Use and Care Manual

3
INSTALLING YOUR VEHICLE MOUNTING HARNESS
Overview:
Snowbear
®
snowplow mounts are unique because they use existing holes and attachment points on your vehicles frame. Use only
Snowbear
®
Certified mounts with your Snowbear
®
personal snowplow.
All of the mount kits have been designed using manufacturer’s frame specifications as well as actual frame measurements. However
based on our experience, we know that these measurements are not always the same and can easily vary by ¼” or more.
We have attempted to compensate for some of these inconsistencies by providing slots in our support brackets wherever possible. You
may however still need to adjust the holes in your mounting brackets, or vehicle frame. This can be easily done by using a file, a small
grinder, or drill.
Before beginning your installation check the assembly drawing inside of the box to confirm that you have the proper mount for your
vehicle. The accessory package of your vehicle (e.g. XLT, Custom, Sport, Extended Cab, SLT, etc.) does not affect the frame specifications.
Manufacturers tend to have many models, but few platforms. Our mounts are designed around these frames and platforms.
Installation:
Many customers find that the mount installation is intimidating because they are not familiar with the underside of their vehicles. In
general, a mounting harness consists of a cross member (shipped with your plow hardware) and a set of custom brackets to attach the
crossmember to the vehicle.
Begin by loosely attaching the brackets to the frame of the vehicle, then loosely attach the cross-member to the two brackets.
Be careful not to pinch any wires or hoses between the plow mount and your vehicle frame.
When the parts are all in place, push the assembly back as far as possible (as though you were the plow) and begin to tighten the
hardware.
NOTE: We supply standard grade 5 bolts and lock nuts which will appear tight as you thread them onto the
bolts, THIS IS NORMAL.
Operation:
After plowing for the first time, we recommend that you re-tighten the bolts on the mounting harness. On most vehicles the
components will “seat” into each other after the first use.
2WD vehicles and vehicles equipped with Sport package will normally have a lower ground clearance due to the tire size as well as the
suspension package. You should expect a reduction in ground clearance at the front of your vehicle, because the mounting tubes must
be exposed below the lowest part of your vehicles body. Adding an extra helper spring, or increasing the tire size will give you the extra
clearance you may need. Minimal ground clearance does not affect your ability to plow, but it does mean you must use extra caution
when plowing. Avoiding any raised or uneven areas that your plow hardware may get caught up on will ensure trouble free use.
With some applications the mounting forks on the cross-member will point slightly downward after use, this is a normal part of the
“SEATING” process and will not affect the operation of the plow. (In most cases steel shims can be used to bring the forks back up, but
you should be careful not to make them point upwards or it will be difficult to install your plow.
Your plow is designed to move freshly fallen snow. It is not suitable for smashing through piles of ice, or grading sand and gravel.
WARNING:
If you overload the mounting harness it is designed to yield or break before your plow or vehicle’s frame is severely damaged. It is
especially important to exercise caution with heavier full sized trucks to ensure that you will receive years of trouble free service from
your personal snowplow.
SnowBear
®
mounts are an essential part of the SnowBear
®
plow and are designed and manufactured to specifically fit SnowBear
®
snowplows. These mounts are not designed to fit other manufacturers' plows. Using a SnowBear
®
mount on a non-SnowBear
®
product
will void the Snowbear
®
mount warranty. Using a non-Snowbear
®
mount on SnowBear
®
snowplows will void the manufacturer warranty
for the SnowBear
®
snowplow. SnowBear
®
will not provide assistance to customers using SnowBear
®
mounts or snowplows with non-
Snowbear
®
products.
SnowBear
®
Plows Inc. cannot be held responsible, and disclaims any liability, for any personal injury or damages that may occur in
connection with such use of any unapproved products with SnowBear
®
products.