Plowed snow for the 1st time today with my polaris 500 ho, I am a newbie and just recently bought it. when I put it in reverse it goes from AWD to 2-wheel drive. I'm assuming thats normal??? How much would it help by putting chains on just the rear tires? I was disappointed today as it was very difficult to back up.

 

You have to hold down the yellow override button to have full power and AWD in reverse.
If you do not it will only have 2wd and half power in reverse.

Chains will help any ATV on snow and ice ,I seen 2wd ATV plow pretty good with chains. Another trick is ad sand bags to the racks since more weight= more Traction.

 

Yeah you have to push the yellow override button to get awd in reverse if that still doesn't seem to help the you could try the chains

 

I'll second the sand bags on the rear rack. I get such good traction that I haven't needed chains yet.

 

i just bought a full set of tire chains for my "logging atv"....wished i had done that when i bought it new. now i can haul a load better and get stuck worst (just kidding) they work great! (no kidding)

 

When I bought a set of chains the instructions said to only go 10 or 15 mph. I drove a lot faster than that in the snow so I sent them back. You could put them on to plow and take them off to ride, but you don't want to throw a chain when you're going fast. Besides tearing up your atv you could get hurt.

 

Yeah a chain link in the face at 30+ mph would hurt like hell.

 

I also use my ATV mainlt for logging and plowing. I just bought rear tire chains for my 2002 polaris 700. Is it OK to use chains just on the rear or should l also purchase some for the front??

danthe99

 

I think the back wheels only would be enought.

I think a 2wd with chains would have more traction then a 4wd without chains on packed snow.

I lost a tug off war contest to a 2wd garden tractor with chains one my 4wd Sportsman.

Remember , a Polaris is always in 2wd unless the rear wheels slip.