How to Select the Best UTV Snow Plow for Your Machine, Snow Type, and Budget

Posted by Drew Cummings on Dec 17th 2025

Winter doesn’t wait, and when the snow starts piling up, your UTV can become one of the most valuable tools you own. Whether you’re clearing a steep mountain driveway, keeping ranch roads passable, or tackling commercial snow removal, the right plow system makes all the difference.

At Side by Side Sports in Escondido, California, we’ve outfitted countless riders with dependable snow plow setups. Our go-to recommendation? KFI Plows known for their unbeatable durability, smart engineering, and value.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know: sizing charts, blade types, materials, mounting systems, and brand comparisons. For full plow system options, visit our UTV Snow Plow Category. Let’s dig in.

1. Start With Your Needs

Before you buy, think carefully about your UTV, your environment, and the workload you expect.

KFI V Plow UTV Snow Plow

1.1 Engine Power Matters

Plowing puts serious strain on your drivetrain. Match your plow to your machine’s engine size:

500–700cc → Best for light residential use and short driveways.
700–900cc → Handles medium driveways and moderate snowfall.
900–1000cc+ → Built for heavy snow, long routes, and commercial jobs.

Tip: Don’t overwork a smaller UTV. Over-plowing leads to belt wear, overheating, and breakdowns.

Shop UTV-specific plow pages:

1.2 Area Size & Usage

Residential users: A straight blade, 60–66" wide, is efficient and cost-effective.
Contractors or ranchers: Larger 66–72"+ blades or V-plows save time and handle uneven terrain better.

Explore popular plow brands:

KFI Snow Plow Blades

1.3 Snow Type

Snow isn’t all the same, and your plow should match the conditions:

Powder (light, fluffy) → Wider blades work best.
Packed/icy/wet snow → Stronger mounts and trip systems are essential. V-plows or tapered blades excel here.

Fun fact: Shoveling sends over 11,000 people to the ER each year. A UTV plow is safer and far less strenuous.

2. Blade Sizing Guidelines

UTV Size	Recommended Blade Width	Best Use Case
Small (500–700cc)	54–58"	Light snow, sidewalks, short driveways
Mid-size (700–900cc)	60–66"	Residential, ranch, mixed surfaces
Full-size (900–1000cc+)	66–72"+	Heavy snow, long routes, commercial work

3. Blade Types

Straight Blades → Affordable, simple, perfect for driveways and moderate snow.

KFI Straight Blade Snow Plow

V-Plows → Premium option. Cuts through drifts, scoops, stacks, and clears faster. Requires more power.

Moose V-Plow Blade

Tapered/Country Blades → Angled ends throw snow farther, reduce spill, and improve efficiency on long pushes.

Warn Tappered Snow Plow Blade

4. Plow Materials

Steel → Strong, cost-effective, but prone to rust if neglected.
Stainless Steel → Rust-proof, sleek look, slightly pricier.
Poly (UHMW) → Lightweight, snow doesn’t stick, but the most expensive.

5. Trip Systems (Safety First)

Full-Trip → Entire blade folds forward when hitting an obstacle. Best for smooth pavement.
Trip-Edge → Only the cutting edge trips. Ideal for gravel, uneven terrain, and commercial routes.

6. Mounting & Lift Systems

Mounting Styles

Center Mount → Strongest, most common, protects the frame.
Front Mount → Lighter duty, quick attach/detach.
Receiver Pockets → Heavy-duty, commercial grade.

Lift Options

Manual Lift → Cheap but slow.
Winch Lift → Most popular, reliable, uses your UTV’s winch.
Shop winches: UTV Winches
Hydraulic Lift → Fastest, best for commercial use, premium cost.

Control Options

From manual angling to handheld controllers to full hydraulic systems — choose based on budget and workload.

7. Brand Reviews

KFI Plows (9.5/10) → Heavy-gauge steel, top weld quality, strongest mounts, widest compatibility. Our #1 pick.

Moose Plows (9/10) → Excellent for ranches and heavy snow climates.

Cycle Country (8.5/10) → Lightweight, maneuverable, budget-friendly.

Warn Plows (7.5/10) → Solid for occasional residential use.

Survey of 800+ contractors: Polaris (35%) and Honda (20%) are the most used UTVs.
Shop UTV-specific systems:

8. Final Recommendations

Maximum Value → KFI Plows
Upper-Mid Tier Strength → Moose
Budget/Light Duty → Cycle Country
Occasional Use → Warn

Match blade size to your UTV’s engine, consider your snow type, and choose a mount/lift system that fits your workload. With the right setup, your UTV transforms into a safe, efficient snow-clearing machine ready for the toughest winter.

For accessories, shop: