8 Tools for Operating Skid Steers in the Snow

When winter storms bury the farmstead, a skid steer becomes the ultimate lifeline for keeping driveways clear and livestock feed accessible. Relying on a standard dirt bucket to move feet of heavy, wet snow is a recipe for frustration, wasted fuel, and potential equipment damage. Equipping your loader with the right winter implements transforms a frustrating chore into an efficient, satisfying morning routine.

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Preparing Your Skid Steer for Winter Work

Transitioning a skid steer from summer dirt work to freezing winter conditions requires systematic preparation. Cold temperatures thicken hydraulic fluids and weaken batteries, meaning a machine that started fine in October might refuse to budge in January. Swapping out standard hydraulic oil for a low-viscosity winter-grade fluid prevents sluggish controls and pump cavitation.

Fuel management is equally critical to prevent gelled diesel in the tank. Switching to a winter blend or adding a high-quality anti-gel additive before the first hard freeze is non-negotiable for smooth operation. Checking the glow plugs and upgrading to a higher cold-cranking amp (CCA) battery ensures the engine fires up when the thermometer plummets.

Finally, inspect all seals, grease points, and the operator cabin’s heating system. A malfunctioning cab heater is more than a comfort issue; it is a safety hazard that leads to fogged or iced-over windows. Ensure the windshield wiper motor is functional and the washer fluid is rated for sub-zero temperatures.

Key Safety Practices for Clearing Snow and Ice

Clearing snow with a skid steer presents unique hazards, from hidden obstacles beneath the drifts to sudden loss of traction on icy slopes. Before the first snow falls, walk the property to flag hidden obstacles like well heads, large rocks, and decorative landscaping. Striking a frozen curb or a buried stump at speed can damage the machine and injure the operator.

Maintaining visibility and situational awareness is paramount when operating in active weather. Keep the machine’s lights clean and use strobe lights to alert others, especially when working near public roads or shared farm lanes. Always look behind you before reversing, as snowbanks can easily obscure small animals, children, or farm equipment.

Speed control is the golden rule of winter skid steer operation. Sudden stops or sharp turns on packed snow can send a machine into an uncontrollable slide. When working on inclines, keep the attachment low to the ground to maintain a low center of gravity and prevent tipping if traction is lost.

Snow Pusher – Express Steel Heavy Duty Snow Pusher

A snow pusher is designed to move massive volumes of snow straight ahead without spilling over the sides. Unlike standard plows that windrow snow to the side, a pusher corrals the snow within its side plates, making it indispensable for clearing wide driveways, barnyards, and parking areas quickly. It saves time by eliminating the need to make multiple cleanup passes along the edges.

The Express Steel Heavy Duty Snow Pusher stands out because of its robust construction and high-tensile steel side plates. It features a durable rubber cutting edge that scrapes clean without chewing up gravel driveways or damaging concrete pads. This model is built to handle the resistance of heavy, wet slush without bowing or warping under pressure.

• Available widths: 6-foot, 7-foot, and 8-foot options
• 1.5-inch thick adjustable rubber cutting edge for surface protection
• Heavy-duty structural steel containment side plates
• Universal skid steer quick-attach mount

When choosing a size, match the pusher’s width to the skid steer’s operating capacity and horsepower. An oversized pusher on a lightweight machine will lose traction and spin its tires when fully loaded. This attachment is perfect for homesteaders with large flat areas to clear, but it is not ideal for tight spaces or winding pathways where maneuverability is limited.

Snow Blower – Erskine Attachments 2400 Snowblower

When snow piles up with nowhere to push it, a snowblower is the only tool that can throw the accumulation far off the driveway. This attachment is essential for properties with limited snow storage space or areas prone to deep drifting. It active-clears the path, throwing the snow up to 40 feet away to prevent high banks from forming along travel lanes.

The Erskine Attachments 2400 Snowblower is engineered to handle extreme winter conditions with its heavy-duty four-blade fan and aggressive open-rib auger. The hydraulic chute rotates 270 degrees, allowing precise placement of discharged snow even in tight quarters. Its high-torque motor maximizes the hydraulic efficiency of small-to-mid-sized skid steers.

• Cutting widths ranging from 60 to 84 inches
• No-freeze electronic chute rotation and deflector control
• Replaceable bolt-on cutting edges
• Compatible with standard or high-flow hydraulic systems

Operating a snowblower requires matching the machine’s hydraulic flow rate (GPM) to the blower’s requirements to prevent stalling. A slow ground speed combined with high engine RPMs yields the best results in deep drifts. This tool is a must-have for long, wind-swept lanes, but it represents an unnecessary investment for regions that only receive light, occasional dustings.

