Western IMPACT UTV Straight Blade Snowplow User manual

May 15, 2021
Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00
This manual supersedes all editions with an earlier date.
Mid-Duty IMPACT™ UTV
Straight Blade Manual Angle
Winch Lift Snowplow
Owner's Manual
Original Instructions
Western Products, PO Box 245038, Milwaukee, WI 53224-9538 • www.westernplows.com
A DIVISION OF DOUGLAS DYNAMICS, LLC
CAUTION
Read this document before operating or
servicing snowplow.

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 3 May 15, 2021
OWNER INFORMATION
Register your snowplow online at www.westernplows.com
Owner Name: ______________________________________________________________________________
Date Purchased: ____________________________________________________________________________
Dealer Name: ______________________________________________ Phone: _________________________
Dealer Address:_____________________________________________________________________________
Vehicle Model/Year: _________________________________________________________________________
Snowplow Model/Year: _______________________________________________________________________
Snowplow Type/Size: ______________________________________________ Weight: ______________ lb/kg
Ballast: No ___ Yes ___ Amount: ___________lb/kg
Blade Serial Number: ________________________________________________________________________

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 4 May 15, 2021

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 5 May 15, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE................................................................... 6
SAFETY ..................................................................... 7
Safety Definitions.................................................. 7
Warning/Caution & Instruction Labels .................. 7
Safety Precautions................................................ 8
Personal Safety..................................................... 9
Fire and Explosion ................................................ 9
Cell Phones........................................................... 9
Ventilation ............................................................. 9
Battery Safety ....................................................... 9
Noise..................................................................... 9
Vibration................................................................ 9
Snowplow Weight ................................................. 9
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR SNOWPLOW .......... 10
Snowplow Components ...................................... 10
Vehicle Mount Kit ................................................ 10
Winch Capacity................................................... 10
Pulley Height Adjustment.................................... 10
MOUNTING SNOWPLOW TO VEHICLE.............. 11
Attaching the Snowplow ..................................... 11
OPERATING YOUR SNOWPLOW........................ 13
Hand-Held Control.............................................. 13
Blade Positions ................................................... 13
Transporting the Snowplow ................................ 14
Driving and Plowing on Snow and Ice ................ 14
Plowing Snow ..................................................... 15
Parking with Snowplow Attached ....................... 17
Towing Disabled or Stuck Vehicles..................... 17
DETACHING SNOWPLOW FROM VEHICLE ...... 18
MAINTENANCE ...................................................... 19
Vehicle ................................................................ 19
Recycle ............................................................... 19
Emergency Parts/Tools ...................................... 19

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 6 May 15, 2021
This manual has been prepared to acquaint you with
the safety information, operation, and maintenance of
your new snowplow. Please read this manual carefully
and follow all recommendations.
Before installing a snowplow, make sure your vehicle
is equipped with our recommended options for plowing
snow. This will help ensure trouble-free operation of
your snowplow. Keep this manual accessible. It is a
handy reference in case minor service is required.
PREFACE
When service is necessary, bring your snowplow to
your local outlet. They know your snowplow best and
are interested in your complete satisfaction.
The illustrations found in this manual represent
typical components. They may not match your exact
installation.

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 7 May 15, 2021
SAFETY
SAFETY DEFINITIONS
NOTE: Indicates a situation or action that can lead
to damage to your snowplow and vehicle or other
property. Other useful information can also be
described.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
that, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. It may also be used to alert
against unsafe practices.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
that, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious personal injury.
WARNING/CAUTION & INSTRUCTION
LABELS FOR UTV STRAIGHT BLADE
Become familiar with and inform users about the
warning/caution, serial number, and instruction labels
on the back of the blade.
NOTE: If labels are missing or cannot be read, see
your sales outlet.
Instruction Label
Serial No.
Code Definition
YY 2-Digit Year
MM 2-Digit Month
DD 2-Digit Day
LL 2-Digit Location Code
XXXX 4-Digit Sequential Number
ZZZZZZ 5- to 7-Digit Blade Assembly PN
Warning/Caution Label

