Entry Level Winches

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

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.

Thanks a lot for all the feed back, just the information and advice I was looking for.

Cheers

Just to make your decision a little harder - I recently transplanted an aldi winch from an old ute to a new one. I had to take it apart to rotate the gearbox and to mount the controller differently. After 5 years on the other ute there was nothing to service or change.

Bit of a write up in the below link that should answer some questions. Take your time to read it, it's worth it.

http://www.4x4earth.com.au/forum/general-4x4-discussion/25959-winch-warrantys-who-support-when-walk.html

What a mob of lazy people no one mentioned a hand/tirfor type winch. They never have any water ingress problems. They can pull you back out of the bog whereas an electric winch only pulls you deeper into the bog. They're a site cheeper than electrics and keep you fit.... sorry I forgot your a mob of lazies.

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