Angle Broom – Blue Diamond Heavy Duty Angle Broom

An angle broom is the perfect tool for clearing light snowfalls, slush, and residual powder that plows leave behind. It sweeps surfaces completely clean down to the pavement, which prevents ice from bonding to the ground. This makes it highly effective for walkways, barn entries, and paved areas where livestock or pedestrians walk.

The Blue Diamond Heavy Duty Angle Broom utilizes high-density poly-wire bristles that flex to sweep uneven ground without damaging the underlying surface. The heavy-duty hydraulic angling system allows the operator to change the broom’s angle on the fly from inside the cab. Its direct-drive motor eliminates chains and sprockets, reducing maintenance headaches in freezing weather.

• Available in 72-inch and 84-inch sweeping widths
• Dual-motor design for high-torque performance
• Angles 30 degrees left or right hydraulically
• Combination poly and wire bristles for aggressive sweeping

Keep in mind that heavy, wet snow over four inches deep will overwhelm an angle broom, causing it to clog or simply push the snow rather than sweep it. Bristle wear is a recurring maintenance cost, so adjusting the broom’s down-pressure is critical to prolonging its life. This attachment is ideal for those needing pristine, ice-free walkways, but is not a primary tool for heavy blizzard cleanup.

Snow Bucket – CID Attachments Skid Steer Snow Bucket

A dedicated snow bucket is designed with high-volume capacity to move light, drifted snow that would overflow a standard dirt bucket. Its deep-bottom design and high back allow the operator to scoop, transport, and pile snow efficiently. Without one, you waste time making twice as many trips to clear the same amount of yard space.

The CID Attachments Skid Steer Snow Bucket features pre-drilled holes for a bolt-on cutting edge and rear wear strips for added durability. The back of the bucket is cut back slightly to allow the operator to see the cutting edge clearly from the cab. It is constructed from high-strength steel with internal bracing to prevent twisting under heavy loads.

• Widths from 72 inches up to 96 inches
• High-capacity 30-inch height and 36-inch depth
• Optional bolt-on reversible cutting edge
• Integrated step for safe cab entry and exit

While the bucket is excellent for scooping and piling, using it to scrape hard-packed ice can strain the quick-attach plate if done improperly. It is a highly versatile, budget-friendly attachment that every winter operator should own. However, if your primary goal is high-speed road clearing rather than piling snow, a plow or pusher is a faster option.

Tire Chains – Security Chain Company Aquiline Talon

Skid steers are notoriously heavy machines with a short wheelbase, making them prone to slipping and sliding on packed snow and ice. Tire chains provide the mechanical bite needed to climb icy slopes, push heavy drifts, and stop safely. Without them, even the most powerful skid steer can become a helpless, sliding hazard on a minor incline.

The Security Chain Company Aquiline Talon chains are engineered specifically for demanding off-road and utility applications. They feature alloy steel cross chains with aggressive studs that dig deep into hard-packed ice and frozen ground. The box-pattern design keeps the chain on top of the tire tread, preventing it from dropping into the lugs and losing effectiveness.

• Studded alloy steel links for maximum ice traction
• Case-hardened tensioning system for a secure fit
• Available in sizes to fit standard skid steer tire profiles
• Excellent lateral stability to prevent side-slipping

Proper installation and tensioning are critical; loose chains can wrap around axles or damage the skid steer’s fenders and hydraulic lines. They should only be used on snow, ice, or dirt, as driving them on bare concrete or asphalt will cause rapid wear and surface damage. These chains are an absolute necessity for hilly properties, but are overkill for flat, sandy yards.

Snow V-Plow – Boss Plow Skid Steer XT V-Plow

A V-plow offers unmatched versatility by transitioning between V-shape, scoop, and straight-blade configurations. This adaptability allows the operator to bust through deep drifts in V-mode, scoop and carry snow in scoop-mode, or windrow to the side in straight-mode. It is the ultimate tool for navigating complex layouts with varying snow depths.

The Boss Plow Skid Steer XT V-Plow is built to withstand professional-grade abuse while remaining accessible for farm use. It features a heavy-duty push frame and a high-performance hydraulic system that responds instantly to operator controls. The flared moldboard design throws snow high and wide, preventing it from spilling back onto cleared paths.

• Flared moldboard design to maximize snow throwing
• SmartShield baked-on powder finish to resist rust
• Heavy-duty curb guards and snow deflector standard
• Dual-trip design for obstacle protection

The hydraulic controls require a multi-button joystick or an auxiliary wiring harness on the skid steer, which adds to the initial setup complexity. Operators must learn to read the terrain to avoid catching the plow’s center hinge on hidden obstacles. This plow is ideal for properties with long roads and tight turnarounds, but is less suited for operators seeking a simple, hook-and-go attachment.

