skid steer snow blowers come in a variety of sizes, with cutting widths ranging from 60 to 84 inches and cutting heights ranging from 24 to 36 inches. Fan diameters range from 24 to 30 inches, with the larger diameter fans being more effective at blowing snow farther distances.

In summary, skid steer snow blowers come with a variety of features that make them efficient and effective in removing snow. The auger and fan, chute and deflector, cutting edge and skid shoes, shroud opening and discharge fan, and cutting width and height, and fan diameter are all important factors to consider when choosing a snow blower.

Power and Efficiency

Skid steer snow blowers are powerful and efficient machines designed to tackle heavy snowfalls. They are commonly used by professionals and homeowners alike to clear driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks. These machines come in different sizes and configurations, but they all share some common features that make them effective at snow removal.

The power of a skid steer snow blower is determined by its hydraulic motor and gearbox. The hydraulic motor is responsible for converting the hydraulic pressure from the skid steer into rotational force that drives the auger and impeller. The gearbox is responsible for transferring this rotational force to the auger and impeller. The power of the hydraulic motor and gearbox determines the speed and torque of the auger and impeller, which in turn determines the snow blowing capacity of the machine.

Efficiency is another important factor to consider when choosing a skid steer snow blower. An efficient snow blower can clear more snow in less time, which translates into cost savings and increased productivity. The efficiency of a snow blower is determined by its design, power source, and operating conditions.

Most skid steer snow blowers are powered by the skid steer's hydraulic system, which provides a reliable and efficient power source. Some models also come with a PTO option, which allows them to be powered by a tractor or other power source. The power source of a snow blower determines its maximum snow blowing capacity and operating speed.

In summary, skid steer snow blowers are powerful and efficient machines that can handle heavy snowfalls with ease. Their hydraulic motor and gearbox determine their power, while their design, power source, and operating conditions determine their efficiency. When choosing a snow blower, it is important to consider both power and efficiency to ensure that you get a machine that meets your needs and budget.

Size and Weight Considerations

When choosing a Skid Steer Snow Blower, size and weight considerations are crucial. The size of the snow blower attachment should be proportional to the amount of snow that needs to be removed. For light snow, a smaller skid steer is sufficient, but for heavy snow, a larger skid steer is needed.

The cutting width of a snow blower attachment is also an important factor to consider. The wider the cutting width, the more snow can be cleared in a single pass. Cutting widths can range from 48 inches to 108 inches, depending on the model.

Another factor to consider is the cutting height. The cutting height determines how deep the snow can be cleared. Snow blowers with adjustable cutting heights are ideal as they can be adjusted according to the snow depth.

The fan diameter is also an important consideration. The larger the fan diameter, the more snow can be moved in a single pass. Fan diameters can range from 20 inches to 36 inches, depending on the model.

When it comes to weight, it is important to ensure that the skid steer can handle the weight of the snow blower attachment. The weight of the snow blower attachment can range from 500 pounds to 2000 pounds, depending on the model.

In summary, when choosing a Skid Steer Snow Blower, it is important to consider the size and weight of the attachment, as well as the cutting width, cutting height, and fan diameter. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the right snow blower attachment for your needs.

Attachments and Compatibility

Skid steer snow blowers are versatile machines that can be used for various snow removal tasks. However, to get the most out of your skid steer, you need to have the right attachments and ensure compatibility with your machine.

Attachments make a significant difference in how much work you can do and how profitable your machine is. There are hundreds of snow blower attachments available in the market, and choosing the right one can be a daunting task. When selecting an attachment, consider the following factors:

• Type of snow: Choose an attachment that is suitable for the type of snow you will be removing. Wet, heavy snow requires a different type of attachment than light, fluffy snow.

• Machine size: Ensure that the attachment you choose is compatible with the size of your skid steer. Oversized attachments can cause damage to your machine and compromise safety.

• Hitch: Check the hitch type on your skid steer and ensure that the attachment you choose is compatible with it. Most snow blower attachments are designed to fit standard skid steer hitches, but it's always best to double-check.

• Tractor compatibility: Some snow blower attachments are compatible with tractors as well as skid steers. If you have both machines, choose an attachment that can be used with both to save money.

• Ease of use: Choose an attachment that is easy to install, operate, and maintain. Complicated attachments can be time-consuming and frustrating to use.

Skid steer snow blower attachments come in various types, including snow pushers, snow blades, and snow blowers. Snow pushers are ideal for pushing large amounts of snow to the side, while snow blades are perfect for leveling and grading. Snow blowers are the most versatile and can tackle the heaviest and wettest of snow accumulations.

