When getting a new winch for your ATV, what size of winch you should choose is one of the key factors to consider. And by size, we’re usually talking about it’s rated pulling capacity, measured in lb.
So what size ATV winch should you get? A good rule of thumb is choosing a size of winch with a rated pulling capacity of about 1,5 times the gross weight of the ATV. A rating of 2500 lb to 3500 lb will be suitable for most ATV winching applications. Smaller ATVs require a smaller winch than larger machines do.
For the average ATV owner, what size of winch you will need is usually determined by how heavy the ATV is. Most other uses like lifting an ATV snow plow or collecting some light firewood require far less pulling capacity than pulling the bike when it gets stuck.
ATV snow plowing does not require having a large winch. 1500lb is often enough.So the general rule where you take the gross weight of the bike and multiply it by 1,5 will be just fine for most ATV winching applications.
Gross weight is the total weight of the ATV, including all fluids, the weight of the operator, cargo, and accessories. You should be able to find the maximum gross weight of your ATV in the specification section of your owner’s manual or by looking it up online.
Some manufacturers do not list the maximum gross weight your bike can handle. If that’s the case, you can easily calculate it. At least precise enough to choose the correct winch size.
Start by looking up the curb weight, which is the bike’s weight, ready to ride, but without the rider or any cargo. Then you add the total payload capacity on the front and rear rack and the rider’s weight, typically 165lb (75kg).
For example, the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight (GVW) of my Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 is 1550 lb (690kg). Multiply this number by 1,5, and you get 2325 lb.
This indicates that a 2500 lb winch should be a good match for this specific bike.
Here are some examples of what size winch you will need for various sizes of ATVs. Remember, there is no exact science to this. These are only general guidelines, that will apply to the average user:
| ATV engine size | Suggested winch size |
| Up to 350cc | 1500 lb |
| 350cc to 500cc | 1500 to 2000 lb |
| 500cc to 850cc | 1500 to 2500 lb |
| 850cc to 1000cc and UTVs | 2000 to 4500 lb |
Related: In this post you’ll find 29 awesome ways to use your ATV winch!
In some of the more extreme winching situations, the weight of the ATV is no longer that relevant to what size of winch you need.
Here are some examples of situations where the 1,5 x GVW rule may come short:
The bike will act as an anchor, and the suction effect of the mud keep it in place. The actual weight of the bike does matter, but how bad you are stuck matters more in this case.If you think there is a chance you will find yourself in situations like these regularly, you are probably better of going up one size when you buy the winch.
For the more extreme winching applications, I recommend you multiply the gross weight by 2 instead of 1,5. If you take the example with the 1550 lb Polaris Sportsman, you will need a 3000-3500 lb winch to be fully covered.
I tend to find myself pushing my equipment to its limit. It’s made to be used, right?
This is why I choose a 3500 lb winch over the stock 2500 lb for my sportsman.
A friend of mine has the same ATV but with the stock 2500 lb winch. Both are Polaris winches from the same series. In most practical use, he gets by just fine with the 2500 lb.
But for me, the comfort of knowing I have the winching capacity to handle all perceivable and unperceivable winching situations is well worth the extra money.
If you don’t expect to use the winch other than the rare occasion where you misjudged and find yourself getting just barely stuck, you will be fine using the 1,5-rule.
If you, like me, enjoy pushing the limits somewhat, you will likely be better off with a slightly more powerful winch.
This rating is given in lb (pounds) and describes how much weight the winch can actually pull before it stalls. For example, a winch that’s rated 2500 lb should be able to create a line pull of 2500 lb before it stalls.
The rated capacity is measured with just one layer of windings on the winch drum, where the pulling power is at its highest.
The pulling capacity decreases gradually as you put more layers of winch rope on to the drum. This happens because of the physics of leverage.
As the winch rope shifts further away from the winch drum center, the winch motor has to work harder to pull the same amount of weight. In other words, the maximum pulling capacity decreases.
| Layers of rope on the drum | Remaining pulling capacity in % of rated pulling capacity | Remaining pulling capacity in lb (example: 2500 lb winch) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100% | 2500 lb |
| 2 | 91% | 2275 lb |
| 3 | 82% | 2050 lb |
| 4 | 69% | 1725 lb |
| 5 | 58% | 1450 lb |
It would be best if you always did your heavy winching with 1-2 layers of rope on the drum because of this phenomenon. This is called the pulling-zone. Doing so enables the winch to pull with less effort, effectively increasing the winch motor’s life expectancy.
It will also result in a lower amperage draw, keeping your battery sharp for a longer time before it’s starting to drop in voltage.