Salt Spreader – Buyers Products SaltDogg Spreader

Clearing snow is only half the battle; preventing ice formation is what keeps walkways and driveways truly safe. A salt spreader attaches to the skid steer to distribute bulk salt, sand, or ice melt quickly and evenly. It eliminates the back-breaking labor of hand-spreading and ensures consistent coverage over large areas.

The Buyers Products SaltDogg Spreader is a self-contained, electrically driven unit that mounts easily to the skid steer’s quick-attach plate. Its durable, rust-proof poly hopper prevents the corrosive materials from eating away at the frame. The high-torque motor and heavy-duty auger feed material smoothly without clogging, even in damp conditions.

• Corrosion-proof polyurethane hopper
• Spreads bulk salt, bag salt, or sand mixes
• Adjustable spread width from 3 to 30 feet
• 12-volt DC motor with in-cab variable speed controller

Because salt is highly corrosive, the spreader and the skid steer’s mounting plate must be thoroughly washed after every use to prevent rust. Sizing the hopper capacity to your skid steer’s lifting capacity is crucial to avoid tipping when fully loaded. This tool is perfect for homesteads with paved areas prone to black ice, but is unnecessary for dirt or gravel paths where sand is preferred.

Heated Wiper Blade – Everblades Heated Wiper Blades

Operating a skid steer in a snowstorm quickly leads to iced-over windshield wipers that smear slush and obscure your vision. Standard wipers freeze to the glass, leaving dangerous blind spots right where you need to see. A heated wiper blade uses internal heating elements to melt ice on contact, keeping the windshield clear in sub-zero weather.

Everblades Heated Wiper Blades integrate heating elements directly into both the silicone blade and the metal frame. They automatically activate when turned on, maintaining a warm temperature that prevents ice build-up on the wiper itself. This ensures a clean, streak-free wipe with every pass, regardless of how fast the snow is falling.

• Heats up to 200°F to melt ice and snow instantly
• Long-lasting silicone squeegee resists tearing
• Available in various lengths to fit most skid steer cabs
• Simple wire-in installation to the machine’s 12V system

Installation requires routing electrical wires from the wiper arm into the cab, which demands basic wiring knowledge. Care must be taken to secure the wires so they do not catch on moving parts or branches during operation. This is an inexpensive, game-changing upgrade for enclosed-cab operators, but is obviously useless for open-canopy machines.

How to Maintain Your Skid Steer in Freezing Cold

Winter maintenance is about preventing failures before they happen in the middle of a blizzard. Regularly grease all pivot points, as cold temperatures cause metal to contract and grease to harden, increasing wear on pins and bushings. Check tire pressure frequently; cold air causes pressure to drop, which reduces traction and can damage tire sidewalls.

Always allow the engine and hydraulic system to warm up fully before putting the machine under load. Running cold hydraulic fluid through tight valves can damage seals and cause sluggish performance. A good rule of thumb is to let the engine idle until the hydraulic lines feel warm to the touch.

Wash the skid steer regularly to remove road salt and corrosive ice-melt chemicals that accumulate during clearing operations. Pay special attention to the undercarriage, quick-attach plate, and hydraulic fittings where rust can take hold. Store the machine in a sheltered area or under a heavy-duty tarp to protect electrical connections from freezing rain.

Storing Your Snow Attachments After the Season

Proper post-season storage ensures your expensive snow attachments are ready to perform when the next winter arrives. Begin by thoroughly washing away all dirt, salt, and debris from each attachment. Any remaining salt will attract moisture and accelerate rust over the humid summer months.

Inspect all cutting edges, shoes, and hoses for wear, and replace damaged parts now rather than waiting for winter. Coat any bare metal surfaces, such as plow blades or bucket interiors, with a rust-preventative spray or a light layer of grease. Apply fresh grease to all pivot points and cylinder shafts to seal out moisture.

Store the attachments off the ground on wooden pallets in a dry, covered area like a machine shed or barn. Keeping them out of direct sunlight prevents hydraulic hoses from dry-rotting and poly components from degrading. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, cover the equipment securely with waterproof tarps and slope them to prevent water pooling.

Equipping your skid steer with the right winter tools turns a daunting winter storm into a manageable, efficient task. By choosing durable attachments and committing to consistent maintenance, you protect your investment and keep your property safe. Stay warm, plan ahead, and let your loader do the heavy lifting this winter.