Winch, Winch, Winch.....

[martwell]

HI guys... I got stuck in snow, 3 feets deep in a crevass, 2 weeks ago and my winch( the original from Argo i think 1500lb ..) help me but not as i wanted... Not enough power to pull me out first time... I needed to winch, release, change tree, rewinch and i got some automatic breaker that keep blowing off ... Last summer i rewired the winch with bigger wire and it help but with how i was stuck it wasn't enough.... Can someone suggest me a good 4000lb winch that isn't gonna need a morgage to buyand where i could buy it... Not the highiest price but not the cheapest... something good...

Thanks

Martin

[Roger S]

I use a 2000 and a snatch block, it'll pull as hard on the argo as i care to pull. A 2500 or 3000 and a block would be plenty. I don't like to add unnecessary weight to the front of an argo. Taking the winches apart and lubing them makes a lot of difference, too. But if you want a strong pull with a full spool, the 4000 is for you.

[Robio_8x8]

Careful how you mount that on the machine

Your winch may pull 4000lbs but what are you mounting it too?

You may want to look into a Winch mounting kit Argo pt#622-21, 622-78, 622-98,622-104 or re creating it increasing the gage of metal and grade of hardware.

[MaxRules]

I always sold the Ramsey 3000 winch with the Argos that I sold. It was only $450 with the wireless remote control. It has to be mounted to the factory winch bracket or one made very similar as that winch pulls hard. I have never been a Superwinch fan and that is all Argo will offer from the factory. Warn and Ramsey winches are more dependable and pull better. You get what you pay for with winches!

[artist1018]

Harbor freight has quite a selection and, some are on sale!

[Rock Doctor]

Most of the guys that I ride with use the 3300 lb Rule Winch. I use a 4200 lb Rule, but only becouse it came with the machine. Whatever you decide to get, just make sure you have the 100 foot spool, the 50 foot spool is just not enough, IMHO.
I have had problems, in the past, with Warn Winches. In general, they are a good winch, but the ones I used did not lock in place and would "creep" when left loaded (ex, used to lift front of Argo, to change tire. Argo would creep down). Also, I have seen several that had the plastic gear teeth strip off. These were older winches, and Warn may have dealt with that problem, I'm not sure.
If you have seen my "Bridge Rescue" vid, you have seen my 4200 lb winch in action, with the added pull of a snatch block. It's kinda scary, just how much you can pull on the front of an Argo, without tearing it apart

[xrover]

2 things

plasma rope upgrade and snatchblock.

The snatchblock alone will provide double the pulling strength. Get one 3x the rating of your winch.

[Robio_8x8]

Plasma? do you have a web link

plasma rope upgrade and snatchblock.

The snatchblock alone will provide double the pulling strength. Get one 3x the rating of your winch.

Plasma sounds like my TV .
Seriously send me a link when I Google it I just get big screen TVs

I got this Bulldog winch for under $50 and it works ok. claims 2500lbs

[ygmir]

I've done a fair amount of winching, lifting, and crane stuff, with my heavy equipment, army trucks, and work.
I'm a believer in snatch blocks, also safety.
When putting a pulling instrument to it's limits, I think it's always good to point out some safety issues:

If the cable, or mounting bracket, block, whatever, breaks, it'll severely damage, or cut, anything in it's path. In a max load situation, I like to at least put some sort of blanket, tarp, or something to slow a whipping, broken 3,000 lb. loaded spring............
Also, staying out of direct line with the pull..........and cable.

I'm not insinuating anyone here is unknowledgeable or unsafe.
I am fairly confident, though, that some reading these posts are not very experienced with these issues, and, a small saftey warning, if it prevents one injury, seems worth it.

Just a random thoght, from, a random thinker......

Ygmir

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[Bw6]

Winch Ratings

I don't know if everyone knows this but winch pulling power is spec'd with just one layer on the drum. A 4000 lb. winch is only rated for 2000 lb with 4 layers on the drum. Superwinch Electric Recovery Winches and Trailer Winches

I also found a neat little winch load calculator that is freeware:

Off The Road Winch Load Calculator 1 freeware - Home, Hobby & Education - Hobby - Freeware Download Box

[jerrynuss]

That is a very good point that often escapes some people. That is why a person should take the rope or cable all the way out and use a snatch block. Also loading up the smaller winch can generate a lot of heat, enough to melt the synthetic rope.

[Moike]

I do think that the block is the way to go. With additional pully it will slow the forward movement but will double the pulling strength.
As mentioned above stay out of the direct path of a loaded cable. well out of the way.
Moike

[martwell]

winch winch...

Thanks everybody for all of your numerous responses and safety tips, This site is really made of good guys who love AATV... I have been really busy out here with record snowfall ( we received 10 in of snow, two time a week for couple of weeks now... and some more for this saturday!!!) I will check them all and make a good choice out of it... thanks to you all....

Thanks

Martin ' the snowman' !!!!!

[xrover]

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