If you find that your ATV keeps losing battery power, it may be because you are using the winch too much or incorrectly. In this post, we look at how using the winch for plowing can drain the battery.
What most people talk about when they are talking about what size of a winch to get is not the actual physical size of the winch, rather how much it can pull before stalling out, known as the rated line pull.
That’s not to say that the physical dimensions of the winch don’t matter. You should always make sure that the winch you choose will actually fit your specific ATV before making your purchase.
Also, make sure that the winch you choose offers a winch-mount that fits your particular bike.
Related: Can you mount a ATV-winch upside down?
Upgrading to a bigger winch is always an option. But it’s also the most expensive, and not always necessary.
A much cheaper alternative is getting a snatch block to use those times you need some extra pulling power.
When using a snatch block correctly will actually double the winching capacity of your existing winch. You can even increase the capacity further by using 2 pulleys.
However, you do lose some of the available winching-reach as the winch line will need to go through the snatch block and back. Add an extra winch rope in your kit to make sure you always have enough reach.
Some cheaper and less known brands are a bit too creative in their marketing and write, for example, 3500 lb as the winch name, while the actual rated winch capacity is a lot lower.
The major brands have too much to lose to be messing around like this. But if you are getting a budget model, it’s worth making sure that the numbers match up. Read the fine print on the box, or ask the seller what the actual rated pulling capacity is.
Any ATV winch from the size of 1500 lb and up is big enough to be used when plowing snow. If you plow a lot, it is better to get a slightly bigger winch because it will last longer and operate with less effort.
In this post we take a closer look at how well ATV plows really work.
Synthetic ATV winch cables are typically 3/16 inch (5mm). Steel wires generally are slightly smaller with a size of 5/32 inch (4mm). The typical winch cable length is 50 ft. (15m).
If you are considering installing a snow plow for your UTV, you will want to have all the materials necessary to complete the task.
Do you need a winch to install a snow plow on a UTV? A winch is not needed to install a snow plow. There are other lift systems such as a manual or direct lift. However, with a winch, you can more easily adjust your blade height. Which lift system you need will depend on how much snow you’re moving and what type of area you are in.
If you are wanting to know more about the purpose of a winch for installing a snow plow and some tips for installing a snow plow with and without a winch, then read on.
A winch is the top choice for installing a snow plow on a UTV. But why?
Well, a winch is simple to use. Once you have your winch installed onto your UTV, you will find ease in plowing.
A winch is your lift system used for the snow plow. Your snow plow will need something to be able to navigate the plow up and down or from side to side.
A winch can also be used when you are stuck. If you have a winch, someone else can get you out of the mud.
Or, you can get someone else out.
A winch is commonly installed before the snow plow. Then, the snow plow is attached to the winch.
Sadly, a winch is an extra purchase to complete your snow plow experience. However, it is the most common lift system used by UTV users.
If you are considering buying a winch for a UTV, I will help you know what to look for.
Every manufacturer can talk up their winch, but the main things to look for when choosing a winch for your UTV snow plow is the weight rating and the cable.
Weight Rating:
You most likely will not see your winches being defined as UTV or ATV. They are normally labeled as a general ATV/UTV winch.
However, UTVs often weigh more than ATVs. Because of this, you will want a winch that is cable of powering your UTV.
A good general rule is to look into winches that are in the 4,000 lb range or higher. If you have a UTV on the heavier side, you will want a winch with a heavier weight rating (WR).
| WR (lb) | Capabilities |
| +4,000 | Great espcially if your UTV is on the heavier side. |
| 4,000 | High quality weight rating. |
| 3,500 | May not plow well in some circumstances. |
| -3,000 | Likely will not having the pulling power you need. |
The weight rating is an important factor in your winch. The higher the weight rating, the better it will be able to plow snow.
The cheaper winches available are for lower weight ratings. These may work for your UTV. If your UTV is smaller or close to an ATV, then you will not need as high of weight ratings.
Although the safe range for a UTV is 4,000lb, you can veer away if your UTV is smaller in size.
The Cable:
The material plays a big part in the cable. There are two types of cable: wire and synthetic.
Both are good options for different reasons.
Wire Cable
Synthetic Cable
Most people stick with a synthetic cable, even though the prices are higher compared to wire cables. These cables are however more easy to damage from heat or wear.
Wire cables, although cheaper, are actually able to hold up better for longer periods of time.
Another consideration with the cable is the length. Most winches are 50″ in length. More is not necessarily better.
