Plow Operator's Guide - Basic Guide to Plowing

HOW THE PLOW WORKS

BEFORE YOU PLOW

Lifting Plow The plow requires a lifting device. The lifting device may be a winch or a plow lift. If a winch is used, it is recommended that the operator replace the winch rope with the plow lift rope listed in the accessories section of the WARN Powersports catalog ( www. warn.com ). It is also recommended, that the standard winch roller fairlead be replaced with the plow roller fairlead. This fairlead has a large bottom roller that will reduce rope wear. Using a winch to raise and lower a plow will cause rope wear. WARNING Always replace a damaged or worn rope. Consult the WARN Basic Guide to Winching booklet. For rigging, route the winch rope hook to the hook eye and attach. Be sure the hook latch is completely closed. WARNING Always use hook with a latch. The plow lift is another method for lifting the plow. This device is specifically designed to lift the plow blade and does not use a rope. The plow lift has internal parts that prevent it from extending due to plow weight. It also contains internal switches that automatically stop the device when fully extended or retracted.

Setting Spring Tension WARNING Never remove the springs and hard fixture the blade to the plow base or vehicle. Doing so will prevent the plow from tripping (rollover) during an impact with a low- lying object and possibly damage the plow, vehicle, or eject the rider from the vehicle causing serious injury or death.

WARNING Always be sure the T-handle pivot latch is fully engaged before plowing. In some instances it may be necessary to push down on the handle to engage it into the plow base. Failure to properly engage the plow may result in loss of vehicle control which can lead to vehicle damage, personal injury, or even death. Install the Plow Make sure that the plow and vehicle are on a flat, level surface before attempting to attach the plow to the vehicle mount. The vehicle engine should be off, transmission should be in park and/or the parking brake set. The front wheels should be straight and the plow blade pivot angle should be set to the straight position before installing the plow. Debris such as rocks, dirt, and branches can become lodged in the plow mount while operating the vehicle without the plow. Inspect the mount for any debris, damage and to make sure fasteners are properly torqued before installing or using the plow. The plow retaining pins are secured to the mount by a bail. This bail can become damaged with use. Inspect the bail to make sure that it locks firmly to the mount. Remove the pin and bend the bail wire as needed to ensure that it fits tightly to the mount.

The spring tension on the WARN plow can be adjusted by shifting the spring eye bolts forward or backward.

Backward (toward vehicle)

Forward (toward plow blade)

Shifting the eye bolt forward will soften the spring setting. The softer spring setting will lower the blade rollover force and should be used with lighter vehicles and typically the most aggressive (forward) blade attack angle. Shifting the eye bolt backward will stiffen the spring. The stiff setting will produce the highest blade rollover force. Using the stiff spring position with the most aggressive (forward) blade attack angle position will produce the highest scraping action, useful for gravel driveway maintenance or plowing ice and snow clean. To shift the eye bolt, loosen the nuts (TIP: Push down on spring to relieve pressure on eye bolt) securing the eye bolt to the plow assembly. Shift the eye bolt forward or backward. Once you have the eye bolt in your desired position, tighten the nuts to the recommended torque. NOTE: Be sure to keep tension between the two springs equal.

Setting Blade Attack Angle Usually one angle setting will work fine for most situations. The most aggressive attack angle (top of blade tipped forward (“A”) is recommended for use when moving sand and gravel. This setting will also produce better scraping action on ice or hardpack snow covered surfaces. The middle attack angle setting (“B”) will provide a good all around performance. This setting should be used with heavy or wet snow.

use with deep snow. This setting allows the wear bar to slide under the snow and produce the most blade down force. To adjust the blade attack angle remove the socket head capscrew from the middle position (each side). Rotate the blade to the desired position. While lining up holes, insert bolt in the desired position and torque to recommendation.

Plow lift

Alone the plow is an effective tool, but when used with certain accessories and enhancements your WARN plow can become even more versatile and productive. In this section we will review several of these items. Contact your local dealer or visit: www.warn.com to purchase your accessories. WARNING Always inspect winch rope, hook, and slings before operating winch. Frayed, kinked or damaged winch rope must be replaced immediately. Damaged components must be replaced before operation. Protect parts from damage.

Moldboard Preparation The moldboard surface has a nonstick material in the coating from the factory. However, like all nonstick surfaces, this coating will wear out over time. A surface modifier such as wax or nonstick spray may be applied to the moldboard surface periodically to produce the best material roll.

B

A

C

A

B

C

The least aggressive attack angle (blade tipped back- “C”) is recommended for

WARN INDUSTRIES 9

WARN INDUSTRIES 10

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