In summary, choosing the right attachment is crucial to get the most out of your skid steer snow blower. Consider the type of snow, machine size, hitch type, tractor compatibility, and ease of use when selecting an attachment. With the right attachment, you can make snow removal a breeze and keep your property safe and accessible during the winter months.

Snow Removal Applications

Skid steer snow blowers are versatile attachments that can be used in a variety of snow removal applications. They are commonly used in parking lots, farm yards, sidewalks, and driveways.

In parking lots, skid steer snow blowers can quickly and efficiently clear large areas of snow. They are ideal for use in parking lots because they can easily maneuver around parked cars and other obstacles. Skid steer snow blowers are also useful for clearing snow from around buildings and other structures.

In farm yards, skid steer snow blowers are often used to clear snow from driveways, barnyards, and other areas where livestock may be kept. They are also useful for clearing snow from around farm buildings and other structures.

Sidewalks are another common application for skid steer snow blowers. They are ideal for clearing snow from sidewalks because they can easily maneuver around obstacles such as benches, trash cans, and light poles. Skid steer snow blowers are also useful for clearing snow from bike paths and other pedestrian areas.

Finally, skid steer snow blowers are commonly used for clearing snow from driveways. They are ideal for use in residential areas where space is limited and maneuverability is key. Skid steer snow blowers can easily clear snow from narrow driveways and other tight spaces.

Overall, skid steer snow blowers are versatile attachments that can be used in a variety of snow removal applications. They are efficient, reliable, and easy to use, making them a popular choice for snow removal professionals and homeowners alike.

Choosing the Right Skid Steer Snow Blower

When selecting a skid steer snow blower, there are several factors to consider. The following are some of the key considerations to keep in mind:

Matching the Skid Steer to the Snow Blower

It is essential to match the snow blower to the skid steer. This ensures that the snow blower is compatible with the skid steer's hydraulic system, and that it can be operated safely and efficiently. The snow blower's flow rate and pressure requirements should be matched to the skid steer's hydraulic system.

Visibility

Visibility is another important factor to consider when choosing a skid steer snow blower. Some snow blowers have a design that can obstruct the operator's view, which can be a safety hazard. It is important to choose a snow blower that provides good visibility, so the operator can see the area being cleared.

Steel Edge

The steel edge of a snow blower is the part that comes into contact with the ground. It is important to choose a snow blower with a durable steel edge that can withstand the rigors of snow removal. A replaceable steel edge is a good option, as it can be easily replaced when it wears down.

Specs

It is important to consider the specifications of the snow blower, including its width, height, and weight. These factors can impact the snow blower's performance and maneuverability. It is also important to consider the snow blower's throwing distance, which can impact the amount of snow that can be cleared.

Price and Warranty

Price and warranty are also important factors to consider when choosing a skid steer snow blower. It is important to choose a snow blower that fits within your budget, while also providing good value for the price. It is also important to consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer, as this can provide peace of mind and protection against defects.

Brand and Dealer

Choosing a reputable brand and dealer can help ensure that you are getting a high-quality snow blower. It is important to do research on different brands and dealers, and to read reviews from other customers. This can help you make an informed decision and choose a snow blower that meets your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular skid steer snow blower manufacturers?

There are several popular skid steer snow blower manufacturers, including Virnig, HGP, and CASE. Each manufacturer offers a range of models with varying specifications and features.

Are self-powered skid steer snow blowers effective?

Self-powered skid steer snow blowers can be effective for smaller snow removal jobs, but they may not be suitable for larger commercial applications. The effectiveness of a self-powered snow blower will depend on its specifications and the amount of snow that needs to be removed.

What is the difference between low flow and high flow skid steer snow blowers?

Low flow skid steer snow blowers typically have a lower flow rate and are best suited for smaller snow removal jobs. High flow skid steer snow blowers, on the other hand, have a higher flow rate and are designed for larger commercial applications.

Which brand of skid steer snow blower has the best reviews?

There is no one brand of skid steer snow blower that has consistently better reviews than others. It is important to research and compare different brands and models to find the one that best fits your specific needs.

Can skid steers be used for efficient snow removal?

Yes, skid steers can be used for efficient snow removal when equipped with a snow blower attachment. Skid steers are highly maneuverable and can quickly clear snow from sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots.

What is the recommended flow rate for a skid steer snow blower?

The recommended flow rate for a skid steer snow blower will depend on the size of the snow blower and the amount of snow that needs to be removed. It is important to choose a snow blower with a flow rate that matches your skid steer's hydraulic system.