Winch Recommedations

[clarky707]

hey guy's,

I have a 2002 Patrol with a factory fitted nissan winch bar rated to 9500lbs. What is the best 'value for money' option when it comes to purchasing a winch. I'm after a reliable, go anywhere and work under any conditions (including mud and water, if needed) winch that won't cost me an arm and a leg (round $800-900), but are unsure on which one to choose? Warn, T-Max, Ironman, Premier, TJM? Also, should i go high mount or low mount?
The rating of my bull bar also limits my choices a bit, so is there any way of upgrading the load rating without replacing the bull bar?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers

Clarky707

[bmatthewtaylor]

>should i go high mount or low mount?
I think one or the other will fit. best go to a 4wd shop and get them to show you.
>there any way of upgrading the load rating without replacing the bull bar?
probably not. load rating will be dependant on the bolts used, size of steel etc. 9500lb is heaps and you can always use a pulley block. Some models have options for different gearing on the same frame/drum/motor to give faster linespeed with a lower pull rating.
There was a comparison test done by one of the magazines - they measured gear hardness and did some field tests. cheaper winches showed low hardness which would translate into gear wear and possible failure down the track.

hope that helps :)

[Dave_STR]

Save your money and get a warn winch.

By the way the is a section for info on Pettys, try to post in the right section next time.

Dave

[Stampy]

hey guy's,

I have a 2002 Patrol with a factory fitted nissan winch bar rated to 9500lbs. What is the best 'value for money' option when it comes to purchasing a winch. I'm after a reliable, go anywhere and work under any conditions (including mud and water, if needed) winch that won't cost me an arm and a leg (round $800-900), but are unsure on which one to choose? Warn, T-Max, Ironman, Premier, TJM? Also, should i go high mount or low mount?
The rating of my bull bar also limits my choices a bit, so is there any way of upgrading the load rating without replacing the bull bar?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers

Clarky707

To answer quickly and simply:
There is no such thing as a winch bar 'rated to 9500 pds'. What Nissan mean is that the bar will accomodate a low mount winch up to 9000pds (or 9500pds) in capacity.
Your bar will only take a low mount.
Warn XD9000 - around $1800
TMax 9000 - $1000 - $1200
Ironman 9000 - $799

All winches work in mud and water and generating heat, like diffs and gearboxes, are prone to drawing in some of that wet, muddy crap which is why occasional servicing (of any brand winch) is worthwhile.

Value for money? .... See above.

[Green X]

Thought about a Mile Marker Hydraulic winch, As long as the engine is running and you got a Good P/S Cooler they will pull all day and in any conditions.