A Complete Buyer’s Guide For Polaris Ranger Snow Plow Kits
Oct 8th 2018
Whether winter is quickly approaching, or already beating down on you with bitter cold fronts, bone-chilling winds, and heaps of snow, it's always a good idea to be prepared. And while the winter snowpack is a playground for skiers, snowmobilers, snowshoers and the like, it presents a challenge for people with parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks that need to be regularly cleared of snow. Forget the backbreaking task of shoveling, and never mind cost prohibitive tools like snow blowers, because you own a Polaris Ranger! Consequently, you’re already one step ahead, as there are countless Polaris Ranger plow blades, Polaris Ranger plow kits, and other snow-related accessories for the Polaris Ranger that will save you time, reduce your workload, and get you by until spring.
But with so many aftermarket snow plow kits available for the Polaris Ranger, you might be asking yourself “which one is right for me”? By the end of this guide, we hope that you’ll have a better understanding of what makes a good snow plow, and can feel both confident and capable to make a well-informed decision that benefits you. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Finding The Best Polaris Ranger Snow Plow For Your Budget And Needs
The size, style, and type of snow plow kit you choose for your Polaris Ranger will depend on many factors. So getting a Polaris Ranger snow plow that matches your needs is crucial.
Size Matters
Size is an important thing to consider when deciding on a Polaris Ranger snow plow. The size of snow plow blades vary in terms of both width and height. Generally, they range from around 60 inches wide -- like the smallest system by Eagle Plows -- to upwards of 72 inches -- like the full-size Polaris Ranger plow kit by EMP. Obviously, the larger the blade, the more area you can cover in a shorter amount of time. So if you are simply searching for a plow to shovel your sidewalk and driveway, a smaller Polaris Ranger snow plow system will do. But if you’re looking for a commercial-grade plow for your Ranger 570, Ranger 800, or Ranger 1000, we say go big or go home!
Polaris Ranger Straight Blades VS. Polaris Ranger V Blades
Unlike commercial road plows or aftermarket snow plow kits for pickup trucks, UTV plows like those by Moose, KFI, and Open Trail generally use a straight blade design -- as opposed to the Polaris Ranger V-plow blade. Both plow designs get the job done, and with swivel, pivot, and lift functionalities, a Polaris Ranger straight blade can direct, push, and scoop snow in a similar manner to a V blade.
The most significant difference between straight and V blades for the Polaris Ranger arise when dealing with frozen snow and ice. Because of its shape, the V blade’s sharp tip can slice through harder material better than the flat edge of a straight blade.
Material Comparison
Like most side-by-side components and accessories, Polaris Ranger snow plows are made from a variety of materials -- each of which having its now specific set of pros and cons. The three primary materials used in UTV plows are polyethylene, mild steel, and stainless steel. Let’s dig in to identify a few strengths and weaknesses of each material.
Polyethylene Polaris Ranger snow plows:
Polyethylene -- commonly referred to as poly -- provides a good combination of sturdiness, slickness, strength, and durability. They are typically scratch and dent resistant, with colors that don’t fade over time. The low friction rating of Polaris Ranger polyethylene snow plows causes snow to glide right across the material, easily sliding off to the sides during use.
Counterintuitively, polyethylene Polaris Ranger plow blades typically end up being more expensive and heavier than their steel counterparts once they are properly hooked up, and this is due primarily to the heavy framework needed to reinforce the plow section.
Mild Steel Polaris Ranger Snow Plows:
Mild steel is the most common material used to make Polaris Ranger snow plows. This type of steel is preferred among many manufacturers and riders alike because of its low cost. Mild steel Polaris Ranger snow plows do tend to rust or corrode over time after prolonged use, but because they are almost always treated with special paints or powder coatings, their longevity can be extended into perpetuity.
The biggest drawback to mild steel plows for the Polaris Ranger are that they are noisy and tend to rattle incessantly during use. This can be annoying to both the driver and the neighboring residents if the plow is in operation during the early morning or late evening hours.
Stainless Steel Polaris Ranger Snow Plows:
Stainless steel is a modern material that has just recently been incorporated into Polaris Ranger snow plows by UTV plow manufacturers. Unlike mild steel, stainless steel plows for the Polaris Ranger are designed to resist rust and corrosion and have a slick outer layer to direct incoming snow -- slicker than mild steel but not as slick as polycarbonate. Stainless steel is also more aesthetically pleasing to some Polaris Ranger owners, with its shiny chrome color and modern metallic feel.
Stainless steel plows have many of the same drawbacks as mild steel plows -- like the noise factor -- but they are better at resisting corrosion / rust and are arguably more durable. This is a contentious issue, however, as other riders argue that stainless steel plows are easily dented, which can detract from their looks and reduce the plow's utility over time.
Required Components For A Polaris Ranger Snow Plow System
Although it's important, the plow blade isn’t the only part that you’ll need for a properly functioning UTV snow plow. In many cases, you’ll also need a winch -- as well as a winch mount to attach the winch to your machine -- and a push tube. Where the winch is concerned, power is important, but the control mechanism is of even greater importance. If you don’t have in-cab or dash-mounted switches / controls, it could become a tedious task to raise and lower the plow blade.
The push tube of your Polaris Ranger plow setup is important as it needs to be strong enough to handle the forces of the snow piling up in front of it. As we mentioned earlier, poly blades often require heavier push tubes, making the complete kit heavier than units with steel blades.
Most push tubes are universal, but it is always worth checking to make sure they’ll fit both your UTV and your snow plow blade before buying. Most times, however, the blade comes with a push tube as a complete Polaris Ranger snow plow system -- and sometimes even a winch is included. If you’re ever in doubt, stick with the same brand for all three components and they should be compatible. Alternatively, Polaris Ranger snow plow push tube extension kits are also available, which give you more length and allow you to run plow systems that would otherwise not fit.
Wrapping Up
Whatever you decide, installing a snow plow on your Polaris Ranger 900 XP, Polaris Ranger 1000 XP, or even Polaris Ranger 570 will make your winters a lot more bearable. The right plow for your needs will depend on the size you need, the style you require, and the looks you desire. But at the end of the day, most Polaris Ranger snow plows will get the job done, although some will do it better than others. While kits like Koplin’s Switchable Plow System are famous for their low cost, others kits like the Plow Pro by SuperATV are chosen for their sheer power and reliability.
Regardless, all I can say is plow up and get ready, because winters are long and they're only getting more ruthless. And if you’re unprepared, these long winters are only going to feel longer!
Check out our full line of snow plows!
Polaris Ranger Full-Size Snow Plows
Polaris Ranger Mid-Size Snow Plows
