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Kolpin ATV Switchblade Plow 17-0000 Review
Clearing a long driveway with a shovel takes too much time, but a truck plow may be more machine than you need. The Kolpin ATV Switchblade Plow 17-0000 turns a compatible ATV into a practical snow-clearing setup with a stamped-steel blade that adjusts to 48 or 60 inches. Its adjustable width and five-position blade angle give you useful control for residential work. The main concern is fitment, because the universal under-body mount and separate lift requirement will not suit every machine.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 8/10
Best For: ATV owners clearing driveways, private lanes, trail entrances, and small lots who already have a suitable winch or manual lift.
Bottom Line: The adjustable 48 or 60 inch steel blade gives you more flexibility than a fixed-width plow, while the five-position angle helps direct snow to either side. You must confirm under-body clearance and budget for a separate lift system before ordering.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Kolpin |
| Model | 17-0000 |
| Product Type | ATV plow system |
| Blade Material | Stamped steel |
| Blade Width | Adjustable to 48 or 60 inches |
| Blade Angle | Five positions |
| Cutting Width at Maximum Angle | 43.5 inches at the 48 inch setting, 54.3 inches at the 60 inch setting |
| Chassis | Reinforced square-tube steel |
| Mount | Universal under-body mount |
| Lift Requirement | Winch or compatible manual lift, sold separately |
| Listed Weight | 112 pounds |
| Listed Dimensions | 34 x 17 x 9.5 inches |
| Assembly | Designed to assemble in under 1 hour |
| Included Hardware | Mount weldment, left and right brackets, U-bolts, locknuts, washers, spacers, and related steel hardware |
| Best Use | Residential snow clearing and light property maintenance |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty details should be confirmed with the seller or customer service |
What Is the Kolpin ATV Switchblade Plow 17-0000?
The Kolpin 17-0000 is a plow-in-a-box system designed to handle routine snow clearing and light utility work. Its main parts include a stamped-steel blade, a reinforced square-tube chassis, and a universal under-body mount. You still need a winch or compatible manual lift to raise and lower the blade.
The Switchblade design lets you choose a 48 inch blade for tighter areas or a 60 inch blade for wider passes. You can also set the blade in five angle positions to push straight ahead or roll snow toward one side. At the sharpest angle, the effective path narrows, so the 48 inch setting clears 43.5 inches and the 60 inch setting clears 54.3 inches.
The listed 112 pound weight gives the system enough mass to stay engaged with routine snow and loose material. That weight also adds load to the front of your ATV, so vehicle capacity, suspension condition, tire traction, and lift strength all matter.
Before You Buy: “Universal” does not mean guaranteed fit. Check the frame area, skid plate, bumper, suspension, ground clearance, and winch-line path on your exact ATV before ordering.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- Homeowners clearing driveways, private lanes, and small parking areas after routine storms.
- ATV owners who want both a compact 48 inch setup and a wider 60 inch setup in one system.
- Rural property owners handling trail entrances, loose gravel, light grading, and seasonal cleanup.
Skip If
- Your ATV cannot accept an under-body mount or lacks safe clearance for the lift path.
- You need a plow for daily commercial routes, frozen banks, heavy ice scraping, or municipal work.
- You want a fully operational kit without purchasing or installing a winch or manual lift.
Fit and Compatibility
The universal under-body mount is designed to work across many machines without requiring a dedicated plow kit for one model. That broad approach is convenient when your ATV has a straightforward frame layout and enough open space under the chassis.
Fitment is also the system’s biggest risk. A skid plate, aftermarket bumper, suspension brace, winch mount, or low frame section can block the mounting brackets or lift movement. Check Kolpin’s instructions and your ATV manual before you treat the product title as a fit guarantee.
The plow’s 112 pound listed weight should be part of the fit check. Confirm that your ATV can carry the front load and that the suspension, tires, and brakes are in suitable condition for plowing.
Materials and Build Quality
Adjustable Stamped-Steel Blade
The stamped-steel blade is the main working surface. You can assemble it at 48 inches for narrow spaces or 60 inches for faster coverage on open driveways. The wider setup reduces the number of passes, while the narrower setup is easier to control near garage doors, gates, and trail edges.
