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Home » Comparisons & Reviews » Best Tires for Snow Plowing

Best Tires for Snow Plowing

January 31, 2023 by Emrecan Gurkan Leave a Comment

  • A side note here: As a former Bridgestone engineer, I strongly recommend checking DiscountTire - Treadwell out. This is a tool that DiscountTire dealers use in the store. You can get recommendations based on value, performance, and local favorites.
    TRIED & TESTED!

As a former Bridgestone engineer, I know how hard snow plowing is. Snowplowing is a unique job that requires specific tires. When the weight of a vehicle and plowed snow merge with high torque; most tires don’t last long. Under these circumstances, I’ve made deep research and found top-5 snowplowing tires for you. Please note that these are the most durable winter beast tires.

Snow plowing requires solid traction capability

At a Glance

  • Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3 – Best for Work & Daily Driving Combined Vehicles
  • General Grabber Arctic LT – Best for Working Trucks
  • Firestone Winterforce LT – Best for Longevity
  • Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac – Best for Appearance and Muddy Snow Traction
  • General Grabber ATX – Best for Deep Snow Traction & Wear

Snowplowing can be made with different types of vehicles. De-icer, front-end loader, gritter, and your heavy-duty truck! Today, I will focus on the best snow plowing tires for your heavy-duty work truck. Let’s begin!

What Type of Trucks are Snow plow?

In theory, you can make a snowplow with any truck. Yet, not all of them will be efficient in that case. Let’s see what priorities you should have while choosing a snowplow truck.

  • Capability to carry the load out front
  • Tough, durable, and powerful transmission
  • 4-wheel drive is a big big plus
  • Be able to easily steer on snow

If we put snow-work trucks out of the equation, all roads lead us to heavy-duty trucks. In literature, heavy-duty trucks are defined as 3/4 ton or 1-ton trucks. Though, I will share the best heavy-duty trucks for snow plow in this article. 

Table of Contents

What Vehicles are These Tires Suitable for?

3/4 ton and above trucks are suitable for these tires. Here are some examples.

  • Dodge RAM 2500/3500 or 5500
  • Ford F250/350
  • Cherry Silverado 2500/4500
  • Toyota Tundra(You should pay attention to plow weight)
  • Nissan Titan XD

You can diversify this list with different vehicles. These are my best picks for snow plowing.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3

If you don’t see any Nokian tire in the snow tire list, throw it out. Nokian makes the best snow tires in the world. This Finnish company is an expert on snow tires. Plus, they use stainless steel studs on this tire for the first time in the world!

Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3

In summary, Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3 is one of the most durable tires in winter conditions due to its stainless steel body construction and studs(resistance against rusting). Its deep enough grooves and well-placed sipes provide maximum traction in harshest winter conditions. Moreover, Aramid Sidewall Technology ensures that you won’t get flat tires on duty.

ProsCons
Massive winter tractionHard to find it
DurabilityDry ground stopping distance is slightly longer due to studs
Stainless steel studs
Phonemonel handling capability due to specific tread design
Better fuel mileage
Aggresiive design and strong sidewalls

In my point of view, Nokian made a great winter work tire. It’s almost flawless. I strongly recommend you give it a try.

Note: Studless option is also available

General Grabber Arctic LT

General Grabber Arctic is studdable winter tire. It’s designed for heavy-duty trucks. You can find it in 16”, 17”, 18” and 20” rim sizes with an E load range. Though worth reminding, winter tires wore quickly above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

General Grabber Arctic LT

In summary, General Grabber Arctic LT is all-round tire. Due to tread life, it’s the superior pick on this list. Well, It’s a slightly rough tire because of its 10-ply(E load range) construction. Yet, its dry and wet grip capability make it one of the best winter/ice tire.

ProsCons
Tread lifeA little bumpy
Sidewall durabilityA bit vocal
Stainless steel studs
Wet traction
Dirt cheap

Grabber Arctic LT is built in the USA. Well, that makes it trustworthy. You can break the back of the hardest circumstances with it.

Note: You can select the stud or studless option during the shopping

Firestone Winterforce LT

Firestone Winter Force LT is a heavy-duty tire that can provide maximum traction under loaded conditions. It’s the highest price-earning ratio among the products in this list. It isn’t best in any feature but above average in all of them. Its affordability lets it participate in this list.

