I just bought a 2001 Arctic Cat 400 4x4 and need to install a winch on it so I don't have to hook up the handle kit for my plow. I was wondering where I could get one, and how much they are.

Another interesting question is where are they usually mounted? Right in front of the raidiator?

Thanks in advance.

 

The winch new, MSRP's for 399. This includes EVERYTHING you need you hook it up. Make sure you get the warn #2500 winch as it includes a nice thumb switch that mounts under your left handlebar instrumentation. I would order the winch from an Arctic Cat dealer that way you get the one with the right connectors, roller fairlead, and mounting plate for your AC. You may get your dealer to come down a little on the price. Depending on how mechanical you are. Expect about 2-3 hrs installation time. Your dealer could probably install it in about an hour depending on how many he's done. It might save you some frustration to have him do it. ;-)

Yes, it bolts on right in front of the radiator. You remove the metal mesh plate and replace it with a heavy winch mounting plate.

EtherNut

 

I saw that there is a website that sells a mount kit for $79.00 and a superwinch 1500 for $159.00. It's at www.atvoutfitters.com. It's looks nice and the price is good. Has anyone used these before? Are they good?

Also, my Arctic Cat has a dry weight of 625lbs. I think a 1500lbs winch should be fine, anything over 1000lbs and I would just pull myself right to the object. Or am I wrong on this?

Thanks for the reply!

 

I'm not an expert on winches, so I opted for the 2500lb Warn myself.

The whole point for most people, as I understand it, is TO winch yourself towards the object. Of course, the object in question is usually a tree and you are stuck over your tires in mud. It's at this point that the difference between the 2500lb and the 1500lb winch becomes clear. 625 lbs of machine stuck in the mud takes a whole LOT more than 625lbs of pull to get out.

I am sure others will step in to correct me if I am wrong, or reinforce me if I'm right.

BTW, I've learned it helps to ride with a buddy who ALSO has a winch. Sometimes, one isn't enough!

 

Nemo, did you buy a left-over (new) 2001 from a dealer, or used? The reason I'm asking is that I think the $69 winch deal that AC has also applies to left-over 2001's as well as the new models. I might be wrong on this.

Bri

 

ok, I can see your point. I would like to get a 2500lbs winch, but it's 3x the cost of the 1500. Does anyone know of a good deal on one?

Brian, I bought it used with 500 miles on it. 60" plow (which I want to hook the winch up to). Do you think that AC would still cut me a deal on one?

 

That site I mentioned, has a 2000lbs winch for 179.00. I might get that one instead for another 30.00

 

Another point on winches. A 2500lb winch ( or whatever size ) only has 2500lbs, pull when you have one wrap of cable on the winch. As the cable builds up you have less and less "pull". So to get the most "pull" you have to let out all your cable. I have a 2500lb. with my AC500 and have used it a couple of times. I would not own a bike with out one. One last point with the smaller winch. If you buy the smaller winch there will be times that you will say that you should of went bigger, I don't think I'll ever say I should of went smaller.

 

If you are going to use the winch just for the plow the superwinch should be ok. But if you plan on using it for recovery it will lack the pulling power that is required to pull you out of a shallow mud hole. The reliability of these winches is less than desirable, I've seen them fail after just a few rides with much lighter quads. The warn is kind of the middle of the road, they do great for most situations, are durable and priced pretty good. The rule winch is probably the best but you will pay twice what a warn will cost you. My last warn 2000 lasted for 3 years on my 98 500 AC, with only a selonoid needing to be replaced, it is still going too. You may talk to your dealer sometimes people don't want the winch deal and you can get a good deal from them, because they are needing cash to buy and don't need or want the winch. Good luck and enjoy.