The snow is falling, the wind is howling, and you’re staring out the window at a driveway that’s quickly becoming a treacherous ice rink. You’ve got a lawn mower sitting in the garage, but is it possible to transform it into a snow-clearing machine? The idea might seem crazy, but with a little ingenuity and the right equipment, it could be a reality. This article will delve into the details of attaching a plow to a lawn mower, discussing the pros and cons, essential safety tips, and the different types of plows available.
The short answer is: yes, you can attach a plow to a lawn mower, but it’s not a straightforward process. It requires modifying your mower, choosing the right plow, and using extreme caution.
Why Plowing with a Lawn Mower?
Why would someone consider putting a plow on a lawn mower? There are a few reasons:
- Cost-effectiveness: A dedicated snow blower can be expensive, while a lawn mower is likely already in your possession.
- Compact size: A lawn mower with a plow can be easier to maneuver in tight spaces like driveways and sidewalks.
- Versatility: It can be used for both yard work and snow removal, maximizing the value of your equipment.
However, it’s crucial to understand that using a lawn mower for snow removal comes with its own set of drawbacks.
Is It Safe to Plow with a Lawn Mower?
Safety should always be the top priority. Plowing with a lawn mower is inherently riskier than using a dedicated snow blower. Here’s why:
- Lack of Traction: Lawn mower tires aren’t designed for snow, making it easy to lose control.
- Limited Visibility: Snow can obscure the path ahead, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Engine and Transmission Issues: A lawn mower’s engine and transmission aren’t built for the strain of plowing.
- Lack of Safety Features: Lawn mowers typically lack the safety features found in snow blowers, like hand guards and emergency shut-off levers.
Before attempting to plow with your lawn mower, carefully consider these risks and weigh them against the potential benefits.
Types of Plows for Lawn Mowers
There are several types of plows designed specifically for lawn mowers, each with its own pros and cons:
1. Front-Mount Plows
- Installation: These plows are typically attached to the front of the mower’s deck.
- Advantages:
- Ease of steering: The plow is positioned directly in front, offering greater control.
- Better maneuverability: The low center of gravity makes them ideal for tight spaces.
- Disadvantages:
- Limited snow removal capacity: They might not handle heavy snowfall effectively.
- Mower modification required: May need to remove the mower deck or create custom mounting points.
2. Rear-Mount Plows
- Installation: These plows are attached to the back of the mower, behind the wheels.
- Advantages:
- Greater snow-throwing power: Can handle deeper snow due to the placement.
- Fewer modifications: Typically easier to install than front-mount plows.
- Disadvantages:
- Reduced visibility: The plow blocks the view behind the mower, making maneuvering tricky.
- Limited turning radius: Turning becomes less precise, making maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.
3. Snow Pushers
- Installation: These attachments are not technically plows, but they are often used for snow removal on lawn mowers.
- Advantages:
- Easy installation: Typically require minimal modifications.
- Lightweight and compact: Easy to store and transport.
- Disadvantages:
- Limited snow removal capacity: Primarily designed for pushing light snow.
- No throwing capability: Snow must be pushed to the side, requiring additional effort.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
You can choose between DIY installation or professional installation:
1. DIY Installation
- Advantages:
- Cost-effective: You can save money on labor costs.
- Sense of accomplishment: You get the satisfaction of completing the project yourself.
- Disadvantages:
- Requires mechanical skills: You’ll need to be comfortable with tools and understand basic mechanics.
- Potential for damage: Incorrect installation can damage your mower.
2. Professional Installation
- Advantages:
- Guaranteed quality: A professional will ensure proper installation and safety.
- Expertise: A professional has the knowledge and experience to handle the project correctly.
- Disadvantages:
- Higher cost: You’ll have to pay for labor.
- Less control: You have limited input on the installation process.
Essential Safety Precautions
Before using a lawn mower with a plow, familiarize yourself with these important safety precautions:
- Wear appropriate clothing: Wear warm, weather-resistant clothing and gloves for protection from the cold and snow.
- Use caution in icy conditions: Be extra careful when driving on slick surfaces, as it’s easy to lose control.
