Electric Winch Advice

[daBear]

I welded a 2" step bumper receiver to the brush guard on my L2800 and use 350 amp forklift Anderson connectors to plug it in. I use a small Warn Works 3700 winch for pulling me out of a hole which is does a wonderful job of, and an off brand Champion 8500# to pull trees down. I put a 300 amp DC breaker in the circuit next to the battery and I have used this setup many times without ill effects on my tractor. Doesn't even dim the lights when they are on and I engage the winch. Search the photo gallery under my name for pictures of me pulling a small pine down.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/4480/sort/1/size/medium/cat/529/page/


An added bonus is the 2" receiver on my truck which is two wheel drive and now I can move the winch which is mounted on a 2" base plate that fits into the receiver and pull my truck out. I have the same setup with a step bumper receiver mounted on my 16' utility trailer and use it winch loads up and hold them down.

I will try and take some additional pictures this afternoon if it is not raining too hard here in Mississippi and show the three setups. Tractor, truck and trailer.

Gallery photos

 

[sandman2234]

I would not be surprised if the Superwinch T2000 is rated at 2000 pounds single line for rolling stock. Or in other words, it won't pull a 2000 pound tractor out of the mud. No way, no how, not under it's own power. Granted they are better than a sharp stick in your eye, but I have owned several and they are rated a lot higher than their ability to lift/pull when it comes to the real world. I used several on a jib-crane that I have. It came with one and double line it wouldn't pick up 2500 pounds. It would pull about 3500 in rolling stock double line, so I figure that is how they came up with their rating.
For you guys with ATV sized tractors, have at them, as they will probably be ok for small tractor use, but for me and my tractors, I will go with hydraulics.
David from jax

 

[daBear]

Well hydraulics are nice if you have them but to add a hydraulic anything is expensive. My Warn works cost $150 on ebay and the Champion 8500 was about the same at Sam's club. Add a $20 receiver and a little wending and you are in business for much less than $200. My L2800 weighs in around 2300# or so (did not look it up) and I have had it belly up and over the axles in mud and the little Warn pulled it out without a strain. I would not opt for an ATV winch but when I am stuck the winch just does not work that hard when the tractor is in gear and pulling with all fours also. It is certainly not like pulling dead weight of the tractor.

 

[deererunr]

Thanks to all for the feedback. It seems that JD has a backlog on vertical exhaust kits... I've been waiting for two weeks now. Can't wait to get it!

 

[daBear]

Thanks to all for the feedback. It seems that JD has a backlog on vertical exhaust kits... I've been waiting for two weeks now. Can't wait to get it!

Huuuuh? We wuz speaking of winches, where did exhaust come from?

 

[rdbrumfield]

I mounted an 8000lb hyd unit permanently into my loader frame. It has become one of the most useful add ons I have ever done. Never have to worry about power. I have only used it once to pull myself out, but sure have used it for others. Just having the ability to have an adjustable line up there for loading equipment on the truck is a big deal. also for picking odd things that don't want to stay in the bucket. Just suck them in tight and go.

 

[deererunr]

Thanks for the replies on the winch. Like many of the people on this site, I'll be welding a 2" receiver on the top of the loader bucket, and bought the adapter for a receiver on the rear. Warn makes a nice winch mount that fits into a standard 2" receiver. Based on what I've read, I'm a little concerned about overtaxing the electrical system. I may start out by exploring the simple come-along option. Thanks again for the input.

 

[deererunr]

woop's ...clicked on wrong thread when replying to one of my threads... back to winches!

 

[daBear]

I am no electrical expert but the winch is hooked to be tractor battery and has a fuse in line just before the battery. The winch will work with the tractor shut off. How is going to hurt the electrical system of the tractor??? You can run the winch until the battery runs down if you wanted to and be of no harm to the tractor. Other than you have to jump it off and will feel a little dim for doing that. Please explain "harm to the electrical system".

 

[deererunr]

I guess the reference to the electrical system in this case is a bit of a stretch... From what I understand electric winches put a heavy load on the battery. As such, you must have your motor running during pulls to prevent a complete drain.