Okay,
I got to try out my polaris 400 sportsman as a sidewalk machine this last storm here in NH. It did okay but I definetly need to either fine tune it with a smaller plow or try a different machine all together.

I put a 60" eagle plow on it and it definetly had enough power for the sidewalks but the machine and plow are just a little too big. The walkways are 56" wide but have some 90 degree tight turns on them for door front entrances and adjoining walkways.

I am not worried about wasting the 60" plow as I can leave it at home for my son to plow with on the bigger more powerfull 500 sportsman. My ? is should I sell the 400 and buy a smaller in stance and wheel base machine with a 50" plow for the side walks? I definetly want a 4 wheel drive machine but would a 300 be powerfull enough? I know that some of the 400/450 machines are shorter and narrower than the Polaris Sportsman.

So my ? is to you guys that have been using the atvs for while to do walks what do you think the ideal machine and plow would be for this type of walkway plowing. I am looking for a little pitbull type of machine I think the Sportsmans are just a little too big.
Looking forward to all opinions....Thanks

 

I've had plows for my ATV's for years. First on several 300's and now my 400. I don't think it will matter much on size of the ATV because none of them are going to work in tight spaces/turns. Yes, going to a 48" blade will help a little in some spots, but you will still have the same problem. Until someone makes a 4 wheel steer ATV, that's just how it's going to be. They certainly beat a shovel, but in those spots you are describing you just don't have any choice but to take a shovel along. As for any hints for plowing, I put a sack of oil-dry on the front rack and find that helps with traction and turning. I also air up all tires an additional 7lbs to help with the extra weight and it also helps with the steering. I thought I was going to use mine today but we only got 2-3 inches instead of the 6-8 forecasted.

 

I haven't tried one but maybe a V-plow would do the trick???

 

V-plow is a thought. It just depends on what you think you need to do and how much you really want to put into a plow system. My MoosePlow is just as old as my ATV (98) and just last year I took off my winch and put on the Moose electric lift and that was enough of an upgrade for me. But I could have spent more $ for an adjustable v-blade and an electric angle adjuster.

 

v plow is a great idea (i have the fisher extreme v on my truck) but would be costly with hydraulics...plus I am thinking smaller machine and plow becuse of the tight walkways

 

I think I will probably stick with the eagle plow system and will get the ETS motor for angling the plow with electrics....any more opinions on machine makes and sizes?

 

You can get a new ATV if you want to but I wouldn't. I have a 52" plow that works great with my Sportsman. It's 4" wider than the quad so I don't have to drive on any unplowed places. You don't even need to get a new plow. You could cut the ends off to make whatever size you want.

 

While they might not be exactly the same, the plows offered don't really look like they have a whole lot of difference. I'd go with the best deal you can find.