Which Winch ?

[Icewalker]

Got a lovely unexpected check in the mail today and I can just about swing a winch without the other half getting too upset

The question I have is probably a two fold one. There is of course the whole electric v hydraulic debate ? Still not sure which side I end up on.

Also though has anyone had any experience with the milemarker electric winches - they seem to be too reasonably priced to be good - but open to suggestions.

Thanks

Jeff

 

[Scott Brady]

From my experience and lots of winching, buy an M8000 and fit it with synthetic line. Screaming line speed allow for easy double line pulls.

Another option (and one I am going to test in a month or so) is a Superwinch with synthetic line. This EP9000 is a really nice winch with lower than average amp draw.
I am working with Viking OffRoad on a winch/synthetic combo.

Unless you are doing competition winching or lots of mud (pull after pull) the other options are absolute overkill. More bling, but also more weight, cost, etc.

 

[Scott Brady]

My build of a sub-50lb. M8000

I know Quadratec has M8000's for $529, which is SMOKINGROFSheriffHL:

 

[Icewalker]

Thanks Scott - does the M8000 have enough pulling power for a fully loaded disco? I was looking at the milemarker SE9500's which seem to be in the same ballpark price wise. I know milemarker seems to be the one to have if I go hydraulic - not so sure about he quality of their electric winches though. If memory serves me right the Warns do have a Bosch motor.

Jeff

 

[Scott Brady]

Winches are about creating mechanical advantage. Since yours will be used for infrequent recovery, the M8000 is more than sufficient. This allows for a double line pull which keeps things moving slow and very strong, and since the winch is not working hard (because of the 2:1 effect of the pulley), amp draw is also less. Double line pull also allows the cable to bear less load and the return line to be connected to the frame, halving the stress on the bumper (return lines should always be connected to something other than the winch mount, like a frame mounted recovery ring).

So, to answer your question, 1.5x the vehicle weight is preferred, but certainly not required if good rigging is employed.

 

[HenryJ]

Keep in mind that the winches rating is usually with one wrap on the drum. Shorter pulls reduce the winches load capacity. Pulling the line off for a doubled pull is of a dual benefit in this case. Enough line is off for the gear reduction, plus the load is cut in half with the mechanicl advantage of the doubled line.

I have a Mile Marker 9,000 lbs Electric Winch
I have had no problem with it other than the poor quality remote control and cheezy solenoid mounting bracket. I adapted my Superwinch pistol grip controller to work with it and made my own mounting bracket for the control box. I have been very happy.

I do not use it frequently. No personal recoveries to date. I hope that record stands. Like a lucky charm, if I have it along, I don't need to use it
I picked up my Mile Marker winch new with a receiver mount second hand for $400. A deal I could not pass up.
I have been considering synthetic rope, but hesitate since my terrain contains broken basalt ,shale and other highly abrasive volcanic rock.
I have nothing to compare with except very little time with an old Warn winch and lots of time with a S3500 Superwinch. The Superwinch has held up to years of use on my car trailer and a short stint on the truck.

My truck grosses 5995 lbs loaded for a five day dry camp. My car weighs 3000 lbs as loaded on the trailer for the races. I think both the Mile Marker for the truck and the Superwinch for the trailer serve my needs well.
I would not be afraid to buy either again.

 

[goodtimes]

So, to answer your question, 1.5x the vehicle weight is preferred, but certainly not required if good rigging is employed.

x2

As Scott mentioned, running the cable (or synthetic line) back to the vehicle will effectively double the pulling power of the winch at the cost of cutting effective line speed in half. But when you consider that probably 95% of winches ever sold will be used only one or two times in the first 5 years...a little lower line speed is not such a big deal.

My personal preference on electric vs hydraulic, is electric. Much cleaner and easier install, and if ******** really hits the fan, it will work with the engine shut off (but not for long).

 

[calamaridog]

I picked up my Milemarker E9000 for $375 shipped. Brand new in box.

It's been sitting in my garage now for over a year waiting for a new bumper

I think $529 for a Warn sounds too good to pass though.

 

[Icewalker]

Warn Winch on the way :bike_rider: Thanks guys

Jeff

 

[Colorado Ron]

Im really a big fan of the Warn 8274. You can pick up used ones for $300-400 fairly easy. Great winch. I have had 4 of them and not one has failed me. The winch on this page was picked up for $250 and bought the Synthetic Line to complete the deal:
http://www.offroad-adventure-travel.com/my-jeep-wrangler.html

 

[Nullifier]

I like the superwinch Mike (outsidr) has a super old one on his landrover and it works great. We put 2 on the baja truck but unfortunetly or foutunetly did not get to use them but they lok sweet LOL!

 

[DaktariEd]

I have the 8274 also...never used it yet except in test pulls and as a demo at the ExPo Trophy.

But it's all I should ever need!

:sombrero:

 

[Scott Brady]

Im really a big fan of the Warn 8274.

I agree, greatest winch ever made, but heavy and expensive. On a vehicle that sees a lot of mud or competition, nothing better.

With the modified 8274 (with a 6.5hp motor), Nathan and I won every recovery event in the Outback Challenge

 

[upcruiser]

This thread is a refresshing alternative to the other ones on unnamed forums where everyone insists that I need a 12,000# Warn and nothing less for my 80.

 

[Lost Canadian]

Winch Depot has an killer deal on right now as well. A M8000 with roller fairlead and 100 feet of cable is only $549.....with FREE SHIPPING and a FREE receiver shackle.:Wow1:
http://www.winchdepot.com/index.asp