How necessary are winches?

[Swaggie]

Not keen on my Warn XD9000 bloody things only 21yrs old and won't break down it's just to reliable and always works must be something wrong with it.

Is it still in the box in the shed

Only joking but that’s a first I’ve heard of but that’s how it should be, thats why people paid the extra for a Warn ..I think i mentioned this in a previous post, saw one at Auto Barn the other week for just under $2500 next to the other brand they flog VRS ..

 

[Barra GU]

Dont take any offence to this but the fact that you're asking is a winch necessary and then begin to say "Can go out on my own with confidence" worries me.
Nothing wrong with being green or inexperienced but if you're going to take any advice on this page the FIRST I suggest is never go out alone.

Go with mates, have spotters, track knowledge, extra pair of hands to assist with recovery .

DO not go out with the family and Mrs with kids and just drive aimlessly looking for things to hit alone.
Go in a group or with another vehicle with recovery gear, somewhat experienced other 4wder and a map at minimum. We want people to experience this hobby and enjoy it not be turned away from it due to disaster striking.

Best of luck.

 

[Barra GU]

Just seen this past was made in 2010 lol
I gather old mate is either stuck in the forest somewhere or had 10 years off roading experience now ... I'm hoping for the later

 

[Swaggie]

Just seen this past was made in 2010 lol
I gather old mate is either stuck in the forest somewhere or had 10 years off roading experience now ... I'm hoping for the later

#62 Its still sound advice mate if a noobie is thinking about doing a similar thing...

 

[nitrobrent]

I had only said to my mate in the passenger seat 2 days earlier, that a rear mount winch was ridiculous.
Threw the lockers on and tried driving it , as it tipped.
But front pumpkin and diff tube are hung up.
Plus it dropped down another 300mm if we had gone fowards.
I have driven this track alot of times , just me and the dog, was glad I wasnt alone this day

The XD9000 on the front is 20 years old , regularly regreased.
Can still buy parts.
Had to buy a gear after dragging a Patrol up a rock , when he couldnt go backwards or forwards and had busted his winch.
Once up , the idiot backed down it.
Because he wanted to drive it , because I had

 

[lars cordes]

quite happy with mine, mind u i didnt have to pay for it initially

 

[a1bert]

Not keen on my Warn XD9000 bloody things only 21yrs old and won't break down it's just to reliable and always works must be something wrong with it.

Must be the made in USA version

 

[LurchWA]

A lot of wank factor with them I reckon. If you do hard core or individual stuff off road, yep no worries they add another layer of possible protection for you, for most of us that dont do this then probably not. I have spent more time pulling stumps on mine than I have pulling stranded swedish back packers from bogs!! I inherited mine but dont really need it to be honest

 

[Swaggie]

But front pumpkin and diff tube are hung up.
Had to buy a gear after dragging a Patrol up a rock , when he couldnt go backwards or forwards and had busted his winch.

View attachment 68174

That’s the first time I’ve heard of one of those giving out, there pretty strong and i wonder if age had something to do with it although it should be better steel tho !, I’m sure it’s happened beforehand but ive never heard about it happening talking winches to members etc over the years.
Usually ropes snap..

 

[lars cordes]

A lot of wank factor with them I reckon. If you do hard core or individual stuff off road, yep no worries they add another layer of possible protection for you, for most of us that dont do this then probably not. I have spent more time pulling stumps on mine than I have pulling stranded swedish back packers from bogs!! I inherited mine but dont really need it to be honest

just how many stranded swedish backpackers have u pulled out of bog holes ? any of them named inge ?

 

[Warby]

A lot of wank factor with them I reckon. If you do hard core or individual stuff off road, yep no worries they add another layer of possible protection for you, for most of us that dont do this then probably not. I have spent more time pulling stumps on mine than I have pulling stranded swedish back packers from bogs!! I inherited mine but dont really need it to be honest

I thought that too, until I got one. I have used it many times where there were other options, but the winch was less stress. Why spend 20 minutes stuffing about with maxtrax and a shovel trying to get myself up a section of track where a quick winch over the problem does the job? I often also default to my winch before a snatch as it feels much gentler and I have complete control over it myself, without 3rd party involvement.

Love my winch. Wouldn't have a 4wd without one now.

That being said though.. it is horses for courses. If the majority of your 4wding is beaches, dunes and firetrails then it's unnecessary.

 

[LurchWA]

just how many stranded swedish backpackers have u pulled out of bog holes ? any of them named inge ?

none as yet but my time will come and I will be fully prepared haha! knowing my luck they will be named Lars!