Best ATV Winches for the Money to Clear Out Snow
Accessories Guide
Let’s face it, winter weather is hard enough on everyone! You can’t control the weather, but there is a way to keep the weather from controlling you – an ATV winch. Your time is valuable. Winter takes away enough of your time as the snowy and icy roads make for longer commute times to and from work.
- BEST OF THE BEST
BOTTOM LINE
Those who are looking for extreme performance with extended life can buy this for their ATV.
- BEST BANG FOR BUCK
BOTTOM LINE
If you are struggling with cleaning the snow from your driveway, you should get it.
BOTTOM LINE
These tires are highly durable and can be used for a long time. It can be used in various ways.
BOTTOM LINE
These tires have some unique features, including sidewall protection.
Reviews
5 Best ATV Winches Reviews
Your time at home away from work is your free time. Maximize your free time by setting up a winch and connecting it to a plow on your ATV or UTV. The winch and the plow will remove the snow in half the time or less that it takes a shovel or a snow blower to do the same work.
The best ATV winches will help you to live your best life now. This means more time enjoying a cozy spot by the fire place, more time watching the ball game on TV, or more time allowing you to pursue whatever hobby you like to do.
Consider the information below when shopping for a new winch.
1. Superwinch 1145230 Terra 45 4500 lbs/2046 kg
To be super is to be able to perform at an extraordinary level in different situations and with multiple capabilities. The Superwinch 1145230 Terra 45 4500 lbs/2046 kg lives up to its brand name by doing precisely that. This winch eliminates several questions that many customers will have before they purchase it.
It’s designed to fit into most ATV/UTV vehicles, and it comes with a mounting plate. Furthermore, customers will have peace of mind knowing that the circuit protector and solenoid are protected and sealed, protecting the wiring in adverse weather situations. Although this comes with synthetic winch rope, its 55’ length and 1/4” size make it reliable and provide plenty of reaches. What makes this winch super and more powerful than other winches in its 4,500-pound line pulling capability. This eliminates any worry one has of whether he or she will be able to get unstuck.
- High efficiency, low amp draw, sealed 1.6 hp permanent magnet motor featuring mechanical load holding and dynamic brake
- 55' of 1/4" synthetic rope, drum designed for use with synthetic rope and ergonomic cam action freespooling clutch
- All steel planetary gear twice as wide as those used by the competition and utilizing machined-in, oil pocket bronze bearings
- Circuit breaker protected and weather sealed solenoid contact.Anodized aluminum hawse, heavy duty latched hook with thimble and limited lifetime warranty
- Synthetic rope is remarkable stuff
pros
- 4,500 pound line pull will get heavy ATVs/UTVs unstuck.
- Sound security of all electrical wiring.
- Dynamic brake with mechanical load holding feature helps to prevent line slippage.
Cons
- The fluorescent yellow color of the synthetic rope is likely to dissipate over time due to dirt.
bottom line
The solid industrial size of all steel planetary gears will provide heavy-duty use throughout the winter, making it the best ATV winch for snow plowing.
2. Superwinch 1130220 LT3000ATV 12 VDC Winch 3000 lbs/1360 kg
Benefits bring convenience, and convenience brings customer satisfaction. The Superwinch 1130220 LT3000ATV 12 VDC Winch, 3000 lbs/1360 kg is designed to make life easier for outsiders. An extended remote control length of 12’ gives the person the flexibility to move away from the ATV/UTV vehicle and multi-task by doing something else while operating the winch pulling.
What makes this super winch stand out superbly is the low volume of noise coming from the winch during operation, which will not disturb anyone or anything else going on that is nearby. Designed with a combination of mechanical and dynamic braking, this ATV winch establishes a secure hold for reliable resistance. A 1.2 horsepower permanent magnet motor offers adequate power to administer a variety of jobs, making it the best ATV winches in the market. With a line pull of 3,000 pounds, you can be assured that it will be able to get many different models of ATVs/UTVs unstuck from mud or a ditch.