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 8 May 15, 2021
SAFETY
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Follow all safety and operating instructions in
your UTV owner's manual.
Improper installation and operation could cause
personal injury, and/or equipment and property damage.
Read and understand labels and this Owner's Manual
before installing, operating, or making adjustments.
WARNING
Lower the blade when the vehicle is parked.
Winch rope could fail, causing the blade to
drop unexpectedly. Failure to do this could
result in serious personal injury.
WARNING
Remove blade assembly before placing
vehicle on hoist.
WARNING
The driver shall keep bystanders clear of the
blade when it is being raised or lowered. Do
not stand between the vehicle and the blade
or within 8 feet of a moving blade. A moving
or falling blade could cause personal injury.
WARNING
Vehicle mount reduces ground clearance. Use
additional caution when driving vehicle with
mount installed. Remove vehicle mount to
restore original vehicle ground clearance at
the end of the plowing season.
WARNING
To prevent accidental movement of the blade,
always unplug the winch control whenever
the snowplow is not in use.
WARNING
Keep hands and feet clear of the blade and
sway frame when mounting or removing the
snowplow. Moving or falling assemblies could
cause personal injury.
WARNING
Do not exceed GVWR, GAWR, or
maximum vehicle load capacity,
including the blade and ballast.

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 9 May 15, 2021
VENTILATION
BATTERY SAFETY
NOISE
Airborne noise emission during use is below 95 dB(A)
for the snowplow operator.
VIBRATION
Operating snowplow vibration does not exceed 2.5 m/s2
to the hand-arm or 0.5 m/s2to the whole body.
SNOWPLOW WEIGHT
Size Blade Assembly Wt (lb) Wt (kg)
5'6" UTV Straight Blade Snowplow 175 79.3
6' UTV Straight Blade Snowplow 180 81.6
PERSONAL SAFETY
• Remove the ignition key and put the vehicle in
PARK and set the brake to prevent others from
starting the vehicle during installation or service.
• Wear only snug-fitting clothing while working on
your vehicle or snowplow.
• Do not wear jewelry or a necktie, and secure
long hair.
• Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from
battery acid, gasoline, dirt, and dust.
• Wear hearing protection such as earmuffs or
earplugs as appropriate or required.
• Avoid touching hot surfaces such as the engine,
radiator, hoses, and exhaust pipes.
• Always have a fire extinguisher rated BC handy for
flammable liquids and electrical fires.
FIRE AND EXPLOSION
Be careful when using gasoline. Do not use gasoline
to clean parts. Store only in approved containers away
from sources of heat or flame.
CELL PHONES
A driver's first responsibility is the safe operation of
the vehicle. The most important thing you can do
to prevent a crash is to avoid distractions and pay
attention to the surroundings. Wait until it is safe to
operate mobile communication equipment such as
cell phones, text messaging devices, pagers, or
two-way radios.
SAFETY
CAUTION
Batteries normally produce explosive gases
which can cause personal injury. Therefore,
do not allow flames, sparks, or lit tobacco
to come near the battery. When charging or
working near a battery, always cover your
face and protect your eyes, and also provide
ventilation.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid, which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
• Disconnect the battery before removing or
replacing any electrical components.
WARNING
Vehicle exhaust contains lethal fumes.
Breathing these fumes, even in low
concentrations, can cause death. Never
operate a vehicle in an enclosed area without
venting exhaust to the outside.
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and gasoline
vapor is explosive. Never smoke while
working on vehicle. Keep all open flames
away from gasoline tank and lines. Wipe up
any spilled gasoline immediately.

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 10 May 15, 2021
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR SNOWPLOW
SNOWPLOW COMPONENTS
A snowplow consists of all the components that are
readily removable from the vehicle as a unit. This
includes the blade, sway frame, and headgear. The
snowplow is ready and easy to mount when you need
to plow snow. When plowing is completed, remove the
snowplow.
VEHICLE MOUNT KIT
Mount kits have been designed for many UTVs. Due
to the differences among vehicle models, the kits are
not interchangeable.
The vehicle mount assembly is bolted to the underside
of the vehicle frame. It is engineered to provide the
primary connecting points between the snowplow
assembly and the vehicle. The weight of the snowplow
system is distributed to the frame of your vehicle by
the mount assembly.
WINCH CAPACITY
This snowplow has been designed for use with a
winch rated 2,500 lb to 5,000 lb.
NOTE: Continuing to press the cable retract
button on the winch control after the blade is fully
raised could damage the winch, winch cable, plow
headgear, and/or drain the vehicle battery.
PULLEY HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
To reduce the chance of premature wear of the
winch cable or rope, the cable or rope should leave
the winch and fairlead assembly as horizontally as
possible. The pulley on the headgear can be adjusted
vertically to one of two positions to minimize the angle
of the cable or rope as it leaves the fairlead. Place the
pulley in the position that results in the most horizontal
direction.
Adjust the cable restraining wire-lock clevis pin to
the corresponding hole on the lift frame based on
the pulley position chosen. The cable restraining pin
should allow the cable to pass freely over the pulley
but will prevent excess slack from de-routing the
cable over the pulley during winch operation or while
plowing.
When the plow is fully raised there should be no
contact between the cable ferrule or hook and the
headgear pulley. If contact occurs, the winch hook
should be removed and the cable loop should be
directly connected to the lift pin on the sway frame.
Cable-Restraining
Wire-Lock
Clevis Pin
Winch
Cable/Rope
Hole In
Headgear
Headgea
r
Arm
Connecting
Pin
Headgear
Blade
Jack
Stand
WARNING
Vehicle mount reduces ground clearance. Use
additional caution when driving vehicle with
mount installed. Remove vehicle mount to
restore original vehicle ground clearance at
the end of the plowing season.
Winch
Cable/Rope
Position 1
Pulley
Pulley
Position 1
Pulley
Position 2
Cable-Restraining
Wire-Lock Clevis Pin
Position 2

