Just after opinions on cheap winches (e-bay, Aldi, Repco etc.) from people that ACTUALLY OWN them, not just opinions from guys that think that they are no good, or a friend of a friend that has one. Would be interesting to hear responses.
Usually drive down the Otways, and l would be lucky to use it more than 2 or 3 times a year, and even then it would most likely be stuck in a rut on flat ground. Servicing is something that would be done on a regular basis. Just something too think about. E-bay has some very cheap winches, and l know that you get what you pay for. My thinking is that a cheap winch is better than none at all. Thanks for the info so far, keep it up.Cheap winches can be great, they don't wear as well but if your only using them in the odd occasion they can be very good for the price. I have a Aldi, Tigerz11 and a Warn and can tell you they each have their flaws, all round I probably would prefer to go the Aldi for occasional use not being submerged to often, the Tigerz11 for occasional use being submerged often and the Warn for heavy use being serviced appropriately. Remember all winches need servicing. How often do you go off roads and where do you drive?
Thanks Blue, yes it is a help. A snatch block would get used with a cheap winch, just for a bit of added insurance. Bad what happened to your TJM bar, thankfully mines a ARB.Hi, I bought a cheap chinese 10,000lb, remote winch from ebay about 3 years ago, it cost me $400 delivered, fitted it up and so far have not had any problems, dont use it that offten, only trouble that I have had was not with the winch but with the so called TJM winch bar, doing a recovery and front of bar started to bend and rip front section. So if you are only a person that likes to go for a play now and then a cheap winch should do the trick, as others have said do regular maintenance and services and use a snatch block, it should do eveything you need. Hope this is a help.
I checked out the new Tigerz models while I was in Melbourne. They have a new style solenoid pack and wireless/remote switch. Look a lot more water resistant than the previous ones. Brought a couple back to put in my shop. There's a Tigerz 10,000lb twin motor comp winch coming soon too.the Tigerz11 for occasional use being submerged often
X a million.Remember all winches need servicing.
Dont count out condensation either. A warm/hot winch in cold water can sometimes create condensation inside it.Water kills most winches regardless of if they are cheap or several thousands.
For cheaper/mid (really mid price now compared to ebay) have a serious look at winches with rubber seals on the drum flange to gearbox / motor. Tigrz11 and the Mako Avenger 9.5 both have as good a sealing set up a any of the top range Warn.
Thanks. Read the article last week. Pity it didn't have "cheap" winches from e-bay etc.GQ WAGHOON, the latest 4WD Action [No. 159] has a winch comparison, which, while not covering the winches you've targeted, may give you a bit of background for your research.