Mark in Colorado Posted October 28, 2019 Member ID: 242 Content Count: 135 Reputation: 48 Joined: 10/22/2019 Status: Offline Last Seen: Tuesday at 02:42 PM Share Posted October 28, 2019 We got 10” of snow last night here in Colorado Springs and I wanted to share a real-usage report on how the Defender XT Cab with ProMount 72” Steel plow did. These were tough conditions: 13F, 10”, very steep (20% grade in spots): - CanAm 27” Chains: Excellent. Used 4WD but not the lockers. Great engine-hold down hill, superb traction uphill. Work Mode seemed ideal (I tried them all). I did hit the rear lockers once with it in 2WD just for the fun of it - I swear it would climb a tree. What an amazingly capable machine. Fun! - ProMount 72” Steel - Good, but the stock paint would not shed snow or allow for a good blade roll (see picture). It loads up badly and sticks. I’ll be painting the with a Meyer Plow blade paint. My wife suggested Pam spray! No issues with the power angling hydraulics at all (even when frozen). - Heater / Defroster - AWESOME! With the winter radiator front it stayed warm (hot really) and fog free under horrible conditions. - Brakes - Hmmmm, had to mention this: as the machine began to freeze up outside after about 45 min, the brakes required about 3x the foot pressure to stop. I’ve got a heated garage and I’m thawing then now. Will research... wrong fluid DOT rating maybe? - Wiper - Almost Perfect... I’d pay cash money for a wiper delay relay of some kind. Anyone know of an upgrade? I found myself constantly reaching up to turn it on/off. Never once had to use the washer. The windshield stayed warm to the touch even at near-single-digit temps and blowing snow. - Headlights - GREAT, but need A Roof Light Bar - a classic plowing problem, but won’t put that CanAm unit up there: ugly, too expensive, too high. Will wire up a 52” LED bar shortly. The Can-Am runs circles around my old Bronco plow rig! - Mark 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andystoy19 Posted October 28, 2019 Member ID: 133 Content Count: 699 Reputation: 156 Joined: 04/24/2019 Status: Offline Last Seen: 18 hours ago Share Posted October 28, 2019 Good write up and the pics to prove it. Dupont Snow and Ice comes in a spray container was recommended on the sled forum. I haven't tried it yet but bought two cans. I intend to use it on the running board area of the sled where we tend to get snow and ice build up. Buy a can and spray part of the blade and see if it meets your expectations. Brakes, I suspect freezing of the calipers with the amount of snow your wheels are holding, which is normal for the job your doing. Brake fluid shouldn't be a problem but the brake calipers will freeze because of packed snow and ice and a warm rotor? 🤔 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBRDef19 Posted October 30, 2019 Member ID: 186 Content Count: 10 Reputation: 8 Joined: 07/24/2019 Status: Offline Last Seen: November 9, 2021 Share Posted October 30, 2019 Great set up, are the tire chains a must? I drive my machine all around town so not sure I want to deal with chains. This will be my first winter with the SXS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark in Colorado Posted October 30, 2019 Member ID: 242 Content Count: 135 Reputation: 48 Joined: 10/22/2019 Status: Offline Last Seen: Tuesday at 02:42 PM Author Share Posted October 30, 2019 PBRDef19, for me the chains are a must. Our drive is 318’ long and has two 20% pitches. Lots of snow and ice. I worried about not having front chains but it handles the hill just fine with just the rear set. -Mark 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Jackson Posted December 4, 2023 Member ID: 2,311 Content Count: 1 Reputation: 0 Joined: 12/02/2023 Status: Offline Last Seen: December 4, 2023 Share Posted December 4, 2023 Impressive performance in challenging conditions! 🌨️ Your firsthand experience with the Defender XT Cab navigating 10 inches of snow on a 20% grade is invaluable. The CanAm 27” Chains and the ProMount 72” Steel plow seem like a formidable combo. Have you ever considered using a snow day predictor to anticipate these exciting adventures? Your insights make this forum a treasure trove for fellow enthusiasts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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