How to mount winch on atv for snow blade

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.
4,000	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

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.

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.

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?

Honda Rancher Snow Plow | Four Wheeler Snow Plow

SKU: HONATV

$661. 85

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ATV/UTV Plow Packages

Snow Plow Packages for Honda ATV Models (Select Plow Blade, Plow Mount, & Winch Options)

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Select Plow Blade: Required Choose Options48" Straight Blade [105048]54" Straight Blade [105054] Adds $2760" Straight Blade [105060] Adds $61

Select Honda ATV Plow Mount: Required Choose OptionsTRX350 Rancher '00-03 [105745]Fourtrax Rancher 350 '04-06 [573304]Fourtrax Foreman 400 '95-02 [573303]Fourtrax Rancher 400 '04-07 [573304]Fourtrax Rancher 420 '15-16 [574507]Fourtrax Rancher 420 '07-13 [573971]Fourtrax Rancher 420 4x4 '15-21 [105800]Fourtrax Rancher 420 4x4 '14 [573971] IRS ModelFourtrax Rancher 420 4x4 '14 [105800] Straight AxleFourtrax Rancher 420 4x4 '07-13 [573971]Fourtrax Foreman 450 ES '98-04 [573303]Fourtrax Foreman 450 S '98-04 [573303]Fourtrax Foreman 500 '15-16 [574507]Fourtrax Foreman 500 '12-14 [573971]Fourtrax Foreman 500 4x4/ES/AT/FE/FA '05-06 [573973]Fourtrax Foreman 500 4x4/ES/AT/FE/FA '07-11 [573973]Fourtrax Foreman Rubicon 500 '15-16 [574507]Fourtrax Foreman Rubicon 500 '07-14 [573973]Fourtrax Rubicon '14-21 [105800]Fourtrax Fore. Rubicon 500 4x4/AT/GPScape/FGA '05-06 [573973] '07-14 [573973]Fourtrax Foreman Rubicon 500 '01-04 [573302]TRX520 Foreman (All Models) '20-21 [573279]TRX520 Rubicon (All Models) 20-22 [573279]Fourtrax Rincon 650 500 '03-05 [573972]Fourtrax Rincon 650/GPScape/FGA 500 '06-16 [573972]TRX680 Rincon (FA/FGA) '06-21 [573972]

Select Winch: Required Choose OptionsNo, Thank youKFI 2000 ATV Series Steel Cable Winch [A2000] $208.00KFI 2500 ATV Series [A2500-R2] $229.00KFI 3000 ATV Series [A3000] $272.00All Balls 3500lb Synthetic Rope Winch [431-01024] $324.95

Select ATV Honda Winch Mounts: Required Choose OptionsNo, Thank youFourtrax Rancher 350 4x4 '00-06 [573828] Adds $55.95Fourtrax Foreman 400 '95-03 [573836] Adds $50.95Fourtrax Rancher 400 '04-07 [573828] Adds $55.95Fourtrax Rancher 420ES '07-13 [573883] Adds $50. 95Fourtrax Rancher 420 4x4 '15-16 [573459] Adds $50.95Fourtrax Rancher 420 IRS 4x4 '14 [573883] Adds $50.95Fourtrax Rancher 420 Solid Axle PS 4x4 '14 [573899] Adds $50.95Fourtrax Rancher 420 4x4 '15-22 [573459] Adds $50.95Fourtrax Foreman 450 ES/S '98-01 [573836] Adds $50.95Fourtrax Foreman 450 ES/S '02-04 [573836] Adds $50.95SXS500 Pioneer 500 '15-16 [573902] $59.95Fourtrax Foreman Rubicon 500 '15-16 [573899] Adds $50.95Fourtrax Foreman Rubicon 500 '07-14 [573849] Adds $50.95Fourtrax Foreman Rubicon 500 4x4/AT/GPScape/FGA '05-06 [573825] Adds $50.95Fourtrax Foreman Rubicon 500 '01-04 [ [573863] Adds $50.95Fourtrax Rincon 650 500 '03-05 [573835] Adds $50.95TRX520 Foreman 520 (All Models) '20-22 [573459] $50.95Fourtrax Rincon 680/GPScape/FGA 500 '06-16 573835] Adds $50.95

Push Tubes: Push Tubes [SKU# 105000]

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Description

Honda Four Wheeler Snow Plow Kit

NOTE: We Can Not ship plow kits to California

We all know how tedious it can be to clean snow off your sidewalk and driveway each year during winter. Instead of breaking your back with hours of shoveling, consider making your life dramatically easier by installing a Honda Rancher snow plow kit from West End Motorsports. The Kings of Convenience have put together the perfect ATV plow packages, so you’ll be ready when the snow arrives.

