In order to use your ATV plow, you need some type of lift mechanism. The three options you can choose from are a manual hand lift, the best ATV winch for snow plowing, and an electric lift system. Some plow kits—such as the Cycle Country plow and Eagle Gen II plow—require an electric winch or lift, in which case a manual lift is not an option.
Best Winch for ATV Snow Plow
| Product | Short Description |
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Expert’s Choice
Superwinch LT3000 ATV Winch
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| WARN 101020 Winch with Handlebar
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| RUGCEL Electric 12V Winch
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| MotoAlliance VIPER Midnight ATV/UTV Winch
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| ORCISH Electric ATV UTV Synthetic Rope Winch
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Best ATV Winch for Snowplowing Reviews
Superwinch LT3000 ATV Winch for Snow Plowing
When the weather gets a little nasty with snow and you feel like you are stuck in the house until all that heap melts, there is an accessory that can help you battle the condition. Superwinch for plowing is precisely the option to consider in times of need. First things first, the product wouldn’t cost you a fortune, but the brand-famous durability and enhanced quality of the mechanism speak for themselves.
The line that the winch is equipped with can pull around 3K pounds, plus the magnet motor makes things twice as easy when it comes to handling and operation. In addition, the winch kit is complete, so that you don’t need to think about additional accessories while installing the item. Plus, the installation is pretty simple if you have little to no experience of working with the accessory.
- Great quality for the money
- Easy to use
- Effortless installation
- Brand-known durability
- Some mounting hardware may be missing
- No detailed installation instructions
Recommendations
Should you be looking for a potent winch for now plowing from the trusted and known brand, Superwinch is the name whose reputation proceeds itself!
WARN ATV Winches for Snow Plowing
Those of you owning smaller ATVs should be careful enough when looking for a suitable winch. The size makes it a little more challenging to find the winch that will coincide with in sync. However, Warn is one of the brands that are ahead of others. The winch in question has been designed specifically for the purpose, yet the alterations do not make it any less worthy than the previous editions.
The 2,5K winch is equipped with high-quality synthetic rope and premium-metal construction. The item is water-resistant and covered with a corrosion-preventing coating. All these factors add up and make the accessory durable and fit for extended use. The mild inconvenience is the price. The cost is slightly higher than a budget winch would cost, but the perks that come in a package are worth the money.
- Well-known brand
- Reliable item quality
- Rust-resisting coating
- Waterproof sealing
- Fairlead missing
Recommendations
Those of you who are looking for the most reliable and advertised accessories on the market, couldn’t miss the Warn innovative winch. The popularity is supported by extreme quality.
RUGCEL ATV Winch for Plowing
Very often you start looking for a snow plowing winch, you usually come across options that are more multi-purpose than single-aimed. That is not an inconvenience to fuss about, yet, the price is always the definitive factor. If you are searching for a budget option since you know you will use it for your UTV only, then Ruggel has your back.
The winch on offer is an electric option with a pulling capacity of 2K pounds. It is completely water-proof and wear-proof so that it’s designed to last for a long while. Besides, a 1-year warranty is a pleasant bonus for the price. Lastly, the item is so easy to install and operate that you don’t need any previous experience in the area. Let’s not forget that the winch is so quiet that it’s difficult to hear it pull.
- Impressive quality for the price
- User-oriented installation
- Weather-proof build
- Reduced noisiness level
- Unfit for heavy winching
Recommendations
Those of you who are utterly interested in a winch fit for snow plowing in particular and won’t cost you a fortune should pay attention to the budget option that Ruggel has on offer.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Winch for ATV Snow Plowing
When winter blankets the landscape in a pristine layer of snow, ATV owners gear up for a unique set of challenges and adventures. One indispensable tool that can transform your ATV into a winter workhorse is a winch designed for snow plowing. Whether you’re clearing pathways or taming the snow-laden driveway, selecting the right winch ensures efficiency and durability. When it comes to snow plowing with your ATV, having a reliable winch can make the job easier and more efficient. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the best winch for ATV snow plowing:
Understanding the Basics: The Role of a Winch in Snow Plowing
Before delving into the selection process, it’s crucial to grasp the role of a winch in ATV snow plowing. A winch serves as the powerhouse that lifts and lowers a plow attachment, allowing you to manipulate snow with ease. It provides the necessary muscle to tackle the weight and resistance encountered during snow removal, turning your ATV into a winter workhorse.
