Adding PVC Pipe to Your ATV Snow Plow | Hack for Plowing a Gravel Driveway

[@smithderf]

Been there. Done That. PVC works but is too brittle to use in cold temperatures. It will break the first time it hits a rock. Using orange flexible natural gas line, or polyethylene lawn sprinkler line is much more durable. But being round they both have safety drawbacks when cutting lengthwise. Kickbacks are a real concern! A big concern! I found a better solution.... Purchase a rubber horse mat. Usually found at TSC. Cut a strip to length and sandwich it to the blade. It will act just like the rounded PVC pipe by folding backwards when plowing. After years of plowing 2/10 of a mile of gravel this works best for me. It will tear after a while. The ends tear at the sandwich point. To ease this eventual repair I use three separate rubber strips. A long center strip for the plow that lasts forever and two ten inch pieces at the ends that are easy to replace. Happy plowing

[@johnnyp4886]

discovered this years ago as a great way to keep from plowing up my driveway stone and grass that I had to plow over. found that it was only needed for the 1st 2 plows or until the stone was covered with a good base. used on my 4 wheeler and the snowblower too. I somewhat copied from a friend who fabricated a piece of pipe that he hydraulically controlled to raise or lower below the cutting edge of his commercial plow

[@timberray9572]

Thanks a bunch for this idea, my 3pt snow blower is out of commission at the moment but I needed an alternative way of moving snow. I mounted the PVC pipe to my eight foot back blade and it works great. I was going to weld on some shoes but this was easier and cheaper. And to all those who gave this guy the thumbs down, let me know when you move out of your parents basement and have to do your own laundry for the first time.

[@mwflydog]

Good idea! Do you have the skid shoes on there as well when using the pvc? Where are they set?

[@timberray9572]

@@mwflydog You don't need the skid shoes, just the pipe.

[@chuckguyitt4017]

Up here in Canada I usually just drive the tractor over the snow on the lane to build a snow base that gets hard over the winter. The frozen snow keeps the blade up out of the gravel.

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

We don't quite have that luxury here. It would be nice to be able to pack down the first snow.

[@username8171]

I just tried ABS tubing, stronger than pvc, it cracked and split down the center. I tried sch 40 pvc last week, that cracked and split down the center. Works fine on a paved drive, not so well on a gravel drive. Though works very nice on the lawn.

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Curious, is it splitting lengthwise? If so, there may be to much stress on the pipe and need a wider cut to keep the pipe Frome needing to flex so much around your blade. I am still running the same Sch40 pipe the last two winters and getting ready to start the third season today. We got about 5" overnight.

[@woodchuck1946]

Is yours an ATV plow or bigger. I found PVC to be too thin and broke on a 60" Moose plow on an Arctic Cat quad. Trying ABS now on gravel. Will see ...

[@stevenarseneault1972]

I just raised the sliders on the plow. I used to dig in on hard packed snow and stops the machine. No more.

[@robertflint4115]

Not a bad idea..Going to try that tomorrow. If it works, I will certainly be thank this spring when I am not raking 200 lbs of gravel back into my driveway. Thank you.

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Hope it works as well for you as it has for me!

[@tomgregory5814]

I used an Arctic Cat with a 5 foot blade for years. Had the skids set up an inch to allow for the gravel. Worked ok but still dug up the lawn in spots every year, and left a thin layer of snow as expected. Picked up a Ranger 500 with the 66” blade. Just added 2” electrical conduit to the blade. We’ll see how well it works. Thanks for the tip.

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

You are welcome!

[@underdogoutdoors]

I've been plowing a gravel driveway & never thought of this! Thanks for the video!

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Thanks for watching. I hope it helps.

[@703am]

wow, never thought of doing that, I'm so tired of cleaning up stone every spring sure will try that this coming winter, thanks for posting, great idea and video

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks for sharing. Not sure I’d do this. At first, I though hey cool for my gravel driveway, but this would really reduce the functionality of the plow when moving heavy wet snow. I think I’ll give it a try though. Appreciate you taking the time to share.

[@RE-vu4fb]

I cut up a truck Mudflap and placed it on the bottom of my atv plow. Kept from picking up rocks on the gravel driveway.