To give you a general idea of the pricing for winches, I will give show you some of the top winches and their weight rating and cables.
| Name | WR (lb) | Cable | Price |
| KFI Stealth Winch | 4,500 | Synthetic | $399.95 |
| Warn Provantage | 4,500 | Synthetic | $815.99 |
| Tusk Winch | 3,500 | Synthetic | $259.99 |
| QuadBoss | 5,000 | Wire | $369.99 |
| QuadBoss | 3,500 | Synthetic | $274.99 |
| Warn Vantage | 2,000 | Wire | $254.99 |
“If you can afford it, a winch is the way to go.
UTV user from Wisconsin”
The weight rating and cable will factor into your decision of buying a winch. You will want a strong and powerful winch that matches the needs of your UTV.
Although a winch is not needed to install your snow plow, you do need a lifting system. And, the winch is the most commonly used form of a snow plow lift system.
Although there are many options out there to help you install your snow plow onto your UTV, I would recommend using a winch. Although the process is not incredibly simple, it has been done by many and you can do it too.
There is always the option of bringing your UTV to a shop to install your winch and snow plow for you. However, you can avoid the expensive charges by doing it yourself.
To help you with installing the winch onto your UTV, I will offer some advice and tips.
Installing a Winch to your UTV:
This will help you decide the order of installation. In some cases, the winch will need to be installed to the bumper first and then the whole assembly attaches. In other cases, there may not be room to attach the winch line after the winch is mounted.These few tips will help your winch installation process go smoother. There should be instructions given to you when you receive your winch.
However, because each UTV is different each winch has different installation processes, I will not delve too deep in those details.
Once you have installed your winch, you will simply need to attach the snow plow to the winch. If you missed that step, you can attach the winch to the snow plow given there is a mounting plate for it.
Even with a winch, you will need to make sure your snow plow is installed properly. The winch itself being there will not guarantee that your snow plow will function great if it has not been put together correctly.
Your snow plow should come with instructions specific towards the brand and UTV. Follow those instructions directly. You would not want the snow plow to be damaged from poor installation.
“One note about using a winch for plowing. A UTV system is set up at 30 amps max. A winch is way beyond 30 amps so if you are plowing a lot the charging system can’t keep up with the draw and it will kill the battery.
UTV user from New York
In order to install a snow plow to your UTV with any winch, you will go through similar steps.
The snow plow process itself will be the same with the change of the lifting mechanism.
To install your snow plow to your UTV, there will be many decisions you need to make in regard to the mounting kit, the plow base, and the plow blade.
Selecting a Mounting Kit
There is the option of having a front or a center mounting kit. There are pros and cons to each.
The front mounting kit is easier to use because you don’t need to go under the UTV to install the plow blade.
The center mounting plate attaches underneath the UTV. However, it can actually strengthen the frame of your UTV.
Choosing a Plow Base
The plow base and tube will directly link the mounting kit to the blade. You will want to choose a plow base that is suitable to your mounting kit.
Choosing a Plow Blade
There are options for straight or angled blades. Angled blades are typically the more desired option.
Angled blades can better adjust to the conditions.
You will be able to grab snow from many areas. However, a straight blade also does the job well.
The last thing you will need for installing your snow plow to your UTV is the lifting mechanism.
You also have the option of aside from a winch, having a manual or direct lift. Manual is most similar to the winch. It is similar in that they require manual angling.
However, the manual lift system requires lifting by hand.
A plus to using this type of lifting mechanism is that it is cheaper. It will often simply come along with a manual snow plow.
Before you purchase a UTV snow plow, there are a few things that you should know.
A significant part of this is choosing the lifting mechanism. The winch is a great one. However, there are more options out there.
How much snow will you be plowing?
Depending on your location, you will have variable amounts of snow.
In some places, you may need more power. But, in other places, you may need the basics.
If you are in a place with a small amount of snow, you may not need as expensive materials as others do.
You will also want to take into consideration the area you are plowing. Wider UTV snow plows work well for driveways.
However, if you are going to be plowing rugged terrain, you will want a v-plow.
Straight vs. V Plow
Straight plows are the more commonly purchased plow. They are cheaper and generally lighter.
However, a V-plow can handle more because of its shape. It can cut through frozen snow faster than a straight blade.
Although V-plows are tougher on harder surfaces, straight plows still do a great job.
I have had a UTV snow plow for many years now. I use a straight blade snow plow. However, I have noticed that there will often be a small layer of snow left after I plow. The V-Plows do not leave this same. For me, that is not significant enough to not have a straight plow, but it may be different for you.
The Plow Material
The plow material may make an impact on your plow decision. There are the options of steel or poly.
These are both great materials. However, poly is typically more known for the slick, corrosion resistant quality, while steel is known for its rigidity and durability.
The Alternate Purpose of a Snow Plow
It is likely that you will not have to plow snow all year round. But how can you make use of the winter purchase?