Firestone Winterforce LT

In summary, Winterforce LT has a decent durability. It has a firm compound that provides consistent tread life even in dry conditions. Due to its well-placed and full-depth sipes, it can handle wet grounds without effort. Yet, it’s sort of noisy compared to its competitors.

ProsCons
Massive winter tractionAbove average for any stamp but not best
DurabilityMake some noise
Dry tractionA bit harsh during drive

Firestone is always safe-pick for winter tires. This one takes its place between trustworthy work tires. If you have a limited budget, I strongly recommend it.

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is the first all-terrain tire on this list. I’ve chosen it cuz it’s hard to find an all-terrain tire that can perform as well as it does. Plus, the stud option is a gift.

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac

In summary, Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac has superior on and off-road traction. It has the best look on this list. It’s a bit noisy. Yet, you can use it even on warm days. Sidewall durability and long-lasting rubber are brownie points to durability.

ProsCons
On and off-road tractionA bit vocal tire
Aggressive lookA bit harsh during drive
Durability
Studdable all-terrain tire
Can be uses in sunny days

You can confidently go with Goodyear Duratrac if appearance is as important as performance for you. You can check this article out if you need a detailed review.

General Grabber ATX

General Grabber ATX is the second all-terrain tire on this list. Moreover, it’s cheaper. This tire has tons of plus for snow plowing. Ultra-high-strength steel belts, 3PMSF marking, etc.

General Grabber ATX

In summary, General Grabber ATX steps up with huge traction ability. Besides its off-road capability, Grabber’s rubber can handle high torque and provides long-lasting tread life. Due to its specific tread, while chewing snow, it also performs on highways quietly. Well, its firm rubber makes it a bit bumpy. Yet, its massive ice and snow ability make me put it on this list.

ProsCons
On and off-road tractionA bit harsh during drive
Aggressive lookSteering response is questionable
Durability
Studdable all-terrain tire
Affordable price
Can be uses in sunny days

You can also check my detailed General Grabber ATX article right here!

Specs

Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3​General Grabber Arctic LTFirestone Winterforce LTGoodyear Wrangler DuratracGeneral Grabber ATX
CategoryLight-Truck Winter TireLight-Truck Winter TireLight-Truck Winter TireCommercial All-Terrain TireAll-Terrain Tire
VehicleLight Truck, SUVLight Truck, SUVLight Truck, SUVLight Truck, SUVLight Truck, SUV
Available Sizes (Rim)16”, 17”, 18”, 20”16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 19’’, 20”15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”
Made InFinlandUSAUSAUSAUSA
Severe Snow Rated (3PMSF)Yes (3PMSF)Yes (3PMSF)Yes (3PMSF)Yes (3PMSF)Yes (3PMSF)
Warranty (P-metric)N/AN/AN/A50,000 Miles50,000 Miles
Warranty (LT Sizes)N/AN/AN/A50,000 Miles50,000 Miles
PricesCheck price section to see best possible pricesCheck price section to see best possible pricesCheck price section to see best possible pricesCheck price section to see best possible pricesCheck price section to see best possible prices

Price

The tire market has a dynamic price policy. Hence, in my point of view, sharing tire price is pointless.

Though, I’ve analyzed the top 10 brands of most popular tire brands.

Here are the dealers with a reasonable price range,

DiscountTire

  • Biggest dealer in the US. Founded in 1960
  • 1000 stores in 35 states. You most probably find one on your parallel street
  • Free rotation and balancing
  • 5% off for DiscountTire cardholders on online purchase
  • Highest rated online tire dealer in Consumer Affairs
  • Almost all brands are available
  • Delivery takes 2-4 days (30% shorter average waiting time when you book online)
  • Frequent discounts and promotions

Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/nokian-tire-hakkapeliitta-lt3

General Grabber Arctic LT: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/general-grabber-arctic-lt-studdable

Firestone Winterforce LT: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/firestone-tire-winterforce-lt

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/goodyear-wrangler-duratrac

General Grabber ATX: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/general-grabber-atx