- Rated line pull of 3,000 pounds
- Roller fairlead and mounting plate
- Sealed low amperage permanent magnet motor
- Includes both handle bar mounted rocker switch and handheld remote
- Mechanical and dynamic brake
pros
- Adequate length of remote control power cord allows movement freedom for user.
- Limited operation noise helps to not draw too much attention from the outside environment.
- Clutch, gears, and motor are made with superior quality.
- This is one of the most reliable tires for snow riding.
Cons
- Mounting plate must be purchased separately from the winch itself.
bottom line
Super’s free-spooling clutch benefits you by making it easy to initiate the winching process.
3. Champion 3000-lb. ATV/UTV Winch
Winch line quality needs to be dependable in tough spots and tough situations. The Champion 3000-lb. ATV/UTV Winch provides this type of high-quality line. No matter whether this line is called upon to perform in mud, gravel, or sand, this cheapest winch line will provide stability in all landscapes and all environments.
Both the line and the roller fairlead complement one another well, as they dictate the tempo of the winching process. Rated number one in towing ATV winches, it’s suitable for a variety of towing jobs. In terms of service, this product is the champion of customers, providing free lifetime technical support for use of the winch. Manufactured for the efficient-minded person, this powerful winch pulls the maximum 3,000-pound limit at a rapid rate of 4.3 feet per 60 seconds. Perhaps the best feature of this best ATV winch, the three-stage planetary gear system rotates the drum at a torrent pace, allowing for this kind of record timeline pulling.
- Powerful – 3000-lb. rated line pull powered by a 1.3-horsepower (12-volt) DC motor
- Efficient – Line speed of 4.3 feet per minute with a full load, and 8.9 feet per minute with no load
- Convenient – Included mounting channel, remote control and roller fairlead create an easier than ever winching experience
- Hassle-Free –The roller fairlead creates a safe and smooth pull with the dependable 46-foot galvanized super-duty aircraft cable which is able to withstand abrasive terrain without fraying
pros
- Steel line adapts and performs well in various rugged environments.
- Gear system operates to make quick work of heavy object pulls over a noticeable distance.
- Remote control is easy to use.
Cons
- Line length is under 50 feet, making the reach towards an anchor point more limited.
bottom line
Champion has designed this product by placing the remote control right on the handlebar, so that even the most novice of ATV/UTV winch users can easily use the product.
4. WARN 89021 Vantage 2000-S Winch – 2000 lb. Capacity
With the choice-oriented customer in mind, the WARN 89021 Vantage 2000-S Winch – 2000 lb. Capacity gives customers the option of having either steel wire or synthetic rope in their winch. Warn Vantage has designed a fully-sealed permanent magnet motor, which keeps it weatherproof from dust, sand, and water.
This weatherproof security provides the winch user with the advantage of a reliable device that performs thoroughly and consistently year after year. The line pull of 2,000 pounds will accommodate the tugging of lightweight ATVs/UTVs. With a differential planetary gear train installed, you have the winch drum velocity to pull a considerable amount of weight effectively and efficiently.
- 50 feet of 5/32 inch wire rope with roller fairlead
- Fully sealed motor and drive train to keep the elements out
- Differential planetary gear train, dynamic brake; permanent magnet motor
- Includes handlebar-mounted mini rocker control
- High-strength composite gear housing and allmetal gears
pros
- Superior sealing offers protection from rust and corrosion.
- Differential planetary gear train gives top-level drum rotation performance.
- Handlebar control provides user-friendly experience.
Cons
- The warranty for the electrical components is only one year, which could create for a pricey replacement of parts.
bottom line
Its roller fairlead aids the line for balanced pulling and plow stability making it the top ATV winches.
5. MotoAlliance VIPER Midnight ATV/UTV Winch
Power and strength are much-needed traits to have in an ATV/UTV winch operation during the cold winter months. The Moto Alliance Viper Midnight ATV/UTV Winch 4500 lb with 50 feet of LACK Synthetic Rope offers the highest level of motor horsepower at 1.6, which is above and beyond the horsepower performance level of most other product brand models.
