Plow with the ranger or stick with the tractor?

[4570Man]

I would be worried about the Ranger transmission. ATVs are not made to pull or in this case push like a tractor.

 

[Paystar]

Well, I don't know. My 2004.5 Polaris has been plowing every year since it was new. Over 800 hours and the only issue I have is the Warn 2500i winch makes a horrible squealing. That's why last winter I decided to hand the work tasks over to the Kubota.
Other than that I have been through 2 batteries and one set of tires. And a couple CV boots that I ripped. That's it.

That Polaris was by far one of the best things I have ever spent money on. Hopefully my Kubota is as reliable.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

I would be worried about the Ranger transmission. ATVs are not made to pull or in this case push like a tractor.

CVT transmissions do a lot of work with no problems at all. Tractors can push but a lot depends on exactly what you have for a tractor and what you have for a blade/bucket. I had to use the Kubota BX to do the driveway while I was waiting for a replacement CV shaft on my Gator (reverse with your wheel cut and a good bit of throttle is a recipe for disaster...doh) the BX only has a small loader and a 5' rear blade....you want to talk about a long job....it sucked the Kubota did it but it took so long it was crazy. The BX isn't very wide so it's not stable for slopes and it's so lightweight that even with four wheel drive traction is an issue. I learned two lessons that day, never let your International 2544 get buried in snow and try to avoid using a BX for snow removal.:laughing:


The past couple winters have been snowy, 18"+ snowstorms were not uncommon in Maine....at the start of the year it's always fun.....3 or 4 storms into the season it's all about getting it cleared as fast as possible and moving on. If I didn't live quite so far from work I would have stopped plowing 1/2 way through the year and just drove my Bearcat sled to work.

 

[WilliamBos]

The Polaris uses basically snowmobile clutches. They have been pulling supplies loaded on sleds for ever with zero issues. I would not have an issue using a ranger to plow. I have 220 hours/3,300 miles on my 2012 400ho, pulling a trailer, plowing alongside the MF in the winter. I even use the plow to push back compost, kitty litter and ash pile during the summer.

 

[Got2BTru]

Interesting thread. I bought the Ranger (800) first and now I have my tractor. The big difference for me is that my driveway next year will be 1300' long, so it's a no-brainer to go with the tractor. I've LOVED my Ranger plow for use at the house in the city though!