How much winch for a Disco?

Cleand

Adventurer
I am in the market for a new winch, and I was wondering how much winch do I really need? I had a cheapy 9000lb and now I am going to fork over the money for a quality winch. I just want to make sure I have the right amount of winch. I have a Disco1 Rovertym front bumper.....
 

Antichrist

Expedition Leader
8-10k would be fine.
The lower the rating the more often you'll need to use a snatch block, but it's safer to use them most of the time anyway.
I've used an 8274 on one (removed only because I didn't like how far it protruded). Currently have a 10k on my 95 and will be putting a 9k on my wife's 97.
 

jrose609

Explorer
X2 on what Tom said (on 8000 to 10000 winches and snatch blocks). A Warn 8000 is a good winch, and if you watch for Internet deals, they aren't too expensive.
 

David Harris

Expedition Leader
A good rule of thumb is to buy a winch that can pull twice the weight of the loaded vehicle. So, for a relatively stock Land Rover with light mods, start with a 9K winch, and increase from there depending on how heavy your vehicle is. A lot of fully equipped Land Rovers are pushing 6K in use, so I say go all the way to a 12K winch. If you're using something like a Superwinch Husky worm drive, the 10K model would be fine, since it can easily pull at least 12K if required.

David
 

Paladin

Banned
9000 pounds is pretty typical. One thing to look at is how fast the pull drops off as you add wraps on to the drum. Some are worse than others. Some will only pull 4000lbs on the last wrap. Others will still pull over 6000lbs. Also look at speeds both empty and loaded, and amps. When you look at all those numbers, you realize it's not such a simple decision, but you'll also see some pretty massive differences between brands.
 

Antichrist

Expedition Leader
Ummm...any winch that can pull it's rated load, 8k, 9k, 10k, etc, can easily pull twice it's rating with a snatch block. Three times it's rating with two snatch blocks.
IMO that "rule of thumb" is based on people assuming you should just use a single line pull.

I'd argue that you're better off saving some money on not going crazy on winch overkill, and put the saved money towards more rigging, which you're going to want anyway, and which will allow you greater flexibility in types of recovery you can perform.
Of course, if money isn't an issue, there's no harm in getting a winch that's more than you need, depending on the weight premium.
 

David Harris

Expedition Leader
Ummm...any winch that can pull it's rated load, 8k, 9k, 10k, etc, can easily pull twice it's rating with a snatch block. Three times it's rating with two snatch blocks.
IMO that "rule of thumb" is based on people assuming you should just use a single line pull.

I'd argue that you're better off saving some money on not going crazy on winch overkill, and put the saved money towards more rigging, which you're going to want anyway, and which will allow you greater flexibility in types of recovery you can perform.
Of course, if money isn't an issue, there's no harm in getting a winch that's more than you need, depending on the weight premium.

Yes. Using a snatch block changes the picture, and is needed in a lot of situations anyway because of angles. Keep in mind though that with a snatch block, you are going to need a lot more winch line/cable since it is doubled. A lot also depends on how much you think you will need the winch. If you aren't pushing the limits all the time, then you can get by with less. If you are going to use it a lot, then it definitely pays to get the most winch you can afford from the beginning.

Don't shy away from hydraulics either. I'm seriously thinking of going this route on my Disco/Isuzu project, since it will be heavy with the diesel and will have the capability of driving a PTO hydraulic pump off of the NV4500. You can drive one off of the LT230 if you can find the right pump also. You don't need a PTO. You can also use one that drives off of the power steering pump. Hydraulics are best if you are going to use it a lot and want lifetime durability.

David
 

mongosd2

Adventurer
You do know the strength of the winch is relative to the wrap of line on the drum. That's why you want to get line off the winch...
 

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Don't shy away from hydraulics either.

That's what ive been looking into, I spoke with Atlas about there 10000LB there only $499. It looks to have some good reviews. Looks like something im intresting.
ATDF10000N-5.jpg

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ATDF10000N&Show=TechSpecs
 
Superwinch X9 on a SafariGard bumper. It's worked there for years now.

I stumbled across it on clearance at the local Northern tool.

YMMV
 

X-plorenow

Adventurer
Ok a couple of points listed here bring up an interesting question. Superwinches Husky winches are well respected and many people speak highly of hydro winches in general as well. Both are similarly priced so it begs the question, if you had the money and the choice which would you buy and why?
 

getlost4x4

Expedition Leader
1.5 times the weight of your vehicle to be safe.

that's the rule of thumb I go by. Get a snatch block as well. Sometimes you need the extra power or slower pulling speed. I high centered my Jeep Commander, the only way I could pull my self off the stump was by using my snatch block.

weigh your vehicle fully loaded and go from there.

say your vehicle weights 5000 lbs.

5000 x 1.5 = 7500

to be safe I would say just pick up a 9000-10000 lbs winch. you will need the extra power when you are bogged down in mud.

i buried my commander because I was not paying attention to the trail. i was still in high range, puting down the trail when i sunk almost to the top of the fenders.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Cit9_4s2Zc"]YouTube - GL4X4 Mud Winch Fest[/ame]
 

David Harris

Expedition Leader
Ok a couple of points listed here bring up an interesting question. Superwinches Husky winches are well respected and many people speak highly of hydro winches in general as well. Both are similarly priced so it begs the question, if you had the money and the choice which would you buy and why?

Husky's are perhaps the most durable electric winch you can buy, but they are very slow because of the worm drive. They will probably last the life of the vehicle with maintenance. They are electric, though, and so for extended use, power is the only limitation. On the other hand, hydro winches are what is used on tow trucks and have a continuous duty cycle, meaning they can be used all day, every day and also outlast the vehicle they're on. Hydro winches also have much faster line speeds than the equivalent capacity electric winch. For example, a Warn M12000 electric winch has a line speed of 7.5 ft./min. pulling 8K. The equivalent Warn 12K hydraulic winch has a line speed of 36 ft./min. pulling the same load. Hydro's will also work submerged better than electrics.

David
 

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