There's nothing quite like firing up your arctic cat with snow plow when the driveway is buried under six inches of fresh powder. Instead of grabbing the shovel and dreading the next two hours of back-breaking labor, you're just a key turn away from actually having a bit of fun. If you've spent any time living in the "snow belt," you know that winter isn't just about pretty scenery; it's about logistics. Getting the car out, getting to work, and making sure the mailman doesn't slip are daily priorities. Using an ATV or UTV for this makes a world of difference.
Arctic Cat has built a reputation for making machines that don't quit when the temperature drops. Whether you're riding a nimble Alterra or a beefy Prowler, adding a plow turns a recreational vehicle into the most valuable tool in your shed.
Choosing the Right Machine for the Job
Not every Arctic Cat is built the same, and your choice of ride will change how you approach the snow. If you have a smaller driveway or tight spaces to maneuver, a mid-sized ATV like the Alterra 450 or 600 is usually the way to go. They're light enough to be agile but have plenty of torque to push through the wet, heavy stuff.
On the flip side, if you're clearing a long country lane or a small parking lot, you might want the weight and power of a Side-by-Side (UTV). A Prowler Pro gives you that extra heft, which is a massive advantage when the snow gets packed down. Weight equals traction. If your machine is too light, your tires will just spin, no matter how much power the engine has.
Whatever you choose, make sure it's a 4x4. Plowing in two-wheel drive is a recipe for getting stuck before you even clear the first pass.
The Different Types of Plows
When you start looking at an arctic cat with snow plow setup, you'll realize there are more options than you might expect. Most people opt for a straight blade. It's the classic choice—simple, effective, and easy to angle. You can tilt it to the left or right to roll the snow off to the side as you drive.
Then there are V-plows. These are a bit more complex and usually more expensive, but they're incredible for breaking through deep drifts. You can set them in a "V" shape to pierce through a wall of snow, or an inverted "V" to scoop and move snow to a specific pile. For most residential users, though, a standard 50-inch or 60-inch straight blade does the trick perfectly.
You also need to think about the lift system. Most modern setups use the vehicle's winch to raise and lower the blade. It's simple and uses equipment you probably already have on your Arctic Cat. Just keep an eye on your winch cable, as the constant up-and-down motion can cause some wear over time.
Getting It All Hooked Up
The mounting system is the "secret sauce" of a good plow setup. You generally have two choices: a front-mount or a mid-mount.
A mid-mount plate attaches to the underside of the frame, near the middle of the machine. This is great for strength because it transfers the force of the impact into the strongest part of the chassis. The downside? You lose a bit of ground clearance, and it can be a pain to crawl under there to pin the plow on when it's freezing outside.
Front-mount systems are becoming much more popular for the casual user. The attachment points are right at the front bumper area. It makes it incredibly easy to drive up, click the plow into place, and get to work. You don't have to lay in the snow to get your arctic cat with snow plow ready to go.
Tips for Plowing Like a Pro
Plowing snow is a bit of an art form. If it's your first time, the temptation is to wait until the storm is over to start. Don't do that. If you're expecting a foot of snow, go out when there are four or five inches on the ground. It's much easier on your machine to do two or three "light" passes than to try and move a massive wall of snow all at once.
Speed is your friend, but only to a point. You want enough momentum to keep the snow rolling off the blade, but you don't want to hit a hidden curb or a frozen chunk of ice at 15 miles per hour. That's a quick way to bend your plow frame or, worse, hurt yourself.
Also, think about where you're putting the snow. Always start your first pass in the middle and work your way out, or push the snow as far back as possible. Remember, winter is long. If you pile the snow right at the edge of the driveway in December, you'll have nowhere to put it by February. Push it back further than you think you need to.
Maintenance to Keep You Moving
Your arctic cat with snow plow is going to take some abuse. Cold starts, heavy loads, and road salt are all part of the job. To keep it running, you've got to stay on top of the little things.
- Check your bolts: The vibrations from plowing can loosen the mounting hardware. Give everything a quick once-over every few uses.
- Grease the pivot points: Your plow blade needs to tilt and pivot. Keep those spots greased so they don't rust shut.
- Battery Health: Cold weather is brutal on batteries, and using a winch constantly draws a lot of power. If you're only doing short plowing sessions, your alternator might not have time to recharge the battery. Keeping it on a tender when it's in the garage is a lifesaver.
- The Wear Bar: The bottom of your plow has a metal strip called a wear bar. It's designed to be replaced. Don't let it wear down so far that you start grinding away the actual plow blade.
Why It Beats a Snowblower
People often ask why they should bother with an arctic cat with snow plow when they could just buy a high-end snowblower. Honestly? It's about time and comfort.
With a snowblower, you're walking behind a loud machine, getting covered in "snow dust" every time the wind shifts. It takes forever. With an Arctic Cat, you're sitting down. If you have a UTV with a cab and a heater, you're doing the job in a t-shirt while it's ten degrees outside. Even on an ATV, you can get through a massive driveway in fifteen minutes.
Plus, when the snow melts, you still have an awesome machine to take out on the trails. A snowblower just sits in the corner of the garage for eight months of the year, taking up space. Your Arctic Cat is a year-round investment.
Final Thoughts
There's a certain satisfaction that comes from looking back at a clean, black driveway while the neighbors are still struggling with their shovels. Putting together an arctic cat with snow plow setup isn't just about being "lazy"—it's about being efficient. It turns a chore into a quick task, and let's be honest, it's pretty fun to push around piles of snow.
If you're tired of the winter grind, it might be time to stop shoveling and start riding. Just make sure you've got a good pair of gloves, a full tank of gas, and you'll be ready for whatever the next storm decides to drop on your doorstep.