Design for a cradle for a winch

[sdef]

View attachment 407267

I like Anderson type plugs for any high amperage accessory connection I make. This includes a 9k winch on my Jeep's winch bumper, power inverters off of a portable solar battery system, along with a 12k winch setup similar to yours on the tractor. I ran 14' of 0 gauge welding cable directly from the tractor battery back to the portable winch. Cabling and connector cost ~ $100. Plus I can also hookup the power inverters to the tractor with Anderson plugs, if necessary.

I also have a set of battery jumper cables I made with Anderson connectors I can use on the tractor also.

 

[paulwestski]

Very nice Paul! Good point. I will make on of these too, will keep in mind --not-- to tax the portability of the unit. I had (in mind) a plan to have an "anderson" plug at the hitch (of my truck, and my tractor) but the battery on the unit makes it all in one. But heavy as you say,deep cycle battery must be 70 lbs alone. Would you choose a 12,000 if you did it again? Man, that would lift almost four F150s vertical :shocked:.

I'd guess the battery weighs in at 50lbs
I can always add the wiring to the trucks and tractor later, the wire is pretty expensive if you use the proper gauge for the rated amp draw at maximum pull rating.
I'd did overbuild the mount where the receiver tube is welded to the bottom of the HF mounting plate. It's sandwiched and fully gusseted.

The winch was only $300 on sale at Harbor Freight. Both of my trucks weigh about 8 or 9k each so the 12 k winch is required.

 

[paulwestski]

Yeah I used Anderson power pole connectors.
The trailer connector is to charge the battery off of the truck when not winching.

 

[sdef]

I have found some pics of my winch setup for the 3PH with Anderson type plugs. I originally thought I had used welding cable from the tractor battery, but now see it is not. For storing the cable when not in use, I just drape it around the tractor seat and the plug end lays under the seat on the left side. All heat shrink is glue lined.

 

[pat32rf]

You can start out with a Harbour Freight plate and cut it down to match your winch, just make sure that the steel extends far enough out to protect the ends of the winch. I use Andersons as well with an aux battery tied into a charging circuit, live when engine running. I have a 4000lb winch on my wife's Liberty plus another three 8000lb portables for trucks and tractor. The 2 1/2" receiver under them is a Godsend as well.
My float also has a receiver on the tonque for winch mounting.... Don't forget to throw in a couple of slings,shackles, load chains and snatch blocks....