Comparing SnowBear Snowplows with Electric Actuator and Snowplows with Electric Winch

Question:

What are the pros and cons of the strap winch vs. the actuator. I am only plowing my blacktop driveway and private road, together about 500l in length, not doing commercial plowing. Is there a reason I should choose one over the other?

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

Both the SnowBear Proshovel Snowplow, with Electric Actuator # SB324-168 and the SnowBear Personal Snowplow, with Electric Winch # SB324-080 will allow you to easily raise and lower the snowplow, and both come with an in-cab toggle switch, as well as a wireless remote, so that the plow can be controlled from the comfort of your vehicle.

SnowBear markets the plow with the electric winch as a personal/residential winch, and the plow with the actuator for more larger scale plowing needs. Both winches offer 5 blade angles and have a 9 inch height adjustment.

The benefit the actuator has over the electric winch is that the actuator has uses a simple, chain-lifting design that has fewer moving parts than the winch application. Raising and lower the plow with the actuator will be slightly smoother and a more consistent movement than the winch.

However, the plow with the actuator, # SB324-168, will be heavier than the plow with the winch, # SB324-080. The # SB324-168 plow with the actuator weights 370 pounds, while the # SB324-080 plow with the winch weighs 315 pounds.

Raising and lowering the plow with the electric winch that uses a nylon strap will be much quieter than the chain used by the actuator. Additionally, the # SB324-080 plow with the winch is a more budget friendly option.

Between the two snowplows, the best one for you will come down to how often you expect to use the plow. If you plan on using the plow quite often, I recommend the Proshovel Snowplow with Electric Actuator # SB324-168. If you only plan on using the plow a couple of times a year to plow your driveway and street, the Personal Snowplow with Electric Winch # SB324-080 will work great for you.

These snowplows install on your Avalanche with a front mount hitch. The front mount hitch confirmed to fit your 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche is the Curt # C31012. The installation instructions for this hitch are attached.