Selecting the right skid steer snow attachments is one of the most important decisions an Ontario contractor makes ahead of winter. Snow volume, site layout, surface type, and where the snow needs to go all determine which attachment will perform best. The wrong choice can slow production, increase wear, and create safety risks. The right choice improves efficiency, surface finish, and profitability.
This guide is designed as a practical, real-world resource for contractors using skid steers and compact track loaders in Canadian winter conditions. It explains how each attachment works, where it excels, and where it falls short, so you can match equipment to the job instead of guessing.
At Tag Equipment, we support contractors across Ontario with proven snow attachments, machine-specific fitment guidance, and Canada-wide shipping. If you are planning ahead or upgrading for heavier snowfall, this guide will help you make a confident decision.
You can browse our full lineup of skid steer snow attachments or contact us to confirm fitment.
Quick Picks by Job Site
If you are managing multiple properties, having the right attachment for each type of site is critical. Below is a simplified breakdown to help narrow your options.
- Large parking lots and open commercial properties
Snow pushers or snow wings provide the fastest results by moving large volumes of snow in straight passes. - Municipal streets, access lanes, and long runs
Snow blades allow angled plowing and cleaner surface results over distance. - Residential driveways and sidewalks
Snow blades or angle brooms give better control and reduce surface damage. - Tight areas near buildings, curbs, or loading docks
Snow wings with adjustable end plates allow controlled clearing close to obstacles. - Sites with limited snow storage or haul-away requirements
Skid steer snow buckets are necessary when snow must be stacked or transported. - Post-plow ice management
Salt spreaders help prevent refreezing and improve site safety.
These are general guidelines. Snowfall volume, surface condition, and crew experience all influence the final choice.
Attachment Types at a Glance
Snow attachments are designed with different priorities in mind. Some focus on speed, some on precision, and others on containment or transport. The correct attachment depends on how the snow is handled after it is cleared.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the most common skid steer and compact track loader snow attachments, followed by practical use cases. For snow wing vs blade decisions, choose a wing for wide, adjustable passes and containment and a blade for angled windrowing and cleaner scrapes.
You can explore all available options in our selection of skid steer snow attachments.
Snow Pushers: Best for Big, Open Lots and Containment
Snow pushers are built for high-volume snow removal in open areas. Their box design with fixed sidewalls traps snow and pushes it forward, allowing operators to clear large sections quickly with minimal passes.
They are especially effective in commercial and industrial settings where snow can be piled in designated areas. Because they push in one direction, operators typically work in long, straight lines to maximize efficiency.
Snow pushers are not designed to lift or carry snow, and stacking height is limited. Optional back-drag systems can improve cleanup near doors or dock edges.
Best use cases:
- Large retail parking lots
- Industrial yards and distribution centres
- Properties with ample snow storage space
Snow pushers are a top productivity tool when containment and speed matter most.
Snow Blades: Fast, Versatile Clearing for Drives and Lanes
A skid steer snow blade is one of the most versatile winter attachments available. Blades can be angled left or right and often feature oscillation to follow uneven surfaces. This makes them ideal for paved areas where a clean scrape is required.
Snow blades also allow operators to back-drag snow away from buildings and stack snow higher than a pusher. They perform well in both residential and commercial environments and are a common choice for mixed property portfolios.
However, blades typically have more moving components than pushers and require attention to cutting edge selection to avoid surface damage.
Best use cases:
- Driveways and roadways
- Sidewalks and pathways
- Properties requiring frequent directional changes
If flexibility and surface finish are priorities, a snow blade is often the best solution.
Snow Wings: Wide Pass, Adjustable, Built for Heavy Drifts
Snow wings combine the strengths of blades and pushers into one attachment. Hydraulically controlled end plates allow the operator to expand or retract the working width, making snow wings effective on both wide-open areas and tighter spaces.
With independent hydraulic wing control for variable width and rotary actuators, snow wings handle deep drifts and heavy snowfall efficiently. They are commonly used by contractors who service large commercial sites with varying layouts.
Snow wings typically require hydraulic connections and proper sizing to match machine capacity.
Best use cases:
- Large commercial properties
- Heavy snowfall regions
- Sites with changing layouts and snow patterns
Snow wings offer speed, flexibility, and control when conditions vary.
Snow Buckets: When You Must Stack or Haul Away
A skid steer snow bucket is the correct choice when snow cannot remain on site. Buckets allow operators to lift, stack, and load snow into trucks for removal.
They provide precise placement and are useful in urban areas where storage space is limited. Buckets can also be used to reshape piles or clean up areas where push attachments cannot reach.
The trade-off is efficiency. Buckets move less snow per pass and place greater load on the machine, especially in wet or compacted conditions.
Best use cases:
- Downtown or confined properties
- Snow hauling operations
- Controlled pile placement
When snow must leave the site, a bucket is essential.
Light Snow and Ice Tools: Brooms, Blowers, and Salt Spreaders
Not every winter condition requires aggressive plowing.
- Angle brooms are ideal for light snowfall and are commonly used on sidewalks, walkways, and finished surfaces.
- Salt spreaders are critical for post-plow treatment. They help reduce ice buildup, prevent refreezing, and improve pedestrian and vehicle safety.
- Snow blower attachments are useful in areas with frequent heavy accumulation where snow must be thrown well away from the cleared area.
These attachments are often used alongside pushers, blades, or wings to complete the job properly.
Cutting Edges and Surfaces: Rubber vs Steel
Choosing the correct cutting edge protects surfaces and improves performance.
- Steel edges work best on ice, hard-packed snow, and uneven ground.
- Rubber edges are preferred for asphalt, concrete, gravel, and decorative surfaces. They reduce scraping and surface damage.
Edge selection should be based on surface condition, not just snow depth.
Fitment and Sizing: Width, Weight, Flow, and Mounting
Attachment performance depends on proper fitment.
- Match attachment width to machine size and property layout
- Verify machine operating weight and lift capacity
- Confirm hydraulic flow requirements for wings and blowers
- Most snow attachments use a universal skid steer or CTL mounting plate
Confirming the machine make, model, and serial number before ordering helps avoid downtime and returns.
View our skid steer snow attachments or contact us for fitment support.
Skid Steer vs Compact Track Loader in Winter
Both platforms perform well in winter conditions.
- Compact track loader snow attachments benefit from improved traction and lower ground pressure on snow-covered surfaces.
- Skid steers offer faster travel speed and flexibility with tire options.
The right choice depends on how you plan to use the machine outside the winter season and the surfaces being serviced.
Ontario Stock and HLA Model Coverage
Tag Equipment supports Ontario contractors with access to proven HLA snow attachment lines, including:
- Snow Wings: 3200W, 4200W, 5200W
- Snow Blades: 1000 through 6000 series
- Snow Pushers: 1500 through 5500 series
These models support most major skid steer and CTL brands used across Ontario and are available in sizes suited for residential, commercial, and industrial work.
Safety and Winter Prep
Preparation reduces downtime and damage.
- Use cold-weather engine oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid
- Keep fuel tanks full to limit condensation
- Inspect cutting edges, hoses, and batteries regularly
- Identify site hazards like curbs, drains, and hydrants before snowfall
Consistent maintenance protects both operators and equipment throughout the season.
Confirm Fitment and Availability
If you are comparing skid steer snow attachments, our team can help you select the right option for your machine and job sites. We ship snow attachments Canada-wide with fast turnaround during peak winter demand.
For snow attachments Ontario contractors can rely on, contact us for availability and fitment confirmation or browse our complete skid steer snow attachments selection.