A forklift snow plow is a blade attachment that mounts directly onto a forklift's forks, turning your material handling equipment into a powerful snow-clearing machine. It's an efficient, cost-effective solution for keeping loading docks, car parks, access roads, and service yards clear during winter.
Types of Forklift Snow Plows
Fixed Blade – angled to push snow to one side (typically left at 15°). Simple and affordable, with prices starting from around £690.
Adjustable Angle – can be set to push snow straight, left, or right by adjusting the blade from the forks. Offers greater flexibility.
Spring-Loaded / Trip-Action – features a safety mechanism that allows the blade to trip forward upon hitting an unseen obstacle, protecting both the plow and the forklift.
Key Features & Specifications
Feature Details
Blade Widths Typically 1200mm, 1500mm, 1800mm, or 2000mm (approx. 47"–79")
Blade Materials Heavy-duty steel (galvanized or powder-coated), polyethylene, or with rubber/PUR/steel scraper strips
Mounting Slides onto forks via fork pockets (e.g., 150 x 50mm) and secured with thumb screws or bolts
Ballast Box Some models include a ballast box (e.g., ¼ cubic yard capacity) that can be filled with sand or gravel for extra traction on slippery surfaces
Installation & Operation
Installing a forklift snow plow is straightforward:
Position the forks to match the plow's fork pockets.
Drive the forks fully into the pockets.
Tighten the thumb screws or bolts securely.
The plow is now ready for use.
Safety First
Inspect regularly – check all weld points, fork pockets, and the wear blade for damage.
Clean after use – wash off salt residue to prevent rust.
Check the area – ensure the clearing area is free of speed humps, raised kerbs, or other obstacles.
Plow with the gradient – always plow in line with the road surface gradient.
Pricing & Where to Buy
Prices vary widely based on size and features:
Fixed blade plows: from ~£690 to ~£1,013.
Adjustable/Heavy-duty models: ~$1,900 to ~$2,800.
Premium European models: ~€2,300+.
You can find forklift snow plow attachments from suppliers like Slingsby, Zoro, Weha, Waldon Equipment, Hermeq, CAM Handling, and Kaiserkraft.
In short, a forklift snow plow is a smart winter investment that maximizes the utility of your existing forklift, saving you the cost of a dedicated snow vehicle.