Cheap winch...Worth it???

[junebug]

Ok Harbor Freight is selling a 10000lb Winch here soon for 299. I know its cheap imported stuff but 299 seems pretty tempting to someone without a winch! Anyone ever used one of HF's winches?

 

[msweb]

I've got a little ATV one on my trailer that I use to load my 4-wheeler and drag other things onto it. I'm constantly amazed at how many things that must weigh more than the winch's 2000lb rating that I'd swear weighs less than half that...

If you must get one, buy their warranty for a few bucks more and just keep swapping them out. Just hope it doesn't leave you stranded on the trail, half way up a ravine...

 

[bigbadktm]

some say that it is a chinese knock off of I forgot who, but it is essentially a de-branded winch

 

[2b1ask1]

winch

I bought one from the winch depot for 299... A smittybilt xc8 I think... Been good so far...

 

[Stroppe-Envy-77]

Considering the kind of situation you're likely to use a winch for, do you really want a cheap one? (Might cost a whole lot to get unstuck from somewhere if the thing gave up on you.)

Generally, the Harbor Frieght stuff is pretty low quality. I have a friend who refers to their tools as "single use." He buys something there only if it's really obscure and he just needs it for one job.

My only experience with their power-operated tools is a 110v impact wrench my brother bought me a few years ago. I think I've only used it 4 or 5 times, and the last time I did, it made this horrible electrical burning smell.

Then again, some people swear by their stuff.

 

[blackbeauty]

When looking for a winch, the better ones use a series wound motor. I would stay away from the permanent magnetic motors. Almost all cheaper winches you see for sale including all of Mile Marker's now come over on the slow boat, except the higher end Warn or Ramsay winches.

 

[broncnaz]

Really depends on how much you intend to use it. If you just want to have one just in case then I'd say its a good deal. If you plan on using it a lot then I'd get a better one. I've had pretty good luck with stuff from HF. Have yet to break any tools I've gotten from them. I got a cheap 4 1/2" angle grinder that works well it is noisey but it served its purpose.

 

[Broncobowsher]

As stated, what is the planned use?
Do you plan to go places where you plan to need it? Spend real money and get a good winch.
Would you like one for a little oops that was not planned? Something that having one yourself would be easier then re-arrangine a line of vehicles to put a winch where one is needed? Good choice.

I had an 8k HF winch for about 5 years. Probably used it once a year on average. I did find it a little slow, but pulled good. I pulled a few trees out of the back yard. a little tug on the trail once or twice. I even winched myself into the garage after I got carried away with the new pressure washer and it wouldn't start.

A co-worker has one on his car hauler for pulling cars onto the trailer (he goes through a lot of derby cars). He runs it hard and it always works for him, sure beats using come-a-longs.

 

[sprdv1]

They generally work fairly well, but definitely slow..!

 

[Heus33]

Is it this one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91905

If you plan on making a purchase check out an Automoblie Magazine - they run an ad in there that has a 20% off a single item purchase. You could get that for $239. Tax and warranty and you'd be out the door for under $300. That sounds like a great deal to me.

 

[yjzonie]

The Harbor Frieght winch is every bit the same as the Mile Marker. Same plant and all, but different remotes. I have the Harbor Frieght 10k and have only had to use it twice. A little slow, but works well. In this months Four wheel off road mag, they break down all the popular winches, including the ones already mentioned above. Good luck, oh and if you get it do get the extended warranty.

 

[zeeman1]

I had an 8k one from there on my first EB and used it a few times. It always worked and never left me stranded. That said, if I were building a mud bogger or rock crawler where the winch would get normal use I'd probably rather have a used warn than a new cheapie.

 

[zeeman1]

when is the sale?

 

[bmc69]

Is it this one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91905

If you plan on making a purchase check out an Automoblie Magazine - they run an ad in there that has a 20% off a single item purchase. You could get that for $239. Tax and warranty and you'd be out the door for under $300. That sounds like a great deal to me.

I have the Milemarker version on the back of my trail rig.. It pulls fine but it is painfully slow..slowest winch I have ever seen in my life. If I have to pull cable from that one we take a lunch break while we wait for it to spool back in.;D

 

[bigbadktm]

see when you ship your manufacturing to china, there is no way for you to really check up on them. they take the plans that you send them to build your product and turn around and make it for somebody else. that is why made in america is better