Topic: Need winch help...cant decide!

[omnisi]

I posted this in another forum to try to get as much input as possible.  Im still haveing a VERY hard time deciding betweem a used Warn 8274 and the Superwinch EPi 9.0.

The 8274 is a used older type. It has a brand new warn motor, but only works in reverse as it sits - (maybe needs 2 solenoids?). The best I can get it for is $400, then another $200 for mount plate.

The line speed between the two evens out at about 4K pounds, but the amp draw on the superwinch is 30% (or better) less that the warn 8274...

Money wise, they will both come in about the same after repairing the 8274, and mounting...

Winch probably wont see real heavy use... unless we get hit by a hurricane again soon. Any thoughts on which way to go ??

Thanks

[garydubf]

Go with the Warn!  The winch is completely rebuildable and even with the older technology still one of the best, if not the best winch around.  Superwinch and many of the other "discount" winches over rate their capacities.  I had an 8000lb Milemarker for a year and the thing ticked me off every time I used it.  Especially when my brother was using his 20yr old warn right next to me.  You can also retro the 8274 with all the new mosfet controls as you go along.  Check out http://www.warn.com/.  Look in product catalog under winches!

[Jeffy]

You can't go wrong with a 8274 of any type.  They can be slow and noisy but will work when you really need it.  If it only works going forward then it's got to be a solenoid which is $5 to replace.  I wouldn't bother with a MOSFET controller since the solenoids are very basic and cheap.  Not to mention you can swap them if one fails.  MOSFET is all solid state and I don't think it's worth the cost.

I wouldn't really lump Superwinch in with all of the other discount winches but they haven't really done much here in the states.  The only Superwinch I'd consider is from their Husky line.  For even money, the Warn is just a better buy.  I've never heard anyone complain after they bought a Warn, especially a 8274.

[omnisi]

Thanks guys

[garydubf]

NOTHING beats a Warn!!!

[Jeffy]

NOTHING beats a Warn!!!

Superwinch Husky Series, Ramsey PTO Series come to mind.    I agree with you though, it's hard to beat a Warn.  Best value might be the M8000 or the Tabor 9000.

[95yjman]

So is a Tabor really the samething as a warn?

[Jeffy]

So is a Tabor really the samething as a warn?

Yes, it's an older warn XD9000, I believe. They use the older/slower motors since other countries aren't really worried about speed.  They replace some non crucial parts with cheaper parts like the lever is now a turn dial.  Standard solenoid box with the old style Out-Off-In switch.  When they first came out, or rather when they were available in the US, they weren't marketed as Warns but people started buying them for around $399-450.  Then Warn decided to acknowledge the Tabor and bring it in as a 'budget' winch.  For some reason though the price shot up $100 afterwards.

For some perspective, I bought my M8000, new with the slower motor, 80ft of cable and the Hawse Fairlead for $427 back in the 90's.

[JeepGuyBill]

warn XD9000i.  i love it, strong, integrated, reliable, awesome looking and pretty quick line speed