Entry Level Winches
Submitted: Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 12:28
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Ste_Lux
Hi All,
I'm trying to find out some information about
winches. Im looking to get one shortly but want some advice on which ones are better value for money then others. I would say i go off road once a month, so I'm not looking for the best of the best just one that is a reasonable price and will do the job on the rare occasion that i require it. I've seen some as cheap as $500 from Tigerz11 and been quoted $2600 for a Warn at Arb. Interested in peoples experiences with different
winches.
Reply By: Member - Chris_K - Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 13:38
Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 13:38
Hi
I've usually found that when it comes to things like
winches, that you get what you pay for. I have heard that some of the cheaper
winches are not all that water proof, so when you actually need them to work - they can seize. Like you, we looked at most makes and models, and in the end decided to bite the bullet and get a Warn winch. I figured that when you actually needed a winch - that's the wrong time to think about how much money you could have saved. Others may have a different view of course. The other thing that we did was got Plasma rope instead of wire...great stuff and much easier to use than wire - and much stronger apparently. I have to say that we have only used the winch in the past to rescue others - but it's nice to know it's there when I need it!
Chris
AnswerID:
525207
Follow Up By: AlbyNSW - Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 13:47
Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 13:47
I too bit the bullet and paid for a Warn for the reliability but they are one of the worst for water ingress and need to be run regularly so they don't seize up
FollowupID:
807089
Follow Up By: Member-George (WA) - Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 14:11
Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 14:11
I agree 100% with the comment made above. Excellent advise. Don't compromise on price, get a good quality winch. Cheers
FollowupID:
807093
Follow Up By: garrycol - Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 15:09
Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 15:09
Most of the winch problems posted on 4wd forums seem to relate to Warn
winches than any other - they do not seem to be anymore reliable than the cheapies however there is a caveat on that.
While the components used on the cheap
winches seem to be OK how they are assembled and the lubricants used is a a bit hit and miss. The trick with them is to spend an afternoon doing a basic dismantle - change the grease/oil to a good quality version, tighten/locktight nuts and bolts where appropriate, seal the solenoid/winch with a good quality sealant (I would do this with a new Warn as
well).
If used correctly and maintained they should give good service. The stories of them not working when left a while also applies to Warns - not the
winches fault - is lack of preventative maintenance after the last use or just a dunking.
Garry
FollowupID:
807096
Follow Up By: Idler Chris - Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 15:12
Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 15:12
This advice is 110% spot on.
FollowupID:
807097
Reply By: Idler Chris - Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 15:09
Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 15:09
I brought an Ironman 12000lb winch for $799 6 years ago. I figured that at a third of the price I could replace it if it broke a few time and still be in front.
Well I am still waiting for it to fail. I run the winch out and back every three months and as soon as possible after being in water. I would think looking after your winch, no matter what brand, is the secret.
Check other posts but very few have a good word for Tigerz11. Ironman are
well known for standing behind there products. What ever you get ensure that the seller stand behind their product should it fail.
AnswerID:
525214
Follow Up By: AlbyNSW - Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 17:31
Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 17:31
Idler Chris, your last sentence sums it up. The warranties floated about are of little use if you can't get service with them or if you need to remove the winch from your vehicle and arrange a courier interstate and refitting yourself again on its return some weeks later to have a warranty repair done.
I went through that with one of those popular magazine advertised ones and whilst the winch was fine when it is working I can see situations when on tour that that is not an acceptable or viable process.
On that basis I shelled out the extra coin on a Warn as I know that there is service agents Australia wide
I have paid a premium to have that piece of mind as it suits my circumstances but understand it is not for everyone.
As Chris has said ,the main thing is to look at it after sales service issues in making your selection. They are all good when they work, it is the process of what happens when they don't you want to look into IMO
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Member - Howard (ACT) - Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 16:00
Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 16:00
I purchased a 12000lb chinese jobbie thru ebay just on 10 years ago ($450)when I upgraded from a 8000 lb due to purchase of camper trailer .
It is now fitted on its third vehicle . 2 x 80series and now the 79 ute.
about 12 months after I purchased it I had trouble free spooling and when pulled down the 3 bolts in internal brake had worked loose
retighten and a bit of loctite and no reoccurance .
I have had to clean up the solinoid pack( clean away rust from connections) a few times over the years but do a fair few river crossings.
have rotated gearbox on change of vehicle to mount and found perfectly clean inside.
did break the wire cable on one recovery when doing an unsuccessful snatch block hookup. eventually got out of the creek at the
farm with the help of a 100+ hp 4wd tractor.
prices have come down so much I am considering another but with rope this time
Unless you want to use it in competition vehicle the name brands are not worth it.
all
winches need some preventive mtce and regular checking.
cheers
Howard
AnswerID:
525276
Follow Up By: abqaiq - Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 23:10
Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 23:10
4wdaction did a 10 electric winch comparison some time ago, might be worth a look. Most gat real hot on a 30 meter pull and water in the motors during
test. Interesting
test procedure.
We had hydraulic in Saudi [sold vehicle] and will have one again in Oz. Waterproof equals sandproof. Lighter, simpler and runs all day.
Abqaiq
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014 at 06:27
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014 at 06:27
LOL here is the star rating system for all 4wdaction product reviews.
*.......Manufacturer rarely advertises with EMG group
**......Manufacturer take small ads or occasional, intermittent ads
***....Frequently advertises
****..
Places full page ads regularly
*****.
Places double page ads or is part owned by EMG group.
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Follow Up By: Swaggee - Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014 at 15:00
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014 at 15:00
Arrgh Boobook sorry but I just can't stop lmao...
Thumbs up.
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Follow Up By: walruz - Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014 at 17:53
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014 at 17:53
Boobook spot on.
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Follow Up By: MactrolPod - Thursday, Jan 30, 2014 at 11:01
Thursday, Jan 30, 2014 at 11:01
That star rating is spot on and gave me a grin, good onya Boobook.
We all know that so why do they keep treating us like bleeding idiots.
Refuse to have anything to do with EMG group because of their attitude.
I was shown that winch comparison, the Warn was over all the best but came third due to its cost.
Price is irrelevant in a product
test, if its is best it should be at the top of the list.
After that its up to the consumer to decide where they want to spend their hard earned dollars.
FollowupID:
807330