How to mount a wench for atv plow


Can-Am Winch Mounts, Plow Mounts, and Bumpers

Below are the applications fitments for Can-Am/BRP WARN Mounting Kits. Please pay special attention to any Footnotes included with Part Numbers to ensure you select the proper part for your application. If you have any questions please contact WARN Customer Service.

BumpersWinch Mounts and Snow Plow Mounts

Bumpers

ModelYearBumperCompatible WinchesNotes
Can-Am UTV Applications
Maverick Trail (DPS)2017-2022102506VRX 25 | VRX 35 | Axon 35 
Maverick Sport (DPS) (MAX DPS)2018-2022102506VRX 25 | VRX 35 | Axon 35 
Maverick 1000R2016-2019101694VRX 45 | Axon 45 | Axon 55 
Defender2016-2022106750VRX 45 | Axon 45 | Axon 55 

Winch Mounting Kits

ModelYearWinch Mount[O]Center
Plow Mount [F]
Front
Plow Mount [G]
Compatible Winches
Can-Am ATV Applications
Outlander 4502017-2022Factory Installed Mount10756297130VRX 25 | VRX 35
Outlander Max 4502017-2022Factory Installed Mount10756297130VRX 25 | VRX 35
Outlander 450 6x62019-2022Factory Installed Mount 97130VRX 25 | VRX 35
Outlander 5702017-2022Factory Installed Mount10756297130VRX 25 | VRX 35
Outlander Max 5702017-2022Factory Installed Mount10756297130VRX 25 | VRX 35
Outlander 6502013-2022Factory Installed Mount10756295840VRX 25 | VRX 35 | Axon 35 | Axon 45RC
Outlander 650 6X62015-2022Factory Installed Mount 95840VRX 25 | VRX 35 | Axon 35 | Axon 45RC
Outlander 8502016-2022Factory Installed Mount10756295840VRX 25 | VRX 35 | Axon 35 | Axon 45RC
Outlander Max 8502016-2022Factory Installed Mount10756295840VRX 25 | VRX 35 | Axon 35 | Axon 45RC
Outlander 10002013-2022Factory Installed Mount10756295840VRX 25 | VRX 35 | Axon 35 | Axon 45RC
Outlander Max 10002013-2022Factory Installed Mount10756295840VRX 25 | VRX 35 | Axon 35 | Axon 45RC
Outlander Max 1000 6x62016-2022Factory Installed Mount 95840VRX 25 | VRX 35 | Axon 35 | Axon 45RC
Renegade 5702012-20228953589613 VRX 25 | VRX 35
Renegade 8502016-20228953589613 VRX 25 | VRX 35
Renegade 10002012-20228953589613 VRX 25 | VRX 35
Can-Am UTV Applications
Commander 8002012-202085810 85690VRX 25[L] | VRX 35[L] | VRX 45 | Axon 35 | Axon 45 | Axon 55 | Axon 45RC
Commander 10002012-202085810 85690VRX 25[L] | VRX 35[L] | VRX 45 | Axon 35 | Axon 45 | Axon 55 | Axon 45RC
Commander2021-2022108760 Required for Axon 45 or 55. (Factory installed mount fits VRX 45). 108758VRX 45 | Axon 45 | Axon 55
Defender2016-2022Factory installed mount 95850VRX 45 | Axon 45[A] | Axon 55[A]
Maverick 1000 (Excluding XDS or XRS models with factory bumpers)2013-201892145
Available While Supplies Last
 91255
Available While Supplies Last
VRX 45 | Axon 45 | Axon 55
Maverick Trail2017-2022101434  VRX 45
Maverick Sport2018-2022101434  VRX 45
Maverick X32017-2022101394  VRX 25[L] | VRX 35[L] | VRX 45 | Axon 35 | Axon 45 | Axon 55 | Axon 45RC

FOOTNOTES:
[A]. Requires Warn PN 101473 in order to mount winch to factory installed mount
[C]. Plow mount not compatible with OEM winch mount
[F]. Compatible with 78100 and 86528 plow bases
[G]. ATV applications will use push tubes 92100 and Side X Side applications will use 79805 push tubes unless otherwise noted.
[L]. WARN PN 99897 Dash Rocker Switch Kit is recommended for UTV applications using VRX 25 and VRX 35 models.
[O]. All Factory installed mounts require fairlead plate. For VRX 25, VRX 35, Axon 35, and Axon 45RC use fairlead plate 102857. For VRX 45, Axon 45, and Axon 55 use 69646.

Do You Need a Winch to Install a Snow Plow on a UTV? – Outdoor Troop

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.

What is the Purpose of a Winch?

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.
4,000High quality weight rating.
3,500May not plow well in some circumstances.
-3,000Likely 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

  • Made of small stands of steel wire wound spirally. The individual strands sometimes break, so it is good to wear gloves.
  • Heavy- made of steel.
  • Resistant to abrasion.
  • Heat-resistant.
  • Naturally stores built-up energy. When it breaks, it can whip back dangerously, causing damage.
  • Cheaper.

