Ok so this will be my first winter with a ATV and first time using a plow as well, so what should I do to get ready for a winter full of plowing with my sportsman?

Thanks

 

If you want even better plowing results add heavy sand bags to back rack and put chains on at least the back two tires,all 4 tires is better.

 

If you are using a winch to raise/lower the plow I would make sure your battery is in good shape and fairly new. Make sure you are up to date on the maintenance on your ATV.

 

The battery is in good shape and I am using the winch to lift and lower it. I keep the bike up to date with all maintenance.

I like the thought of some added weight on the back. I plan on using the ATV whenever I can, if its to deep or hard Ill break out the snowblower.

 

Should be able to push all the snow you have in front of it! Get a battery tender if you don't already have one and keep it on when not in use. Even if you drive it a lot in the Winter the battery will get worked pretty hard with all the winch use/lights while plowing. Keep the drivetrain free of snow so it doesn't pack into ice and possibly tear boots or bind up. This will be my first Winter plowing with tracks and I'm kind of pumped to see what she will do:-)

 

What will the battery tender do for me? could I just not use a battery charger??

 

Trickle chargers like the battery tender are nice because they do not keep charging once the battery is at full capacity. I alternate mine between my wheeler and bikes throughout the Winter. Will greatly extend your battery life.

 

I would agree with this one!!

 

Last year, I had no problems plowing, I ran a batterytender, and also, this may sound a little wussy, but IMO hand and thumb warmers are a MUST, they are so nice, with a pair of gloves, you can feel your hands after several hours of plowing, I thought about getting some sand, but I never had any problems, so I didn't bother,

I think this is a great thread, I'm very interested to hear what some of the others plow have to say, and secrets to share

 

Also, what plow setup and winch do you have?