A "snow forklift" typically refers to a standard forklift equipped with specialized attachments and tires for clearing snow and ice during winter months. These attachments allow businesses to maintain operations without investing in dedicated snow removal equipment.
Snow Plow Attachments
Fork-mounted snow plows are the most common winter attachment. They slide onto the forks and use the forklift's lifting capacity to clear snow from yards, roads, and loading docks.
Key models and prices:
Vestil Fork Truck Snow Plow: Heavy-duty steel, adjustable rotatable blade, floating pads for uneven terrain. $2,328.63
DENIOS 72" Snow Plow: Fork-mounted, manual pivot for angled plowing, locking pins for safety. $2,767.00
DENIOS Steel Fork Mount Snow Plow: 72" blade, steel construction with powder coat, replaceable cutting edge. $3,295.00
Weha Forklift Snowplow: Hot-dipped galvanized, 59" blade, 10°/20° angle adjustment. $1,908.00
Vestil SPB-CB Snow Plow Accessory: $778.45
Most plows use pass-through fork tubes to keep weight back toward the mast. Locking pins secure the attachment, and manual pivot mechanisms allow angled plowing on both sides. The Vestil plow includes a replaceable cutting edge and floating pads for smooth operation across uneven terrain.
Snow Bucket Attachments
Snow buckets scoop and move large volumes of snow, suitable for precise stacking or when surfaces are gravel or dirt. They are easy to mount on fork arms and secured with a chain around the mast. Buckets are ideal for collecting and unloading heavy snow, mulch, or gravel.
Snow Pushers
Snow pushers are designed for pushing large accumulations of snow across wide areas. They provide uniform pushing capabilities with floating pads for adjustable plowing height. Models include:
DENIOS Steel Fork Mount Snow Pusher: 72" blade with manual pivot mechanism
Vestil SPB-P-72 Forklift Snow Plow Push Box: 72" blade with unique fork attachment design
Spreader Attachments
Spreader attachments convert a forklift for spreading salt and sand to keep operating areas safe from ice. They are available in two variations and are quick and easy to install.
Snow Tires and Chains
Winter tires and chains provide essential traction on snow and ice.
Snow Tires:
BKT SNOW GRIP: Engineered for low-temperature environments with multiple gripping edges for superior grip on fresh or compact snow, delivering excellent cornering and braking performance on icy and snowy surfaces
Yokohama Y337H: High performance on snow-covered roads with good wear resistance
Snow Chains:
Toyota offers reinforced snow chains with an innovative groove profile for increased traction. Welded rings ensure a stable connection between the chain and side chains, specially adapted to forklift requirements for long lifetime. Chains are sold in pairs and should be installed on drive wheels. Bobcat offers heavy-duty twist link cross chains for longer wear under extreme conditions.
Operational Safety
When operating a forklift in snow:
Use proper winter tires or chains for adequate traction
Clear pathways before heavy operation
Reduce travel speed on slippery surfaces
Ensure attachments are properly secured with locking pins
Consider heated cabs and winter-grade hydraulic fluids for extreme conditions
Train operators on winter operation procedures
The bottom line: A snow forklift is a standard forklift equipped with snow plows ($778–$3,295), buckets, pushers, spreaders, and winter tires or chains ($100–$500 per set). Fork-mounted plows are the most common attachment, using pass-through fork tubes and manual pivot mechanisms for angled clearing. Snow tires like BKT SNOW GRIP and Yokohama Y337H provide traction in low temperatures, while reinforced snow chains offer additional grip on ice. These attachments enable year-round utility, eliminating the need for dedicated snow removal equipment.