Just picked up a 2018 Polaris sportsman 450 Utility Edition. I'm looking for a winch for it. I have only had 1 atv and that was about 15 years ago and it did not have a winch, so I have no clue where to start. Looking for a 2500-3500 lb based on what I've read but want a pretty decent one that isn't super expensive. Also, what mounting bracket would I need and how hard is it to put on? I've installed quite a bit of stuff on cars, but never any atv stuff. Thanks in advance!

 

well come to the Polaris forum. I have put many winches on different atvs(brands) as well and have used different sizes and mfgs. they are expensive to compared to some,but warn winch has always imo been the best. they are straight forward to install with the mounting bracket that is made for the bike. just follow the directions or you can ask for help on here.

 

I have a KFI winch, good reputation, less cost than a warn, have had no problems or issues. Just stay away from the odd brands and harbor freight stuff unless you want to fix it frequently. 2500 is all you should need as that will do all your machine is capable of. To much winch could damage your atv. I have seen guys trying to winch and hook their machine to a tree to winch somebody out and tear there own machine up with a 3500 lb winch. Also keep in mind the higher the rating the more battery power it consumes, my 2000 lb winch uses a lot of battery power even with the machine running..just my 2 cents worth....

 

2500 pounds is enough. It can raise a quad off the ground and hang it from a tree. I've never had a problem with any winch except for the dial switch on a Warn I had about 20 years ago. And I had to spray a little WD-40 in the rocker switch on my current winch. After being exposed to the elements for years it got hard to push the switch. The winches themselves have all been good so far but they barely get used. I use mine to raise and lower my snowplow and not much else anymore.

 

the old grey dial switch on the early a2000 warns were junk for sure. hence why they went to the rocker style. I have had my 500 and my 800 stuck where the 2500 would not pull me old with out help. just a thought. you could how ever use a ****** block to double the pulling power of the winch. just keep in mind the more cable you have spooled out, the less pulling power any winch has.

 

Superwinch, Warn, KFI are the first to come to my mind. I've had Warn winches on the 3 machines I bought new and was never let down by any of them. I think Cabela's winches are rebranded Warn winches.

 

Using a ****** block is a great idea. I used to carry one and a bunch of other stuff at all times. You actually have more pulling power when more of the cable is spooled out. The winch is going to be at it's maximum capacity when only the first layer of cable is on the drum. You lose more and more puling power with each additional layer of cable. https://warnindustries.wordpress.com...city-by-layer/

 

I'm going to be the guinea pig here.
I paid more for my mounting plate, than I did for my winch. I bought a Champion brand 3000# winch from Fleet Farm on sale for $70.
I'm usually a firm believer of "you get what you pay for." But, to tell you the truth, if it ***** the bed in a year, then I'll buy a KFI, or Warn.
I too, only use it to raise/lower my plow, so I feel like it should hold up fine. When it doesn't, I'll post back, and cuss the thing into the ground.
I will say, that my boss has a Warn on his 04, and it has been used and abused, with zero problems.
Also have a buddy with a Superwinch, that has held up great as well.

 

I switched over to synthetic winch rope and only spool 25 ft on the winch but do carry a ****** block and 0ne 35' cable and another 25' cable and an extra 20' of synthetic cable. I prefer to have it coiled if needed than on the winch drum, much easier to lay out that long length if needed and the ****** block doubles your power. Been buried with various machines a number of times and have never needed more than 2000lb winch to get me or others out yet.

 

well I always been told/research that it is the other way around on the pulling power on the cable but I could be wrong and I wouldn't want to find out the hard way lol