I am thinking about purchasing the Warn A2000 winch for my 4x4 Rancher. I plan on using it for self recovery as well as plowing snow. My question is for those that have the Warn and use it for plowing snow. Is the A2000 capable of holding the snow plow in the up position or will I need to get the optional brake kit from Warn?

 

Warn winches are not designed to hold a load. The manual on my winch says the winch can maintain 100lbs of tension without damageing the winch. Should you strip the winch housing( which is what would go if something did) the replacement parts would cost more than it would have cost to put a load brake in the winch. The only ATV winch that I know of that comes with a load brake is a RULE but it will cost you. If it was my winch I would put the load brake on it first, and then never have to wonder if I was abusing my winch.

 

I have a Warn A2000 and Moose Plow for my Prairie 400 4x4 (2000). I do not have a brake for the winch. I plow about 2 - 2 1/2 miles damn near everytime it snows (I live in Northern Minnesota so I know snow), I also use the plow to grade my drives and trials around my home in the summer. I have no problem with the winch holding the blade up as I move from place to place, I do however lower the blade when I park the Prairie with the blade still attached. I do not think it would be a good idea to leave the blade up for any extended length of time, say a day or more, but for a few hours I see no problems.
On the other hand from my experience, I would recommend getting a roller fairlead to keep the winch cable from rubbing out on the winch guide, this will make your cable last longer. I also recommend the handlebar mount, this is an item I've never been without, but I can't imagine not having. A last item that I did in the middle of last winter was to replace the open winch hook with a winch hook that has a clasp. The reason I did this was the hook would come undone when I would lower the plow blade. I got tired of getting off, and rehooking the blade half the time, the clasp solved that issue.
I hope this helps out, if you've more specific questions feel free to post more.

 

TheArcher, the Superwinch ATV2000 comes with an internal spring brake standard; extra-cost($ 22) option on the T1500.

Tree Farmer

 

I have a Warn 2000 on my Magnum and use it to lift the plow. I have not had any trouble holding the plow up. I agree with the above poster that a roller fairlead is a necessity. I do not leave the plow in the up position when being stored. You will not have any trouble as the whole 48 plow is not that heavy. Hope this helps.

 

I have used 2 different Warn 2000 on 3 different machines for plowing snow, and have never had a problem holding the weight of the plow.

 

No problems with my Warn 2000 and the snow blade. I also have the small handle bar assy' switch, its no good to use the winch in demanding service because it blows the circut breaker to easy. I just unhook and use the regular heavy duty switch when I need too.