Answer: This guide highlights the best small tractors and compatible snow blower accessories to maximize winter clearing efficiency. It’s ideal for homeowners with compact tractors or lawn tractors who want reliable snow removal without heavy, industrial equipment. The top picks cover lift kits, cordless blowers, chains, and essential maintenance items. The buyer can decide based on tractor compatibility, snow conditions, and ease of installation. A quick summary table below shows the five highlighted products and their primary uses.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Push Industries 118.555 Lift Kit | Tractors S100/S110/S120/S130/S140/S160/S170/S180/S240 | Electric lift integration for 700AM snow blower |
| Greenworks 80V Snow Blower | Homeowners seeking cordless, quiet operation | 20″ clearing path, brushless motor efficiency |
| SCC Max Trac Tire Chains (1061756) | Snow blowers and garden tractors in snow/ice | Improved traction for challenging surfaces |
| Multiple lawn tractor tires | Enhanced traction across various tire sizes | |
| SCC Traction Tire Chains (1061256) | Snow blowers and garden tractors | Durable zinc traction for grip |
Push Industries Lift Kit For John Deere Snow Blower
The Push Industries 118.555 Electric Lift Kit is designed for John Deere S100/S110/S120/S130/S140/S160/S170/S180/S240 series tractors with the 700AM snow blower (2018–Current). It replaces the OEM LP68150 and serves as an ergonomic upgrade to reduce operator strain when lifting or adjusting the snow blower. Best for tractors in mixed-use yards where frequent blower height changes are needed. A potential limitation is compatibility with only listed tractor models and snow blower pairing, so verify model year alignment before purchase.
Greenworks 80V 20” Cordless Snow Blower
The Greenworks 80V cordless snow blower features a 20-inch clearing width and a brushless motor for quiet, maintenance-free operation. It suits smaller driveways and walkways and is ideal for users seeking a battery-powered option with minimal vibration. Best for homeowners who prefer battery-powered tools over gas models. It is more effective in light-to-moderate snow events and may require battery swaps for larger areas or heavy snow; ensure the 80V system supports your typical snowfall loads.
Security Chain Company 1061756 Max Trac Tire Chains
These Max Trac zinc traction tire chains are designed for snow blowers and garden tractors. They use a two-link spacing pattern to improve grip on snow, ice, and mud and feature reinforced zinc plating for durability. Best for users who frequently encounter slick conditions and need reliable traction. A limitation is compatibility with tire sizes; confirm fit with your tires before ordering. Useful as a precaution for deeper snow or icy surfaces where chains significantly improve control.
OakTen Snow Tire Chains For Lawn Tractors
OakTen Set of 2 snow tire chains for lawn tractors includes a 2-link ladder pattern and 42-1/2 inch side chain length. They are built from zinc-plated alloy steel for durability and fit multiple sizes such as 20x8x8 and 21x7x8. Best for users needing versatile chains that accommodate different tractor tire sizes. Choose this if you own several tractor models or frequently swap tires. Limitation: not universal across all tractor brands; verify tire dimensions before purchase.
Security Chain Company 1061256 Max Trac Heavy Duty Chains
Designed for snow blowers and garden tractors, these Max Trac chains use zinc plating for durability and provide two-link spacing for solid grip on snow, ice, and mud. Best for active winter clearing where traction is a priority. If you operate in extremely icy conditions, these chains can be combined with other traction aids for best results. Ensure fitment for two tires on your equipment before purchase.
MechMaxx 3 Point Snow Blower Hydraulic Kit
3 Point Snow Blower Hydraulic Chute Rotator & Deflector Kit requires two rear hydraulic remotes and includes a hydraulic hose and orbital motor. Best for users with MechMaxx snow blowers who want precise chute control and deflection. Better for setups that already have hydraulic plumbing. Limitation: installation depends on existing hydraulic remote hookups and compatible MechMaxx SKU models.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Your Winter Setup
- Tractor Compatibility: Verify model numbers and years for lift kits and snow blowers. Some accessories are model-specific and require certain blower configurations.
- Snow Conditions: For light to moderate snowfall, cordless or gas blowers may suffice. Heavier or icy conditions benefit from traction chains and robust lift kits.
- Traction Needs: Chains improve grip on ice and snow. Check tire size compatibility and mounting requirements before purchasing.
- Power and Performance: Brushless motors and high-clearance paths help maintain efficiency. Consider battery capacity for cordless tools if you have large areas to clear.
- Installation Simplicity: Lift kits and hydraulic accessories should align with your tractor’s hydraulics and mounting points. Expect varying installation times.
- Maintenance: Oil and lubrication are essential for engine longevity. Use products designed for small engines and winter use to prevent thermal stress.
FAQ
- What should I check before buying a lift kit for a snow blower?
Confirm tractor compatibility with the lift kit model year and blower model, and ensure electrical or hydraulic connections match your equipment.
- Are tire chains worth it for snow blowing?
Yes, chains improve traction on snow, ice, and mud, especially on sloped or packed terrain.
- Is a cordless snow blower suitable for large driveways?
Cordless models work well for smaller areas; for larger properties, consider gas models or multiple batteries to extend runtime.
- Do oil choices matter for small engines?
Yes. Use 10W-30 synthetic blend oils in small engines to resist thermal breakdown and support easier starts in cold weather.
- What is the advantage of a hydraulic chute rotator kit?
It allows precise control of snow discharge direction, which is helpful for clearing tight spaces and avoiding obstacles.