Used v2800 Fransguard

[Hamor]

Hi there
I'v been looking for a used winch for awhile now and came across a 2000 Fransguard V2800 at a dealer's.
It's been used good but I tried it out to see if it would pull the tractor backwards at the place before buying it and it seemed to work ok. I don't know much about winches to really tell if the clutch is good , but things didn't look to be worn to bad as far as I could see.The snow and ice on it didn't help much , things seemed a little stiff when pulling on the frozen rope to engage it.
They don't give used ones away cheap that's for sure, I bet I payed half as much or more for it used as when it was new, but I couldn't spend the $ for a new one . Anyone have one like this, ( or any winch) that might give me things to look for or check over on it before hooking it up to try out? Any tips on pulling would help out also, thanks

 

[Gordon Gould]

The best thing to do is just try it but to start here are a few things. Note I have never used a Fransguard so I am assuming it is like a Farmi or most others. Wonder if you got a manual ?
1) The cable should pull out freely. But not so freely that the the drum does not stop immediately when you stop pulling. Mine has a drag brake on the drum that is adjustable via a nut.
2)Make sure the chain from the pto to the drum gear is tight. Should be an adjuster. If it is loose it might make a loud pop and skip a cog on a heavy pull.
3)Hook a choker to a stump and drive away pulling out all the cable. Take a look at it. Look for kinks and broken wires. If there are a lot consider replacement but mostly just keep in mind the condition of the cable as you start to use it. Any broken wires will rip your hand up so be careful. Put the tractor in neutral and rewind the cable under tension from the weight of the tractor and maybe even a little brake.
4)The cable should not try to pull itself in w/o you pulling the control rope. If it does the clutch is to tight
5)When using the winch especially to start run your tractor about 1500 rpm if you are winching thru the woods or on rough ground were the log can get caught on rocks or roots or brush etc. Stop the log before it gets snagged and use a cant hook (peavey) to to roll it into a better path if you can.
6)Go slow and careful. Make sure your cable is always pulling directly back or at a very small angle. If you pull side ways the tractor will go over.
Go try it. Have fun. You will be surprised what it will pull. On a very heavy pull you should hear the engine lug down before the clutch slips if the clutch is in good shape and adjusted right.

 

[Hamor]

Thanks a lot for all the good advice! , and I did not get a manual with it but would like to see if I could get one though. I will check the things you talked about and did notice at the dealers that the cable still had tension on it to pull in even w/o puling the rope, so I'll see if it does it again when I get it going. I thought it might have been something to due with the ice and snow on it.
I might have spent to much for it ($1450)but it does look to be in good shape.
.

 

[dstig1]

That is probably a pretty good price, assuming it is functional. They are not cheap to begin with, and as a niche product, don't seem to lose much value over time. Not a ton of people need or use them, but those who do really couldn't get by without one. For a certain set of users, it is the perfect tool.

 

[kw22614]

New Page 1
You'll find the manual here. KW

 

[Hamor]

New Page 1
You'll find the manual here. KW

Thanks KW, for the info. it's great to have this to see what the parts are and some way of knowing what to order if I find I need to replace anything, or to see how things go together. It's nice to know people still want to help others even if we don't know each other.This Tractorbynet sit is great.

 

[kw22614]

Welcome to the forum Hamor. :welcome:

 

[DeathValleyFarmer]

New Page 1
You'll find the manual here. KW

I'll thank you too for posting this!
I just purchased myself a very used winch as well and was looking for a manual as well.
Has anyone ever had to adjust the winch or even replace one on these? Was wondering if it comes to that how difficult that might be.
This one has been a great attachment and I don't know how I have gotten along without it.

Thanks again.

 

[DeathValleyFarmer]

Sorry, winch should have said clutch!

 

[Hamor]

Sorry, winch should have said clutch!

What did you pick up for a winch? and how old is it?