Built for Superior Performance and Durability

Get the best bang for your buck with our easily mountable ATV snow plow for Honda models. This four wheeler snow plow package comes with your choice of plow style, size, different plow mount models, and push tubes for a complete ready-to-go kit. All blade sizes are adjustable to pivot left, center, or right. The Honda Rancher snow plow kit can be used in combination with a winch or a manual lift, which you can buy separately.

Our Honda ATV/UTV snow plows, including the Honda Rubicon snow plow, offer superior performance and years of service. The plows clear snow evenly and can withstand most terrain. All components come in one package for easy installation. If you’re not sure about the best options for your needs, our customer service representatives will take the time to explain technical details over the phone.

Important: Do not choose too large of a blade as you may not have enough horsepower for heavier snowfall (see recommendations below). You'll also need a winch to operate the plow up and down. (Choose winch from options)

About the Plow Blades:

100% Made in the U.S.A.
Straight Blade pushes snow straight ahead or to the sides up to 25 degrees.
Measures 16 inches tall
Fully-adjustable blade skids with a bolt-on bracket
Heavy-duty 3-inch diameter, grade 50 steel skid plates
Blade constructed of 11 gauge steel
Powder-coated for durability
2 sided 3/16 inch by 3-inch grade 50 steel wear bar
All mounting hardware and instructions included

About the Plow Mounts:

100% Made in the U. S.A./li>
Mid-mount system
Plate constructed from 3/16 grade 50 steel
All pin tabs are constructed from 1/4 inch thick grade 50 steel
All plow tabs are tapered to help reduce hang-ups while trail riding
Powder-coated black for supreme durability
All mounting hardware and instructions included

About the Plow Base Push Tube System:

100% Made in the U.S.A.
Each is made from top-grade American Steel for an absolute rock-solid mounting option no matter heavy the snow is.
Easy pull lever for blade adjustment
Multi-position plow lift bracket
Six blade pitch adjustment in 5-degree increments
Heavy-duty 1/4 inch grade 50, 1.5-inch diameter pivot bushings
Heavy-duty 5/16 inch grade 50, 6-inch diameter blade angle bushing
Powder-coated in black

About Optional Winches and Mounts:

Manufactured from durable and quality cast aluminum and steel components
Premium Roller Fairlead
Handlebar mini rocker switch
14ft corded handheld remote on 3000 series or larger
All mounting hardware included
Heavy-duty electrical contactor that protects your electrical system
Detailed installation instructions
Winch mounts are grade 50 steel
Standard 4 hole mounting bolt pattern
Easy to install with mounting hardware and instructions

Recommend Plow Lengths based on Engine Size

350cc - 400cc	48 inch - 54 inch plow length
400cc - 499cc	48 inch - 54 inch plow length
500cc - 599cc	54 inch - 60 inch plow length
600cc and Up	60 inch plow length

Winch Recommendations

1700 Sport Trail (Line pull 1700lbs) Cable 5/32 inch by 49 feet long. Good for plow operation.
2500 ATV Series (Line pull 2500lbs) and 3000 ATV Series (Line pull 3000lbs) winches have 3/16 inch cable by 45.9 feet long. Good for plow operation and vehicle winching.

Get Started at West End Motorsports

Kickstart your winter preparation with ATV or UTV plow packages and accessories from West End Motorsports. Order the Honda Rancher snow plow or check out other snow plow options, including Polaris ATV/UTV, Kawasaki ATV/UTV, Suzuki ATV, and Yamaha ATV/UTV snow plows. Our tech support is available to help you make the right purchase. Contact us now.

ATV winch installation and usage tips

For extreme off-road ATV riders, an electric winch is a real lifesaver when stuck in potholes and mud. The electric winch is very easy to install and operate, it is controlled by a remote control, which is installed on the steering wheel of the ATV. Most importantly, such a winch will not require much physical effort from you to pull out the ATV. It has an electric motor powered by a battery. When choosing, you need to proceed from engine power and tractive effort. It is recommended to choose a winch with a pulling force of 1.5-2 times the weight of the ATV. And how to install, connect and use it, we will tell in this article.

