The Best Snow Plow Back Drag

When the snow stops falling, the real work begins. A snow plow back drag lets you pull snow away from buildings, curbs, and tight corners, giving your driveway a clean finish that a forward-only plow can’t achieve.

Whether you’re clearing with an ATV, UTV, lawn tractor, or compact tractor, the right back drag attachment saves time and reduces manual shoveling.

Snow Removal Wiki evaluated top models by analyzing specifications, expert reviews, and verified buyer feedback to help you choose the best snow plow back drag for your setup.

Our picks range from budget-friendly options for small tractors to heavy-duty commercial blades for large driveways. Below, you’ll find our top-rated back drags, followed by a detailed buying guide and answers to common questions.

Best Snow Plow Back Drag Buying Guide

Blade Material and Durability

Back drag blades are typically made from steel, polyurethane (UHMW), or rubber. Steel blades offer maximum durability for scraping ice and packed snow but can scratch concrete or gravel.

UHMW plastic blades are gentler on surfaces and resist corrosion, making them a popular choice for driveways and patios. Rubber blades flex over uneven ground and are quieter, but they wear faster on abrasive surfaces.

For most homeowners, a reversible steel blade with a cutting edge or a heavy-duty UHMW blade provides the best balance of longevity and surface protection.

Consider your primary surface. If you have a gravel driveway, a blade with an adjustable skid shoe or a flexible edge helps avoid digging up stones.

For asphalt or concrete, a steel blade with a rubber wear strip can reduce scraping noise and damage.

Many top-rated back drags, like the Heavy Hitch UHMW blade, are designed specifically for sub-compact tractors and offer reversible edges for extended life.

Mounting System Compatibility

Not all back drags fit every vehicle. Some attach to a standard 2-inch receiver hitch, making them universal for trucks, SUVs, and some UTVs. Others require a three-point hitch for tractors or a dedicated mount for ATVs and lawn tractors.

Before purchasing, verify your vehicle’s hitch class and weight capacity. For example, the Guide Gear 48-inch plow is designed for lawn tractors and ATVs with a tow-behind setup, while the DK2 Elite T-Frame kit works with full-size trucks and SUVs.

If you already own a snow plow system, check whether the back drag is compatible with your existing mount. Some brands offer interchangeable blades that can be swapped between forward plowing and back dragging without tools.

Universal kits often include adapters, but always confirm the receiver tube size (typically 2 inches) and the weight rating of your vehicle’s hitch.

Blade Width and Coverage

Blade width determines how much snow you can move in a single pass. For ATVs and lawn tractors, 48 to 60 inches is common; for trucks and larger tractors, 72 to 84 inches is typical.

A wider blade clears faster but may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces. Consider the width of your driveway and any obstacles like mailboxes or landscaping.

For long driveways, a 72-inch or wider blade reduces the number of passes needed, which is especially helpful when dealing with heavy, wet snow.

Back drag blades often have a slightly narrower profile than forward plows to allow for pulling through snowbanks. If you plan to use the same blade for both pushing and pulling, look for a model with a reversible design.

The Access 80660, for instance, offers an 84-inch blade that can be used in both directions, making it a versatile choice for large properties.

Ease of Installation and Adjustment

Nobody wants to spend hours wrestling with bolts and brackets in the cold. The best snow plow back drags feature tool-free or minimal-tool installation.

Many universal kits include a quick-attach system that slides onto a receiver hitch and locks with a pin. For tractors, three-point hitch models typically require a few wrenches but can be installed in under 30 minutes.

Look for blades with adjustable pitch or angle settings that let you fine-tune the blade’s position for different snow conditions.

Wireless remote controls, like those included with the SnowBear ELITE kit, add convenience by allowing you to adjust the blade angle from the cab. However, simpler mechanical adjusters are more reliable in extreme cold.

Always check customer feedback for installation difficulty, verified buyers often share tips and photos that can save you time.

Weight and Construction

A heavier blade provides more downward force for scraping ice, but it also requires a vehicle with sufficient towing or lifting capacity.