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

I can definitely see how this would help.

[@pamtnman1515]

interesting and at first glance an attractive solution to all the gravel gouging. But what about the thin layer of snow and existing ice it leaves behind?

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

It has never been a significant problem for us, as the drive is flat and it usually doesn't last more than a week. In other areas, it might be an issue.

[@jeanpauljaranowski5757]

Thanks for the idea ..... Couldn't I just put a small section of pvc pipe on both ends kinda how the shoes go ..... This leaving the middle cutting edge exposed and less likely to ride up instead of having the entire length covered in pvc

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

I had considered this. Our driveway wasn't in the best condition at the time, so I was concerned it would still grab at the high spots. Now that we have a more groomed driveway, it my be worth a try.

[@ericshultz4693]

PVC will be too brittle in freezing temps in booth scenarios.

[@rheawilliams3717]

You need skids on the back side of the blade. You can adjust with washers to keep skid high enough.

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

The skids are one of the main offenders for digging up the gravel.

[@bobkoch-ri1oe]

@@IndependenceAcresHomestead if your skids are gouging you need more surface AKA.larger skids

[@RoughRidersTV]

how long does that PVC last before it gets chewed up and need to be replaced?

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Well, I am going on three winters and still running the piece I installed in the video and will possibly replace this winter. Your mileage may vary.

[@RoughRidersTV]

@@IndependenceAcresHomestead Good to know...just adding a plow to our ATV this winter. No gravel but I'm thinking this might work for our street since the city won't plow our streets.

[@jimputnam2044]

On hard snow it will just ride up over. the cutting edge is there to cut into harder snow.

[@gonzobongo6669]

That's why you don't be Lazy & plow as soon as it's done snowing.

[@jimputnam2044]

@@gonzobongo6669 I live in NS. Canada the snow is hard and wet as it falls. We all don't get that soft fluffy stuff. Wish it was that easy.

[@arfrunningbear7022]

I wonder if adding weight to the blade will help

[@pinefighter1]

Great idea! Wonder how it would work on a 36”snow blower?? Think I’m going to try it....NJ

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

I have talked with a few that have snow blowers and they claim it works similar for them.

[@craigeby8016]

@@IndependenceAcresHomestead im doing mine tomoro on my snow blower, love the idea i been throwing rocks n trying alot of difff things but i think this will work ...thx

[@larrypassino2192]

Great idea gonna try that on my tub plow. Thanks for the tip

[@BlazingGex]

What size tarp is that on your tent shed?

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

It was a while ago, but I believe it is a 15x19 from Harbor Freight.

[@Furby733]

I get why you did that but doesn’t it leave a thin coating your making an ice rink

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

It hasn't happened yet, and if it does, it is not so much that a bit of ice melter can't handle it. It may not work perfectly in other climates.

[@geedubb-q1u]

Didn’t know you’d want to skate on gravel.....

[@Wilderstead]

Definitely going to give this a try! Very cool hack !!

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Awesome. Let us know if it works for you!

[@jaykatcher1769]

I do this and it works great

[@mattandkatchristie2552]

Very cool idea man. imma try this! I'm from New Brunswick and I bought a Polaris sportsman and a plow with a gravel driveway and find my blade will catch every now n then sometimes extremely hard lol flipping the blade down hard and freaks me out haha ...ps GOD BLESS U2 MAN!👍👍👍👍👍

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

I appreciate you watching. I hope it helps.

[@leslienormore5088]

Love that idea thanks for sharing 👍👍

[@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors]

Thats a nice hack, If it gets rid of several inches only leaving an inch I call that a win. That 1 inch will melt pretty quick when the sun comes out

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Very true! Although in Michigan we may not see the sun for a few days during winter ....

[@thedocisin3204]

On my Boss 8' plow I put a 3" steel pipe like you did with the PVC to plow gravel drive. Worked well. First winter since it was paved and put a poly edge on the ATV. Works very well. Still keeping the pipe on the 8 footer still plows good on asphalt.

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

I am sure that steel pipe is holding up well. I am glad to hear it works on a solid surface.