With a line pull of up to 4,500 pounds, this powerful winch is suited for dragging ATV/UTV vehicles out of ditches during inclement winter weather. Its large and sturdy clevis hook pull strap will latch securely onto a plow making it the best ATV winches for the money. The mechanical and dynamic braking features will provide the user with an instant locking mechanism to keep heavier objects in place.
- USA POWERSPORTS COMPANY: All VIPER winches are designed by USA engineers at Motoalliance -- a registered trademarked brand in the USA. We know how winches are used in the most difficult of conditions and make sure all VIPER MIDNIGHT winches are designed to last.
- EXTENDED RANGE WIRELESS: The VIPER 4500lb ATV/UTV Midnight winch comes with an extended range wireless remote switch for recovery from up to 100' away. The winch also comes with all necessary installation hardware, including a second switch that can be mounted to your handlebar or dash.
- RUGGED: The VIPER MIDNIGHT 4500lb UTV winch is made with quality from top to bottom. The high quality seals to resist water, dust and dirt. The 1.8HP engine and steel planetary gears give you the most aggressive recovery, rock crawling, and mudding. And the dynamic load holding brake will hold your vehicle, plow and other implements firmly locked in place when needed.
- PROVEN QUALITY: Motoalliance brought VIPER winches to market nearly 20 years ago. With over 300 powersports dealers in the USA and Canada, tens of thousands of riders have enjoyed the durability and performance of all VIPER winches.
- USA CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Our full customer support and tech team is available by phone and email for installation and tech questions before and after your purchase. All installation instructions are written in English by English engineers. And if you need a custom mount for your machines, we have them available at a small additional cost for most offroad UTV's including Polaris, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Can-Am and more.
pros
- Capable of pulling up to 4,500 pounds.
- A strong performing 1.6 horsepower permanent magnet motor provides swift and decisive output.
- Clevis hook is dependable and provides the size and space to clamp tightly on objects such as snowplows and slings.
Cons
- Winch and line rope only have one year and six month warranties, respectively.
bottom line
In this product, Midnight has designed a winch that is an accommodating fit within many ATV/UTV vehicle brands.
Buying Guide
What To Look For In The Best ATV Winches for the Money?
Steel vs. Synthetic Line
From a harsh New England blizzard to a scattered Red Cedar forest in the Pacific Northwest, steel cable is the smart selection. Steel cables are mighty enough to endure and withstand season after changing seasons of weather. One hundred degrees difference in temperature can’t decompose steel wire rope. It will give you the same top-level performance day in and day out, whether you’re in a sizzling and scorching summer or a whipping windy winter. If you need to pull objects and snowplow regularly, then steel cable is going to give you the most reliable grip without grinding the material down. However, proceed with caution – overexertion can snap a steel cable, which in turn can cause bodily injury and/or death.
Synthetic cable is a sufficient selection for the snow plowing jobs that you only need to do once a week on average, along with some occasional object pulling. It is ideal for the low-risk personality who thinks “safety first.” Word to the wise, synthetic rope is best served in predictable climates with seasons that change gradually, and don’t see tons of rain.
Line Tugging Capacity
Do you own a dog? Did you ever play tug a war with your dog over a rope? Think about that satisfactory feeling you got the first time you beat your dog at the tug of war and got the rope from him or her after pulling so hard. Wasn’t it a great feeling to have gotten the upper hand on your pooch? You should expect nothing less than that same level of satisfaction knowing that your steel ropes or synthetic rope line are going to give that same type of premier performance in the clutch when you need it most. Make sure you get a winch that has the line tugging capacity to put up a fight and come out victorious in its pulling power endeavors. How much pulling power does the winch rope line pull need? It’s basic arithmetic. Add the weight of your ATV/UTV vehicle to the combined weight of all the other items in your ATV/UTV vehicle that you lug around, and times that amount by 1.5.
The Proportion of the Winch and its Might
What size winch will your ATV/UTV make room for? To be sure, pull out your cell phone and take a close-up selfie from the front and the side of the vehicle. The front picture will give you a good indication of the amount of space within which a winch can fit. The side picture will give you an idea if you have the amount of width available to slide your winch into a mounting position. For all the technical people out there, you can take a measuring tape to get the precise distances between the front opening space and from the rail bar to the bottom of the bumper.