SimpleTire

  • Free shipping
  • Delivered in 2 days
  • Verified shops near you(for mount and balance)
  • Mobile installation option
  • 7 million customers since 2021
  • 4.7/5 points on Google rate
  • Top-notch customer service, you may even request a price match

Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3: https://simpletire.com/brands/nokian-tires/hakkapeliitta-lt-3

General Grabber Arctic LT: https://simpletire.com/brands/general-tires/grabber-arctic-lt

Firestone Winterforce LT: https://simpletire.com/brands/firestone-tires/winterforce-lt

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac: https://simpletire.com/brands/goodyear-tires/wrangler-duratrac

General Grabber ATX: https://simpletire.com/brands/general-tires/grabber-a-tx

TireRack

  • Fast and Free shipping
  • Usually delivered in 1 day
  • Joint venture with DiscountTire(their installers and dealers are on your service)
  • Tons of installer options, they also help you to choose the best one
  • Mobile installers in many areas, your tires will be replaced while you’re working in the office
  • Tire test results and comparisons can be found on the most product page
  • 4.6/5 points on Google rate

Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3: Not available

General Grabber Arctic LT: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/general-grabber-arctic-lt

Firestone Winterforce LT: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/firestone-winterforce-lt

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/goodyear-wrangler-duratrac

General Grabber ATX: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/general-grabber-a-tx

While choosing dealers, I especially pay attention to reliability. All of the dealers on this list have 15-20 years of experience in the online tire business. Therefore, I can guarantee a smooth and fast tire buying process.

Conclusion

These are my top picks for snow plowing. Though worth reminding, tires on this list must be used under 7°C degrees. Otherwise, your tires won’t last long. You can keep all-terrain tires out of this equation.

Tread LifePuncture DurabilityOn-RoadOff-RoadWet TractionWinter TractionIce TractionPrice
Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3999791010High
General Grabber Arctic LT​8867898Affordable
Firestone Winterforce LT7896887Affordable
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac​71079898Average
General Grabber ATX8969888Average

Take-Home Points,

  • LT sizes have stronger sidewalls. That feature makes them more durable. Yet, these tires offer a rougher ride. (LT vs P-Metric tires)
  • XL sizes tend to carry more load and offer better handling. Hence, if you’ll go with p-metric sizes, they might be a better pick for hauling and towing( XL vs SL tires)
  • Please pay attention to the load range and speed index. These metrics are essential if you expect decent tread life
  • There isn’t a bad tire in the market right now, you should just know what to expect from tires

A side note here: If you’d like to get local advice and find the best fit for your driving habits, location, and road conditions DiscountTire – Treadwell Tire Guide can give you masterpiece recommendations.

If you have any further questions, please leave them below. Have a safe ride!

Guide Me Bruh!

This section contains my research and top picks. Depending on your need, you may choose a category and easily find the best fit for yourself. Remember, nobody knows your driving conditions and requirements better than yourself. You’re in the charge out here.

Start Here:

Top-Notch All-Terrain Tires

  • Toyo Open Country AT3 Review
  • BF Goodrich KO2 Review
  • Falken Wildpeak AT3W Review
  • Firestone Destination XT Review
  • Firestone Destination AT2 Review

Real Bargain All-Terrain Tires

  • Kenda Klever AT2 Review
  • Patriot RT Tires Review
  • Kenda Klever R/T Review
  • Atturo Trail Blade ATS Review

High-End Tires by Category

  • Best All-Terrain Tires
  • Best Rugged-Terrain Tires
  • Best Mud-Terrain Tires
  • Best All-Season Tires for Snow
  • Best Tires for Snow Plowing
  • Best Semi-Truck Tires

Blue-Ribbon Tires by Vehicles

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Be a Professional

  • Get the Longest Life from Your Tires
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  • How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
  • Tire Wear Patterns
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Filed Under: High-End Tires by Category Tagged With: best tires, Snow Plowing

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Hey, It's Emre. Industrial and Civil Engineer, former Bridgestone field test inspector. In love with being an overlander. Bigger is better moonie! Read More…

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List of current deals I found:

DiscountTire - Instant %5 Off for $399+ Purchases (Ends 31 March, 2023)