Help Me Pick Out a Winch for My Trailer

[AL Farmall Boy]

Hey guys....recently had me a small utility trailer built for small jobs and the occasional Cub haul if I just happen to run into one that needs a "quick tow". Typically if I'm using this small trailer, I'm probably gonna be alone and have no help so If I happen to run across a broken down Cub I'd like to have a winch. Had my trailer built with a winch mount plate and battery box, so that is covered. What I am asking is for some suggestions for a GOOD winch for this task. Keep in mind that the trailer is small so a Cub with attached implements would be probably the heaviest thing I'd winch on the trailer since we have much larger trailers at home. Does anyone know of a GOOD winch for a decent price.

I've also read where some of you have a "Quick Attach" system to switch the winch to different trailers easily. I might be interested in knowing more about that too becuase I could always use it on the other (larger) trailers.

Thanks!

[Brendan In NC]

Well just to be safe id use a Warn 4000 pound Winch just in case if you had say cultivator's or a planter mounted on just so you know its not gonna struggle pulling that tractor on the trailer.
Nice Trailer by they way what's the load capability on it? 3000 pounds? 3500? if so i might look into one like that to haul mine.

Here's the winch im talking about
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... AgWB8P8HAQ

[AL Farmall Boy]

that is exactly what I looked at earlier but after talking with people at work they say I need double that in case the Cub might have flat tires or stuck to the ground or something......

I don't mind paying that price or less, but much less would be better. Are there any other GOOD winches for less money and maybe more power? What do you all think?

[Barnyard]

I have a 2,000 pound Superwinch on mine and pulled a 404 on with it but it was a bit of a struggle up the ladder ramps.

The three thousand pounder should be fine for what you want.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... _200455967

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... _200422430

[tmays]

Well after reading the posts, I had to go back and read the subject again. Sure enough, it reads 'winch', not 'wench'

[Bob McCarty]

I can't recommend a brand, the HF I had for 10 years finally give up. The things I'd suggest are to oversize it and get a wireless controller. With it you can sit on the tractor and steer as you're loading. The cheaper ones may come with a detachable mounting system, but you'd need to check and see if you can get the mounting plate to use it on another trailer.

Bob

[Winfield Dave]

I've also read where some of you have a "Quick Attach" system to switch the winch to different trailers easily.

Here ya go:
Winch mount for trailer receiver
Winch on trailer

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

What ever you buy, be sure to read the fine print of the specifications. Some 2,000 lb winches produce 2,000 lbs of pull. Some will only move a 2,000 lb rolling load.

[AL Farmall Boy]

Thank you for all of the info guys. I like your choice Barnyard, but I've also found a SmittyBilt XRC 4.0 Winch "Kit" for $179.00. It's a 4,000 lbs, but I need to look further into the specifics of it, but the price sure does look good. I just want a good reliable winch that isn't gonna be under a strain and would last me.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Don't over look Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Superwinch-133120 ... iler+winch

[AL Farmall Boy]

Thanks John, gonna pull the trigger with something before the end of the day!

[gitractorman]

I agree with others about the 4000 pound pull. Having owned a couple Jeeps and having done a little research on winches here are a couple of suggestions:
1. get one that is rated for 2x the weight of whatever you want to pull. So, 2000 pound tractor, get a 4000 pound rated winch.
2. I would look for one with a synthetic rope rather than cable. They're a little more expensive, but I can tell you from experience, the nylon is a LOT easier to work with, it doesn't have a "memory" like braided cable, so it uncoils easily and works much nicer, wont tear into anything it touches (yes, I've seen angle iron rails on a trailer worn with big gooves in them from a braided winch cable) and you can easily wrap them around things (axles, etc.,) without tearing into them.
3. Any winch can be mounted on a receiver plate, so you can interchange it, however, you then need to look at how the receiver is attached. Just a word of caution. Any device is only as strong as it's weakest attachment point!!

Most folks don't know about the winches with nylon straps or ropes, but here is an example:

This Superwinch Terra 45, 4500 pound winch with nylon rope, $275 at Rural King


This is a pretty light duty winch (as far as offroading winches go) but for the occasional use, utility use, hoisting tractors, etc., as you're planning to do, this would be the perfect application in my book.

Good luck,
Bill