Santa brought me a 54 inch WARN snow plow for my 2009 Honda Rancher 4x4 420cc. Before I open the box and install it; I am curious if the 54 inch plow is going to be too much for my Rancher? I live in New Hampshire and routinely receive 8-12 inches of snow. Again I am curious if this plow is too big and/or too heavy for my Rancher. Apparently the dealer told my wife that she should get me the 54 inch plow over the 50 and 48 inch plows. He told her my ATV would be fine, I think he just tried to sell her the most expensive/heaviest plow he had.

Obviously I prefer the largest plow but just do not want to install it and learn it is too much for my 420.

Thanks in advance

 

I ran a 60" plow on my 300 4x4 Bayou's and now on my 400 Prarie. You can handle it. You might think of putting some weight on front and rear racks or chains.

 

Here is a good link you should be ok. Read the post by "Wyobud" he has the same ATV and plow as you,he seems happy. How good is a 420 Rancher for plowing snow? - Honda ATV Forum If you want more pushing traction you can also add chains for the rear tires.
I would not bother with front chains.

 

My guess is you have the 5 speed transmission that you can shift manually??? If so, keep it in the lower gears and I think you'll be fine. If you have one of the Honda's with shocks that can be adjusted for preload, crank them up to keep the front end from sagging too much when you lift the plow. As others said, see if you can get chains for the quad as it has a limited slip front end. The main thing that decides whether you can plow effectively is traction so I'd get chains.

 

Thanks for the input. From what you guys say it seems I should be fine with the 54 inch plow, now I cannot wait for some snow, watch this year we get no snow. My Rancher is the 5 speed manual foot shift so I'll just keep it in 1st (granny gear). I have a few bales of hey laying around sounds like I should toss a bale or two on the racks for more traction. TLC thanks for the links. Again I look forward to some snow, if interested I will take video of plowing and post it here for reference.

 

I have a neighbour with a old 300 2wd Kawasaki Bayou who plows all the time and does a great job.

He does have sand bags on his racks for more weight and chains on his back tires though.
Your 4x4 420 should breeze though it.

Have fun.

 

The nice thing about the plow is it's almost fun to clean up the snow. With a bad back and knees it sure is easier to plow than follow a snow blower around.