Think of the might of your winch in three different categories: light-weight, middle-weight, and heavy-weight. A lightweight or smaller winch can tug objects or substances up to 2,000 pounds. Winches in this category are ideal for removing up to 8 inches of snow. A middle-weight winch can handle moving objects or substances between 2,000 to 3,000 pounds. Use these winches for snow removal jobs that require moving between 8 and 16 inches of snow. A heavy-weight winch becomes vital to pulling objects and substances above 3,000 pounds. Get these winches for winters that are long and have multiple blizzards demanding snow of 16 inches and above to be removed.
Nature is Unpredictable so Get a Guarantee
When it comes to ATVs/UTVs and winches, gas will provide operation, but water could make for incapacitation. Think of watching a news story on T.V. about a major flood, where a brave driver took a chance and tried to drive his vehicle through a pond of water underneath a bridge. It didn’t work out so well for the driver of the vehicle, as the water poured into the engine, rendering it useless. All that is left is a floating 4,000 or more pounds vehicle, and an evacuated driver that had to make an unexpected swimming trip.
Of course, this is extreme, but the moral of the story is clear – make it a point to find out how much water your ATV/UTV and your winch can be exposed to. Look for an exact answer here. You need to know if the amount of water exposure can be frequent, some, a little, or none, while still maintaining proper operation of the winch and the ATV/UTV. The amount of water exposure the winch and ATV/UTV can absorb and still operate will depend on if they are sealed or not. Make it a point to find out if the sealing has been applied to the winch and the ATV/UTV.
Your warranty is your guarantee. Don’t leave the store without one. It is a protection that you can’t go without. Remember, any product that will cost you a considerable amount of money should provide you with a considerable amount of years of protection, preferably a lifetime if available. If not, then get a warranty with the highest amount of years of protection possible. Also, find out if that warranty will cover your ATV/UTV and your winch under the conditions of exposure to water, dirt, and sand.
Weight Performing Ability
It is said that a full-time college student carries a “full load” when he or she takes five classes that are all challenging. Winches carry their full load in that there is a weight limit that winches can carry, while still having the ability to perform safely. This is also known as the load capacity. This weight limit should be greater than the combined weight of your ATV/UTV vehicle, yourself, and all the other items that are in the vehicle.
Put on the Brakes
When it comes to braking, either a mechanical brake system or a dynamic brake system will get the job done. Both of these braking systems serve the purpose of halting the rotation of the drum so that it stops moving. A mechanical braking system will provide resistance to drum movement through a lever and locking mechanism, and a dynamic brake system will provide resistance to drum movement through a gear system. Both mechanical and dynamic brake systems are good for your ATV.
Line Pull Velocity
They say you can’t teach speed to a player, which is true. However, you can recruit a speedy player for your team. The same is true for the line speed of a winch. It comes down to which winch is going to pull a heavy load from point A to point B the fastest. By heavy I mean any vehicle or object around 3,000 pounds or heavier.
Exposure to Water
Both steel and synthetic line ropes can perform well in water. Word of warning though – proper maintenance of both line types is required for them to maintain high quality and perform well as they face exposure to water over time.
Water can cause steel to rust, and rust can affect the grip of a steel line if you are pulling an object, such as a tree limb off of the path of a road. When not in use, treat your entire steel line with WD-40 to help prevent rust.
The synthetic line will drift easily on the water. With synthetic, it’s all about the treatment of the line after it has been exposed to dirty muddy water. Dirt engrains itself inside the rope over time, which is why in the warmer weather months you should take a hose and spray down the whole synthetic line after it has been exposed to dirty water from mud, ponds, and swamps. However, refrain from doing this in the winter. A wet synthetic line rope can freeze in the winter when it is coiled back up in your winch, as your ATV/UTV sits in the garage. It might be wise to install an infrared tube heater in your garage to help regulate the garage temperature and prevent freezing. Just be sure that your ATV/UTV winch sits away from the heater so that the line rope isn’t damaged by the heat.
