Winch question?

[Mikeg23]

It seems like all of the pictures that I see of electric winches the cable comes out at the bottom of the drum. I have seen some hydraulic winches though with the cable coming out at the top of the drum.

My question is are any of the electric winches set up so that the cable comes off at the top?

 

[SaddleUp]

The problem with most electric winches is that the internal brake works in one direction only. Even if it worked when it was wound the opposite way it would burn the brake up if the winch was run under load in reverse. (The brake is engaged even when the winch is run in reverse which is why they tell you to avoid running it in reverse when possible)

 

[rustbucket]

I suppose you could mount it backward, but I would be worried about the additional leverage on the winch mounts if you ran it over the top.

 

[SaddleUp]

I suppose you could mount it backward, but I would be worried about the additional leverage on the winch mounts if you ran it over the top.

That could be overcome by mounting it to the front plate instead of to the bottom one. (They can be mounted either way) I actually can't see any reason that wouldn't work. Might need to unbolt the motor and turn it but that isn't a problem.

 

[Mikeg23]

Okay thanks SaddleUp. It looks like when ever I get around to buying a winch I may look into Hydraulic. I would want to mount the winch low but still have the fairlead in a "normal" position.

 

[Mikeg23]

I suppose you could mount it backward, but I would be worried about the additional leverage on the winch mounts if you ran it over the top.

I just realized what you meant by this as it didn't click earlier. I hadn't thought of that, I guess it would work?

 

[WireEd]

I use the Milemarker hyd winch and it works the same in both directions. In fact, you can hook up the solenoids in either direction so your "in" switch can be either direction.