Synthetic Cable

  • Made of synthetic fibers. Safe to touch. Often stronger than wire rope.
  • Lightweight. It can even float.
  • Wears out quickly when rubbed against different surfaces.
  • Can be damaged by excessive heat.
  • Safer. Does not create whiplash when broken.
  • More expensive.

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.

NameWR (lb)CablePrice
KFI Stealth Winch4,500Synthetic$399.95
Warn Provantage4,500Synthetic$815.99
Tusk Winch3,500Synthetic$259.99
QuadBoss5,000Wire$369.99
QuadBoss3,500Synthetic$274.99
Warn Vantage2,000Wire$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.

Tips for Installing a Snow Plow with a Winch:

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:

  • Pay attention to how your winch mount is designed. 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.
  • Before you mount the winch, wind 7-10 wraps of winch line on the drum. This will help hold it in place.
  • Smear some grease on the nuts. This will make them stick and stay in their pockets.

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

Tips for Installing a Snow Plow Without a Winch

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.

Considerations to Make Before Purchasing a UTV 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?

Related Questions:

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?

  1. Make sure that the UTV can handle the amount of snow.
  2. Make sure your UTV has proper amounts of fuel and oil. Keep it well maintained.
  3. Set your depth. Make sure the depth is preparatory for more snow for the season.
  4. Follow the contours of the land. There are natural contours to use as a guideline.

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.

ATV winch installation - diagram and rules of use

ATV winch is a traction equipment that will become a faithful assistant in the fight against problematic terrain. With its help, it will not be difficult to pull the ATV from the swamp, pit, ravines. The winch is quite light and reliable, does not require significant maintenance, and the presence of a powerful battery-powered electric motor will make the operation of the mechanism easier and more convenient. However, before starting operation, you should know how to install a winch on an ATV:

  • First - remove the protection from the ATV and raise it with a jack. Then, we install a platform for the winch on the front bumper of the unit.
  • We fix the platform to the frame with bolts of various sizes and clamps (included).
  • We stretch the nuts through the holes one by one, while avoiding distortions.
  • Finishing the installation of the winch on the site and fixing it with brackets and bolts.

Electrical box wiring diagram

Connect the electrical box with extreme care. In no case should you start wiring with the battery terminals on. In order to avoid current loss and short circuit, it is recommended to shorten the wires after laying and hide the cables in the corrugation. Also, you should adhere to the correct connection, which is indicated below in the diagram.

How to properly use the ATV winch

After successfully installing the electric winch, it should be thoroughly tested. In order for the mechanism to serve for a long time and effectively, the following safety rules must be observed:

  1. Wear special equipment. As a rule, the traction mechanism is equipped with a steel cable, which must be unwound so that at least 5 turns remain on the drum. Also, do not allow any clothes or hair to get into the winch drum.
  2. Operate the equipment only when the battery is on.
  3. To pull out the ATV quickly and safely, you need an anchor - a fixed object (tree, stone), which should be only in front of the winch.
  4. It is strongly recommended that you use rustproofing tape, staples and blocks when attaching the anchor.
  5. When operating the winch, it is necessary to take breaks of several minutes to restore the engine's strength.
  6. It is necessary to monitor the speed and uniformity of the winding of the cable.
  7. Carefully follow all the safety rules that are specified in the device passport.
  8. Use a cable absorber that will take all the shock if it breaks, thereby protecting surrounding personnel and the vehicle from damage.
  9. Before using the equipment, it should be noted that all its parts are in good condition, do not have mechanical damage and breaks.
  10. Without fail, it is necessary to clean the structure from dirt, dry and oil after use.

Installing a winch on a ATV is a process that requires attention and certain skills. Therefore, the experts of the online store Winch UA recommend not to install the winch on your own, but to contact a specialized service. However, if you still want to install it yourself, be sure to follow the instructions provided in the device passport.

Installing a winch on an ATV (diagrams).

If you are used to using an ATV, as they say "to the fullest", if you cannot imagine existence without measuring deep puddles and swamps, overcoming hilly terrain, and the thirst for extreme sports was born faster than you, then installing a good powerful winch is just what you need. what you need.

Installing a winch on an ATV is a simple process, but responsible and requires certain skills and care.

You can read an article on the correct use of a winch on an ATV here.

Winch platform.

Suppose you have already decided on the choice of a winch, then you should pay attention to the mounting of the platform. You can make the platform yourself or purchase it specifically for your ATV model (although you will most likely still have to grind and finish).

It must be said that the attachment of the winch platform to the frame must be reliable and thoughtful, because all the weight under load will fall on this particular unit.

Winch wiring harness.

For easier cable routing, we recommend that you remove the ATV plastic, this will make your job much easier.

When laying wires, try to keep the power cables as short as possible, this will avoid current loss when the winch is running. If the wires are too long, they should be shortened after laying near the battery and put new terminals in place of the cut.

Cables should be tucked into the corrugation to avoid short circuits and direct contact with the ATV frame.


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