Lightweight aluminum or UHMW blades are easier to handle and can be used with smaller ATVs and lawn tractors. Steel blades, while more durable, may need a heavy-duty hitch or a weight kit to prevent bouncing.

Check the product’s weight and compare it to your vehicle’s maximum tongue weight. For example, the Oakestry 82-inch steel blade weighs around 150 pounds, which is manageable for most full-size trucks but may be too heavy for a mid-size SUV.

Construction quality matters: welded frames, reinforced pivot points, and powder-coated finishes resist rust and bending over years of use. Brands like Kolpin and DK2 are known for robust builds that hold up to commercial use.

Reading verified buyer feedback can reveal common failure points, such as weak pins or thin blade edges.

Why You Should Trust Us

Snow Removal Wiki is an independent review site that follows a rigorous, research-based methodology. Each product is evaluated against consistent criteria and assigned an SRW Score on a 0-to-10 scale.

We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback. Our team analyzes specifications, compares features, and synthesizes hundreds of user reviews to provide unbiased recommendations.

We also maintain transparency: our articles contain affiliate links, but this does not influence our ratings or editorial decisions.

Final Thoughts

• Best Overall: Heavy Hitch Back Plow Blade for Sub-Compact Tractors, With a top-tier SRW Score, this 54-inch reversible UHMW blade offers exceptional durability, surface-friendly scraping, and a precise fit for sub-compact tractors. Its made-in-the-USA construction and positive verified buyer feedback make it the most reliable choice for homeowners.
• Best for ATVs and Lawn Tractors: Guide Gear 48-Inch Tow-Behind Plow, Affordable and easy to attach, this 48-inch blade is ideal for smaller vehicles. It earned a solid SRW Score for its value and simplicity, though it lacks the heavy-duty features of larger models.
• Best Heavy-Duty Commercial: Access 80660 Snow Sport Heavy Duty Utility Plow, An 84-inch blade built for serious snow removal. Its high SRW Score reflects its robust steel construction, universal mounting options, and ability to handle large driveways and parking lots.
• Best Budget Universal: Neutron Kings Peak Snowplow, At a budget-friendly price, this 50-inch universal kit delivers respectable performance for light-duty use. It scored well in ease of installation and is a great entry-level option for UTV and ATV owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a snow plow back drag?

A snow plow back drag is a blade designed to be pulled behind a vehicle (rather than pushed) to move snow away from obstacles, clean up edges, or level snowbanks.

It attaches to a hitch or three-point linkage and is commonly used after forward plowing to finish the job.

Can I use a back drag on a gravel driveway?

Yes, but you need a blade with an adjustable cutting edge or skid shoes to prevent digging into the gravel. UHMW or rubber blades are gentler on loose surfaces.

Many users prefer a back drag with a flexible edge for gravel driveways. For more tips, see our guide on the best snow plow for gravel driveways.

Do I need a back drag for my ATV or tractor?

If you frequently clear snow from tight areas like garages, walkways, or around landscaping, a back drag is highly beneficial. It reduces manual shoveling and provides a cleaner result. For ATVs, lightweight blades around 48, 60 inches work well.

For tractors, consider a three-point hitch model with a wider blade.

How do I install a back drag blade?

Installation varies by model. Universal receiver-hitch blades typically slide into a 2-inch receiver and lock with a pin. Three-point hitch models attach to the tractor’s lift arms. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check your vehicle’s hitch rating.

Many kits include all necessary hardware. For step-by-step advice, refer to the product manual or watch installation videos from the brand.

What size back drag do I need?

Match the blade width to your vehicle’s capabilities and driveway dimensions. For ATVs and lawn tractors, 48, 60 inches is common. For trucks and large UTVs, 72, 84 inches is typical. A wider blade covers more ground but may be harder to maneuver.

Consider the width of your driveway and any obstacles. If you have a long driveway, a wider blade saves time. For a detailed comparison of snow removal tools, see our roundup of best snow plows for long driveways.

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