How to Use Your GroundHog MAX
The GroundHog MAX has revolutionized the ATV/UTV Industry! Now you can cultivate practically anywhere. The MAX can easily create food plots, plus it can go where no tractor would dare venture. Let’s look at how it’s primarily used.
ATTACHING
1. Back your rear tires up onto a piece of 4 x 4 wood that spans the two rear tires. Make sure you’re in park and the brakes are locked to make adjustments. The GroundHog MAX’s axle measures 4” to the ground, so this makes it easier to correctly gauge your up/down hole setting.
2. Slide the T-head into your ATV/UTV receiver and insert the first tractor pin. This T-head can be turned “right side up” for machines with higher ground clearance or “upside down” for machines with lower ground clearance.
3. Pull the second tractor pin out of the T-head and let the disc assembly slide down to the ground. Pick up the disc assembly until it slides up two holes, then re-install the second tractor pin. Your discs are now suspended at a good starting point - about an inch or two off the ground. Only one tractor pin is needed in the T-head for locking the up/down adjustment in place. Once you back off the blocks the weight is transferred to the discs. DO NOT attempt to just lift up the rear as this only stretches out your rear suspension and does not work.
ADJUSTING
1. Start off gently—do not use too much weight because a lot of the cut is achieved in the turns and maneuverability no matter what machine you use. Normally you can find an adjustment hole that allows enough weight on the plow for it to work while allowing you to stay in two-wheel drive. Failure to do this can result in bending your hitch. Remember: you get a better cut with less steel on the ground and much more weight.
2. After some experimentation, you will determine which hole works best for your unit/setup. Normally the next time you use the plow, you can use the same hole adjustment setting unless ground conditions have changed. Some customers prefer to set the adjustments 1,000 pounds, while a side-by-side/UTV’s weight is 1,200 to 1,500 pounds. BE CAUTIOUS and select a height adjustment hole that ONLY uses part of your unit’s weight.
PLOWING
1. Before starting to plow be sure the plow is facing in the right direction. There is a red indicator arrow displayed on the disc indicating direction. See picture V1 V2 in the GroundHog MAX manual.
2. GroundHog MAX plowing speeds range from 3-10 mph according to the food plot layout, size, and shape—twice as fast as a pull-behind type plow! You never have to go to the trouble of adding/strapping on more weight or worrying about the plow tipping over as you do with pull-behind plows. Pull-behinds are slower and put a lot of stress on your machine, which can cause some units to overheat.
3. The time required to plow will be determined by ground conditions, such as roots, rocks, types of grass, wet/dry and ground clutter. Thus, you can expect to spend longer on a new plot versus an existing plot. The tougher the conditions, the more passes you need to make. Plow in looping circles and figure eights, because a lot of the cut is in turning and maneuverability. Plowing straight is always an option that works.
4. The plow can be backed up with the plow engaged, but only do this if necessary. It does not plow well in reverse since the discs would face the wrong way, and it also puts more pressure on your hitch.
5. Sometimes the discs do not spin freely/properly until after five minutes of use. There is some side-to-side play on each disc. Keep in mind that discs will not free spin like a bike wheel. There is a lot of left to right play on the plow where the axle assembly goes into the up/down adjustment tube. This is intentional and allows the plow to float/adjust to uneven terrain.
6. After 15 minutes of use, conduct a visual check of the plow, discs, and the hitch attachment. The break-in stage can cause minimal loosening. Retighten hardware as necessary and continue to check occasionally.
CONSIDERATIONS
It’s extremely important to consider your machine’s weight and hitch strength. The height adjustment hole needed will vary according to your year, make, model, tires, etc. You can check your machine’s compatibility on the website, making sure you are adjusting everything properly.
DOMINATE THE DIRT
The GroundHog MAX ATV/UTV Disc Plow fits most ATVs and UTVs that have a strong, well braced 2" receiver. It works in two or four-wheel drive, IRS or straight axle and lower CC ATVs. Note that if your machine does not have a well-braced 2" receiver hitch, we have hitch options for that as well! The GroundHog MAX is versatile, easy to install, and easy to use. Get yours today!