Capacity Calculations: Matching Power to the Task
Determine the weight of your snow plow attachment and consider the additional weight of the snow you’ll be moving. Choose a winch with a load capacity that exceeds the combined weight to ensure it can handle the load without straining the motor. It’s generally recommended to have a winch with a load capacity of at least 1.5 times the weight of your snow plow setup.
Line Length
Consider the length of the winch line that you’ll need for snow plowing. Ensure the winch has a line long enough to reach from the winch mounting location on your ATV to the attachment point on the snow plow. A longer line provides more flexibility in positioning the ATV during snow removal.
Line Speed Dynamics: Efficiency in Action
The line speed of a winch is a critical factor influencing the efficiency of your snow plowing endeavors. A winch with a higher line speed operates faster, reducing the time it takes to raise or lower the plow. This speed can significantly impact your overall productivity during snow removal. Consider the balance between line speed and pulling capacity to ensure optimal efficiency without compromising power.
Line Material and Thickness
Winch lines are typically made of either steel cable or synthetic rope. Steel cable is known for its durability and resistance to abrasion, but it can be prone to kinks and rust. Synthetic rope is lightweight, easier to handle, and safer if it snaps, but it may require more maintenance to prevent wear and tear. Consider the pros and cons of each material and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Power Source Preferences: Electric vs. Hydraulic
Winches for ATV snow plowing are available in both electric and hydraulic variants. Electric winches are popular for their simplicity and ease of installation. They run off the ATV’s battery and are generally more budget-friendly. On the other hand, hydraulic winches offer consistent power and are often preferred for heavy-duty tasks. Consider your plowing needs, budget constraints, and the power source that aligns with your ATV’s capabilities.
ATV winches can be powered by the ATV’s electrical system or through a separate battery. If you plan to use the winch extensively during long snow plowing sessions, a winch with a separate battery might be a better option. This reduces the strain on the ATV’s electrical system and ensures a reliable power source for the winch.
Mounting Compatibility: Seamless Integration
Before finalizing your winch selection, confirm that it is compatible with your ATV’s mounting system. Consider whether the winch comes with a universal mount or if it requires a specific mounting kit. Seamless integration ensures a secure and stable connection between the winch and the ATV, preventing issues during operation. Check the compatibility specifications provided by both the winch and your ATV manufacturer.
Remote Control Options: Convenience in Operation
Consider the control options available with the winch. Wireless remote controls provide convenience and flexibility, allowing you to operate the winch from a distance. Some winches also come with wired controls for backup or additional control options. Additionally, check if the winch includes essential accessories such as fairleads and mounting hardware or if they need to be purchased separately.
Synthetic vs. Steel Cable: Weight and Performance Considerations
The choice between synthetic and steel cable for your winch can impact both weight and performance. Synthetic cables are lighter, making them easier to handle, and they don’t carry the risk of snapping like steel cables. However, steel cables are more durable and resistant to abrasion. Evaluate your preferences in terms of weight, safety, and the specific demands of your snow plowing tasks when deciding between synthetic and steel cables.
Fairlead Options: Managing Cable Direction
The fairlead is a component that guides the winch cable onto the drum, managing its direction. Roller fairleads, featuring moving rollers, are ideal for synthetic cables, reducing friction and wear. Hawse fairleads, with a smooth surface, are suitable for steel cables. Consider the type of cable you choose and ensure compatibility with the fairlead for optimal cable management and prolonged durability.
Weatherproofing and Durability: Winter-Ready Features
Snow plowing often means confronting harsh winter conditions. Ensure that the chosen winch is equipped with weatherproofing features to withstand snow, ice, and cold temperatures. Look for winches with sealed components, corrosion-resistant materials, and protective coatings. Durability is key in winter operations, and investing in a winch designed to endure the challenges of snowy conditions ensures longevity and reliable performance.
