This document is an instruction manual for the Open Trail ATV Plow Tube System, manufactured by Kappers Fabricating, Inc. under the KFI brand and distributed by Western Power Sports Inc. The manual, identified as Rev-K and dated 6/15/2021, provides detailed instructions for the installation, safe operation, and maintenance of the plow tube system, along with a parts list and warranty information.
Function Description:
The Open Trail ATV Plow Tube System is designed to attach a plow blade to an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) for snow removal or other light-duty material moving tasks. It serves as the intermediary frame that connects the plow blade to the ATV's specific plow mount and winch system. The tube system allows for various adjustments, including blade pitch and rotation, to optimize performance for different conditions and user preferences. It is an essential component that, when combined with a KFI Plow Blade kit, a vehicle-specific Plow Mount, and a winch for lifting, forms a complete ATV plow system.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Blade Pitch Adjustment: The system offers five positions for blade pitch adjustment, with each hole providing a 5-degree increment. This allows the user to control the angle at which the blade contacts the ground. The manual recommends a default position for proper blade level.
- Blade Rotation: The tube system provides five positions of rotation for the blade, with each adjustment at 12.5-degree increments. This feature allows the user to angle the blade left or right to direct the moved material.
- Spring Tension: The plow springs (Item 7.4) are adjustable. Tightening the nuts on the eyebolts (Item 7.1.8) adds spring tension, with each 1/4" turn adding approximately 12 lbs of tension. This adjustment is crucial for the blade's breakaway function when encountering obstacles.
- Lift Hook Bracket Positions: The system includes a lift hook bracket (Item 7.2) with three available positions. These positions are designed to accommodate different desired lift heights and cable/rope angles, especially for ATVs with upper-mounted winches. Position 1 is the default for more clearance, Position 2 involves flipping the bracket, and Position 3 is for severe cable angles, requiring longer bolts.
- Hardware: The system utilizes various fasteners, including carriage bolts (e.g., 5/8"-11 x 1 3/4", 3/8"-16 x 1 1/2"), lock nuts (e.g., 5/8"-11, 7/16"-14, 3/8"-16), flat washers (e.g., 5/8" USS, 9/16" SAE, 5/16" SAE), socket head cap screws (7/16"-14 x 3/4"), and eyebolts (5/16"-18 x 9/16" x 3 3/8"). A pull pin (Item 4.5) and safety pin (Item 7.3.2) are used for quick adjustments and secure attachment.
- Weight: While not explicitly stated, the components listed (e.g., lift arm weldment, ATV cradle, pivot bushing ring) suggest a robust construction designed to withstand the forces of plowing.
- Compatibility: The system requires a KFI Plow Blade kit, a vehicle-specific Plow Mount, and a winch for operation.
Usage Features:
- Adjustable Blade Pitch: Users can select from five blade pitch positions to optimize the blade's contact with the ground, adapting to different snow depths or terrain.
- Adjustable Blade Rotation: The blade can be rotated to five different angles (12.5-degree increments) by pulling a pin, allowing for efficient material displacement to the left or right.
- Adjustable Spring Tension: The plow springs can be tightened to achieve desired tension, which is important for the blade's ability to trip or break away when encountering hidden obstacles, protecting both the plow and the ATV.
- Multiple Lift Hook Positions: Three positions for the lift hook bracket ensure compatibility with various ATV setups and winch mounting locations, optimizing the lift cable angle and height.
- Easy Attachment to Mounts: The tube system attaches to ATV mounts using safety pins and clips, facilitating relatively quick installation and removal from the vehicle.
- Instructional Clarity: The manual uses symbols (DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, NOTE) to highlight safety information and important tips, making it easier for users to understand potential hazards and best practices.
Maintenance Features:
- Regular Inspections: The manual emphasizes the importance of always performing regular inspections and maintenance on plow tubes and hardware before use. This includes checking for missing or damaged parts.
- Tightening Fasteners: Users are instructed to ensure that all nuts and bolts are tightened per installation instructions, which is critical for the structural integrity and safe operation of the plow.
- Warranty: The product comes with a 2-year limited warranty for defects in materials and workmanship for non-commercial use, and a 90-day warranty for commercial use. This encourages users to register their product and provides a pathway for support and potential repairs or replacements.
- Contact Information: A help line (1-800-999-3388) is provided for questions regarding the plow, and contact information for warranty claims and product registration is included, facilitating maintenance and support.
- Exclusions: The warranty explicitly excludes normal wear, normal adjustments, and normal maintenance, implying that users are responsible for these routine tasks to ensure the longevity of the product. It also excludes damage from alteration, misuse, abuse, improper assembly/installation, or shipping damage, underscoring the importance of following the manual's instructions.
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