I have a 2000 Sportsman 500. I installed a Polaris tube bumper with the mount for the winch roller fairlead. I also purchased the Harbor Freight 3000lb winch.

I am at a loss as to how to mount the winch. I do NOT have a mounting plate. I was kinda hoping to not have to spend that money. Plus noone around me has one that I can look at to see how it installs. Also, most shops around me have an attitude since it's not a Warn or other big name winch....they are just like "good luck with that". I am pretty certain that the mounting holes are the same as most other winches so I don't understand the problem.

That being said, I will buy a plate if that's what it takes. I'm just not sure how it would install or where. Can anyone post or point me to some close up pics of winch mountings on that generation of Sportsman and hopefully with a Badlands winch? I would highly appreciate it.

 

If you have any skills you can make your own pretty easy. Here's one I made for my 02 magnum. http://forums.atvconnection.com/albu...?dl=1328662270

 

A buddy of mine had a 99 Polaris with a winch several years ago and if I remember right it seemed to me it was mounted what I thought was farther back than most winches which are usually right at the front. I think it was under the radiator and kinda above the front diff there should be an area that has a space where the plate would mount, with some pre-drilled holes you will most likely have to drill a plate to match the holes. But it has been several years since he had it. So I hope I remember right hope this can be atleast a little help.

 

not sure on the bolt patten of the that winch,but most of the 4 bolt older ones are the same. you can most likely buy one on ebay for 30-$40.00. they usually mount right to the front frame supports. not sure how your tube bumper willl effect mounting though.

 

Not too sure how it would mount but I would definitely call Cambridge Metal and talk to them about it. They were extremely helpful and nice to work with. Sorry I don't know much about mounting plates, especially on older models.