The blade offers five angle positions. A straight blade pushes snow forward, while an angled blade directs it toward the shoulder and helps form a windrow. Since angling reduces the effective cutting width, overlap each pass to avoid leaving a ridge behind.
Reinforced Square-Tube Chassis
The push frame uses square-tube steel with reinforced areas. This structure helps resist twisting when one side of the blade meets packed snow, uneven gravel, or a driveway edge. It is a sensible design for residential plowing, but it is not a substitute for the heavier frame and hydraulic controls of a truck plow.
Avoid using the blade as a battering ram against frozen banks. Repeated impact can stress the mount, frame, fasteners, and ATV attachment points even when the steel parts look substantial.
Installation and Setup
Kolpin lists the universal mount as an under-one-hour assembly, but your actual setup time depends on access, frame layout, tools, and previous ATV modifications. Lay out the brackets, U-bolts, locknuts, washers, spacers, and related hardware before you begin. A complete hardware check can prevent you from reaching the final step with a missing or misplaced part.
Install the mount on a level surface and follow the supplied instructions. Tighten hardware in the recommended order, confirm that the blade pivots through all five angle positions, and check that the lift line moves without rubbing body panels or sharp edges.
After the first short plowing session, stop and recheck the mount, pivot points, and fasteners. New hardware can settle under load, especially when you work on rough gravel or uneven pavement.
Pro Tip: Set the blade to 60 inches for open driveway runs, then switch to 48 inches before working near gates, buildings, parked vehicles, or narrow trail entrances.
Winch or Manual Lift Requirement
The 17-0000 does not include the system that raises and lowers the blade. You need a compatible winch or manual lift, and that extra equipment affects both the final cost and installation plan.
A winch is usually the easier choice for repeated passes because you can lift the 112 pound plow without leaving the seat. A manual lift can work for shorter jobs, but it requires more effort each time you reposition the blade. In either case, verify that the cable, rope, fairlead, hook, and lift point operate without binding or rubbing.
Installation Safety and Operating Limits
Read the plow instructions and your ATV owner’s manual before installation. Confirm front-load limits, tire pressure, brake condition, steering response, and safe operating practices. Added front weight can change handling, especially on slopes, ice, and uneven ground.
Plow at controlled speed and take smaller bites in wet, packed, or deep snow. Do not strike frozen piles, curbs, rocks, or hidden obstacles at speed. Keep bystanders away from the blade and never work beneath a raised plow unless it is mechanically supported according to the instructions.
Use extra care on gravel. A low blade can remove stone with the snow, while aggressive scraping can catch ruts or embedded objects. Adjust your technique to protect both the driveway and the plow.
How It Performs in Real Use
On a Residential Driveway
The 60 inch setting gives you the best coverage on a wide, open driveway. Angling the blade moves snow toward the edge instead of building a pile directly ahead. The system works best when you clear before accumulation becomes deep or heavily compacted.
With Wet or Packed Snow
The steel blade and reinforced chassis can handle routine wet snow when you use moderate passes. Angle the blade, reduce the amount you push at one time, and avoid building a heavy load in front of the ATV. Frozen road-plow banks require patience and smaller cuts.
On Gravel and Trail Entrances
The 48 inch setup gives you better control on narrow paths and uneven surfaces. The angled blade can move loose material to the side, but it can also pull gravel away from the roadbed. Use a lighter touch until the ground is firmly frozen or the surface is stable.
For a Small Lot or Rental Property
The Switchblade can serve a small shop entrance, rental driveway, or compact parking area when you clear early and make repeated passes. It is less suitable for large commercial lots or long snow contracts, where a heavier UTV or truck plow will work faster and tolerate more continuous use.
Cleaning, Maintenance, and Storage
Inspect the mounting hardware, locknuts, pivot points, blade edge, and lift connection throughout the season. Recheck them more often after rough gravel work or contact with packed snow. Replace damaged hardware with the correct type rather than using an improvised substitute.
Rinse road salt and slush from the steel parts when conditions allow. Let the plow dry before storage and touch up scratched coating before rust spreads. Store the system where the blade and frame will not sit in standing water.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Adjusts between 48 and 60 inches for tighter control or wider coverage.
- Five blade-angle positions let you push forward or direct snow to either side.