What is included in the electric winch kit?

Electric winch is a drum with an electric motor. To connect it to the battery, the kit includes an electric unit and a set of wires, with the help of which the battery and the winch are connected. The control panel can be wireless and wired, which is also connected to the unit.

To mount the winch to the ATV, you need a platform, brackets, bolts and clamps. The kit also includes a roller lip, and a cable complete with a hook may also be included.

Step by step installation of the winch on the ATV

First you need to remove the protection from the ATV and raise it with a jack. A platform for a winch must be installed on the front bumper. The platform, as a rule, comes with a winch, but if it is not available, you can make it yourself from a metal plate with a thickness of at least 4.8 mm. It is mounted on the frame with bolts of different sizes, it can also be welded to the frame.
The kit should contain both bolts of different sizes and clamps with which the platform is attached to the frame. On the bumper, you need to unscrew a few bolts in order to use the holes for attaching the platform. If there are not enough of them, you need to drill holes in the frame or on the platform.
After preparing the required number of fasteners, we proceed to pulling. We stretch the nuts one by one, avoiding distortions.
Next, we install the winch on the platform and fix it with the help of brackets and bolts.

Installation and connection of the electrical box

The electrical box is recommended to be installed slightly away from the winch, but most often it is installed on the site. Next, we connect the power cables in accordance with the connection diagram specified by the manufacturer in the product data sheet.

We connect the control panel and install it on the ATV steering wheel. It is recommended to pull the wires tightly, excluding their friction with other parts. They also need to be protected with cable corrugations.

Next, we fix the roller lip to the platform using bolts. And you can assemble all parts of the ATV back.

ATV winch tips

Once you've installed your electric winch, it's worth testing it out on level ground before driving it off-road. Using a winch requires certain knowledge and compliance with safety rules. Below, we will tell you what you need to know when pulling an ATV out of a hole or mud with a winch.

First, when working with a winch, you need special equipment. In particular, if the winch has a steel cable, it is forbidden to work without thick leather gloves. In addition, clothing or hair must not be allowed to get on the winch drum. It is advisable to wear non-slip shoes and a hat.
It must be remembered that the winch consumes a lot of energy, so you need to work with the battery on. To save energy, it is recommended to unwind the cable manually, without turning on the winch. At least five turns must be left on the drum.
To pull out the ATV, you need to find an anchor, a fixed object. It can be a tree or a large stone. The farther the anchor, the greater the traction force. In this case, it is necessary that the anchor is in front of the winch. If you pull the cable to the side, it will break. It also needs to be pulled parallel to the ground, as attaching it higher or lower will increase the load.
The rope must be attached to the anchor using bark tape . It is advisable to use a tape sling with loops along the edges with a width of at least 7 cm.
shackles can be used to securely fasten the rope.
The use of blocks can make the job much easier by providing extra tractive effort. To do this, you need to attach the block to the anchor, pass the winch cable through it and fasten the cable to another anchor or back to the machine.
If possible, it is advisable to clean the area around the wheels from dirt and substitute stones and wooden sticks. This will increase the friction force and eliminate long towing in place.
Next, you need to work with the winch slowly, from time to time letting it rest in order to avoid overheating of the engine. It is necessary to ensure that the cable is wound evenly. In no case should you touch the cable during operation or put your fingers into the drum. If the cable is wound unevenly, you need to stop the winch, unwind it a little and work further.

Important!

When working with a winch, all safety rules specified in the equipment passport must be observed. You must not approach the cable and winch in working condition and allow other people to approach it. It is necessary to use a cable damper, as in the event of a break, it can damage people and objects around.

Before use, you need to make sure that all elements are in working condition, that they do not have breaks or damage, and that all fasteners are fixed sufficiently securely.

After using the winch, it must be cleaned of dirt, dried and lubricated with special oil.

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.

Attention! Wiring should be carried out with the battery terminals disconnected.

Wiring diagrams for the winch and control panels.

Connection for control unit, winch and battery.

Wiring diagram for winch control to solenoid.

Winch radio control connections to dual solenoids.

After installing the winch and wiring, check the winch and control panels for proper operation.

A video that shows in detail the entire process of installing a winch on an ATV:

you can always ask a question or make a suggestion in the comments. I wish you a successful installation of the winch on your ATV, and fewer situations in which you have to use it.

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