- Avoid high speeds: Keep the mower at a slow speed, especially when plowing through heavy snow.
- Be mindful of obstacles: Watch out for hidden objects, such as ice patches or rocks, that can cause damage or injury.
- Use a safety harness: A harness will keep you securely on the mower if you need to stop suddenly.
- Keep your distance from other people: Make sure everyone is clear of the working area before you start plowing.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Proper maintenance will extend the life of your lawn mower and plow attachment. Here are some key maintenance tips:
- Clean the plow regularly: Remove any snow, ice, or debris after each use.
- Check the blade for damage: Examine the blade for wear and tear, and replace it if needed.
- Inspect the mounting points: Make sure the plow is securely attached to the mower.
- Lubricate moving parts: Keep the plow’s moving parts lubricated to prevent rust and corrosion.
Conclusion
Plowing with a lawn mower can be a viable option for light to moderate snowfalls, but it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully. You’ll need to consider your mechanical skills, the type of plow, safety precautions, and maintenance requirements. If you decide to plow with a lawn mower, prioritize safety and make sure you have the proper equipment and training to do so. Remember, a lawn mower is designed for grass cutting, not snow removal, so always use extreme caution and common sense when using it for this purpose.
FAQs
1. Is it actually possible to put a plow on a lawnmower?
Yes, it’s technically possible to attach a plow to a lawnmower, although it’s not a standard practice. Some enthusiasts have successfully modified their mowers to accommodate a small plow for clearing light snow or debris. However, the process involves significant modifications to the mower’s frame and transmission, requiring advanced mechanical skills and knowledge.
This approach is generally discouraged due to safety concerns and potential damage to the lawnmower. Most manufacturers explicitly warn against using their products for anything other than their intended purpose.
2. What kind of lawnmower is best suited for this modification?
If you are determined to attach a plow to a lawnmower, a larger, rear-engine riding mower with a robust frame and a powerful engine is the best choice. The added weight and force of plowing will put considerable stress on the mower, and a smaller or front-engine model may not be able to handle it.
Remember, even with a suitable mower, modifications are complex and can compromise the machine’s overall functionality. It’s essential to prioritize safety and ensure the modifications are done by a skilled mechanic.
3. Are there any specific plows designed for lawnmowers?
There are no commercially available plows specifically designed for lawnmowers. The modifications to attach a plow typically involve adapting a small, lightweight snow plow designed for other purposes, such as a snowblower or a utility vehicle.
Remember, using a plow not designed for your lawnmower can lead to instability and potentially dangerous situations.
4. What are the potential safety risks of using a lawnmower with a plow?
Using a lawnmower with a plow poses significant safety risks, especially for inexperienced operators. The added weight and force of the plow can make the mower unstable and difficult to control, especially on uneven terrain.
Furthermore, the lack of safety features designed for plowing, such as a dedicated braking system or a forward/reverse transmission, increases the risk of accidents.
5. Are there better alternatives to plowing with a lawnmower?
Instead of modifying your lawnmower for plowing, consider more appropriate and safer alternatives. For light snow removal, a snow blower or a handheld snow shovel are more efficient and safer choices.
For clearing debris, a dedicated utility vehicle with a plow attachment or a garden tractor with a front-end loader are far more practical and less likely to cause damage to your lawnmower.
6. How much does it cost to modify a lawnmower for plowing?
The cost of modifying a lawnmower for plowing varies depending on the complexity of the modifications, the type of plow used, and the labor costs involved. It’s important to factor in the cost of potential repairs and replacements due to stress on the machine.
Overall, the cost of modifying a lawnmower for plowing can be significant and may not be a cost-effective solution compared to other alternatives.
7. Is it legal to use a modified lawnmower for plowing on public roads?
Using a modified lawnmower for plowing on public roads is generally illegal and unsafe. Most municipalities have regulations regarding the use of non-motorized vehicles on public roads, and lawnmowers, even modified ones, are not designed for such purposes.
Furthermore, the lack of safety features and proper lighting on a lawnmower makes it a significant risk on public roads, both for the operator and other road users.