Brand Reputation: Reliability and Customer Satisfaction
A winch is an investment in both functionality and reliability. Research the reputation of winch brands, considering customer reviews, testimonials, and industry ratings. Opt for brands with a proven track record for producing durable and high-performance winches. A reliable brand ensures that your winch is a dependable partner in the challenging task of ATV snow plowing.
Budget Considerations: Value for Winter-Ready Performance
Set a budget for your winch purchase. Winches can vary in price based on their load capacity, features, and brand. While it’s important to consider cost, prioritize quality and reliability over price alone. Investing in a high-quality winch will provide better performance and longevity.
By considering these factors and doing thorough research, you can choose the best winch for ATV snow plowing that meets your load capacity requirements, durability needs, and budget. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation, operation, and maintenance to ensure safe and effective snow plowing with your ATV winch.
FAQ
Why Use an ATV Winch for Snow Plowing?
Since a large number of ATV owners already have winches installed on their machines, an electric winch is the simplest and most affordable option for lifting your plow. And if you don’t have a winch installed yet, it still might be one of your best options because of the fact that you can use it for offroad riding, landscaping, yard work, and plenty of other applications. A winch is good for more than just plowing.
Which ATV Winch Is Best for Plowing Snow?
Some ATV winches are better for plowing than others. One of the differences between winches involves the type of braking system: mechanical or dynamic. A mechanical brake is a physical brake that works similar to the way the brakes work on your car. The mechanical brake stops the drum from turning when there is a load on the cable. A dynamic brake is built in to the winch. It uses the resistance from the winch motor to prevent the drum from turning. Hoisted weight may cause the winch line to bleed out on a winch with dynamic braking.
Winches with mechanical brakes are better at holding a load, which makes them a better option for plowing snow. With a mechanical brake, you won’t experience the plow slipping or line bleedout that you might experience with a dynamic brake.
What Size ATV Winch to Choose for Snow Plowing?
Generally, almost any winch capacity will work for plowing. Even a light duty 1500 lb winch has more than enough power for most plow setups. If you plan to use the winch for more than just plowing, check out our article on choosing an ATV winch for tips on figuring out what size winch you need.
The Final Words
A mechanical brake is a key factor in choosing an ATV winch for plowing snow. A winch with a mechanical brake is better for plowing because it prevents the line from bleeding out. The reviewed winches come with mechanical braking systems, so you can choose any of them and be sure that they will do the work!
I am brand new to this ATV snow plowing thing. I bought a Warn Plow for my 2012 Kawasaki Bruteforce 650. Now, I’m not sure what mounting plate to buy for the plow AND I’m not sure what winch to even start looking at (and the mounting plate for that as well). Any advice that can be given would be AMAZING! Brand new to bring a single mom, don’t have anyone to ask, and I don’t trust getting advice from a dealership or something who is just looking to sell sell sell….
When you are shopping for a winch, you have to remember that a quality winch should be good for both off-road recovery and snow plowing.
The gross weight of your quad is about 660lbs. The best formula to choose the right winch is – (Gross ATV weight + driver weight) x 2.0 = Minimum winch capacity. So, (660lbs+200lbs)*2=1720lbs of the minimum pulling power of the winch. Thus, 2500-3000 lbs of pulling power should be quiet enough to keep your winch cold during the operation. I have found Extreme Max winch plates with lots of positive reviews from Kawasaki Brute Force 650 owners on Amazon. Here is our TOP 1 Superwinch in this list:
The winch plate manufacturer has made a mistake in model marking, there should be LT3000 instead KT3000.
You can choose any winch from this list, but you should keep in mind that the ATV winch for snow plowing must have a mechanical brake option. I can guarantee that Superwinch has this option, but you can check other brands too.
Which winch brand will fit a 2006 honda rubicon trx 500?
You should choose the Warn and ask them to put the longer wires into the package. And don’t forget to pick the mounting plate for your ATV.
Will Superwinch fit my 2020 sportsman 450??
Don’t see why it wouldn’t. You should buy a winch mounting plate for Sportsman 450 and install it on your quad.
What winch will fit my 2016 Polaris Sportsman 850?
Any of these winches can be used on your Polaris Sportsman 850. If it does not have a mounting bracket, you can pick one separately on amazon from the following list.