Skid Steer Snow Blower: When It Beats a Pusher and What to Check
A skid steer snow blower throws snow clear when a pusher runs out of room, so here is what to check on your machine, width and chute.
A snow pusher piles snow up, and a skid steer snow blower throws snow clear of the area. If your lot has nowhere left to stack snow, or the snow is deep and heavy, a skid steer snow blower may be the tool you need.
Chupp Industrial, in Chouteau, Oklahoma, sells skid steer and mini skid steer attachments and ships nationwide.
When is a skid steer snow blower better than a snow pusher?
A blower beats a pusher when space is the problem. A blower earns its keep when:
- You have run out of room to pile snow
- You keep pushing the same pile higher until the machine cannot reach the top
- Drifts are deeper than a pusher can shove
- You need to cast snow over a fence, bank or into a truck
- Your sites are tight, with no open spot for a pile
If you always have a wide, open place to shove snow, a blade or pusher is the simpler tool and easier to store.
What skid steer does a snow blower need?
A snow blower needs a machine with enough auxiliary hydraulic flow, the right size and lift, and a matching coupler. Check these first:
- Flow. A blower needs a certain flow to turn its auger and fan. Too little flow means slow, weak throwing.
- Machine size and lift. A heavy attachment on a small machine makes for an unsafe, unstable rig.
- Coupler style. The blower's mount must match your machine.
- Full-size or mini. A blower that fits a full-size skid steer may not fit a mini skid steer.
If you send us your make and model, our sales team can help you check what fits.
What width of snow blower should you get?
Pick a blower width that matches the lanes and drives you clear. A wider blower clears more per pass, but a wider blower asks more of the machine. A narrower blower goes slower but works in tight places.
What should you look for in the chute?
Look for a chute you can adjust from the seat without stopping, which saves time. Check how the blower's chute rotates and how easily you can aim it, because you do not want to throw snow onto a car or a neighbor.
How does a snow blower handle wet or packed snow?
Wet, heavy snow and hard-packed windrows are the real test for a blower; light powder is easy. Ask the seller how that blower handles heavy snow, and be honest about what your winters look like.
How do you run a snow blower safely and well?
Go slow in deep snow and let the blower's auger do the work. Take a full-width pass when you can, overlap your lanes a little and keep the chute pointed downwind. Never clear a jam with the attachment running or the machine in gear; shut down, lower the blower and wait for everything to stop first.
For long runs, an enclosed cab with heat makes the work bearable, and good lights matter when you clear snow at night. Add work lights if your machine lacks them.
How do you care for a snow blower after winter?
After winter:
- Clean out packed snow and ice
- Check the auger and housing for wear
- Grease fittings as the maker recommends
- Inspect hoses and couplers
- Store the blower dry
A blower left wet over summer is a blower with rust. Before the next season, make sure the quick couplers are clean and not iced up.
How do you find who made your skid steer snow blower to order parts?
Look for the serial number label on the snow blower. The serial number label tells you the model and usually lists a contact email for the manufacturer, so you can reach the maker about a replacement part.
Tell us about your machine and your lot and we will help you pick a blower that fits.
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