A snow plow for a forklift is a fork-mounted attachment that slides directly onto the forklift's forks, converting a standard lift truck into an effective snow-clearing machine for parking lots, loading docks, access roads, and warehouse yards . It is a cost-effective alternative to buying a dedicated plow truck or skid steer.
How It Works
The plow blade attaches to a pair of pass-through fork tubes. The operator slides the forklift forks into these tubes, secures them with locking pins or thumb screws, and the attachment is ready for use . This design keeps the blade weight back toward the forklift mast, improving stability.
Most models include a manual pivot mechanism or adjustable angle settings (typically 0°, 15°, and 30°) . This allows the operator to angle the blade left or right to push snow to the curb or alongside buildings, or keep it straight for general scraping.
Key Features to Look For
Feature What It Does Why It Matters
Adjustable Angle Pivots left/right (0°-30°) Directs snow where you want it, prevents piling
Spring-Loaded Trip Mechanism Blade pivots back on impact Protects forklift and blade from hidden obstacles
Replaceable Wear Blade Rubber or steel cutting edge Extends plow life; rubber protects pavement
Fork Pockets Tubes that slide over forks Quick attachment/detachment (no tools required)
Stand Skids Small feet on blade edges Prevents scraping pavement when fully lowered
A spring-loaded trip mechanism is especially important when plowing unknown areas—the blade will fold back momentarily if it hits a manhole cover or curb, then reset automatically .
Popular Models and Prices
Model Blade Width Weight Angle Adjustment Price (USD) Key Specs
Vestil SPB-N-72 72 inches 530 lbs Manual pivot ~$2,000 Fork opening 24"L x 7.5"W
Weha Forklift Snow Plow 59 inches 383 lbs 10°/20° each side $1,908 – $2,923 Galvanized, rubber scraper
DENIOS Snow Plow 72 inches ~600 lbs Manual pivot $2,767 Pass-through tubes, spring safety
vidaXL 59 inches (150cm) ~95 lbs 0°/15°/30° ~$560 Powder-coated steel, budget option
HermeQ Heavy Duty 49-71 inches (125-180cm) 95-130 kg (209-286 lbs) 15° fixed (left) ~$925 Fully galvanized, stand skids, thumb screws
Note: Weha and HermeQ prices are in different currencies (USD vs. GBP) and may vary by distributor.
Forklift Requirements and Limitations
Forklift Capabilities:
4WD pneumatic tire forklifts are the best choice for snow—they provide traction on slippery surfaces
Standard cushion tire (indoor) forklifts have poor traction on snow and ice; they are not recommended for plowing
Minimum capacity recommendation: 5,000 lbs (heavier is better for stability)
Key Considerations:
Plow weight (up to 600 lbs) plus snow load reduces your forklift's net lifting capacity
Fork pockets must match your fork size and spacing (common centers: 24 inches for 72" blades)
The plow extends forward, shifting the load center—this increases tip-over risk if not operated carefully
Effectiveness Limits:
Forklift plows are best for fresh, light snow under 6 inches deep
They are not designed for heavy, wet snow or large accumulations
Plow at a slow speed and avoid sudden impacts
Rental and Municipal Usage
Some municipalities contract snow plowing services with equipment operators, but these contracts typically specify wheel loaders, packer trucks, and dump trucks with plows, not forklift-mounted attachments .
For occasional or one-time use, renting a plow attachment may be possible through industrial equipment rental companies. However, major chains like United Rentals list snow plows for skid steers and wheel loaders, with no direct mention of forklift-mounted plows .
Snow plow attachment rental rates from municipal contract data (2009, NYSDOT) show plow equipment rates ranging from approximately $1.75 to $3.20 per hour for the attachment alone (excluding the vehicle) . These historical rates are for large municipal plows, not small forklift attachments.
Year-Round Utility
A major advantage of a forklift snow plow is that it can be used year-round for general scraping and debris moving. The same attachment that clears snow in winter can push dirt, gravel, wood chips, or warehouse floor debris during other seasons .
The Bottom Line
A snow plow for a forklift is a practical, cost-effective solution for warehouses, industrial yards, and facilities that already own a suitable 4WD forklift. It allows one machine to serve both material handling and snow clearing functions, eliminating the need for a dedicated plow vehicle. Choose a model with adjustable angle, spring trip protection, and a replaceable wear blade for the best results .
For heavy, deep snow or extensive parking lot clearing, a skid steer with a dedicated plow or snow blower remains the better choice .