Going ATVing in the fresh powder can be one of the most exhilarating rides of the year. Taking in all of the beautiful scenery as you cut through the cold air with speed and precision can definitely be exciting. However, sometimes that powder gets to be a little too much and can actually dampen the fun of ATVing when there are lots of snowbanks or, even worse, vehicles are snowed in. If you are ready to hit the powder this winter but the snow has got you blocked in, no worries; you can turn your ATV into a snowplow by following these tips.
What You’ll Need
The first thing you’ll need is a plow that is capable of working with your ATV in the first place. The type of plow you will need will be determined by the size of ATV that you are using. For example, ATVs that are less than 450cc generally should use a blade that is 50 inches wide. In order for the plow to work properly, you have to make sure that the size and fit are compatible with the size of your ATV.
Maintaining It
You have to make sure that your ATV is equipped to even handle the rigorous job of cutting through all of that snow. The bigger the engine power, the easier and faster it will be to get the job done. A smaller engine will still work, it may just take you a lot longer as you will have to make multiple passes and go slower. Working according to your machine’s capabilities is essential for avoiding damage and for keeping your ATV in good working condition. It’s generally recommended that you take the ATV in for repairs more often if you use it as a snowplow.
Aftercare
Once you’ve finished getting all of that pesky snow out of your way, it is time to clean everything off. For one, not doing so can mean having to deal with frozen ice later on, but also, moisture on metal can lead to rusting. Give everything a good wiping down, and once you finally park your ATV, be sure to lower your plow so as to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your suspension.
Plowing with your ATV not only gets the job done much quicker than doing it manually with a shovel, but it can also be a bit of fun as well. If you enjoy ATVing, add a plow onto your machine, and you can play and work at the same time.