So do I need to buy a mount to install even a Polaris winch? I just started researching.

What are my options?

 

Yes , you will need a mounting plate , a wide plate if you get one of the larger winches { 4500 lb } .

 

Oops , there are no mounts { that I know of ] for a wide mount , just the regular size , I was thinking of the wide mount for the Rangers , but yes , you need a mouting plate

 

I just picked up a 2015 Sportsman 570 and was wondering the same thing. Polaris says all you have to do is "bolt the winch on, plug in the connector harness, install the switch on the handlebar, and you're ready to go. Ten minute installation." They make no mention of needing any additional parts.

So does the mounting plate come with the winch then?

 

My Polaris came stock with a "Warn/Polaris" winch from the Factory. The mounting plate is just held on by U-Bolts to the front frame tubes, nothing custom made looking about it.

With a plate of steal and a good drill anybody could make a mounting plate to fit.

 

Well it's unfortunate because in my research the "integrated" solutions for accessories seemed to be a big selling point for Polaris, but now I'm seeing that it really isn't. The winch still needs extra parts to be bolted on. For the snow plow you still need to buy 3 separate pieces at a cost of over $600. If you want real racks you can strap things to you can buy them extra for $100 front and $150 rear. Money money money....

Looks like I'll be better off screwing all the Polaris branded accessories and just buying aftermarket for half the price. Same number of pieces, same installation required, half the cost.