This document is an assembly and owner's manual for the Cycle Country ATV Plow Mount, specifically part number 15-1521, designed for Honda ATVs. It provides comprehensive instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance, along with safety information and warranty details.
Function Description
The Cycle Country ATV Plow Mount is a component of a larger ATV plow system designed to attach a plow blade to a Honda ATV. Its primary function is to provide a robust and secure connection point for the plow system, enabling the ATV to be used for plowing various materials such as dirt, gravel, or snow. The mount is engineered to integrate with other Cycle Country plow system components, including the Push Tube, Plow Kit, and Blade Lift System (Winch Kit, Electric Lift, or Manual Lift), to form a complete and functional plowing setup. The design emphasizes durability and safety, with certain parts and hardware designed to fail under extreme stress to protect both the ATV and the operator.
Important Technical Specifications
- Part Number: 15-1521
- Application: Honda ATVs
- Hardware: The system utilizes common-type fasteners, with a recommendation for minimum class 8.8 galvanized fasteners for replacement.
- Locknut M8-1.25 Nylock (Qty: 8)
- HEX BOLT M6-1.0 x 40MM (Qty: 2)
- Flatwasher M8 (Qty: 4)
- Clevis Pin 10MM x 35MM (Qty: 2)
- #3 Hair Pin (Qty: 2)
- U-Bolt M8-1.25 x 32MM" x 50MM (Qty: 4)
- Torque Specification: Fasteners should be torqued to 17 ft. lbs. (23 Nm).
- Components:
- Attaching Bracket (Part No: CYC3153, Qty: 1)
- Strap Protecting Bracket (Part No: CYC5050, Qty: 1)
- Hardware Package Part No: CYC5764 (for all asterisked hardware items)
- Required Additional Components (Not Included): Cycle Country Push Tube, Cycle Country Plow Kit, Cycle Country Blade Lift System (Winch Kit, Electric Lift, or Manual Lift). These components are vehicle-specific and should be selected using application charts available on the manufacturer's website.
Usage Features
The ATV Plow Mount is designed for straightforward installation and operation, with several features contributing to its usability:
- Clearance Check: Before first use, the plow should be set in the furthest right or left angled position to check for clearance between the plow and front tires, ensuring safe operation.
- Slope and Terrain Operation: Operators are advised to exercise extreme caution on slopes and rough terrain, familiarizing themselves with the area before plowing.
- Obstacle Awareness: Users must be aware of immovable objects that might be hidden in dirt, gravel, or snow to prevent damage.
- Piling Technique: To avoid damage when plowing dirt, gravel, or snow into a pile, the manual recommends reversing direction before raising the plow blade and explicitly warns against ramming the plow blade into piles.
- Speed Limit: A critical safety feature is the admonition not to exceed 5 mph (8 kph) with the blade installed, to prevent personal injury or damage to the vehicle.
- Reduced Ground Clearance: Users are reminded that vehicle ground clearance is reduced with the plow system installed, which is important for navigating varied terrain.
- Safety During Adjustments: Before adjusting blade angle or disconnecting the plow system, the ATV engine must be stopped, and the parking brake set.
- Trail Riding Precaution: The plow system should be removed before trail riding to prevent damage or accidents.
- Assembly Sequence: The manual emphasizes following all assembly steps correctly and in the described sequence to ensure a satisfactory installation. All directions referring to right and left are from the perspective of the rider sitting on the machine.
- Mounting Process: The attaching bracket is secured to the ATV frame using U-bolts, washers, and nylock nuts, positioned between the foot peg supports and motor mount supports. The strap protecting bracket is fastened to the front grill using bolts. The push tube assembly is then secured to the mount plate using clevis pins and hair pins.
Maintenance Features
The manual outlines several maintenance practices to ensure the longevity and safe operation of the plow system:
- Regular Fastener Checks: Periodically, all fasteners should be checked for wear and tightness.
- Fastener Replacement/Re-torque: Fasteners should be replaced or re-torqued as necessary to maintain the system's integrity.
- Replacement Parts: Replacement fasteners are common-type and can be purchased locally. The manual specifies using minimum class 8.8 galvanized fasteners for replacements.
- Operator's Guide: A complete operator's guide, available for free download from www.cyclecountry.com, provides beginner-to-advanced information regarding plow systems and operation, which can aid in proper maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Warranty Information: The product comes with a One Year Limited Warranty, covering defects in material and workmanship for the original purchaser. This warranty facilitates replacement of defective parts, though transportation costs for warranty consideration are borne by the purchaser. The warranty does not cover damage from accident, alteration, abuse, improper maintenance, normal wear, or other causes beyond the manufacturer's control.
- Customer Service: Cycle Country provides contact information for service, including a toll-free number (800-841-2222), fax (1-800-245-7569), email (ccac@cyclecountry.com), and website (www.cyclecountry.com) for support, parts ordering, and warranty claims. For warranty returns, a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number is required.