A complete guide to snow blower accessories

When winter storms dump piles of snow and ice on your driveway, it can feel like a huge hassle to clear it all. But with the right add-ons for your snow blower, you can turn that daunting chore into a quick and easy job. Let’s take a look at some accessories that’ll boost your snow blower’s performance and make snow removal a snap.

Important: The info in this article might not line up perfectly with your specific appliance model. We do our best to give useful advice for all kinds of DIY appliance fixes, but different models and setups can mean different troubleshooting steps, error codes, parts, etc. For the most accurate guidance, we recommend checking out the manufacturer’s manual for your appliance or reach out to us if you’ve got any questions.

1. Tire chains

Tire chains are a game-changer when you’re dealing with icy driveways or uneven terrain. By giving your snow blower better traction, they make it easier to maneuver in challenging conditions and reduce the risk of slipping or losing control. Here’s what they do:

• Improve grip on slippery surfaces: Chains dig into icy or packed snow, providing stability and traction for smooth operation.
• Enhance maneuverability: With better grip, you can move your snow blower more easily, even on steep or uneven terrain.
• Increase safety: By reducing sliding and slipping, tire chains make snow clearing safer for you and anyone nearby.

Best situations for tire chains:

• When clearing snow on sloped or hilly driveways.
• In areas prone to ice accumulation or hard-packed snow.
• On uneven terrain where tires might otherwise lose grip.

2. Drift cutters

Drift cutters help tackle those towering snowdrifts left behind by strong winds or heavy storms. Drift cutters are especially useful if you live in a region that gets strong winds or heavy snowfall. Here’s how they work:

• Guide tall snow into the auger: Drift cutters act like arms on the sides of the auger housing, slicing through high drifts and directing the snow inward for efficient clearing.
• Improve snow clearing performance: By funneling snow into the machine, they prevent uneven paths and make clearing deep drifts much faster.

Best situations for drift cutters

• After a windy snowstorm that creates tall drifts.
• In areas with open fields or spaces prone to drifting snow.
• For clearing snow banks that accumulate at the edges of driveways or roads.

3. Snow cabs

A snow cab is a must-have accessory if you spend long hours clearing snow in harsh weather. It provides a shield from wind, snow, and freezing temperatures, making the job more comfortable and safe. Here’s what they do:

• Protect the operator: The cab creates a protective barrier, keeping snow, wind, and ice from hitting you while you work.
• Improve visibility: By blocking blowing snow, the cab helps you maintain a clear view of the area you’re clearing.
• Increase comfort: Reduces exposure to extreme cold, making longer clearing sessions more bearable.

Best situations for snow cabs

• When clearing snow during heavy storms or windy conditions.
• In open areas where there’s little natural shelter from the elements.
• For extended snow-clearing jobs that require prolonged exposure to the cold.

Read more: How to replace a snow blower auger belt

4. Skid shoes

Skid shoes are great for protecting your snow blower and the surfaces you’re clearing. They help adjust the height of the machine, allowing it to glide smoothly over different terrains while preventing damage to delicate surfaces. Here’s what they do:

• Protect surfaces: Skid shoes lift the snow blower slightly off the ground, preventing it from scraping gravel, uneven pavement, or softer materials like wood decks.
• Enhance performance: By adjusting the height, skid shoes ensure optimal snow pickup while avoiding clogs from rocks or debris.

Types of skid shoes

• Steel: Durable and ideal for tough surfaces like asphalt or concrete.
• Rubber: Gentle on delicate surfaces like brick or wooden walkways.
• Composite: Lightweight and versatile for a variety of terrains.

Best situations for skid shoes

• Clearing gravel driveways where you want to avoid picking up rocks.
• Protecting decorative paving or softer surfaces from scratches.
• Adjusting for uneven or bumpy terrain to maintain smooth operation.