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 11 May 15, 2021
2. On driver's side, pull up on headgear to relieve
pressure on connecting pins while pulling driver's
side connecting pin out. Rotate pin toward mount;
insert it into connecting pin hole.
3. Verify that connecting pin is engaged in mount
(through outside and inside plates) and extends
approximately 1/8" through the plate.
4. Repeat on passenger's side.
MOUNTING SNOWPLOW TO VEHICLE
ATTACHING THE SNOWPLOW
NOTE: Use dielectric grease to prevent corrosion
on all connections.
NOTE: Use lubricant on connecting pins to ensure
ease of attach/detach.
1. Slowly drive vehicle forward to engage rear
headgear arms into receiver slots, bottoming out
headgear arms in slots.
WARNING
Inspect snowplow components and fasteners
for wear or damage whenever attaching or
detaching the snowplow. Worn or damaged
components could allow the snowplow to
drop unexpectedly.
Connecting Pin
Jack Stand
Wire-Lock
Clevis Pin Jack
Stand
Hole in Headgear
Headgear
Connecting
Pin Hole
WARNING
Keep 8' clear of the blade when it is being
raised or lowered. Do not stand between
vehicle and blade or directly in front of the
blade. If the blade hits or drops on you, you
could be seriously injured.
WARNING
Keep fingers away from snowplow and UTV
attachment points.
Receiver
Headgear
Jack
Stand
Connecting
Pin Headgear
Arm
Connecting Pin
Hole
Cable-Restraining
Wire-Lock Clevis Pin
Winch
Cable/Rope

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 12 May 15, 2021
6. Remove cable-restraining wire-lock clevis pin.
Route winch cable/rope around pulley and secure
to lift pin. Re-insert clevis pin and engage wire
lock.
7. Apply the supplied manual angle winch lift blade
attach/detach instruction label directly over the
current attach/detach label located on the back of
the blade. If the blade has no current label, place
the supplied label on the back of the blade in an
area that is visible during the attach and detach
procedure.
Thoroughly clean and dry the existing label or
blade surface area before applying the new label.
ATTACHING YOUR SNOWPLOW
5. Remove jack stand wire-lock clevis pin. Fully raise
jack stand up. Insert pin in hole and engage wire
lock.
Cable-Restraining
Wire-Lock Clevis Pin
Winch
Cable/Rope
Pulley
Lift Pin
Jack Stand
Wire-Lock
Clevis Pin
Connecting
Pin
Jack
Stand

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 13 May 15, 2021
HAND-HELD CONTROL
Function Description of Operation
RAISE
Press the cable retract switch on the winch
control until blade is at the desired height or
against the headgear stops.
NOTE: Continuing to press the cable retract
button on the winch control after the blade
is fully raised could damage the winch,
winch cable, plow headgear, and/or drain
the vehicle battery.
LOWER
Press the cable extend switch on the winch
control until blade contacts the ground then
extend out an additional 3" to 4" of cable to
allow for blade float while plowing.
ANGLE
Pull UP on the angle lock pin to release
the blade. Rotate the angle lock pin handle
counter clockwise to latch it in the unlocked
(UP) position using the detent incorporated
into the angle pin holder on the sway frame.
Move to the side of the blade. Position the blade
in the approximate desired angled position by
pushing or pulling the end of the blade toward
or away from the vehicle. Rotate the angle
lock pin clockwise slightly to unlatch it from the
detent. The angle lock pin is now spring-biased
downward to lock the blade angle once it aligns
with one of the five angle position holes.
If the pin does not fully engage the drive link,
adjust the blade angle position slightly until the
pin drops into the closest angle position holes.
Ensure that the angle lock pin is completely
engaged into the drive link and protruding slightly
through the underside of the link before plowing.
WARNING
To prevent accidental movement of the blade,
always unplug the control whenever the
snowplow is not in use.
BLADE POSITIONS: STRAIGHT BLADE
SNOWPLOW
The UTV straight blade snowplow can be used in
these plowing positions.
Straight Blade
Use straight blade for wide-path plowing or
stacking snow.
Angled Blade
Move the blade in either direction for general plowing
and widening.
OPERATING YOUR SNOWPLOW
Ensure that angle lock pin
protrudes slightly through
underside of link.

