Winch for Polaris Ranger

I just bought a 2015 polaris ranger midsize 570 and need to buy a winch that will be primarily used for the plow. I’m looking at 3,500 LBs but as far as what winch to get, I am unsure. I don’t think I really need a warn or polaris brand, but would like one that isn’t cheap quality. Anyone have any winch recommendations for a Ranger? Like I said, its main use will just be for plowing and will very rarely be used for anything else. I’d like to avoid breaking the bank if possible. Thanks for the suggestions!

I’ve been running a badlands winch from harbor freight it was 170 bucks or ball park. And I’ve had 0 issues with it in 3 years. I use mine often and abuse it. I had more issues with my warn.

thanks bearcat. What LB is your badlands winch? Its funny you said that. The guy I bought the Ranger from gave me a 2,500 badlands winch from harbor freight he bought for it but never put on, so its new in the box. Something told me I should get something bigger/better than the harbor freight brand. 2,500 lbs seems a little on the light side for a ranger. I’m glad to hear you are happy with yours tho – it is encouraging.

Mine is not on a ranger its on a can am outlander 800, but I run the 2500lbs.
If its used for plowing and not heavy duty off roading I think that would work just fine.
If you plan on being buried in the mud and such then I’d go 3500 or 5000. But if its plowing you will be fine.
I was skeptical about harbor freight when I got it to. But 3 guys I ride with run them and I’ve never seen a hiccup in any of them

KFI Makes a great winch. They’re a Minnesota company that manufacturers all mounts, plows and most accessories here in MN. The winches are imported (like almost all winches) but they’re great quality.

KFI is what i would get. made in mn and decent prices

If it is just for plowing the plow lifts work much better than a winch, more durable and a lot faster. I have a warn brand lift on my moose plow for the atv and a winch on the Ranger….but the lifts also can cost more.

Viper from motoalliance, also made in MN, are great!

This will also depend on what plow you use. Better plows are always much heavier. I have a #4000 Polaris winch on mine and it lifts the plow no problem. I did beef up the front shocks so it didn’t push the front end down so much when raising the plow. I bought mine from Moto Alliance also a Minnesota compny. I think it was called the Denali. It’s a tapered and curved plow and not just a straight blade much like what you see on the city plow trucks. Works great but also heavy.

If you do a good deal of plowing it’s hard on a winch. I usually run a synthetic plow cable on my winch for plowing that’s like 8′ long. If it breaks you can fix it on the spot in a few minutes. I always have a spare with me just in case. I plow a few elderly folks in my neighborhood as well so I plow more than the average person would I guess.