- Stamped-steel blade and reinforced square-tube chassis suit routine property work.
- Universal under-body mount can reduce the need for a model-specific plow package.
- One-box plow system includes the main mount and assembly hardware.
Cons
- A winch or compatible manual lift is required and sold separately.
- Universal fitment may require careful measuring and may not clear every ATV setup.
- The 112 pound front load is not suitable for every machine or every type of terrain.
Is It Worth the Price?
The Kolpin ATV Switchblade Plow 17-0000 sits in the mid-range part of the ATV plow market. Its strongest value comes from the adjustable blade, because one setup covers narrow work at 48 inches and open passes at 60 inches. The five-position angle also gives you more control than a simple fixed straight blade.
You get the most value when your ATV already has a compatible winch and enough under-body clearance. The total project becomes less attractive if you need a winch, winch mount, fitment changes, or extra labor before the first use.
How It Compares to Alternatives
A WARN ProVantage system may suit you better when you want a modular setup with vehicle-specific mount choices. KFI and Open Trail systems also let you select blades, push tubes, and mounts as separate components, which can produce a more tailored fit.
The Kolpin 17-0000 makes more sense when you value an adjustable-width plow package and are comfortable verifying a universal under-body mount. Kolpin’s larger Conqueror or High Rise systems may be worth comparing for heavier UTV-focused use, but they require a more involved system plan.
Buying Considerations and Warranty Details
Start with fitment measurements, not price. Compare the mounting area with the instructions and check for interference from the skid plate, bumper, suspension, winch bracket, and bodywork. Also confirm the path the lift line will follow when the blade is fully raised and lowered.
Next, include the lift system in your budget. The plow requires a winch or compatible manual lift, so the box is not a complete operational setup by itself. Confirm whether your existing winch, fairlead, line, and mounting plate can support the intended plow use.
Warranty terms may depend on the seller, region, and purchase channel. Confirm current manufacturer coverage before buying and keep your receipt, installation instructions, hardware list, and product records together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Kolpin ATV Switchblade Plow 17-0000 fit every ATV?
No. It uses a universal under-body mount, but frame shape, skid plates, bumpers, suspension parts, and winch hardware can affect fit. Measure your machine and compare it with Kolpin’s instructions before ordering.
Can you use the Kolpin 17-0000 without a winch?
Yes, if you install a compatible manual lift. A winch is usually more convenient for repeated passes because it raises and lowers the 112 pound plow with less effort. Neither lift option is included with the plow system.
Should you set the blade to 48 or 60 inches?
Use 48 inches for narrow trails, tight turns, gates, and work near buildings. Use 60 inches for wider driveways and longer open passes. At maximum angle, the effective cutting width is 43.5 or 54.3 inches.
Can the Switchblade handle wet or packed snow?
It can handle routine wet or packed snow when you use smaller passes and controlled speed. Angling the blade reduces the load in front of the ATV. Avoid hitting frozen banks or compacted ice with force.
Is the Kolpin 17-0000 suitable for gravel driveways?
Yes, but your technique matters. Aggressive scraping can pull gravel from the roadbed or catch uneven areas. Start with a light approach and adjust only after you see how the blade follows your surface.
What maintenance does the plow need?
Inspect the mount, U-bolts, locknuts, pivot points, blade edge, and lift connection during the season. Rinse away salt, dry the steel, and touch up damaged coating. Recheck fasteners after the first few uses.
Does the kit include all mounting hardware?
The system includes the main universal mounting hardware listed for assembly, including brackets, U-bolts, locknuts, washers, and spacers. You still need a separate winch or compatible manual lift. Confirm package contents when the box arrives before starting installation.
Who should skip this plow?
Skip it if your ATV cannot safely carry the front load, the mount area is blocked, or you need a ready-to-use kit with a lift included. It is also a poor match for daily commercial routes, heavy ice work, and repeated impact with frozen piles.
The Bottom Line
The Kolpin ATV Switchblade Plow 17-0000 earns an 8/10 rating for its adjustable 48 or 60 inch stamped-steel blade, five-position angle, and practical one-box plow design. Buy it for residential snow clearing and light property work when your ATV has verified clearance and a suitable lift. Skip it if you need guaranteed model-specific fitment, commercial-duty performance, or a winch included in the package.
