Driving on snow and ice

Phil705 · 2009-11-05 10:38:53

Greetings. Earlier I got advice from the Forum, and bought a Polaris Ranger 800. I'm happy! But some questions. We took it up into the mountains of North Central Washington State yesterday, and got into some snow and ice. The rear was a bit squirrely going uphill at low speed in 4x4 and 2wd. I bought chains for the rear, as I plan to do some light snow plowing in the winter, and our biggest problem is often ice. (I didn't need them yesterday.)

So two questions:

One, will a sand bag or two in the bed help the traction?

Two, why does the dealer not recommend chains on the front? I did not get a clear reason. Seems to me that if it does not cause damage, common sense would say that chains on all four wheels equals better traction.

I'd appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.

Phil705
Winthrop WA

Titan · 2009-11-05 16:26:12

#1 Yes, sand bags will help.
#2 Chains on the front will make the wheels bind in a tight turn. The inside tire needs to slip to make up the differance in speed. Chains will make so much grip that eventually the locker or gears will break due to the stress. The bigest problem with chains on the front is that 4X4 systems in a ATV or UTV are just not built heavy duty enuf to take the extra grip added by chains.
I would bet money on a broken U joint, striped gear or bearing loss with in 2 years due to the added weight of the plow and abuse the front end takes with chaines. (no matter how easy you take it) The rear is less likely to wear out as fast due to the lack of steering components and weight.
Its hard to really explain well, its just not a good idea to run chains on the front.

I plow with my Rhino, no chains, no sand bags, 3-1/2 + feet of snow, no problem. She takes it like a champ.

Phil705 · 2009-11-05 16:41:27

Thanks for the reply, I thought you did a good job of explaining the problem with chains. I won't use chains on the front, and I will only use them on the back when necessary. I have a steep hill, and about as much snow as you (typically 2-4 feet on the ground during the winter.) And we have a fair number of days when we get a warm spell, the snow melts, then freezes solid at night. I spun out one time with a Tucker snowcat with steel grousers, if you get my drift.

Do you expect the same problems that you mentioned with the Yamaha just using a blade?

thanks

Titan · 2009-11-05 18:08:11

I used my Rhino every storm last year and only had one small problem. My plow hooks into the 2 inch receiver hitch in the front. With so much force on one spot I bent my hitch a little. The problem was solved with a nylon tiedown strap. I turn my shock springs up 2 notches when I put on my plow.
I dont see any problems with any thing in the frontend breaking as long as Im not running chains, I have had trouble in the past and know other people who also have had trouble with chains..
I did have to add some plow lights thoe. When I lift my plow it blocks my stock headlights. Something you may want to look into befor you find out you need them the hard way.

seal-beam auto headlight in a rubber housing, $30.00+/- auto parts store, extremly heavy duty

Phil705 · 2009-11-06 12:22:02

thanks. Does the L shaped bracket some with the light kit? I think adding lights makes a lot of sense.

Badley · 2009-11-06 14:18:36

Did you fab that bracket Titan? I have been thinking of adding some more lighting - check out this bracket made by Axia
http://www.axiaalloys.com/YamahaRhinoBi … tMount.htm

You can get them through http://www.ruthlessmotorsports.com/ - site vendor

Titan · 2009-11-06 17:45:09

I got that bracket out of a 500 gallon military fuel storage tank
Axia looks sweet but Im working on a tight budget right now.
Phil705 : I used spare parts I had laying around to mount that set of lights. worked mint thoe just had to drill out one hole bigger.

Phil705 · 2009-11-06 20:24:59

Sweet way to innovate. Thanks once again.

mbroyles · 2009-11-07 13:07:18

I got that bracket out of a 500 gallon military fuel storage tank

... now if only I could find that 500 gallon military fuel storage tank I misplaced.

Well done Titan.

Titan · 2009-11-07 21:37:08

I use the tank in my 1 Ton dump truck for fire fighting. the tank and water pump belong to the town.
I had to strip out all the military crap in the tank. I dont throw anything away, it all gets used sometime.

RUTHLESSMOTORSPORTS · 2009-11-16 14:56:06

Thought I would throw in my .02 on this. A new product for 2009 is the ITP Tundra Cross and make plowing and driving on ice and snow a dream.

Some info-
Leave it to ITP to deliver the ATV/UTV industry’s first production snow and ice tire! The all-new TundraCross features 96 carbide-tipped steel case studs that are strategically placed for maximum performance on ice and snow. The TundraCross is based on ITP’s highly successful TerraCross R/T XD design, and features fully sipped (thinly cut) lugs, which result in more traction-grabbing edges and maximum traction in loose, slippery conditions.

Its tough 6-ply bias construction is light in weight and offers excellent flotation to keep the tire “on top” of the snow. A proven Rim Guard keeps snow and ice out of the bead area and protects the wheel lip. The TundraCross debuts in two sizes: 25×9-12 and 25×10-12.

According to Minnesota-based Rox Speed FX, who assisted in the development of this tire, “These carbon studs have no mercy on whatever surface they come in contact with, not only clawing their way through ice and snow but over frozen logs and dirt. With the TundraCross mounted we now welcome the onset of winter and all its changes and challenges. The TundraCross adds one more season of capability to any utility/4×4 ATV or side-by-side UTV, helping to put the ‘all’ in all-terrain.”

We have these tires in stock ready to ship.

RUTHLESSMOTORSPORTS · 2009-11-16 14:57:54

Incase you have not seen them here is a picture as well.

Titan · 2009-11-16 16:36:48

That would be alot better than running chains.

ubeenstroked · 2009-11-17 12:29:41

badley,
The bracket that Titan used for his lights, looks similar to a Unistrut L. You should be able to find them in the electrical department of any local hardware store.

Nice job Titan, i'm probably going to steal your idea.

Titan · 2009-11-17 14:04:43

The lights work well there but the only problem I see is that they get in the way to open the hood. I used large wing nuts on the lights so I dont need any tools to move the lights. I just loosen the light up a bit and turn it to the side. it may not bother if the lights are round.

#1 2009-11-05 10:38:53

Re: Driving on snow and ice

#2 2009-11-05 16:26:12

Re: Driving on snow and ice

#3 2009-11-05 16:41:27

Re: Driving on snow and ice

#4 2009-11-05 18:08:11

Re: Driving on snow and ice

#5 2009-11-06 12:22:02

Re: Driving on snow and ice

#6 2009-11-06 14:18:36

Re: Driving on snow and ice

#7 2009-11-06 17:45:09

Re: Driving on snow and ice

#8 2009-11-06 20:24:59

Re: Driving on snow and ice

#9 2009-11-07 13:07:18

Re: Driving on snow and ice

#10 2009-11-07 21:37:08

Re: Driving on snow and ice

#11 2009-11-16 14:56:06

Re: Driving on snow and ice

#12 2009-11-16 14:57:54

Re: Driving on snow and ice

#13 2009-11-16 16:36:48

Re: Driving on snow and ice

#14 2009-11-17 12:29:41

Re: Driving on snow and ice

#15 2009-11-17 14:04:43

Re: Driving on snow and ice

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