Winter is when an ATV shows its true value. Plowing a yard, driveway or parking area, working in the forest or riding through snowy terrain – all of it goes faster with an ATV or UTV than with almost any other machine. But the vehicle alone is not enough: without the right winter accessories the work is slower, your hands freeze and the vehicle carries more load than it should.
In this guide we have collected the most common winter upgrades for ATVs that our customers buy and that we install at the Xway service workshop: snow plow, winch, heated grips with thumb warmer, heated seat and hand muffs. For each upgrade we explain how it works, how to install it correctly and which settings matter so it serves you for a long time without problems.
All the equipment described is available in our store. 👉 Snow plows for ATV / UTV and 👉 Heated accessories for ATV / UTV. If you are not sure what fits your vehicle, write to us – we are happy to advise.
❄️ 1. Snow plow – the most common winter upgrade
The snow plow is by far the most popular winter upgrade for ATVs. An ATV with a plow clears a yard or driveway in minutes, is agile around obstacles and does not need much storage space. We offer Shark plows, designed for most ATV and UTV vehicles with engines of 350 cc and up.
How an ATV plow works
The system consists of three parts:
- Mounting plate – permanently attached to the underside of the vehicle frame
- Universal adapter (push tube) – locks into the mounting plate and carries the blade
- Plow blade – pivots left and right, with springs that let the blade trip forward when it hits a solid object and then return to its working position on its own
The plow is raised and lowered with an electric winch (not included), so the winch is a required part of the system – more on that in the next chapter.
Which plow to choose?
- Shark Deluxe polyethylene plow 132 cm – recommended for most ATVs (TGB Blade, Segway Snarler, CFMOTO CFORCE, Linhai …)
- Shark Deluxe polyethylene plow 152 cm – recommended for UTVs or for ATVs where you want a wider cleared path
- Shark steel plow 170 cm with QUICK adapter – for larger areas and heavier work with UTVs
A polyethylene blade does not rust, is lighter and quieter in use and flexes slightly on impact, so it puts less stress on the vehicle frame. The plow should always be wider than the vehicle so the wheels do not drive over uncleared snow.
Important: the plow and adapter can be bought separately or as a set. Polyethylene plows without the QUICK label require the Shark universal adapter, while the 132 cm QUICK and 152 cm QUICK sets already include it. Some vehicles (e.g. Can-Am, Linhai UTV 1100 Diesel) need an additional bracket.
🔧 Installing the snow plow – step by step
For installation you need a socket or open-end wrench in 13, 17, 18, 19 and 24 mm and a 6 mm Allen key. Before you start, read the manufacturer's instructions and check that all parts are in the box.
1. Blade assembly
- Attach both side gussets to the blade. Do not tighten the nuts fully straight away – leave them 1–2 turns loose so you can align the parts.
- The rubber wear bar is shipped reversed for transport – unbolt it, turn it to the correct position and bolt it back on.
- Once everything is aligned, tighten all nuts.
2. Attaching the adapter to the blade and the springs
- Attach the adapter to the blade with the bolts, washers and spacers as shown in the instructions.
- Hook the top of the spring into the hole in the side gusset and the bottom through the adapter with the eyebolt.
- Tighten the nuts only until both springs are slightly tensioned – the final tension is set later.
3. Mounting the plate to the vehicle frame
- Fasten the mounting plate to the underside of the frame with the U-bolts. Different mounting options are provided for round and square frame tubes.
- When mounting to round tubes, we recommend using the extra reinforcement plate under the bracket for added strength.
- Do not mount the plate over plastic guards – plastic compresses over time, the mount loosens and the vehicle can be damaged.
- Check that the plate does not interfere with brake lines, coolant hoses, cables, steering or other parts. On some models the plastic covers need minor modification.
4. Attaching the plow to the vehicle
- Slide the push tube with the blade under the vehicle and insert it into the mounting plate.
- Secure it with the supplied pins and always lock the spring catch on both pins – every time you attach the plow.
- Hook the winch to the attachment point on the adapter, lift the plow off the ground with the winch and check that everything works correctly.
With the QUICK adapter sets, attaching and detaching the plow after the initial plate installation is even faster – you can remove the plow in a few minutes after plowing. Installation videos are available on each product page.
⚙️ Plow settings
A correctly adjusted plow clears better, stresses the vehicle less and lasts much longer. Make adjustments with the engine off and the parking brake on.
- Blade angle (left / right): the plow has 5 positions. Raise it with the winch, press the locking handle, rotate the blade to the desired position and check that the handle locks before plowing. Before first use, set the plow to the far left and right positions and check that the blade does not touch the front wheels when steering.