Many UTV users use their snow plow all year round. It is used during the spring and summer for ground clearance. It can be used on dirt or other surfaces.
Depending on what other purposes you may use your snow plow for, you may need a more durable snow plow.
So, if you are in an area with a short winter, you may still want to get the durability. You can make use out of your snow plow all year round if you choose to.
If you are considering buying a snow plow, I am sure you will make the right choice by purchasing the snow plow. However, make sure you research beforehand.
Your UTV and your needs will determine what snow plow you will need. Choose the appropriate snow plow and lifting mechanism for you.
Once you have made the decision, you will be so grateful to have your UTV to do the snow plow work. Because who really wants to be outside for hours shoveling the snow by hand?
How much snow can a UTV snow plow?A UTV snow plow can handle large amounts of snow. The UTV snow plow can clear roads and driveways to be able to drive. However, it becomes more difficult when there is more snow. The job is still doable, however, the UTV will have to go back and forth many times.
What are some tips for plowing a driveway with a UTV snow plow?
How much does a UTV winch cost?UTV winches can range from $100-900. A UTV winch has a wide range of costs. The cost is variable based on the winches weight rating and the cable. Synthetic cables are typically more expensive than wire cables. Also, the more weight capacity the winch has, the more expensive it is.
Heading: OtherAuthor: admin
Many people know that you can use an ATV to plow.
This is a universal motorcycle, which is used in suburban areas, for off-road driving.
To use a four-wheeler for household purposes, you need to know what parameters to pay attention to when choosing. To choose an ATV that plows the ground, you need to know the mandatory parameters of such motorcycles. A large selection of ATVs motogo.com.ua/kvadrocikly is presented in our MotoGO online store. We sell models of well-known manufacturers with a 1 year warranty.
Contents of the article
ATV that plows the ground has a number of design features. Special attachments are attached to the four-wheeler. The plow can be bought or made independently. You can plow a field with an ATV or cultivate a country garden if the ATV has the following features:
The motor will overheat due to unintended load and rattle. There is no way to avoid a major overhaul. Therefore, the motor must have a high power. To use this attachment, you must work in first gear. If you shift the gearbox to a high gear, the traction power will not be enough to harrow the soil well. The listed characteristics make it possible to transport not only a plow, but also a cart with various loads behind an ATV.
If the ATV plows, a special attachment is used. It is smaller than on a tractor. The hinged design for the ATV has only 1-2 knives. They are fixed on a special frame. The entire structure can be supported on one or two wheels. There are several obligatory components in the plow design:
All components are made of durable metal alloy. The knife must be at least 3 mm thick. If you need to work a large area, hard ground, this attachment component must be even stronger and thicker. Depending on the depth that the knife should have, a sharpening angle is created and the size of the working plane is selected.
You can make your own soil preparation structure. You need to buy a metal profile, knives and other components, or take them from an old tow hitch. Then all parts are connected by welding. You can order a special device in agricultural stores.
Our MotoGO shop offers a wide range of ATVs. We sell ATVs, motorcycles, scooters, mopeds for different operating conditions. To test your favorite model, you can visit our motorcycle showroom in Kyiv. Delivery is issued by well-known carriers to all regions of Ukraine promptly.
Code: 9293607199
UAH 5129
The price is indicated with delivery to Ukraine
Stock item
By purchasing "Winch for ATV plow 2500LBS remote control 12V", you can be sure that you will receive this product from the "Winches" catalog within 5-7 days after payment. The goods will be delivered from Europe, checked for integrity, have European quality.
The main characteristics of the winch:
9 hp.
9000
9000
9000
9000
0074 Certificate ISO 9001 - confirms the highest quality of materials used and constantly improved processes to improve product quality.
Consumer laurel - thanks to the high recognition and quality products, the winner of consumer awards.
CE Declaration of Conformity - Our products comply with the so-called "New Approach" requirements of the European Union.
100% Dragon Winch - there is only one original. Confidence and reliability for many years, plus technical support, competent advice and express service.
Ergonomic wireless remote control with increased radius of action to 40. Equipped with an on/off button and a hole for hanging on a leash. Runs on one A23 battery.
In addition, the set includes a controller rocker connected by wires. Attaches with a handle.
Application small and medium ATVs, UTVs, plow
Voltage 12 V p>
Power 0.9 HP
Type effort 2500 pounds / 1133 kg or 5000 pounds / 2266 kg - using the block (option)
Planetary transfer 153: 1
Brake independent - independent - independent - independent binding
00 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000Steel cable length 10 m
Director 4 videos
Size (d x sh x c) 285 mm x 103 mm x 105 mm
Weight 6 kg
Ranata winding (first layer of rope on the drum)
