TMG Industrial 3 Point Hitch Snow Blower vs Skid Steer Snow Blower: Which Setup Works Best?

A skid steer snow blower delivers unmatched maneuverability in tight spaces and quick-attach convenience, while a 3 point hitch snow blower provides superior stability and throws snow farther on open driveways and farm lanes. The right choice depends on your equipment, property layout, and how often you swap attachments during winter.

We've tested both mounting systems across residential driveways, commercial lots, and rural properties to help you match the setup to your actual clearing conditions.

How Skid Steer Snow Blower Attachments Work

Skid steer models use universal quick-attach plates that lock onto your loader's mounting system in seconds. You drive the impeller and auger through the machine's auxiliary hydraulics, which means no PTO shaft to align or guards to check before each use.

The compact footprint makes these units ideal for:

• Narrow walkways and tight turning radii around buildings
• Properties with obstacles like parked vehicles, light posts, or landscaping
• Crews running multiple attachments daily (switching from a skid steer grapple bucket to snow removal gear takes under two minutes)
• Operators who need to clear loading docks, parking stalls, or other confined commercial spaces

Most skid steer snow blower attachment models throw snow 20 to 35 feet depending on chute angle and snow density. Hydraulic chute rotation lets you redirect the stream without leaving the cab, which speeds up passes along fences or parked cars.

When a 3 Point Hitch Snow Blower Makes More Sense

Three-point linkage models mount to your tractor's rear hitch and draw power from the PTO shaft. This gives you direct mechanical drive with consistent torque, even in wet, heavy snow that bogs down smaller hydraulic systems.

A 3 point snowblower works best when you have:

• Long, straight driveways or farm lanes where throw distance matters more than tight turns
• A Category I or II tractor already equipped with a live PTO
• Deep snow conditions (12+ inches) where auger torque and impeller speed are critical
• Budget constraints, since three-point models often cost less per inch of clearing width than skid steer units

The trade-off is setup time. You'll spend five to ten minutes aligning the top link, connecting the PTO shaft, and adjusting the skid shoes before your first pass. If you're swapping between a 3 point finish mower in summer and snow gear in winter, that's fine. If you need to switch attachments twice a day, the added labor adds up.

Comparing Key Specs and Performance

Here's how the two systems stack up on the metrics that affect real-world clearing speed and operator comfort:

Hydraulic systems on skid steers respond instantly to throttle changes, which helps when you hit a frozen drift or need to feather the auger near a curb. PTO-driven units deliver steady power but require you to manage engine RPM and ground speed separately.

For pricing and current inventory on both styles, check the latest TMG Industrial offers before you commit to a specific model.

Matching Width and Power to Your Property

Clearing width determines how many passes you'll make, and your machine's hydraulic flow or PTO horsepower sets the upper limit on what you can spin effectively.

Skid steer models typically range from 60 to 84 inches wide. A 60-inch unit pairs well with compact loaders (40 to 60 HP) clearing residential drives, while 72 to 84-inch attachments suit larger machines on commercial lots. Make sure your auxiliary hydraulics deliver at least 15 to 20 GPM for smooth auger and impeller operation.

Three-point units come in similar widths but demand more PTO horsepower per inch of cut. A 60-inch 3pt snow thrower needs around 25 to 35 HP, and a 72-inch model pushes that to 40 HP or more. Undersized tractors will bog down in wet snow or stall the impeller when you try to throw heavy loads upwind.

If you're clearing more than half a mile of pavement per storm, a wider unit saves time. For driveways under 200 feet, a 60-inch blower on either mounting system handles the job without forcing you to upgrade your base machine.

Maintenance and Seasonal Storage

Both systems need the same core maintenance: greasing auger bearings, checking shear bolts, inspecting wear bars, and draining gearboxes before long-term storage. The differences show up in hydraulic versus mechanical components.

Skid steer attachments require:

• Annual hydraulic hose inspection for cracks or leaks
• Motor seal checks if you notice oil weeping around the impeller housing
• Quick-coupler cleaning to prevent debris from blocking the attach points

Three-point models need:

• PTO shaft U-joint greasing every few uses
• Slip-clutch adjustment if the blower starts to stall under light loads (a sign the clutch is too tight or too loose)
• Top-link and lower-arm bushing lubrication to prevent binding during angle adjustments

We store both types under a tarp or in a shed to keep rust off the chute and auger flights. A 20x30 shed gives you room for a blower, a 3 point wood chipper, and seasonal gear without stacking everything.

Who Should Choose Each Mounting System

Pick a skid steer snow blower if you run a compact or mid-size loader, need to clear parking lots or tight residential properties, or switch between snow removal and other loader work (like moving pallets with a grapple bucket) throughout the day. The best skid steer snow blower for your fleet is the one that matches your loader's hydraulic capacity and clears your widest choke point in a single pass.

Go with a 3 point hitch snow blower if you own a utility tractor with a live PTO, clear long straight drives or farm lanes, or want maximum throw distance to keep snow piles away from traveled areas. A 3 point hitch snow blower also makes sense if you already use three-point implements year-round and don't need the quick-change convenience of a loader mount.

For homeowners with ATVs or side-by-sides, a side by side with snowblower or quad snow blower offers a third option: lighter weight, lower cost, and enough clearing width for typical residential driveways. These units won't replace a commercial-grade attachment, but they handle 6 to 10 inches of snow without requiring a full-size tractor or loader.

Where to Buy and How to Save

TMG Industrial stocks both skid steer and three-point models in multiple widths, and right now you can grab the discount code for $50 off your order. We've seen used skid steer snow blower units sell for 50 to 70 percent of new pricing, but inspect hydraulic motors and auger gearboxes carefully before you buy; rebuilding a damaged motor can cost more than the savings.

For rental pricing and availability, check local equipment dealers. A skid steer snow blower rental typically runs $150 to $300 per day, which works if you only plow once or twice a season. If you clear more than five storms per winter, ownership pays for itself in two to three years.

Manufacturers like Bush Hog, Blue Diamond, and Teamco publish detailed spec sheets that list required hydraulic flow, PTO speed, and mounting category. Cross-reference those numbers with your machine's manual before you order to avoid compatibility surprises at delivery.