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 14 May 15, 2021
DRIVING AND PLOWING ON SNOW
AND ICE
Refer to the vehicle owner's manual instructions for
driving in snow and ice conditions. Remember, when
you drive on snow or ice, your wheels will not get good
traction. You cannot accelerate as quickly, turning
is more difficult, and you will need longer braking
distance.
Wet and hard-packed snow or ice offers the worst tire
traction. It is very easy to lose control. You will have
difficulty accelerating. If you do get moving, you may
have poor steering and difficult braking, which can
cause you to slide out of control.
Here are some tips for driving in these conditions:
• Drive defensively.
• Do not drink, and then drive or plow snow.
• Plow or drive only when you have good visibility
for operating a vehicle.
• If you cannot see well due to snow or icy
conditions, you will need to slow down.
• If you are tired, move indoors and rest.
• Keep your windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean to see around you.
• Dress properly for the weather. Wear layers of
clothing. As you get warm, you can take offlayers.
OPERATING YOUR SNOWPLOW
TRANSPORTING THE SNOWPLOW
1. Completely raise the blade.
2. Adjust the blade height for maximum vehicle
headlamp illumination.
3. Adjust the blade to the straight position.
NOTE: Overheating is unlikely under normal
driving conditions, but occasionally the snowplow
may be positioned so that it deflects air away from
the radiator. If this occurs, stop the vehicle and
raise, lower, or angle the snowplow slightly to
correct overheating.
NOTE: Only the driver should be in the vehicle
when the snowplow is attached.
WARNING
Position the blade so that it does not block
the vehicle headlamp beams.
Do not change blade position while traveling.
You could suddenly lower the blade
accidentally.
WARNING
Drinking then driving or plowing is very
dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions,
attentiveness, and judgment can be affected
by even a small amount of alcohol. You can
have a serious or even fatal collision if you
drive after drinking. Please do not drink and
then drive or plow.

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 15 May 15, 2021
PLOWING SNOW
NOTE: Only the driver should be in the vehicle
when the snowplow is attached.
CAUTION
Never stack snow with the blade angled. This
could damage the snowplow or the vehicle
bumper.
CAUTION
Plowing speed should not exceed 10 mph
(16 km/h).
WARNING
Never plow snow with head outside of the
vehicle window or rollover protection system.
Sudden stops or protruding objects could
cause personal injury.
CAUTION
Wear a seat belt when plowing snow. Hidden
obstructions could cause the vehicle to stop
suddenly, resulting in personal injury.
CAUTION
Flag any obstructions that are hard to locate
under snow, to prevent damage to product or
property.
OPERATING YOUR SNOWPLOW
General Instructions
1. Before plowing, make sure you know of any
obstructions hidden beneath the snow, such as
curbs, sidewalk, shrubs, fences, or pipes sticking
up from the ground. If you are unfamiliar with the
area to be plowed, have someone familiar with the
area point out obstacles.
2. If possible, and when you have good visibility,
plow during the storm rather than letting snow
accumulate.
3. Do not exceed 10 mph (16 km/h) when plowing
snow.
4. When you are stacking snow, begin raising the
blade as you come close to the stack. This will let
the blade ride up the stack.
5. It is recommended to start backing away slightly
from plowed snow after each pass before starting
to raise the blade. This will decrease the tension
in the winch cable/rope and reduce the electrical
draw on the UTV's charging system and battery,
resulting in increased cable/rope and battery life.
Hard-Packed Snow
1. On blades equipped with a shoe kit, raise the
anti-wear shoes so that the cutting edge comes
into direct contact with the pavement.
2. Use lowest gear to place maximum power behind
the cutting edge.
3. An angled blade is more effective for removing
hard-packed snow.

