Has anyone ran across accessories available for the ranger ^X^ other than what polaris has to offer? Any forums about these machines? I also want to build a multi-mount winch set-up but was wonder how big a winch, 2500 or 3500 lbs.

Thanks,

 

Definitely the 3500 lb. I would also suggest carrying an extra pulley and lots of cable so you can double the pulling power. I had mine hung up a couple of weeks ago and the 3500# winch stopped before it would pull it out. Had to go home and get the truck to pull it out. Luckily I was pulling kids in the sled and only 1/4 mile from home.
I was going to build a multi mount for mine, too, but never got the time. Rumor has it they're changing the ranger 6x6 to be like the 4x4s. If they do I'll probably upgrade and then build a multi-mount for the new one.
I haven't seen anyone that handles accessories for them other than Polaris. One NOT to get if you're riding in dusty conditions is a full windshield. All the dust sucks right into the cab and onto you. I took mine back and got the individual windshields. Not as much protection but still a lot better than nothing.

 

Thanks for the advice. So any major problems with your machine? One thing I find odd is when you fill the gas tank at the service station you must fill it ever so slowly so it doesn't spill. Sounds like a venting issue to me. Also, how good are these in the snow and have you seen one with tracks? Have they cured the belt eating problem or it because people were not running their machines in low?

Darryl

 

The problem isn't your winch. It's the battery. Not enough battery power (amps) to turn your winch under such a load. The stock battery probably won't turn a 3500lb winch either. Adding a 2nd battery or swapping to a more powerful battery corrects this problem. A 2500lb winch should be plenty for an 850lb machine. The pully with a "tree saver" strap is a great idea though.

 

I agree with a 2500# winch for an 850# machine but the Ranger is a 1500# machine so a 3500# is the better choice. Also, it has a larger, 30AH battery. You may be right tho that it still isn't big enough for that winch. I'll have to take your advice and try carrying a second, larger battery. I think the extra pulley to double the pulling power would also help quite a bit.
I haven't had any major problems with it, just minor annoying ones. The shift linkage keeps coming out of adjustment and the clutch rubs the cover when it's idling and rattles like it's falling apart. Other than that, I really like the monster. I work and ride it a lot more than I do my Sportsman HORSE even tho I love them both equally. Ha!
I think they're changing the gas tank location on them, along with a 3 up seat, in-line shift and a decent accelerator pedal, all like the 4x4 Rangers. I hope they add the 700 motor. It definitely could use more power.
I've never seen one with tracks but it goes through snow very well until it hangs up.

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Currently
2001 Sportsman HO RSE
2001 Ranger 6x6
Spring 2002
2002 Sportsman 700 RSE
2002 Ranger 6x6