Horbor Freight Winch Installation

[fulleraviation]

Here is a photo of the $68 Horbor Freight winch installed on a MAX IV. It seems to work ok. It pulled the MAX with the parking brake locked. I don't really like the remote control portion of the winch. When you push the button it activates the winch for about three seconds whether you want it to or not. I will be water testing later today. Lets see if it still works.

Later,
Rut

[micmac]

Hey Rut,

Could you post some pics / details on the winch mount you used. I'm planning on using the same winch. I'd like some info on how you munted it.

Mike

[cj-ate]

Hi Rut
Just purchased the same winch to put on my Attex. I have not made the mount yet but I was testing the winch and I am also a little leery of that 3 second run after letting go of the remote button. Be very careful if you have the remote in hand and you are close to the fair lead. I have seen a couple of guys get there hands sucked into the fair lead off roading in my Jeep and our Jeep winches shut off as soon as you let go off the remote buttons. I have already opened up the control box on my Harbor Freight winch and it looks like it would be easy to convert it to a wired remote if need be.
Mike

[fulleraviation]

I got the winch mount from Route 6X6, Richard was great and I received the mount promptly. It cost me $115 bucks, and that thing is soilid. I had to drill a couple of holes in it. As for mounting the winch itself in that mount, I had to grind down one cap nut on the winch, and remove the roller assembly from the winch. The roller assembly is the mount plate for this winch. I mounted this assembly between the winch and the Route 6x6 mount plate. I had to cut the roller assembly down so that it would not hit the body seam of the MAX. I also had to grind a spot on the winch where the rear mount bolt attaches to accept a weld. With my mount, I had no access to the nut. I then welded a nut to the winch.

I packed the remote in a plactic key locker, to keep it from accidently going off. I also removed the ground wire from the winch, I am able to reconnect with inside the Max. Not sure what frequencies will trigger this thing!

I didnt want to take the lid off the electronics, but I figured it would be easy to rig up a real push button remote with a 10 foot lead.

MAX installation requires that you drop the fuel cell, so if installing a mount on a max go for a long ride and come back with low fuel.

Thanks Guys

[fulleraviation]

Got stuck and Winch Worked

Hey Guys,

I got stuck for the first time today in a mud hole. I high centered good. Hooked up the Harbor Freight Winch and crossed my fingers. It pulled me free.

I had the whole family on board. They were scared that we would have to walk back home through the woods about 10 miles.

I would say that I already got my $68 worth.

Take care,
Rut

[Mike]

Rut, that didn't take long, you work quick man! I would definitely say that you got your money's worth today! You know I've got to say it though...where's the pictures of you guys stuck in the mud hole?

[fulleraviation]

I keep forgetting the camera!

I also dont want you guys to be too jealous about the terrain I get to ride in!

Hope to Chat later at 8pm
See ya

[mrarmyant]

Anyone have a photo of the mount? I was making my mount part of the roll cage and a solid frame the whole way around. Didn't think it would hold or pull well on the plastic, guess I was wrong. I know I could fab that mount for way less than 115 if i could see the back plate.

[Roger S]

Are you using the argo factory internal bracing kit for the winch? if not maybe you could copy it.

[fulleraviation]

3 saves so far. Thanks Harbor Freight

Well guys,

I have been stuck in the middle of nowhere three times now and my Harbor Freight winch has worked great. The best $68 bucks I have spent in a long time.

Rutledge

[Beeman]

I don't really like the remote control portion of the winch. When you push the button it activates the winch for about three seconds whether you want it to or not.

Sounds like your winch doesn't have a built in electric brake (the momentum of the motor keeps your winch running after you shut er down). This can be solved by shorting out the two motor leads in the "off" position (this will create a motor brake).

[rdr]

I just paid $ 120. for a 3,000 lbs. wench from tractor supply, the name brand is Champion. I am in the middle of making a new brush guard to house the wench for the Argo Big Foot. I'm tying the brush guard into the new roll cage I just built. I got stuck pretty bad Sunday after noon. My battery died, I was personally stuck in the mud up to my knees, it was raining, cold and turning dark QUICK.

got any pic of it .i would thank you for it robbie .

[rdr]

I did take some pic's still need to get more. Will post'em soon......

cool thanks tomass i see the winch on tractors webb page .

[fulleraviation]

Saved Again!

And yet another save by my cheapo winch! Forgot the camera, but this was a good one. Tires on one side were not even visible. Completely covered with mud to the seam on the tub. I did purchase a snatch block, but have not had to use it yet.

Rutledge

[rdr]

sweettttttttttttttt