- Blade pitch: the blade should be as vertical as possible while working. Because every vehicle has a different ground clearance, pitch is set with the adjustable blade stops – always with the plow in the down position.
- Spring tension: on smooth surfaces (asphalt, concrete) set the springs stiffer so the blade bounces less and clears more cleanly. On uneven surfaces (gravel, grass) set them softer so the blade trips forward more easily when it hits a stone or edge and does not damage the adapter or frame.
- Skids: the basic setting is level with the bottom edge of the blade. On gravel, set them higher so the plow does not pick up stones.
- Delicate surfaces: for paving stones and decorative surfaces a rubber wear bar is available that will not damage the surface.
✅ Practical plowing tips
- Do not exceed 8 km/h when plowing – even with the plow raised.
- Set the front suspension to its stiffest setting – the nose of the vehicle dips less under the weight of the plow and snow.
- When pushing snow into a pile, reverse first and only then raise the plow – this avoids loading the winch and adapter.
- Do not ram into snow piles – push the plow steadily.
- For better traction, extra weight on the rear rack, lower tire pressure or snow chains help. Read more about tire choice in our test of the best ATV tires for snow.
- Keep in mind that ground clearance is reduced with the plow fitted. During transport, keep the plow raised, but so that it does not block the headlights.
- Remove the plow before trail riding.
- Regularly check bolt tightness and the pin locks – especially after the first hours of plowing.
🪝 2. Winch – the plow doesn't work without it
A winch is useful on an ATV all year, but in winter it becomes essential – it raises and lowers the snow plow. Many ATVs already have a factory winch. If yours does not, it must be installed before fitting the plow.
How a winch works
An electric winch consists of an electric motor, a gearbox and a drum that the rope winds onto. It is powered by the vehicle battery and operated with a handlebar switch or a wireless remote. With the free-spool lever (clutch) you can pull the rope out by hand without running the motor.
For Segway ATV owners we offer original parts: winch 2500, 4500 lbs winch for Segway AT10, wireless remote and replacement rope. For other brands, write to us and we will find a suitable solution.
⚙️ Using the winch with a plow
- Don't winch all the way up: once the plow is raised high enough, stop the winch. Winching to the end stop puts heavy strain on the rope, fairlead and winch motor – one of the most common causes of a snapped rope.
- Short presses: raise and lower the plow with short presses of the switch, not with long continuous winching.
- Keep the engine running: a winch draws a lot of current. Keep the engine running during use so the battery is charged as you go.
- Check the rope regularly: replace a worn, cut or frozen rope in time. After working in snow, let the rope dry before winding it in completely.
In winter the battery is under the most strain – the winch, heated grips and lights together use a lot of energy. Read more in our article on ATV battery problems in winter.
🔥 3. Heated grips and thumb warmer
Cold hands are the biggest problem when riding an ATV in winter. When your hands stiffen, it is harder to operate the throttle, brakes and switches, and the work becomes tiring and less safe. That is why heated grips are the second most common winter upgrade – and one of the most affordable.
Heated grips we offer
- Shark 4ZONE heated grips + thumb warmer – controls built into the grips, 5 heat levels, setting memory, connection for up to four heated devices
- Shark Lock-On heated grips – basic set of two heated grips
- ODI heated grips – with a separate High / Low / Off switch
All sets are designed for 22 mm handlebars and a 12V electrical system. Shark 4ZONE grips are made for thumb-throttle vehicles (ATVs, snowmobiles) and are not suitable for vehicles with a twist throttle.
How they work
Each grip has a heating element of about 20 W, and the Shark 4ZONE also has a temperature sensor that keeps the heat even. The Lock-On system means the grips clamp onto the handlebar – no glue. You can move them to another vehicle at any time without damage.
🔧 Installing the thumb warmer
- Peel the backing from the heating pad and stick it to the front of the throttle lever, facing the rider.
- Slide the supplied heat-shrink tubing over the lever and pad, cut it to length and shrink it with a hair dryer or heat gun. Take care not to overheat the tubing or pad and make sure the tubing does not restrict the lever.
- Secure the cable to the lever and handlebar with zip ties. Leave enough slack so the cable never pulls tight when you press the throttle.
🔧 Installing the grips
- Remove the old grips. If you have hand guards fitted, remove them first.
- Clean the handlebar thoroughly of glue residue and dirt, smooth any ridges and degrease it.
- If you will use the grips together with hand guards, remove the end caps from the outer clamps.
- Slide the grips onto the handlebar with the cables facing towards the centre of the vehicle.
- Sit on the vehicle and rotate the grips so you can comfortably reach the buttons with your thumbs.
- Tighten both clamps on each grip with the supplied 2.5 mm Allen key and check that the grips do not rotate.