5. Heated hand grips

If you’ve ever spent time snow blowing in freezing temperatures, you know how quickly your hands can get cold, even wearing gloves. Heated hand grips are a fantastic accessory that provides extra warmth, making long snow-clearing sessions much more comfortable. What they do: 

• Provide warmth: Heated grips keep your hands warm while operating the snow blower, even in sub-zero conditions.
• Improve comfort: Warm hands mean better grip and control, reducing fatigue during extended use.

Best situations for heated hand grips

• When clearing snow in extremely cold temperatures.
• For longer snow-blowing sessions where hand fatigue is common.
• In areas with frequent or heavy snowfall.

6. Chute extensions or deflectors

Chute extensions or deflectors are handy accessories that give you greater control over where the snow goes as you clear it. They’re particularly useful for managing large areas or directing snow away from driveways, walkways, or buildings. What they do:

• Extend snow-throwing distance: Chute extensions help propel snow farther, which is ideal for larger spaces or when you want to avoid piling snow too close.
• Improve precision: Deflectors allow you to control the direction and angle of the snow discharge, ensuring it goes exactly where you want it.

Best situations for chute extensions or deflectors

• Clearing large driveways or wide-open spaces.
• Working in tight areas where precise snow placement is important.
• Directing snow away from houses, cars, or other obstacles.

Read more: Snow blower won’t shift: A troubleshooting guide

7. Storage covers

A storage cover is a simple but essential accessory for protecting your snow blower when it’s not in use. Whether you’re storing your machine for the night or the off-season, a cover shields it from dust, moisture, and rust, ensuring it’s ready to go when you need it. What they do:

• Protect against the elements: Covers keep snow blowers safe from rain, snow, and UV rays if stored outdoors.
• Prevent dust and rust: By keeping dust and moisture off your machine, a cover helps maintain its components and prevents corrosion.
• Extend the lifespan: Proper storage reduces wear and tear, ensuring your snow blower lasts for many winters.

Best situations for storage covers

• Storing the snow blower outdoors without a dedicated shelter.
• Keeping it in a garage or shed to prevent dust buildup.
• Protecting it during the off-season when the snow blower isn’t in regular use.

8. Headlights

Headlights are a valuable accessory for snow blowers, especially if you often clear snow in the early morning or late evening when visibility is limited. They make it easier to see your path, avoid obstacles, and work safely in low-light conditions. What they do:

• Improve visibility: Brighten your path, making it easier to see where you’re going and ensuring you don’t miss any areas.
• Enhance safety: Help you spot obstacles like rocks, curbs, or tools, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Extend working hours: Allow you to clear snow efficiently even when daylight is limited.

Best situations for headlights

• Early morning or late evening snow removal.
• Areas with poor outdoor lighting, such as rural locations.
• Clearing snow during overcast or stormy weather.

9. Storage floor mats

Floor mats are often overlooked but are an incredibly practical accessory for your snow blower. They protect your garage or storage floor from fuel spills, oil drips, and debris, keeping your space clean and organized. What they do:

• Protect floors: Mats catch fuel, oil, and grime that can leak from the snow blower, preventing stains and damage to your floor.
• Contain debris: They trap dirt, slush, and snow that may fall off the machine during storage, making cleanup easier.
• Provide stability: Floor mats reduce slipping and sliding by keeping the snow blower in place.

Best situations for floor mats

• When storing your snow blower in a garage, shed, or basement.
• During routine maintenance to catch spills or debris.
• In areas with sensitive flooring, like polished concrete or tiles.

Read more: Snowblower chute won’t turn: A troubleshooting guide

Find the right accessories

To make sure everything fits, always check your snow blower’s model number before buying accessories. If you’re not sure where to find it, check out our guide on how to find your appliance’s model number.

Adding these accessories to your snow blower not only boosts its performance but also helps it last longer. With these DIY solutions, you can tackle whatever winter throws at you.

For more tips and quality parts, swing by AppliancePartsPros.com. We’re here to help with all your snow blower maintenance and upgrade needs.

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