LOGGING WINCH: BRAND COMPARISON

[browns40]

Hi All,

I've been doing a bit of online comparison of Farmi, Fransgard, Tajfun, and Wallenstein logging winches, and am finding it to be exceedingly difficult--like tractors, every model is "the best" in it's arena...

Since everyone checks up on what they bought (and the ones they didn't!) I am hoping that anyone who had one or more of these winches (or other brand?) could give a little feedback on:

1. what you like about your brand?

2. what features on your brand steered you in that direction?

3. what price did you pay & when?

4. what features have you since noticed on other brands & would those differences have swayed you in another direction?

5. which have you found/heard the most rugged? reliable? available?

6. is a ~4 ton model the most appropriate for a 32 hp MFWD mid-frame?

7. what are the pros & cons of PTO vs. hydraulic driven units?

Any thoughts & experiences would be greatly appreciated...

Happy tractoring! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[1bush2hog]

I was in your position awhile back and ended up purchasing a Farmi 501 for the following reasons:

The size matched my tractor - look at the HP requirements on the winches, and match this to your tractor, this will determine what will work best for you - this will also determine the pulling capacity of the winch

Farmi's have been around a long time too, so parts and dealers are available

Farmi's are sturdy, well built, and simple to operate and have a good reputation as being dependable. I like quality and depend on my equipment to work when I need it to.

No problems with my winch so far and really can not comment on a hydraulic winch. I am no pro, nor do I make a living with my winch but I have not regretted my purchase, other than I wished I could have found a used one and saved some $$$

You can also check the forestry forum for good info on winches - www.forestryforum.com/

I looked at and liked the Taijfun and Fransguard and others have good things to say about these as well - My second choice was the Taijfun.

Do a search on this ite if you haven't already - there are some good threads pertaining to winches

 

[Maka]

I know the Tajfun and Farmi and feel as well as my customers who have owned both that the Tajfun pronounced Typhoon is far superior in build, weight, feature and price. I believe that the Tajfun would be an excellent choice.

If you call Anders at Scandanavian Forestry Tech he will explain the safety differences. You can reach him at
(208) 682-2002 or Scandanavian Forestry Tech.

I would give him a call as he has talked to others here about the differences and been very helpful.

I would think a 3 ton would be perfect and a 4 ton the max.

Thanks,
Maka

 

[1948berg]

High quality winches
http://www.igland-as.com/

 

[1bush2hog]

Hey Maka - Just curious - do you know what advantage the additional weight of a Tajfun would actually give a user?

Also, do you know about the differences in the brakes between a Tajfun and Farmi? and the advantages or disadvantages of one over the other?

Can you also give an idea of cost of a 50AV Tajfun?

Thanks.

 

[sparkkky]

Been logging with a Tajfun 3ton for the last year with no problems being heavier it works as ballast and seems solid.

Call Anders with your questions and he will fill you in, a real help to talk too.

 

[pekabu]

Noticed your from Maine. I was at Chappel tractor in Brentwood NH today. They had a Fransgard in the yard.

 

[Jstpssng]

It's been a while since I read these articles, so I won't attempt to comment. Check them out Here, in the Sawmill Magazine archives.



I have an older Fransgard, other people I know own Farmiis; I don't see any major differences between the two. I've never seen a Tajfun, so can't say for sure; but it seems like a pretty nice setup.

 

[Jstpssng]

One other comment, based on my experience. It's been a while since I was shopping, so I'm not sure of the model numbers. My Fransgard is the second level, rated for 25-40HP. My tractor is an L275 Kubota.(27HP) It powers the winch with no problem; too often it'll drag the tractor backwards or lift the front tires off the ground. Yet because of the size of the winch frame the 3PH won't raise it very far off the ground, about 6 inches; this causes a lot of problems on uneven ground. For my tractor, the 2800 would probably work better.

 

[browns40]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

The impression I've gotten is that winches are pretty much winches.... although some have slots (?) built in for chains, others have a receiver mount option right on the winch...

Tajfun does seem to have more metal making up the blade portion of the winch--but no quote returned to date... Wallenstein looks like it has alot of extras for the price... Fransgard seems to demand the highest premium...

I am debating waiting to find a used one in Uncle Henry's to save some $$$ vs. going new so I can start clearing & the firewood can be seasoning that much faster... Does age & use seem to hurt a winch much, or do they just keep on pulling? i.e. can you go wrong with a reasonably used one?