Video Credit – 4 Wheel Online
Size
Winch Size Matters
Look for clues in the product model name. For example, the number 20 at the end of the product model name could be an indicator that this particular winch product size is 2,000 pounds. Always look at the product specifications listing to be sure.
The most elaborate winch design and the most creative winch model name are all well and good, but it’s all for not if the winch doesn’t fit on your buggy. The front and back of your ATV/UTV provide you with a set amount of mounting area space. Both the size of the winch and the mounting plate must be compatible with this area of space.
As a general rule of them, the maximum size weight that an ATV vehicle will accommodate is 3,500 pounds, whereas the maximum size weight a UTV vehicle will accommodate is 4,500 pounds.
Keep your ATV/UTV user manual in a place where you can quickly refer to it, whether it’s under your vehicle seat or in a desk drawer. The user manual will tell you the size ATV winch of your ATV/UTV vehicle if you don’t know it off the top of your memory. What if you lost the user manual? No worries! Any search engine should be able to tell you the weight of your ATV/UTV vehicle if you know even part of the product model name (e.g., Superwinch 1145230 weight). Also, there should be a digital version of your user manual on the internet.
I recommend taking the combined weight of your ATV/UTV vehicle, yourself, and all the other items in your vehicle and multiplying that number by two, to choose a weight size for your ATV winch.
Installation
Winch Installation
Once you know about the winch proper mount area space you have available, and you have calculated the weight size of your winch, the next course of action is to determine what type(s) of mounting plate(s) will fit in your available mounting space area. Be aware that not every ATV/UTV winch comes with a mounting plate. Some mounting hardware has to be bought separately from the winch.
The winch mount plate must not only fit into your available mounting space area, but the mounting plate must also be compatible with the ATV/UTV winch you purchased. By compatible, I mean the slots on the mounting plate must line up to properly accommodate, fit, and fasten the particular winch you bought. Also, winch mounts plates must be able to stand up to the heavy-duty wear and tear that the winch may undergo. Talking to a manufacturer’s sales representative regarding this is advisable.
To install your ATV/UTV winch, use a winch kit and follow the steps below. First, remove the spark plug from the ATV/UTV vehicle for safety purposes. Second, remove the bolts that hold up the rail bar guard that is in front of your bumper. Skip this step if the rail guard bar design allows you to slide the ATV/UTV winch and mounting kit plate into place. Third, set the winch above the mounting plate place the bolts in the slots, and fasten the bolts tightly with washers and nuts. Fourth, re-install the rail bar guard by fastening the bolts tightly back in place (do this only if you had to do step two). Fifth, install the roller fairlead in front of the winch. Sixth, pull the winch line through the roller fairlead and connect the hook clamp to the winch line. Seventh, remove the plastic guard that covers the battery with the help of a winch kit. Eighth, hook up the positive and negative lead cables to the battery. On the ninth, reinstall the spark plug.
How does an ATV winch operate? It’s as the saying goes, “An action leads to a chain-reaction.” The battery will electrically communicate with the motor, and the motor, in turn, will toss power to the gear train, which will in turn spin the winch’s drum, which will, in turn, yank the line cable, which will, in turn, raise a snowplow or draw another object or vehicle closer to the ATV/UTV vehicle.
Video Credit – Navigate Offroad
Info
Putting the Winch to Work
Having your ATV/UTV stuck in the mud puts you out of business real fast. The winch, however, puts you back in business. Find a solid anchor point nearby, such as a large tree, and harness your line rope around that tree with a sling. Hang a large blanket over the line rope, so that in case the line does snap, the blanket will provide the protection to keep you from getting injured or killed. Make sure to turn the clutch so that the drum can turn. With the engine of your ATV/UTV on, engage the winch and begin pulling your vehicle out of the mud.
What makes ATV/UTV winches great for snow plowing is that you can activate the winch to raise the snow plow up and down, so that snow can be dumped off away from the path you are clearing.
A winch also comes in handy after a powerful thunderstorm by helping to clear debris from the road, such as tree limbs, so that vehicles can move freely through the area.