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 16 May 15, 2021
OPERATING YOUR SNOWPLOW
Deep Snow
1. Shear offtop layers by plowing with the blade
raised 3 to 4 inches for the initial pass.
2. Bite into the edges using only partial blade width
until the job is cut down to size for full-blade
plowing.
Rule of thumb:
3" of snow — plow with entire blade width
6" of snow — plow with 3/4 blade width
9" of snow — plow with 1/2 blade width
Experience and "feel" are the best guides.
3. When plowing deep snow, be sure to keep the
vehicle moving.
4. Ballast is suggested for maximum traction. Secure
ballast behind the rear wheels. Do not exceed the
vehicle's GVWR and GAWR.
5. For increased traction, use tire chains where legal.
Clearing Driveways
1. Head into the driveway with the blade angled and
plow the snow away from any buildings. Widen the
driveway by rolling the snow away from buildings.
2. If a building is at the end of the driveway, plow to
within a vehicle length of the building. Push as
much snow as possible offthe driveway.
3. With a raised blade, drive through the remaining
snow to the building. Drop the blade and back
drag snow away from the building at least one
vehicle length. Repeat if necessary.
4. Back the vehicle to the building and plow forward,
removing the remaining snow. Check municipal
ordinances for proper disposal of snow.

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 17 May 15, 2021
OPERATING YOUR SNOWPLOW
PARKING WITH SNOWPLOW ATTACHED
Whenever you park your vehicle, completely lower the
blade to the ground.
WARNING
Lower the blade when the vehicle is parked.
Keep 8' clear of the blade. Winch rope could
fail, causing the blade to drop unexpectedly.
Failure to do this can result in serious
personal injury.
TOWING DISABLED OR STUCK VEHICLES
Do not use any snowplow components as an
attachment point when retrieving, towing, or winching
a disabled or stuck vehicle.

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 18 May 15, 2021
DETACHING THE SNOWPLOW
1. With blade straight, lower snowplow to the ground.
Let out approximately 2" more cable after blade
contacts the ground.
2. Remove jack stand wire-lock clevis pin. Fully lower
jack stand. Insert pin in jack stand hole that aligns
with hole in angle frame. Engage the wire lock.
3. On driver's side, pull up slightly on headgear
to relieve pressure on connecting pin while
removing the pin. Rotate pin and insert into hole in
headgear.
4. Repeat on passenger's side.
5. Remove cable restraining wire-lock clevis pin.
Remove winch cable/rope from lift pin and pulley.
Reinsert clevis pin and wire lock. Retract cable
fully onto winch.
6. Back vehicle away to disconnect headgear from
receivers.
Jack Stand
Wire-Lock
Clevis Pin
Connecting
Pin
Jack
Stand
DETACHING SNOWPLOW FROM VEHICLE
WARNING
Keep 8' clear of the blade when it is being
raised or lowered. Do not stand between
vehicle and blade or directly in front of the
blade. If the blade hits or drops on you, you
could be seriously injured.
WARNING
Inspect snowplow components and bolts
for wear or damage whenever attaching or
detaching the snowplow. Worn or damaged
components could allow the snowplow to
drop unexpectedly.
Connecting Pin
Wire-Lock
Clevis Pin Jack
Stand
Hole in Headgear
Headgear
Connecting
Pin Hole

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 19 May 15, 2021
VEHICLE
The snowplow operating vehicle shall be maintained
according to manufacturer's recommendations.
Tire pressure shall be maintained according to
manufacturer's recommendation.
RECYCLE
When your snowplow has performed its useful life, the
majority of its components can be recycled as steel
or aluminum. The balance of parts made from plastic
shall be disposed of in the customary manner.
EMERGENCY PARTS/TOOLS
• 10" adjustable wrench
• Medium screwdriver
• Pliers
• 12V DC test light
• Flashlight
MAINTENANCE

Lit. No. 87009, Rev. 00 24 May 15, 2021
Copyright © 2021 Douglas Dynamics, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in whole or in part, in any
printed, mechanical, electronic, film, or other distribution and storage media, without the written consent of Western Products. Authorization
to photocopy items for internal or personal use by Western Products outlets or snowplow owner is granted.
Western Products reserves the right under its product improvement policy to change construction or design details and furnish equipment when
so altered without reference to illustrations or specifications used. Western Products or the vehicle manufacturer may require or recommend
optional equipment for snow removal. Do not exceed vehicle ratings with a snowplow. Western Products offers a limited warranty for all
snowplows and accessories. See separately printed page for this important information. The following are registered (®) or unregistered (™)
trademarks of Douglas Dynamics, LLC: IMPACT™, WESTERN®.
Printed in U.S.A.
A DIVISION OF DOUGLAS DYNAMICS, LLC
Western Products
PO Box 245038
Milwaukee, WI 53224-9538
www.westernplows.com
This product conforms to EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Directive 2011/65/EC (RoHS2).