Healthy Food Delivery : Can You Really Turn Your Riding Lawnmower Into a Snow Plow?

Snow is considered a “four-letter” word in our home. Living in the northeast, right in the middle of the so called “I-95” corridor, we usually average 20 inches of snow a year. Even with my trusted 26-inch two-stage snow blower and my newest gadget, an 18 volt snow shovel, clearing the driveway and sidewalk can quickly turn into a significant time consuming and dangerous job. If you already own a riding mower (different from a lawn or garden tractor), you may wonder if you can add a snow plow to turn it into a useful piece of year-round equipment.

The short answer is “yes, maybe,” said David Bodzioch, certified Small Engine and Automotive Technology Instructor. Snow (plow) blades are available for certain riding mowers. However, Bodzioch cautioned, “attaching a blade doesn’t necessarily make your mower ready to clean a snow-covered driveway.”

Accessory compatibility, traction, mower size as well as the amount and type of snow you typically need to move will determine if you can, or should, add a plow blade to your riding lawnmower. Before investing in a plow, you need to understand what your mower can realistically handle. As well as determining what accessories you might need. Here’s what our experts have to say about turning a riding mower into a snow plow.

Can You Really Use a Riding Lawnmower as a Snow Plow?

“Yes, many riding lawnmowers can be equipped with a front-mounted snow blade,” said certified Small Engine instructor Jeffrey Cesari. “Even if aftermarket compatible attachments are available, you should use the manufacturer’s approved attachments,” added Cesari. “Adding a plow blade on small tractors requires a set of rear wheel chains and a counterweight for balance,” added Cesari.

For example, John Deere sells a front blade package (as well as snow throwers) designed for specific riding lawnmowers. A John Deer 19 horsepower or better twin-cylinder engine units position the driver closer to the engine for better balance.

What Do You Need to Turn a Riding Lawnmower Into a Snow Plow?

“At minimum, you’ll need a snow blade and direct-fit mounting hardware designed to fit your particular make and model mower,” said Bodzioch. Tire chains and weights should also be considered when operating snow-clearing equipment. According to Troy-Bilt, makers of outdoor power equipment, “Depending on the riding lawnmower mower and snow conditions, the mower will benefit from the added traction that chains and weights provide” when removing snow.

How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Riding Lawnmower Into a Snow Plow?

“It depends on whether your mower simply requires a blade, or the added cost of mounting hardware, weights and tire chains,” said Cesari. An add on blade can cost as little as $120 for 22 to 32 inch width universal riding mower plow kit, to over $1400 for a complete John Deere 46 inch front blade snow plow package that includes an adjustable three-position blade height and angle setting you can change from the driver’s seat. Look for heavy-gauge steel blades that are height-adjustable and have the ability to reposition the shave plate for longer life.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a Riding Lawnmower to Plow Snow?

The biggest advantage is getting year-round use from expensive equipment you already own. Plus, eliminating the need for another piece of snow-removal equipment that sits unused for nine or ten months out of the year.

“You’ll probably need to buy and install several accessories and that can be expensive,” said Bodzioch. You should also check how difficult it is swapping out the snow blade and grass cutting mower deck. He added that “you also want check if your mower and blade combination are right for your type [concrete, blacktop, etc.] driveway.”

Is Using a Riding Lawnmower as a Snow Plow Safe?

Yes, it can be, and should be, as long as your mower is approved for the attachment, is well-maintained and in good working condition. Following the manufacturer’s operating, maintenance guides and safety instructions is mandatory for safe and efficient operation; the same as when using any other piece of outdoor power equipment.

Bodzioch said, “Proper traction is especially important when driving on ice and snow, or on snow-covered grass or soil.” But Cesari also notes that “you need to be aware of frame structure and that adding a snow plow can cause frame damage, transmission wear and belt fatigue on small home riding mowers.” Cesari said plowing up to five inches should be safe. Always be cautious and use common sense if your mower is struggling while removing any amount of snow.

Is It Worth Turning Your Riding Lawnmower Into a Snow Plow?

It depends. It may only make sense if you already own a compatible mower. However, having room and space to safely store the blade should be a real consideration. Cesari added, “Converting your mower to a plow may require buying expensive attachments or accessories. Consider a standalone snow blower or a lawn/garden tractor if it’s difficult swap out the mower deck and plow.” If you regularly deal with challenging snow conditions, a dedicated snow-removal machine may be the better investment.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a riding mower and a lawn/garden tractor?

It depends on how you use the word. While “riding mower” and “lawn tractor” are often interchangeable, there are key differences between the two pieces of equipment. A riding mower typically means any mower you sit on, including a lawn tractor or zero-turn mower. Nevertheless, a lawn/garden tractor will generally be more expensive and have a larger, sturdier frame. Lawn/garden tractors are designed and built to accept manufacturers’ compatible direct-fit attachments and accessories.

Experts

Jeffrey Cesari has been teaching Small Engine Technology at Bucks County Technical High School, located in Fairless Hills, PA. for over 30 years. Before teaching, Jeff operated his owned small engine repair shop. Jeff holds a Pennsylvania Department of Education teacher certificate in Small Engine Technology. He also won the prestigious Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Award, obtained a masters equivalence in industrial education. Jef is also a certified PennDoT safety inspector and instructor. Jeff also earned five industry recognized certifications, including 4-cycle and 2-cycle engines, electrical, compact diesel and mechanical systems through the Equipment and Engine Training Council (EETC). (E-mail interview Oct 30, 2026)

David Bodzioch has been an ASE Master Technician for 25 years. Dave is also EETC (Equipment and Engine Training Council) certified and taught Recreational Power Equipment at North Montco Technical Career Center. (Electronic communication Oct 29, 2026)