You can use it for plowing if you so choose....I just prefer to swap it out.....rather than risk any damage to the rope. It really doesn't take much time to switch.

 

thanks for everyones input. i purchased a warn 3.0xt (red) with mechanical brake, synthetic rope and the new fair lead for $450.00 tax included from atvdirect.com. i fugured if i didnt like the rope i can put my old cable from my 2.5 on there. by the way if anyone is looking for a winch; motoxoutlet.com has the cheapest prices i found for the 3.0 warn. cost $360.00 plus $20.00 s/h. they do not have the 3.0xt. the 2.5 is $270.00. thanks all!