[@valleyinthebluffs9960]

Hello from Iowa - new sub here! I picked up a Polaris with a snow blade (no spiffy wings on mine though) last year in preparation for winter and it made moving snow a breeze! Can’t wait to try your nifty advice next time we get snowed on. Looks like it protected the grass as well - thanks for sharing!

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

It should glide right over the grass! Thanks for watching!

[@davidcarrow5419]

Didn't your plow blade come with gravel skids?

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

The skids picked up gravel and left gouges in the driveway. And raising them enough to allow the blade to clear left more snow than the PVC edge. Thanks for watching!

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

Interesting idea. Seems like a great idea for the first plow before the ground really freezes. After that the plow doesn't seem to chew up the driveway that bad. I'm in a bit of a different scenario though, I have an 8' plow on my dump truck. If I could attach and remove that PVC easily enough I'd probably do it. Not sure how to do that though.

[@rompinroger9614]

Drive about a half mile on bare blacktop with the plow down, pvc will be effectively removed.

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

@@rompinroger9614 yeah I made it out of black pipe. Plus I have a stone driveway so it should abrade at a slower rate.

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Definitely not ideal for a blacktop driveway.

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

@@IndependenceAcresHomestead so far so good man. It's very rare I take it off. I did a lot of damage to my driveway at the beginning of this season with the bare plow blade, but this thing really helps. Will be using it for years to come assuming the truck/plow continues working fine....and I don't pave the driveway lol

[@007tallguy]

cool idea, but for me, that bit of snow that's left means an icy driveway. when i plow, i wanna see gravel, lol. things usually freeze enough here that i don't have to worry too much about the cutting edge digging in too bad.

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Yeah, it definitely doesn't work in all situations. For us, the little amount that is left usually melts rather quickly.

[@Kq750.]

We're did you get the side wings

[@davidsmith5982]

Maybe use a smaller diameter pipe, as it would be "sharper" and add some weights to the plow. Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelfinney2160]

Think that might help with my gravel driveway issues ! Gonna try this on my regular rear blade and box blade cutting edges so they won’t dig in. Thanks for the idea sir !

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

I hope it helps!

[@richardheacock7422]

What happened to you shoes for your plow

[@chadchristman443]

would think this would be done before the first snow fall...no?

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

It would definitely help. We did it halfway through the season trying to find a fix for the piles of gravel everywhere.

[@Hi-Tech-Ray]

Will this work on driveways without the finished asphalt layer? The diameter of the PVC is 2"... I have been looking for a solution as my cutting edge prematurely wears out on rough surfaced driveways! I have even tried the UHMW polymer blades, same thing as metal!

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

My guess is that it would still wear quickly on a rough surface.

[@username8171]

I just tried this today, and about 10 ft. into the plowing the sch 40 pvc split length ways as soon as it hit a small rock. Temps were 31 f. Great idea but need something much tougher.

[@sneakinguponit]

When you started beating the pvc into place I was hearing Led Zeppelin Rock and Roll!

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

I totally hear that too! LOL!

[@whitenas]

Lol yeah

[@wildbill23c]

A much better way would be steel pipe PVC isn't going to hold up as well. I did a Steel pipe mod on the cutting edge of my snow blower for my gravel driveway, works great.

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Yes, steel pipe is more durable and could be a permanent solution. However, PVC is easier to work with, and can even be cut with simple hand tools if needed. PVC is also easier to install and remove if you are plowing a hard surface. The PVC installed in this video has lasted 2.5 winters so far, so that's pretty good for my purpose.

[@wildbill23c]

@@IndependenceAcresHomestead Hmm, I may have to try the PVC route eventually, the only issue is I don't think I'll wear out the steel pipe anytime soon, especially if I don't get to use the blower more than once or twice a year HAHA!!

[@CentralNH]

You don't have feet pads on your plow?

[@craigeby8016]

they dig into the gravel

[@patrickmulrain9744]

How long does it last? I can imagine having to replace it after every snow.

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

It last for 10 snowfalls last winter. We have yet to use it this year.

[@rancin99]

I have been using this method for several years and the PVC eventually cracks and breaks apart but I have spares to replace on the blade. Subzero weather seems to cause the pipe to become more brittle also. It is the best method I have found for removing snow on sealcoating.

