Hi, I have a 2001 450es and I'm thinking about getting a new rubicon or rincon. Which one do you think is better for plowing snow? Thanks!

 

I have owned both and they are just as good. I do love the IRS for trail riding when you are finished plowing.

 

I think the Rubicon would be a better choice because of the solid axle. The only advantage I see on the Rincon would be the ground clearance. The Rincon is just not geared low enough.

 

I never had a issue with the gears with my Rincon. She did a great job pushing lots of snow. I found that tires were the most important thing. I first had ITP mudlites but they did not give the traction needed. I then switched to Bighorns and they did a awesome job.

 

both will work well. the hydrostatic transmission in the rubicon is the ultimate workhorse transmission, though, and the solid rear axle on the rubicon is built more for towing than trail riding. what else will you use the wheeler for?

 

My Rubicon rides the trails pretty good as well as work around my place.

But I do believe that choice of tire would be a big factor in snow plowing.

I just wish we would get some snow to play in.

 

I don't understand why IRS would have an advantage over a SRA or visa-versa for plowing snow.

 

Look at the ground clearance of both machines. I believe that the Rincon has 10"; 4" more than the Rubicon, if I'm remembering correctly. That's why I bought an '09 Rincon last month. I've ridden in some 12" plus snow this month, no way I could do it with less clearance. I've got friends who haven't been able to get their machines out of the garage.

 

Have you thought about a Rancher. Somewhat cheaper in price, light, and very nimble. Haven't found any amount that I can't plow. Really a sweet plowing rig, and with the T/C tires it goes anywhere.

 

If your going to do more work (plowing, towing....)than the Rubicon is a better choice. I have a 2001 ForemanES and a 2009 Rincon. I use the Foreman for plowing, only b/c it came with the plow and all my plowing is long a straight runs. I don't have to do reverses very much. If I had to go back and forth a lot I would consider switching the plow over to the Rincon for the ease of backing up. The Rubicon would alleviate this problem as well.

For now I plow with the Foreman and get the Rincon out to turn some donuts and fish tales. Seems to work out just fine. I do love the low end grunt of the Foreman for pushing the foot of snow we just had.