Electric winches

A winch is an expensive and heavy option that spend a lot of time pushing air. But if you feel the need then we have fitted to our vehicles, Magnum (by Warn), Ox, TJM and Warn. All good with the Magnum, in my view offering the best value for money

Plasma vs Wire. It used to be an cost thing but I replaced my Ox with a new TJM version with plasma for a lower cost than I purchased the Ox with wire rope three vehicles ago and yes it has lasted and it gets used most weekend for training so is also well used and maintained

Maintenance. What kills a winch mechanically and electrically is lack of use. They are not waterproof but the electricals are getting better. Use it by free spooling out and winding it back in about every two months if it is dry and if in winter when its wet and raining I do mine every weekend mostly as its used but for a casual user then monthly

Mechanically pulled down every year and overhauled with marine grade grease

Oh and get someone to show you how to use it properly along with a snatch block

Regards

Rob

If your reasoning for fitting a winch is primarily for beach work you might consider other recovery methods first?
You also may need to upgrade your front springs

Aldi winch - seriously I'd know 10 people with them and nil issues - they are just a rebadged somethinorother like most other ones these days. Mine has been through all sorts of hell and keeps kicking goals. Best part is when I trade in the ute, the winch can go with it and for another $300 I'll get another for the new vehicle. Maintenance is a good dose of inox from 2ft every now and again. I've never seen inside it and frankly once you've seen the circus it is to install a winch, nor will you.
Plasma rope works, is lighter, won't put needles in your hands, looks pretty and can't handle heat or abrasion like steel cable. It really has no bloody business being on low mount winches and never was until the chinese started it. It starts losing it's load rating at 70 degrees, and turns to liquid at 140 degrees. So as long as you don't power out for more than a couple of feet and don't have recoveries where the rope is on the ground (abrasion) then you're sweet. With that in mind, it excells at all other stuff. I'll keep the steel cable thanks, and have confidence winching in the rocks.

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Hi Al,

If you are contemplating using a winch for vehicle recovery on a beach I wonder if you have considered what you will attach the cable to. There are few natural anchor point on beaches. You would possibly need to also carry a sand anchor or star pickets.


Perhaps a better solution is MaxTrax. They can be very effective at getting out of a bogged state plus cheaper and lighter than a winch.

My first piece of advise would be learn to get your self out with out any aids, we have only ever used our winch on three occasions and all three occasions involved very steep muddy or rocky climbs ,there was no other way out......

We use Warn winches and there are many who say they are over priced and the cheaper ones are just as good...... suppose that's why they still make and sell Hyundia's and Mercedes, not every one wants cheaper.

As for synthetic vs wire rope..... go the wire..... less maintenance and you don't have to worry where you use it, synthetic is no good on rocky ground.

With maintenance there is a simple rule, the more harsher the environment the more maintenance is required.... if you spend 4 months driving on the blacktop you don't have to touch the winch, if you drive through mud, water or dirt then you have to look after it.

Thank you to everyone who has replied so far.

tigerz11 or am I swearing??? seem to have reasonable after sales/warranty and been around a little while now. i'd probably go for one of theirs before the Aldi version. And yes cable vs plasma. Cable tried and tested over years of abuse. Plasma- affected by heat from drum/motor, UV light (sun), abrasive(rocks,ground etc), needs to be removed and washed to get mud/debris out.
Just some of my thoughts to add.

I have a warn hi mount on the troopy and also a PRT sand anchor . You will need a dedicated winch bar . Rated Recovery points to at least match the winch swl . A sand anchor such as PRT , not a rip off cheap one . The winch has to be 100% reliable in case you ever use it on the beach . Just get a sets of maxtrax and strap them on the rear spare wheel with a SPT lockable strap like i do and a long handled shovel .