Hiniker has spent the past several decades designing and manufacturing products that help operators plow snow effectively and reliably. Since 1995, our mission has been simple. We want to make snow removal faster, safer, and easier for professionals and homeowners across the country. From our revolutionary C-Plow and Scoop Plow designs to our durable line of snow pushers, spreaders, and skid steer attachments, we continue to innovate with productivity and performance in mind.
Snow plowing is no small task, and the right setup can make all the difference. As the industry evolves, many snow removal contractors and property managers are asking: How do pull behind snow plows compare to standard front-mounted plows? While both plowing options offer unique advantages, there are a few ways they differ.
Understand the Purpose of Each Plow
Standard plows are mounted to the front of a truck, utility vehicle, or other machine. The operator can see clearly where the snow is moving and can change direction quickly. The standard setup pushes snow forward or to the side.
Pull behind snow plows are also known as rear-mounted plows. These devices are mounted to the rear of the vehicle and pull snow backward. Rear-mounted plows can help operators clean up the surface of what is left behind after a standard plow has finished. This is a great way to add efficiency and productivity to larger parking lots and driveways. The difference between front and rear plows is how they approach the snow to be removed.
Efficiency and Coverage
Pull behind snow plows are most often used in conjunction with a standard front plow. When properly configured, this system covers twice the area in a single pass. Pulling the snow in one direction and pushing it in another can allow the operator to quickly and efficiently complete a large area with a reduced number of passes.
Contractors who need to clear large properties or multiple job sites quickly often find this setup to be a helpful solution. Operators can plow twice the area with each pass, improving efficiency and potentially shortening plow times. Front-mounted plows are still most effective for breaking through heavier, denser snow. Front-plowed trucks have an easier time cutting through drifts and dense accumulations of wet or heavy snowfall.
Wear and Maintenance
Pull behind snow plows work in conjunction with front-mounted plows. This means that they will experience a slightly different type of wear on the blades. Pull behind snow plows are used for cleanup and detail work. These applications involve less impact and abrasion on the plow blade edge. This often results in less maintenance and a longer service life for many parts.
As with any type of snowplow, it is important to practice good maintenance habits. Regularly checking the snow plow parts, lubricating hinges and pivots, and ensuring the hydraulic system is clean are all crucial to extending performance. Using quality replacement parts is also an important part of maintaining the life of your equipment. Hiniker designs all of our plows for easy access when doing regular maintenance to ensure operators can get back to work quickly.
Material and Build Quality
Both rear-mounted and front-plowed vehicles are available in a variety of different materials. Steel snow plows continue to be the standard in the industry due to their overall durability. Steel plows can withstand heavy, icy buildup and years of heavy use. Operators who are interested in less vehicle wear and better maneuverability may also find poly or stainless steel an effective solution.
Blade angle and mounting configuration also change between the two styles of plows. Front-mounted plows often dig into the ground more, using their cutting edge to tear through deep layers of snow. Pull behind snow plows tend to be mounted higher and glide over the surface for a cleaner finish. Choosing the right material and edge type will vary based on the durability and protection you need.
Lighting and Visibility
Visibility is one of the most important parts of snow removal safety. Operators of vehicles with standard plows benefit from using snowplow headlights. These headlights allow for easy viewing of the work area during nighttime or low-visibility conditions.
Because rear-mounted plows are attached to the back of the vehicle, they don’t necessarily require forward-facing headlights. However, most vehicles are still equipped with adequate lighting on the back to help operators see their work area clearly. If you plan to use a pull behind snow plow, many setups also include auxiliary lights or rear-facing illumination. Clean and functional lights can improve the precision and safety of every job.
Built for Performance
At Hiniker, we are committed to building equipment that is tough, easy to use, and simple to maintain. We know how much of a difference efficiency can make when operators have the right equipment for the job. Whether you are using a snow pusher attachment, front plow, or pull behind snow plow, your success on the job site is directly related to the equipment you use.
Our products are tested in the worst winter conditions to ensure that they can offer dependable performance when you need it most. From our blade designs to our hydraulic control systems, we focus on details that save time, increase precision, and make every job go smoothly.
Conclusion
Both standard plows and pull behind snow plows have their place in modern snow removal. The key difference lies in how each complements your workflow. Front plows handle heavy, packed snow, while rear plows improve finishing and efficiency. Together, they create a complete system that delivers clean results and reduces overall effort.
Hiniker has been a proud Minnesota-based manufacturer since 1995. We offer the highest quality salt & sand spreaders, snow plow blades, skid steers, truck plows, accessories, and more! Our equipment at Hiniker is built to enable the operator to work as efficiently as possible.
Contact us today by calling (800) 433-5620 to find out more about the premium snow removal products we offer. You can also follow us on Facebook for the latest news regarding Hiniker’s premium equipment and accessories.
