How-to Guide – Choosing the Right Tractor for Snow Removal - Kubota - New & Used Agricultural & Construction Equipment Sales, Service, and Parts

For a stress-free winter… and an investment that pays off

Buying a tractor for snow removal isn’t just about purchasing a machine.
It’s an investment in your comfort, your work speed, your safety… and your peace of mind for years to come.

At Kubota Montreal, we have been supporting customers since 1986—individuals, contractors, farmers, municipalities—and they all have the same priority: making the right choice from the start.

This guide has been designed by our experts to help you make a simple, informed, and sustainable decision.

Let’s get started!

1 : Understanding Your Usage (The Essential Starting Point)

First, to choose a tractor that will serve you well for a long time, ask yourself three simple questions:

How big is the area I need to clear of snow?

Small area: sub-compact 18–24.5 HP (Kubota BX)
Multiple areas/large property: compact 24.5–60 HP (LX, L)
Large property, commercial or municipal: 60 HP and above

What type of snow do I get?

Light snow: all models are suitable
Heavy/wet snow: focus on power + traction

Do I have any slopes or tight areas?

Narrow areas: BX or LX
Large areas: L, MX, M

This starting point is essential. Imagine buying a new tractor… and it doesn’t work well in your tight spaces. We don’t want that!

2 : Knowing The Power You Need: Go Straight To The Right Choice

Next, you need to assess the power required for your tractor. To help you, we have put together a few models that are representative of each category.

10,000 sq.ft. to 25,000 sq.ft. +

Use subcompact models. For example, the Kubota BX80 : Simple, compact, ideal for homes and condos.

25,000 sq.ft. to 50,000 sq.ft.

Opt for compact models. For example, the Kubota LX20 or the Kubota MX. A powerful and comfortable balance. Best power-to-performance ratio in snow. Top-notch versatility.

Beyond / Professional

Choose high-powered models. For example, the Kubota MX, Kubota M5, Kubota M6or the Kubota L60. Designed for intensive work, long hours, wide blowers, and maximum traction.

3 : Choose traction: what really changes your winter

When it comes to snow removal, 4×4 is essential. Not having it… will send you flying over the snowbank! All joking aside, a good tractor must absolutely offer 4×4 traction in order to:

Push without losing traction
Stay stable
Maintain control on icy snow
Perform tight maneuvers with consistency

Our experts’ recommendation: “The L, MX, and M series are known for their exceptional grip, even in difficult conditions.”

4 : Choosing the right transmission: choose the one that makes your life easier

The other criteria to consider is definitely the transmission. There are three types: hydrostatic (HST), manual and powershift. Here is a comparison between the two options:

Hydrostatic (HST)

It is THE ideal transmission for snow removal:

Instant forward/reverse
Greater maneuverability
Less fatigue, especially in the evening

Manual

Robuste, mais moins fluide pour les opérations hivernales. Nécessite plus de changements de vitesses. Demande un peu plus d’expérience.

Powershift

A good compromise between comfort and robustness. Electro-hydraulic gear shifting, without clutch. 3 ranges to adapt to conditions.

Our experts’ recommendation: “Choose HST for a smoother winter.”

5 : Choose Comfort: It Changes Everything

Spending two hours in a heated cab rather than two hours outside in the wind… there’s no going back.

Here are the essential elements to consider for true comfort:

Heated cab
Comfortable seat
Simple controls
Clear visibility

This is where Kubota stands out: ergonomics + durability.

6 : Don’t Forget The Extras: Accessories That Complete A Real Snow Blower

Extras are often essential to your work. Don’t forget them when choosing your tractor. We know that a good tractor really comes into its own with the right accessories.

A tractor without the right accessories is limited. Here’s what’s really useful in winter:

Front or rear snow blower

Front: more comfortable, better visibility. Good for very long roads and driveways.
Rear: economical and efficient. Good for driveways and short-distance snow removal in reverse.

Front blade
Ideal for quickly pushing heavy snow.

Chains
Essential on slopes or icy snow.

Ballast
More stability, more traction, less wear.

7 : Which Machine Is Right For YOUR Situation?

Last but not least, you need to choose a tractor based on YOUR situation and YOUR needs. A homeowner won’t need a heavy-duty model, while a municipality will need a more powerful tractor. Here are a few examples (and recommendations) of models suited to different types of use:

Residential property owners and small businesses

Choose a Kubota BX80 or Kubota LX20. Highly maneuverable, perfect for daily maintenance.

Small snow removal business / multiple driveways

Find out more about the Kubota L60 or Kubota MX. Power + comfort, perfect for 20–60 driveways.

Commercial/municipal snow removal

Try the Kubota M5 and the Kubota M6. Full cab, power, maximum traction, advanced hydraulics.

Small jobs, sidewalks, condos

Choose a 100% electric solution. Greenworks Commercial’s snow blowers 82 V make snow removal easy.

If you clear snow from:

a driveway
a sidewalk
a condo walkway
small municipal areas

No oil, no fuel, no noise—simple and effective.

snow Thrower sual level Greenworks Kubota Montréal Souffleuse à neige 22po Greenworks Kubota Montréal

Conclusion: A Snow Blower Is A Smart Investment.

A good tractor is not an expense. It is an investment in your long-term safety, efficiency, and comfort.

A well-chosen tractor:

lasts longer
costs less to maintain
retains its value
saves you from costly repairs
saves you time every winter
Last but not least, a tractor that is a pleasure to use

The goal is simple: invest once—and invest wisely.

The Kubota series and Greenworks solutions offer solid, reliable options suitable for all levels of use.

If you would like to try out a model, compare options, or get personalized advice, stop by Kubota Montréal.. We are here to guide you toward the best decision… for today and for the next 15 years.

To learn more about our winter models, visit our snow tractors snow tractors page.

To learn more about our 100% electric options, visit our Greenworks snow blowers web page.

Kubota Montreal – Since 1986

In business since 1986, Kubota Montreal is proud to serve the construction, civil engineering, landscaping, snow removal, agricultural, and residential sectors.

Deeply rooted in the community, we believe in local, personalized, and sustainable service. When customers demand quality and impeccable after-sales service, they turn to us.