Winches are like anything else we buy, we have to decide what were going to do with it. Are you going to be in competition were things like line pull speed and heat are an issue. Will your winch need to make several consecutive hard pulls without time to cool down.
Contributers
Matt
Cico 7
HueyPilotVN
ER NURSE
ped4599
WanderingTs
Sal-XK
Motors
Permanent Magnet Motors creates more heat pulls less amps on battery but is cheaper.
Series wound motors which are more powerful, less heat can pull longer faster but cost a lot more.
Gears
Planetary Gears - Planetary gears are the most common and provide both strength and smooth operation with good resistance to torque loads. The planetary gear systems have efficiency 65% and have a tendency to free spool when loaded, therefore a braking mechanism is needed.
Worm Gear - The worm gear has a transfer efficiency of 35-40%. This causes the winch to be self-braking even under heavy loads, but this means the unit will need a clutch mechanism for free spooling. Worm gears offer the most reduction, very high reliability, built-in braking mechanism, and generally a slower winching speed. Worm drives are generally stronger and simpler than other gear systems such as the planetary due to the lack of the need for a braking system as well as the extreme gear reductions possible. The primary drawback of a worm gear system is the noticeable reduction in overall line speed, especially in a 'no load' cable reel-up situation. Here, the planetary has an advantage.
Spur Gear - The spur gear systems have efficiency of 75% and like the planetary gear system, they have a tendency to free spool when loaded, therefore a braking mechanism is needed. Only the WARN M8274 has a spur gear due to its different design characteristics.
Options
AIR: some winches come with on board air compressors. Some of these can run air tools for fixing your rig on the trail.
Winch Line: You have two options here go with the traditional steel cable or the synthetic line. Keep in mind though the synthetic line is not recommended for all winches. It's recommended for a polished drum to mount it on. Obviously the rope is lighter and easier to work with. It is easier to damage thought keep that in mind and it is a lot more expensive the steel.
So figure your use and shop for the options you need. This is a good site to do some late night reading http://www.offroaders.com/tech/winches/Winch-Tech.htm
Repairs
Another thing to consider is part replacement and cost. I was offered a deal on a broken Chicago electric 9,000 LBS winch but I couldn't find a replacement motor for one. Waren on the other hand you can buy replacement motors and parts pretty cheap. Keep that in mind as well while choosing a winch. I would consider the off brands or cheaper ones disposable. You can save a lot of money but you can't get parts for them so when they break just throw them away.
So pretty much before you purchase a winch try to find replacement parts online and see if how much they cost or even if they are available.
Winch Tools
Snatch Block This is a very important tool to have with a winch. For one it doubles the pulling power of your winch giving your 9k LBS winch 18kLBS of pulling power. It also allows you to pull at multiple angles giving you options on how to pull your self or your buddy out of his predicament.
Tree strap exactly how it sounds it a short thick strap to hook up to objects. It is required in some parks if your winching and it will save the tree your hooking up to as well. Make sure you get one long enough for use in your area, if you have huge trees where you wheel get a tree strap that will fit around them.
Clevis Shackle One of the best tools you can have in your Jeep. It's the safest and fastest way to connect chains a straps or anything you're rigging up to get unstuck.
Snatch Strap Don't confuse these with tow straps. There meant for different applications and uses. A tow strap is made for towing only and not meant to handle the shock of snatching. Snatch straps are designed specifically to snatch a vehicle. They can handle the shock or running starts.
Gloves Get a good set of gloves for winching leather work gloves probably protect the best but any pair of gloves is better then none. You steel cable can have burs on it and slice your hands.
Tire Plug Kit If you're wheeling you will eventually do two things, get stuck or blow a tire. Get a plug kit there small and cheap.
Winch Anchor one of these depending on where you wheel and whats available to hook to. Here is a picture of the SmittyBuilt Wasp
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