I have just purchased a new 2009 Polaris Sportsman XP 850. Because of the weight I want to purchase a winch. I am thinking it will be a Warn. What is the minimum size I should consider? It will be for occasional use only. Also, has anyone had experience with the RT vs. the XT series of Warn winches?

 

I have the 850 LE, they came with a Polaris #2500 winch so I would think 2500 for a minimum.

 

i wouldn't go w/ any thing less then 3,000 lb to be on the safe side. i have actually been stuck where a 2,500 wasn't heavy enough on my old 500.

 

It's not so much the size of the winch. It's about having the right accessories to go with your winch.
Having just 1 ****** block and a tree saver strap can take a 2000 lb winch and turn it into a 4000 lb winch. By attaching your ****** block to a tree using your tree saver strap and routing your pulling line through the block and back to your quad you have just doubled the pulling power of your winch.

So, it's not about the size but how you use it.

 

I agree with speedrive. Minimum 2500 but if you're shelling out the $ go with the 3000. I never winch without a snatchblock. I just have the standard Warn 2500 that came with mine and it has been trouble free so far.

 

I have a 3000# on my 850 and have never had a problem and I don't use a snatchblock. I pulled a small car out of a ditch with the polaris 2500# on my 550 and didn't have any problems either. with the 850 I would go 3000# and not worry about having to have all the accessories, unless you just want to use them.

 

There only 70lb differemce between the 500 and 850.2010 Polaris Sportsman® 500 H.O. ATVs

 

I got the Polaris 3500 #winch for my 850. I inquired and it seemed no one was having any problems with the 3500's. If you drive where there is a lot of swamp or mud you can create a lot of suction if you sink in.
Take care

 

I went with the WARN RT30 (3000 lbs) winch...and has served me well. Especially using the ****** block!

The only difference (if I remember correctly) between the RT and XT is the line used. The RT uses the cable...and the XT uses the synthetic rope. Of course depending on the model...you get wireless remote or an extra wired remote.

Good luck...

biz

 

I would get the 3000 and not have to worry about it too much. I have a 2500 on mine and it will do the job but it strains at times. I also recommend the ****** block for really bad stucks. The friction created by mud on your machine and tires can add hundreds of pounds of weight to the pull. I recently was going up a steep hill with a very overloaded ATV trailerful of wet firewood. I lost traction just long enough that the tires got spinning and I dug 4 holes in the hillside. XTRs like to dig. I tried backing down but the trailer kept catching a rut and going towards a drop off. I hooked up my winch to a tree and slowly pulled myself up the hill. Looking back I should have used the ****** block. It really tested the winch.