Which winch - Magnum vs Turfor?

The Tirfor does have a good reputation but is at the top end of the price scale.

Don't know about the Magnum, but in a comparison of hand winches in one of the 4WD magazines I have, the Big Haul was given the highest rating. This is also a fair bit cheaper than the Tirfor and had the fastest retrieve rate.

TJM Megastores sell both the Big Haul and the Tirfor (at least they did when I last checked) so you can compare them side by side and dollar for dollar.

I asked a similar question at a three letter 4x4 store, and was told that the Turfor case is a pressed metal case that can withstand a lot of dropping, bashing around in ute beds or trailers, typical army misuse and bad handling, wheras the Magnum etc. have cast metal cases than can crack and fracture if dropped, rendering the winch unusable.
Thier claim is the cheaper ones are fine if you look after them.
The answer sounded fine to me, so I walked out and bought a second hand Tirfur for $200.
Cheers
Ian

i have a magnum which i have rarely used to date as also have a bull bar mounted TJM electric winch - carry the magnum in a plywood / pine box specially made to fit around it so have have no real probs with it to date but is bloody hard work to use for any distance - only use it to pull the patrol out backwards a short distance if cant get out frontways with electric winch - bought it as good value for money emergency winch - but if you intend to use the hand winch a lot then go with a tirfor
see you greg

copy of owners guide available if you need it for info

Another option is a come-along.I have a 3 ton unit, it only has 1.5m of chain so you do need to rerig it a few times depending on how far you need to go but I find it easier to use than my old hand winch as you don't have to lug 20-30m of steel wire and it doesn't take up as much room.