[@barrytruog4879]

I tried it with 2" pvc and it didnt last an hour on my gravel driveway.

[@joebaigis8046]

@@IndependenceAcresHomestead I'm facing this same issue, I'm wondering if I did this from 1 1/2 steel pipe how it would work out. Not as easy to cut the slot, but might last pretty long...

[@prepper1013]

4:00 I need more cow bell baby. I got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell

[@mjuberian]

just pack down the first couple snows so you have a base to plow on...also maybe clean up some of the shit laying outside all winter.

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Unfortunately, the snow never sticks around long enough in South Eastern Michigan for us to pack it down. Our weather really fluctuates and it melts in a week or so. Did my wife put you up to that last comment?? LOL.

[@mikewasko4964]

Take the wings off and leave them off .. angle your blade and the problem of compacting the snow ❄ will not happen..the blade will cut through the snow better .

[@manuelgriego1939]

what kind of plow do you have

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

It is a Kolpin ATV Plow.

[@howardhynes1894]

Im going to try that on my plow thanks

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Hope it helps!

[@bronxbrothers121]

Sounds like Alex Van Halen's drum snare.

[@natec599]

Weld a piece of black pipe to your cutting edge. I used 1” lasted 2 years before I ground it off when I got a new house with a paved driveway.

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Probably the only drawback to this option is that will be much more difficult to remove if needed.

[@stanleykeith6969]

Get yourself a Pc. of heavy rubber (stiff) about 6" wide and 47" long and bolt it to the top of your blade, it keeps the snow from coming over the top of the blade.

[@conchamp]

Is that 2" PVC

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Yes it is.

[@richbadour6002]

At 1:07 don’t put rabbit food in a bowl…… use a gravity fed dispenser that way they don’t spill or walk in their food!

[@timberray9572]

With the PVC on my back blade I can plow my 230 meter driveway in under 10 minutes, I posted a video of it.

[@YourOldDog]

We put a chicken coop in the middle of the backyard and I was wondering how much lawn I would dig up plowing the yard to the coop for feeding and collecting eggs or ccourse !! Thanks for fantastic idea, lowering the shoes did nothing.

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Yeah, when I tried to just lower the shoes, it dug in even deeper. This has been the best way to save the lawn and the gravel. Hope it helps you this winter!

[@patrickdumont8670]

I drag an heavy wood pallet with a Y shaped rope from the ball. I do almost all the backyard lawn grass trails to the chicken coop with it. Saved all my grass a terrain is not levelled in some places. Your idea is great i will try it this after noon on my UTV plow.

[@coleenburris6816]

,@@patrickdumont8670 I like the pallet idea.

[@bobarmbruster2696]

I'm going to try that. Thanks

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Glad you found this helpful! Let me know how it works out for you.

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

I just adjusted the shoes on the blade so it doesn’t dig in the gravel

[@jamesglenn520]

Add some weight on your plow to keep it from riding up as much.

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

I will definitely be doing this, it it ever decides to snow again here in South Eastern Michigan!

[@philipunderwood477]

Why not use skid shoes like everyone else? Then adjust to height you want

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

The skid shoes would dig into the gravel and still leave piles of gravel in the yard. The PVC allows the blade to "float" over the gravel.

[@philipunderwood477]

@@IndependenceAcresHomestead you need bigger skid shoes. Things outside the box. Maybe 6 inches diameter round shoes like 9n big plow trucks or add 2-3in x 6 in skids on the edges, like on a snowblower, but oversize. Good luck

[@shawnhorne9296]

I just put 2cs 3in on each end only don't ride up 👍

[@BrewCityGardener]

That worked out great! Kudos to the sub that tipped you off on that trick. That 4 wheeler seems to do a good job pushing the snow. If it was the same there as it was here the snow was pretty wet and heavy.

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Oh yes, it was wet and heavy! Especially once the rain started around noon. Even so, the 450 didn't skip a beat and kept the snow moving.

[@RidgeLife]

Nice! Just subbed. Have a great day!

[@Ratridez]

I have a piece of rubber belt bolted to my plough , works way better and dont need any weights .

[@filobetobaby]

I can't imagine why you would have wings on a plow used on a driveway

[@mikewasko4964]

Exactly! .you need to tilt the blade and push the snow to the side in some cases ..this pvc pipe works ten times better with the blade angled.