- Refit the hand guards.
🔧 Electrical wiring
- First disconnect the negative (−), then the positive (+) battery terminal.
- Mount the control unit where it is protected from water, mud and damage.
- Turn the handlebar to full lock in both directions and check that the cables are never stretched or pinched.
- If the vehicle has an accessory outlet switched by the ignition, plug the heating in there. Otherwise connect the red wire to ignition-switched +12 V (or via a relay) and the black wire directly to the negative battery terminal – not to the frame.
- Reconnect the battery (+ first, then −), test operation and only then secure the cables permanently with zip ties.
Important: do not connect heated grips directly to the battery. If you forget to switch them off after stopping, the battery drains overnight – and in winter that is the most common reason an ATV won't start in the morning.
⚙️ Controls and settings (Shark 4ZONE)
- On: short press of the button on the right grip. The grips remember the last setting and use it automatically at the next ignition.
- Off: a long press of the right grip button switches off the grips and all connected devices.
- Heat level: each press of the left grip button lowers the power: 100% (red LED), 80% (orange), 60% (yellow), 40% (green), 20% (blue). The next press switches heating off (pink LED flashes and goes out).
- Device selection: the right button switches between grips / thumb and additional devices (e.g. heated seat), and the left button sets their power.
✅ Tip from the workshop
The grips draw about 3.3 A, the thumb warmer 0.4 A and a heated seat another 3 A. During long work at idle (e.g. slow plowing with the winch and lights on), use lower heat levels – combined with hand muffs this is enough in most cases, and the battery stays charged.
🪑 4. Heated seat
A heated seat is an excellent addition to heated grips, especially for longer work or slow riding when the body doesn't warm up through movement. We offer the universal Shark heated seat (35 W, 2 levels, 19.5 × 39.5 cm heating pad, carbon fibre heating elements) and the original CFMOTO heated seat for CForce Touring and Overland models.
🔧 Installing the universal heated seat
- Before buying, check that the seat cover is removable (fastened with staples). The universal heater is not suitable for seats with a glued cover.
- Remove the seat from the vehicle, remove the staples on the underside with a flat screwdriver and partially lift the cover.
- Place the heating pad in the desired position and route the cable to the underside of the seat.
- Gradually remove the backing and press the pad firmly onto the seat foam with your fingers – no folds or raised edges.
- If you use several pads, they must not overlap or touch.
- Stretch the cover evenly and re-staple it with an upholstery stapler.
- Connect the heater via the supplied fused switch or to the Shark 4ZONE harness connector, where you control it with the grip buttons.
🧤 5. Hand muffs and hand guards
Hand muffs are the simplest and cheapest protection against cold, wind and snow – and the most effective when combined with heated grips. Your hands are out of the wind and the heat from the grips stays inside the muff.
Kimpex hand muffs
Kimpex hand muffs are made of durable 600D nylon / polyester with a polyurethane coating that resists cold, abrasion and water. Neoprene insulation keeps the warmth in, and a cold-resistant clear window lets you see the switches and levers while riding. Their design also allows fitting on vehicles with mirrors. Sold as a pair.
✅ What to check after fitting
- Check that the throttle and brake levers move freely and the throttle returns to idle by itself.
- Check that the muff does not press on any switches (lights, winch, 4×4) and that you can operate them easily.
- If you use heated grips, a lower heat level is usually enough with muffs.
Hand guards
Hand guards protect your fingers from wind, branches and impacts, and in winter from cold air as well. If yours are damaged or missing, you can order original replacement guards for TGB and Segway ATVs from us, and other brands on request.
🧭 Which combination is right for you?
- Regular plowing of a yard or driveway: snow plow + winch + heated grips with thumb warmer + hand muffs
- Forest or farm work: winch + heated grips + heated seat + hand muffs
- Recreational winter riding: heated grips with thumb warmer + hand muffs
Whatever you choose, we recommend checking the battery, tires and coolant before winter – winter accessories only work well on a vehicle that is ready for the cold.
🏁 Conclusion
The right winter accessories turn an ATV into a reliable work machine for all the winter months. A snow plow and winch save hours of shovelling, while heated grips, a heated seat and hand muffs keep work comfortable and safe even below freezing. The key is correct installation and settings – a properly adjusted plow, correctly wired heated grips and sensible winch use mean fewer breakdowns and a longer life for both the equipment and the vehicle.
If you want us to install the equipment, or you're not sure what fits your vehicle, contact us – we advise based on brand, model and intended use.
👉 See snow plows for ATV / UTV
👉 See heated accessories for ATV / UTV
👉 Contact us for advice or installation of winter equipment.