Fransgard winch modifications

tpaulson · Nov 8, 2001

I made a couple of modifications to my Fransgard V4000 logging winch. I welded a couple of hitches on the winch so I could pull trailers without removing the winch. I put 2 on it so I could leave a ball on one and use the other for trailers that use a hitch pin. The bottom one sticks out farther so the hitch pin can still be inserted easily.

I also added a U-bolt, so there would be a place to hang the cable hook to keep it from swinging and banging while driving.

I really like the Fransgard winch, it is very well made and works great. I had looked at the other winches: Farmi, Norse, and Norwood. I couldn't find a nearby dealer for the Norse and one of their models was too tall to fit through my garage door. The Norwood didn't have the upper pulley - which really helps to keep the cable neatly wound on the drum, it also cost more. The Farmi just cost more than Fransgard. I got the Fransgard for $2500 with shipping and sales tax from my local NH dealer.

Anonymous Poster · Nov 8, 2001

I shopped around too for winches, the only other one I looked at was the Igland (which is the same as the norse) and ended up ordering a norse 390 online and am very happy it was $2200 complete with shipping to vermont.

Boondox · Nov 8, 2001

My Farmi 351P with a pair of choker chains, several shackles, wedges, gloves, six-pack of two-stroke oil, a bar for the chainsaw and two 20" chains for the Husky plus tax all came to $2298. For me, the Fransgard was the more expensive choice. Plus I liked the Farmi because of the pulley on the blade. It comes in real handy for winching myself out of the mud.

Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com

tpaulson · Nov 8, 2001

Pete
I think my quote for the Farmi was higher because I was looking at the 501 model ($3100). The dealer said it is the Farmi rated for 40 to 60 hp tractors, my tractor is 45hp. These winches are built heavy enough the 351 would have probably worked just fine.
http://www.hud-son.com/index2.html

I guess winches are like tractors: all of the major brands make a good product, it comes down to the dealer and which has the features you need and like.

Tim

hayden · Nov 8, 2001

Nice mods. I like the larger safety screen on the fransgard, and it looks like you have more notched to hang chains. I might weld a bracket or two on my Farmi to have more space to hang chokers.