Also, you can help another ATV/UTV traveler from getting stuck out of the mud or out of a ditch. If you are pulling the vehicle out of a deep ditch, then be sure to harness your line rope around a tree if possible, using a sling, as stated above. This is because a deep ditch will most likely require that your vehicle has a solid anchor point so that you and it don’t slide into the ditch where the other vehicle is.
Options
Winch Wire Hookup
When hooking up the wiring of your winch, it is again important to stress that you remove the spark plug from the ATV/UTV to protect yourself from electric shock. The key concept for successful wiring diagram hookups is to match the positives with the positives and the negatives with the negatives. Connect the winch motor steel wire rope to the solenoid. Run the ATV battery wires over to the solenoid. Hook up the solenoid’s wires to the battery. Again, all wire connections must pair up positive with positive and negative with negative.
FAQ
Inquiries - Frequently Asked Questions
- How much weight can I pull with my ATV/UTV winch?
When selecting the maximum weight of the winch for your ATV or UTV, think double or nothing. Choosing a winch weight that is roughly double the sum of your ATV/UTV gross vehicle weight, yourself, a fully charged gas tank, and all other items in your vehicle will ensure that the winch can pull you out when you get stuck.
- What are you planning on lugging around?
The saying goes, “The bigger they are, the harder they fall.” However, there should be a continuation to that statement. It could be said, “The harder they fall, the more effort it will take to move them.” This holds for lumberjack moving logs in the forest, and for the hunter removing roadkill from a trail path. If you’re not sure of the weight of the objects, substances, or animals that you intend to move, then set aside some time to research how much each of these objects, substances, and animals weigh. You want to be prepared and equipped with the proper winch to do the job.
- Are you aware of the makeup of the terrain that your ATV will be trampling over?
Going out into the wilderness demands that you know ahead of time what you might be getting into. This includes terrain landscapes such as bumpy hills, dipping ditches, mucky muddy puddles on a dirt path, rugged mountain valleys, pebble-laden gravel roads, etc. Remember, the more uneven the ground surface that you ride on, then the greater the chance there is for getting stuck. Think ahead and ride wisely.
- Can I use my ATV winch for multiple purposes?
The answer to this question is a resounding “YES.”You have different ATV winch options for different purposes. Winches are utility devices that serve multiple purposes, including getting your own ATV/UTV unstuck, snow plowing, hauling and removing objects or animals, and pulling another ATV/UTV out of mud or a ditch. Winches are tailor-made for the outdoor weekend warrior, and the outdoor day in day out warrior. An ATV/UTV winch truly is a multi-purpose product.
- Will my ATV/UTV winch work to pull a pick-up truck?
You are strongly advised to not use your ATV/UTV winch on your pick-up truck for safety features. A pick-up truck weighs much more than what most ATV/UTV winches are designed to pull. The odds are great that the line will snap if you do this. A snapped line can injure or kill you. Also, your ATV/UTV engine, battery, and winch’s motor do not have the operating powers to complete such a task. Damage is likely to occur. Replacing these parts is expensive. It’s not worth it. Don’t do this.
- Which size winch will suit my ATV/UTV?
As stated earlier, add up the following: the weight of your ATV/UTV vehicle, the weight of yourself, the weight of a full tank of gas, and the combined weight of everything you carry around inside your ATV/UTV (e.g., parts, equipment, supplies, etc.). Take this number and multiply it by two. The answer you get in pounds is the size winch you should buy.
Final Verditc
Conclusion
Do I get a return on investment for what I am buying? If you can answer “yes” to that question, then the purchase is worth it. Not only does an ATV/UTV winch give you a return on your financial investment, but it does it year after year. The benefits you receive will quadruple what you paid to get the winch in the first place. You can’t say that about every product that you buy. The best ATV winch for snow plowing is the one that gives you more of your free time back, helps you to make your on-the-job duties easier, and lets you have fun while you work. With a great winch, you will not even feel like you are working while you’re at work. You can’t beat that feeling.
Author
About the Author
Earl Wilson
Earl Wilson is a French-based American blogger. For a decade, he has covered the ins and outs of the motor industry, studied vehicles on six continents, and is incurably obsessed with rolling antique econoboxes.
