V-Plow on HPX

[bigtiller]

I am thinking of buying a plow and am curious how they work for you.

 

[jcmseven]

I looked at the V plow, but recommend the straight plow instead. I bought mine from Eagle Plow. It is a nice, basic plow that is winch operated and works great. It is also heavy enough for light duty grading also. Mine is a manual adjust which is OK. This type plow is the one I would recommend. As an aside, I am not using your question as a means by which to sell something, but I have been looking at a Boss power angle plow and would part with mine if you or someone were interested in it. It was not used much last year and would fit most Gators and or other UTV's. Any with interest could PM me and I would go over details with them. But, on the general sense I would go with the straight blade, whether from me or someone else.

John M

 

[yankeerider]

I've got one but can't help you because it hasn't snowed here yet. and probably won't this winter since I've got the new toy- oops, tool.

i went with the v-plow because it's mostly for cutting a path to the back of the property for the gator, and i figured the vee configuration would keep the plow from wanting to steer the the gator like an angled straight blade would.

one thing I can tell you- that plow transfers a lot of weight from the rear wheels to the front wheels. we have a very steep, loose trail that the HPX always handled well in 2WD, although i frequently would lock the the diff when climbing it to reduce the amount of wheelspin. If pulling a light trailer (maybe 200 pounds) with the plow on, I absolutely need to engage 4WD to climb it, where I don't need 4WD without the plow. My plan for this winter is lots of weight in the cargo bed.

I welded up casters to 5/8" rod that i use to replace the front skid shoes to put the plow on/off the Gator, and so I can move it in my shop. It's too heavy to easily drag without them.

 

[bigtiller]

I am beginning to wonder if it is worth it or not. The dealer called today and told me I needed the front heavy duty struts and the total price would be $2240 plus tax and I had to put it on. He said it was about 2 hours or so just to put on the new struts.

 

[jcmseven]

Big Tiller,

You absolutely DO NOT need the HD front strut kit. The Eagle Plow, or a similar plow only weighes about 100 pounds. I was able to use mine on my old HPX Gator without any strut change and it handled fine. Sure, having the HD strut kit would help a bit, but unless one is using the plow constantly it is not worth the extra $$$. My XUV does not notice the plow is there, with the stock struts. I put about 400 pounds on quick tach weights in the bed for ballast. The machine does not need them for pushing but it is very steep where I live and it makes the machine more stable. 200-400# of anything in the bed will really enhance the plowing ability of your machine. I personally would not pay what is mentioned as the price for a JD V plow. There are many aftermarket options which are EXACTLY the same (in fact, probably manufactured by the same company) but much less expensive. My JD dealer actually steered me away from the JD product here due to its price v. other similar plows.

John M

 

[nmu98]

My XUV has the HD front struts on it. It had a 72" plow on it. It has since been taken off and sold. The HD struts ride rough compared to the stockers. From use, I think as long as you have rear ballast, the HD struts are useless unless you have rough ground. But i would assume that you would take off the plow to go riding on trails.... I wish i had the stockers, and would trade for them

 

[a37b]

I put on the hd struts because I have a plow and a full glass cab on my xuv. I didnt notice the ride being any stiffer. I have a set of stock struts that have only about 10 hours on them. Make me an offer!!
MM

 

[shot_gun]

The HD struts are not for ride quality but for ride height. With the JD plows if you want to maintain ground clearance ie hopping curbs ect you really should have the struts. I never price a plow with out them. As far as taking two hour to install... maybey he's having a hour and a half coffe break while he's doing it. In the shop it takes me about 20 minutes with air tools. Maybe he ment two hour for the whole thing. That is about all it should take. Just my 02

 

[bigtiller]

. maybey he's having a hour and a half coffe break while he's doing it. In the shop it takes me about 20 minutes with air tools. Maybe he ment two hour for the whole thing. That is about all it should take. Just my 02

The salesman said he figured the price with me doing the blade install but that the struts were quite a job to install and recomended his shop do that work for $200. I really don't see 2 + hours of work there for just the struts. It looks to me like 3 bolts and it will lift right out of the hub assembly. Am I wrong?

 

[a37b]

They are very easy to install. It took me about 20 minutes also. I like the new struts, they have less body roll on corners.
MM