5 Essential Winter ATV Attachments for Both Work and Play
While some people store their quads during the colder months, others continue to ride their ATVs year-round. Whether you’re using your ATV to clear snow, transport supplies, or just enjoy some off-road adventures, there are key accessories that can enhance your experience. If you fall into the winter rider category, keep reading because ATV Trader has identified five winter attachments to keep your ATV performing at its best, even in snowy or icy conditions.
1. Plow Blade
If you’re planning to use your ATVs and UTV to Plow Snow, a plow blade is essential. Plow blades can be used year-round, but can be especially helpful for winter work-tasks. You may even be able to contract with local small businesses and homeowners to help keep their parking lots and sidewalks clear of snow and debris during the winter.
2. Spreader
Adding a spreader to the back of your quad is an effective way to distribute salt or sand, ensuring solid traction on the surfaces, including walking paths perfect for a winter wonderland stroll. Some spreaders feature a vibrating mechanism to keep materials flowing smoothly, while others rely on the motion of your quad. As a bonus, spreaders can be used year-round, especially if you plan to spread fertilizer in the spring or turf-building agents in the fall.
3. Dump Bucket
A dump bucket is a versatile attachment for your ATV, ideal for hauling snow off surfaces instead of simply pushing it aside. It’s also a practical solution for transporting feed to farm animals, especially when winter conditions make navigating fields with other vehicles challenging.
4. Track System
For those living in snowy regions, track systems are a game-changing addition to your ATV. These tracks not only give your ATV a tank-like appearance but also distribute its weight across a larger surface area, providing superior traction in challenging, deep-snow conditions.
5. Tire Studs
To improve traction on icy surfaces, especially for activities like ice fishing, you can install tire studs on an ATV using an electric drill. These studs typically come with a specialized ratchet mount that securely holds them in place during installation. When spring arrives, simply remove the studs, clean them, and store for the next cold-weather season.
Additional Winter ATV Accessories and Accommodations
There are several accessories you can add to your ATV to enhance comfort during colder months, including:
- Cabin Enclosures: Keep warmth in and the cold out, making them ideal for working or playing in harsh conditions, or for reducing wind chill while riding at speed.
- Heated Grips or Handlebar Muff: If you don’t have a cabin enclosure, these are great options for keeping your hands warm. Heated grips prevent numb fingers while using the throttle, while handlebar muffs protect your hands and wrists from the elements.
- Electric Gear: For additional warmth, if your ATV has an auxiliary power outlet, you can plug in a vest or jacket to keep your core warm.
Winter Preparation
If you plan to store your ATV for the winter, make sure to follow best practices for securing and protecting it. For those who ride year-round, it’s important to stay on top of the routine maintenance outlined in your owner’s manual. Also, if you’ll be spreading salt or riding in areas treated with salt or brine, consider periodically rinsing your ATV at a local car wash or garage if you’ll be storing it indoors.
Barrett Baker
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