Selecting a winch...

JDGREEN4ME · Dec 1, 2004

Would like to get a winch on my HPX. Seems like Warn and Ramsey are the two main ones. Are there any pros or cons to either model? Are there other brands? Any information would be helpful.

btolle · Dec 1, 2004

Between Warn and Ramsey it is like the old question about which is best, Chevy or Ford. They both build excellent products.

There are other alternatives that may be cheaper, for instance I have a Harbor Freight winch on my Jeep. Cost about half of what a Warn would have cost. It is slower than a Warn but I am not in a hurry when winching anyway.

Bill Tolle

bczoom · Dec 1, 2004

( Would like to get a winch on my HPX. Seems like Warn and Ramsey are the two main ones. Are there any pros or cons to either model? Are there other brands? Any information would be helpful. )

I have Ramsey, Warn and Superwinch on various machines.
I would say Ramsey and Warn are superior to Superwinch.

For my RTV (due to its weight over an ATV), I prefer the Ramsey for a couple reasons.
1. Draws less amps than the others.
2. Wireless remote.

Since the RTV is my work machine, I've found the wireless remote is very beneficial. I pull the cable out to a log that I want, make the connections and can do everything without having to be near the RTV.

Hunterworks has a nice winch setup for the HPX. Hunterworks HPX winch setup. Not sure if they're working on the HPX yet, but a multi-mount system is coming for the RTV and Rhino. This will allow the mounting of a winch off either the front or rear of the machine.

jgh · Dec 28, 2004

20041228

If the purveyors of this thread have not retired... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Do you know of any problem mounting a winch, Warn or Ramsey, on a hitch bar so it can be moved from front to back and machine to machine?

We are looking at the Bobcat 2200 and the HPX 4x4 and our dealer (same for both) recommends that approach, though he does not have a mounting bracket to accomplish same.

Thanks for any feedback you might be able to supply,

Jim Hardwick

Bowhunter · Dec 28, 2004

No problem at all doing this as long as your mounting system is beefy enough. I have the Warn multi-mount setup on my atv and it works the way you are talking about.

You will need to run wiring to both front and rear of the machine. A short length of wire is connected to the winch and has a plug type disconnect. If you want to move the winch from machine to machine, the secondary machine will also need all the correct wiring.

I love the versatility of my multi-mount system. I've made a few brackets that plug in to the rear receiver for working the atv. I've made a bracket that holds my electric seeder, one for the boom of my sprayer, a clevis for pulling. I have plans for a treestand carrier but haven't gotten that far yet.

bczoom · Dec 31, 2004

Jim,

Sorry, I missed your response somehow.
Bowhunter is correct. It's a relatively easy setup.
Hunterworks has one in progress but I don't think it's done yet.
I'm making my own (but I've temporarily shelved for other projects). It's pretty easy. Just make sure your quick-disconnects for the electric supply can handle the amps.

Brian

JDGREEN4ME · Mar 11, 2005

Finally bought a winch /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif. I just ordered the Ramsey 2500 w/remote for our HPX. After taking so long to order one now I can't wait until it gets here! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

bczoom · Mar 11, 2005

( Finally bought a winch /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif. I just ordered the Ramsey 2500 w/remote for our HPX. After taking so long to order one now I can't wait until it gets here! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

Git 'er done!!!

They're pretty easy (although a bit time consuming) to install. The only thing I can think of that's pretty important is when you install the antenna for the wireless, be careful that the 2 sections of wire tape don't touch each other. It can mess up the signal when using the remote.

Something to be aware of is that unless you purchased the higher end model, they don't come with mechanical brakes. If you leave a decent load on the cable (e.g. holding a plow up), it'll gradually let the cable spool out (and lower the plow).

The wireless is a great option.