ATV Plow Recommendatin?

[firemech]

In the case of a regular 4 wheeler, manual lift is MUCH faster. Of course someone with shoulder issues would want a winch, but that’s the only scenario where I think it would be the better choice.

Manual lift is quicker. For plowing snow, we change out the cable on the winch units with short pieces of winch rope in the winter. saves wear and tear on your cable and the rope has a bit of stretch if you attempt to lift the plow too high. The cable on the other hand may break if you try to lift past the maximum lift height of the plow.

 

[drivadesl]

Thanks for hte suggestions guys. I was figuring a 48" to 52" blade would work about right for my 400. From what I've seen you buy the frame, then add blade, and winch if you want it. I would go manual to start, then add the winch if yanking on the lever got to be a pain.

So far, not to much snow to speak of, but gotta figure we'll get hit sooner or later.Actually raining right now. Heres looking forward to spring!

 

[Aquamoose]

I use a unique type by Swisher. The plow technically gets "pulled" from the rear by way of the hitch point and the front mounts are connected to the front suspension arms which eliminates compressing the front of the ATV down while plowing. Combined with a Warn finch with a rope type (not steel) and the use of a pulley to cut in half the raising & lowering speed for fine adjustments makes this plow a breeze. This plow also has a pivot point which allows greater lifting height commonly found on front mounts but with the benefit of strength of a rear mount. The design is truly the epitome of combining all good attributes of ATV plows.

 

[Zockel]

AquaMoose, I have the same setup minus the pulley to cut raising and lowering speed in half. That's the only complaint I have about it - no fine control. Could you post a picture of the winch - pulley - plow connection? Thanks!

 

[Aquamoose]

Hopefully, the right images loads properly as I'm trying this from my iPhone.

Basically, you unhook the hook from the plow and attach the pulley & link to the plow and you put the winch hook (with the rope/cable thru the pulley) on some part of the ATV upfront. I have a strong front rack that naturally serves as an excellent anchor point.

Result is the plow that moves at 1/2 the speed for greater control.

 

[wawajake]

Drivdesl ....You do not want a 48 inch plow , as soon as you angle it (which is 90% of plowing ) you will not be covering your wheel track.
I have a 60 inch Moose too but watch my son inlaw struggle with his smaller plow (when I visit) and he ends up using it most of the time straight thinking he is doing more but actually he leaves large furrows that double his work, whereas a 60 inch angled, full to one side, still covers 48 inch wide tracks and in second gear will "throw the snow all to the side you have it angled, without leaving a furrow on the opposite side. ( literally mean throw the snow maybe 2 feet or more to the side) I use mine just for the light stuff like you are suggesting and with proper lubrication of the blade (non stick sprays etc) you will be very happy, the thick thick heavy stuff I use my tractor.

 

[ruffdog]

I have been looking for one of these Snowsport plows for some time (used) so I could try it. They seem like a cool idea.

I found the HD truck model that I can use in the receiver hitch on the truck or tractor.

 

[CobyRupert]

Manual lift is quicker. For plowing snow, we change out the cable on the winch units with short pieces of winch rope in the winter. saves wear and tear on your cable and the rope has a bit of stretch if you attempt to lift the plow too high. The cable on the other hand may break if you try to lift past the maximum lift height of the plow.

My Polaris 700 came with a winch operated Moose plow. I wish I had a manual lift, not just because it's faster, but because no matter how much I use it, I can never remember which way on the rocker switch is up, which way is down. Needless to say, my winch cable gets about 6" shorter every season (when it breaks at the cable clamps).
I have gotten better remembering when I use mnemonic (word game) reminders: Left is Down =L-D ="Lower it Dummy"; Right is Up = R.U. = "R.U. an idiot?" (If you break your cable one more time?)

 

[Aquamoose]

CobyRupert, switch your cable to synthetic. It's the best thing since sliced bread.

 

[Zockel]

Thanks for the pictures and explanation Aquamoose. I got to get myself a different pulley from the ones I have - like the one you showed. If the roller can be removed easily (Clovis pin as axle), assembly and disassembly becomes a breeze. Thanks!
I can only second the comment on 48 versus 60" inch plows. Most of the time you will want the plow angled to push snow off to the side. At that point 48" becomes a toy. Go for 60" blade.