When winter hits hard, your ability to clear snow efficiently and safely can make or break your productivity. Whether you’re maintaining commercial parking lots, long driveways, or municipal routes, skid steer snow blowers give you the power, control, and reach that traditional plows can’t match.
At Skid Pro Attachments, we manufacture high-performance skid steer snow blowers and double-auger snow blowers engineered for North American winters. Built tough for contractors and municipalities, our blowers move more snow in less time without compromising on operator safety or equipment durability.
This guide breaks down smart snow-blowing strategies, expert safety tips, and how to get the most out of your skid steer snow blower this winter.
1. Why Choose a Skid Steer Snow Blower?
Skid steer snow blowers combine raw hydraulic power with unmatched maneuverability. Unlike truck plows, which push snow to the side, a snow blower throws it clear out of the way – ideal for tight spaces, alleys, or where piling snow isn’t an option.
With the right hydraulic setup, you can blast through deep drifts and wet, compacted snow with ease.
Key Benefits
- No pile-up: Throws snow 20-40 feet away, keeping driveways and paths clear.
- Tight-space performance: Compact size allows easy navigation around buildings and obstacles.
- Versatility: Attach to nearly any skid steer brand – Bobcat, CAT, CASE, John Deere, Kubota, and more.
- Efficient use of power: Matches perfectly with both standard-flow and high-flow hydraulic systems.
2. Single Auger vs. Double Auger – What’s the Difference?
At Skid Pro, we manufacture both single auger and double auger snow blowers to fit different job requirements.
- Ideal for light-to-moderate snowfall and smaller areas.
- Uses one auger to feed snow into the impeller fan, which throws it through the chute.
- Compact, cost-effective, and easy to maintain.
- Best for driveways, small lots, and lighter snow regions.
- Designed for heavy-duty commercial use and deep, dense snow.
- Two augers work together – feeding snow more efficiently to the fan.
- Moves more material in less time, reducing passes and fuel usage.
- Handles deep snowbanks, wet slush, and hardpack conditions effortlessly.
Smart choice: If you’re in northern states or handling large properties, a Skid Pro Double Auger Snow Blower delivers superior throughput, faster clearing, and longer life under demanding conditions.
3. Understanding Hydraulic Flow for Maximum Performance
Your skid steer’s hydraulic system is the heartbeat of your snow blower’s performance.
To clear snow efficiently, you must match the blower’s GPM (gallons per minute) and PSI (pressure) ratings with your machine’s capabilities.
Hydraulic Flow Basics
- Standard Flow (17–25 GPM @ 3,000–3,500 PSI): Works well for smaller blowers and moderate snow loads.
- High Flow (30–50 GPM @ 3,500–4,100 PSI): Required for larger double-auger blowers to maximize throwing distance and performance.
Before connecting your attachment, check both your skid steer’s hydraulic specs and the snow blower’s requirements.
All Skid Pro snow blowers are clearly labeled with their hydraulic needs to ensure perfect pairing – protecting your machine and optimizing snow-clearing power.
4. Smart Snow Blowing Techniques for Maximum Efficiency
1. Plan Your Path
Start blowing with the wind, not against it. This helps reduce blowback and ensures better visibility. Work in consistent lanes, clearing section by section rather than jumping around.
2. Adjust Chute and Deflector Angles
Control where the snow goes: Aim high for distance when clearing open areas.
Keep it low and close near buildings or walkways.
Skid Pro blowers use hydraulic chute rotation and deflector control – allowing precise adjustments from the cab.
3. Manage Ground Speed
Don’t rush. Maintain a steady pace that matches snow conditions. Wet, heavy snow requires slower passes to prevent clogging and maintain throwing distance.
4. Watch Your Overlaps
Each pass should slightly overlap the previous one for a clean finish without ridges or leftover snow strips.
5. Keep an Eye on the Chute
If you notice reduced discharge distance, the chute or impeller may be partially clogged.
Stop and clear debris immediately before it ices over.
5. Safety First: Operator and Equipment Protection
Stay Visible
Equip your skid steer with high-intensity LED work lights and reflective markings.
Visibility drops fast during snowstorms – ensure others can see you.
Check Before You Blow
Inspect the area for hidden obstacles – curbs, rocks, hoses, or landscape features – before starting.
Hitting buried objects can damage augers, shear bolts, or impellers.
Operate at the Right RPM
Running too fast or too slow affects blower efficiency and can strain hydraulic components.
Follow the recommended RPM range for your attachment and machine.
Use a Cab with Heat and Filtration
Operator comfort equals safer operation. Heated cabs prevent fogged windows and fatigue during long shifts.
Avoid Blowback
Position the chute to direct snow away from pedestrians, traffic, and the operator cab. Always keep the wind direction in mind.
Regular Maintenance Checks
Before every shift:
- Check hydraulic hoses for leaks or wear.
- Verify auger shear bolts are intact.
- Grease all pivot and rotation points.
- Clear all ice buildup from the fan housing and chute.
6. Maintenance Tips for a Long-Lasting Snow Blower
- After Each Use: Run the blower for a minute to clear moisture before storage.
- Clean & Dry: Remove snow, ice, and salt to prevent corrosion.
- Inspect Wear Components: Replace scraper edges, skid shoes, and shear bolts as needed.
- Hydraulic Fluid Check: Low or contaminated fluid reduces throwing power – maintain proper levels and use recommended oil.
End of Season Storage:
- Grease all fittings.
- Apply anti-rust spray.
- Store indoors or under cover to prevent rust and moisture damage.
- Following these steps keeps your Skid Pro snow blower running strong season after season.
7. How Skid Pro Builds for Efficiency and Safety
At Skid Pro Attachments, every snow blower is designed with precision, power, and safety in mind:
- Heavy-duty frames built from high-grade steel for maximum durability.
- Precision-balanced fan systems for smooth operation and minimal vibration.
- Reinforced dual-stage augers that handle ice, wet snow, and slush effortlessly.
- Hydraulic chute rotation for on-the-fly direction changes from the operator seat.
- Adjustable skid shoes to protect pavement and surfaces.
- Standard & high-flow models available to fit every skid steer and snow-clearing need.
- Our double-auger snow blowers are engineered to move more snow per minute – delivering faster, cleaner results for contractors who can’t afford downtime.
Final Thoughts: Smart Snow Removal Starts with the Right Attachment
Smart snow removal isn’t just about power – it’s about strategy, control, and equipment built for the job.
When you combine smart technique with the right attachment, you move more snow with less effort and greater safety. Whether you manage commercial lots, farm roads, or city sidewalks, a Skid Pro skid steer snow blower gives you unmatched performance, precision, and peace of mind.
At Skid Pro Attachments, we’ve spent decades perfecting snow removal equipment that works as hard as you do. From our standard single-auger blowers to our high-capacity double-auger systems, every unit is built in the U.S.A. and tested in the harshest winter conditions.
Explore our skid steer snow blowers today and get ready to clear snow the smart way – efficiently, safely, and powerfully.