[@ichibangrom9735]

Looks like it works excellent! Good Job

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

It definitely works well here in S.E Michigan!

[@kimber841]

Holy crap, it’s McLovin! J/k

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

LOL. Usually I get called "The Dentist From the Hangover"!

[@kimber841]

@@IndependenceAcresHomestead HAHA! That works too! Glad you still have your tooth! Merry Christmas man, happy 2021!

[@db3170]

Sound track is Pure Gold

[@SETTAPERFORMANCE]

Anyone try this that has pavers ?

[@ronlister3233]

As a retired wood shop teacher the cut you did on the table saw is about as dangerous as it gets. Don't cut stock that can spin with a tool that spins.

[@smithderf]

I couldn"t agree more. I'd say a better than 50% chance of kickback.

[@Citystead]

Now that is a useful hack!

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

I am very thankful that someone suggested it.

[@kellysweetman6070]

I wonder how well this would work on my snowblower attachment. I hate cleaning the gravel off my lawn every spring.

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

It seems like it would be worth a try. Anything to keep that edge from digging in. Let me know if it works for you!

[@joesteen9742]

Great video

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Thanks!

[@johnwudarcki9315]

Intro to long

[@georgemcfly7358]

Don't waste pipe or your time. Use a steel pipe. Plastic lasts about and hour

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Interesting you should say that. That piece of PVC has lasted for two seasons and should last one more here in Michigan. For us, that $4 piece of PVC was worth my time and money. I am sure everyone may have a different experience though.

[@username8171]

On my gravel drive the sch 40 lasted ten feet, the ABS tubing ( stronger than pvc ) lasted 25 minutes ( it was 16f. here mid Mi ). From reading here someone tried sch 80 and it too cracked.

[@username8171]

I may try 2 1/4 " automotive straight exhaust pipe. Grind a slit down the center just wide enough where i can tap it on the blade and not have to tack weld it.

[@larrywoodruff7530]

Just pave the driveway

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

If you are willing to pay for it, I will gladly pave it!

[@kevinwatters8631]

Meh, maybe if all I had was gravel but I have 30' of concrete followed by gravel. I prefer to get my concrete scraped as clean as possible and I just winch the plow up an inch for the gravel. Minimal rock scraping and does pretty much the same thing.

[@jeremyrude6883]

Obviously not frozen ground nor properly adjusted scags

[@jasonmorehouse3756]

pack down your first snowfall with car. never pick up gravel all winter after that. same trick used for snowblower

[@johnwudarcki9315]

That only works on flat drives

[@richscott2952]

Problem is in southern New York we have to shovel it before it melts

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

That is exactly the issue here in Southern Michigan also. The packed snow melts in two days....

[@georgemcfly7358]

Don't need the feet on with the pioe

[@owlhill7701]

Use ABS instead of PVC. Much more durable.

[@newventure4747]

If you had regular skid shoes on, you wouldn't push as much gravel as you did.

[@ericscherer9444]

I think you need to drag your videos out longer. Maybe something like , "but first, I need to go get a cup of coffee" or "let's drive 20 minutes to the hardware store"... The video could be less than a minute but 7+ minutes to slit a piece of PVC! Everyone skipped ahead to get past the first 4 minutes of dribble.. (constructive criticism.... unless you get paid by the minute)

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Thanks for not being the "using the table saw that way is unsafe" kind of guy. Always trying to balance telling a story with giving information. If you want to see more trips to the hardware store or the coffee shop, I will accept donations via you Venmo! Always looking for sponsors!

[@chuckmyotte1315]

use steel pipe works a lot better.....

[@stevemarkuseen7792]

a real plow op doesnt need this

[@paruggeri]

wax your plow face

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

At first I thought you were insulting me, calling me a "plow face"...then I realized what you were saying. LOL! It will be waxed this winter!

[@davidschroeder5166]

Lose the music

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Appreciate the feedback. It is impossible to change a published video, but I will keep this in mind for future ones.

[@Nevertrustalawyer]

Man!, clean up your yard! It looks like 💩

[@IndependenceAcresHomestead]

Thanks for watching!