"Let It Snow!" — 6 Sidewalk Snow Machines to Make Your Winter Brighter

The time of heavy snow is nearly upon us, and it’s time to consider whether or not you need your first — or a new — sidewalk snow machine in your arsenal.

These five stand-on and one ride-on self-propelled snow-removal machines offer an upgraded method for clearing sidewalks and other large areas and are especially useful for landscapers and other professionals.

There are a few things contractors should consider when assessing the current market for sidewalk snow-removal machines:

• Width: consider the environment you’ll be plowing. For mostly tight sidewalks and compact spaces, a zero-turn mower with snow removal attachments might not work.
• Attachment capacity: depending on how much snowfall your region sees, a machine with attachments that can handle larger amounts of snow more easily could be necessary.
• Attachment variety: will a simple straight blade get the job done? Or do you need a machine with a deeper portfolio of attachments for varying conditions?
• Off-season use: consider whether you need an all-season machine (like a zero-turn with attachments) or a dedicated winter workhorse.

No matter the reason, if you’re looking for a sidewalk snow machine, check out Equipment World’s product roundup below.

Ariens

Ariens Mammoth

From Ariens, the Mammoth four-wheel-drive, zero-turn, multi-tool carrier runs on a 28-horsepower Vanguard electronic fuel-injected engine.

For maintaining traction, the Mammoth uses a Parker HP2 Pump to power individual Parker DF-series motors on each 22-inch Terra-trac tires.

The Mammoth comes in at 35.8 inches wide, weighs 1,072 pounds and reaches a max forward speed of 8 mph.

The Mammoth uses Ariens’ Snowzilla Quick-Attach system and offers attachments like a 48-inch V-plow blade, a brine spreader, a salt spreader, a 44-inch broom and a 48-inch snowblower head.

Ariens Mammoth Snow-Clearing Machine Specs:

• Net power: 28 horsepower
• Engine: Vanguard
• Width: 35.8 inches
• Weight: 1,072 pounds
• Max forward speed: 8 mph

John Deere

John Deere SW635M

Fresh off its debut at this year’s Equip Expo show in Louisville, the John Deere SW635M EFI sidewalk snow machine features a standard Western four-foot hydraulic blade and options for brine and granular salt drop systems.

Aimed at the professional market, the stand-on SW635M is designed for longer winter workdays with an extended operating capacity. While specs have not yet been released, we can see contractors will get a cushioned operator’s station, a bucket holder and a set of LED headlights.

Ventrac

Ventrac SSV

First announced in 2018, the Ventrac SSV is powered by a 23-horsepower Vanguard engine and, at just 34 inches wide, caters to snow removal in tight spaces. Contractors can reach up to 8 mph with all-wheel drive on this 970-pound machine.

Standard features include heated grips and an adjustable operator pad, and features like rear lights, an adjustable weight transfer system and power take-off can be added.

Available attachments include a snowplow, a snow bucket and a 38-inch broom.

Ventrac SSV Sidewalk Snow Machine Specs:

• Net power: 23 horsepower
• Engine: Vanguard 386777
• Weight: 970 pounds
• Width: 34 inches
• Max forward speed: 8 mph

Boss

Boss SR Mag

The largest of Boss’ two sidewalk snow machines is the SR Mag, weighing in at 1,046 pounds with a 747-cc Kohler electronic fuel-injected engine.

Key features on the SR Mag include its zero-turn capabilities and four-wheel-drive traction for improved handling, plus the Boss Downforce system to improve plowing.

Boss emphasizes the SR Mag’s electronic throttle body, which reacts to optimize power and generates smoother acceleration and deceleration. For keeping operators warm, the SR Mag actually directs the heat off the engine to the operator’s hands and body.

The SR Mag’s winter weather-optimized battery can deliver 690 cold cranking amps, and operators will have up to 25 degrees of upward lift for navigating curbs. Available attachments include a 48-inch broom, 4-foot straight blade, 4-foot 2-inch XT V-Plow, and a 48-inch snow thrower.

Boss SR Mag Sidewalk Snow Machine Specs:

• Engine displacement: 747 cc
• Weight: 1,046 pounds
• Max upward lift: 25 degrees
• Ground clearance: 6 inches
• Width: 39.25 inches
• Max forward speed: 8 mph

Toro

Toro GrandStand Multi-Force

Another competitor to the models on this list — though not quite the same type of machine — is the Toro GrandStand Multi-Force, a stand-on zero-turn mower that offers attachments to perform as a sidewalk snow machine.

Available with a 52- or 60-inch deck, the Multi-Force comes in six variants. The three Multi-Force EVO models are powered by a 34.5-horsepower Kawasaki EVO engine, while the others feature a 26.5-horsepower Kohler Command EFI engine.

Applicable snow-removal attachments for the Multi-Force include a 55-inch power broom, 4- and 5-foot Boss snowplows (featuring 30 degrees of lift height), a snow tire kit and a 21.5-inch snow thrower that can throw snow up to 60 feet.

Toro GrandStand Multi-Force Zero-Turn Mower Specs:

• Net power: 26.5 or 34.5 horsepower
• Deck sizes: 52-inch or 60-inch
• Max forward speed: 10 mph
• Weight (60-inch EVO): 1,021 pounds
• Snow removal attachments: 55-inch power broom, 4- and 5-foot Boss snowplows, 21.5-inch snow thrower

John Deere

John Deere TerrainCut 1585

Another machine from John Deere — one that can be purchased today — is the TerrainCut.

Like the GrandStand Multi-Force, the TerrainCut is a zero-turn mower that can be kitted out for snow removal. Focusing on the cab model 1585 front-cut mower, contractors will get either a 60-inch or 72-inch deck and hydrostatic full-time 4WD, all powered by a 37.4-horsepower Yanmar engine.

The TerrainCut can reach up to 15 mph forward speed and has 7 inches of ground clearance. It weighs in at 2,593 pounds shipped.

Front-end attachments that turn the 1585 into a snow removal machine include a rotary broom/snow blower and front blade.

John Deere TerrainCut 1585 Front-Cut Mower Specs:

• Net power: 37.4 horsepower
• Engine: Yanmar 3TNV88C
• Deck: 60-inch or 72-inch
• Maximum torque: 80.4 lb-ft
• Max forward speed: 15 mph
• Shipped weight: 2,593 pounds