Topic: Electric vs. Hydraulic winch

[Elyod]

I am looking into buying a mile marker 9000 lb hydraulic winch and was wondering what everyones opinions were between electric winches and hydraulic.  I hate to bring a heated debate to the site but i think that from what i have read, hydraulic winches are superior.  I am looking for opinions because i have never owned an electric or hydraulic winch and was wondering if there are any downsides to a hydraulic winch (besides having to have the engine running).  Thanks in advance.

[neale_rs]

The one you mention is the only drawback I can think of.

[Jeffy]

Well, seeing as the Mile Marker never really took off and now they have resorted to selling electrics, it kinda gives you an idea of how the market feels towards them.

That's not to say that hydraulic winches in general are crap in fact most are used on industrial applications.  Although the last few tow trucks I've seen used Ramsey electrics.

There are a few hidden costs to a hydraulic, the main one being the pump.  A stock pump barely cuts it.  It's not really an option  but rather a necessity to buy an upgraded pump.

I've never dealt with Mile Markers Customer Service but I'd check into that too.  Warn seems to have one of the best Customer Service in the business. This was one of the reason I went with a Warn over a Ramsey, Superwinch or Mile Marker.  Most of the guy's I now run Warns.  Although one has had a Mile Marker sitting in his garage for years now.  A Warn sits on his Jeep.

Oh and there is even a FAQ page on winches.

[oldjeep]

Besides the things already listed, milemarker hydraulics are slow - really slow, slow enough that your average Ramsey 8000lb winch seems fast

[jcsanders79]

 Got to agree with Jeffy on this one.  I'm using a Warn 9.5 and its FAST, almost to fast when it doesn't have a load. 

[YJmechanic]

i have a mile marker and it is kinda slow comparison to warns that i have run into.  i just run onw cause i rarely use it and i got a great deal.  i you have the money go warn all the way, no question

[Elyod]

The new mile marker hydraulics are 2 speed, on high speed they go 57 fps and with an empty spool i think it was around 20.  Jeffy, do you know for sure if you have to replace the pump?  Mile marker says it is adequate, though they may just say that to sell them. Just wondering if everyone is speaking from what they have read or experienced, i would love to hear what an actual owner of one of these winches thinks.

[Jeffy]

The new mile marker hydraulics are 2 speed, on high speed they go 57 fps and with an empty spool i think it was around 20.  Jeffy, do you know for sure if you have to replace the pump?  Mile marker says it is adequate, though they may just say that to sell them. Just wondering if everyone is speaking from what they have read or experienced, i would love to hear what an actual owner of one of these winches thinks.

Mile marker said it was adequate when they originally brought one 1 and 2-speed winches and they weren't.  (A oil cooler would probably be a good idea too.) These were from Jeepers with the winches.  I doubt you'll find many running the hydraulic Mile Markers though.  There was a comparison done between the Mile Marker and a Warn but it was paid for by Mile Marker so the outcome should be taken with a grain of salt.  From a KISS I'd go electric.  Yeah, you should upgrade your battery but really, you should be doing that anyway for other reasons.  Same goes for the Alternator.  Although with limited pulls, I haven't had problems with my stock alternator.

[Elyod]

I think i am going to go with the hydraulic winch, hopefully i will be able to buy one this summer.  I will keep researching though and may change my mind.  I like the idea of a winch that won't quit.  Since i have been researching this i keep hearing stories of overheated electrics.  Also, i go through lots of mud and water and have submerged my jeep far enough that a winch would be underwater. 

Has anyone had problems with water and electric winches or am i worried about something that isn't a problem?

[Jesse-James]

Only problem I've had is mud. Stopped it from freespooling. Just got done ripping it apart to clean, regrease and repaint.

[Elyod]

I did check out the FAQ section but I just wanted to hear opinions and maybe a few testimonials.  I checked my service manual and the stock pump does 1400 psi and the ideal pressure for the winch is 1500 psi.  So an upgrade may be needed.

[Jeffy]

I think i am going to go with the hydraulic winch, hopefully i will be able to buy one this summer.  I will keep researching though and may change my mind.  I like the idea of a winch that won't quit.  Since i have been researching this i keep hearing stories of overheated electrics.  Also, i go through lots of mud and water and have submerged my jeep far enough that a winch would be underwater. 

Has anyone had problems with water and electric winches or am i worried about something that isn't a problem?

I have a friend who had his Jeep completely submerged and was able to winch himself out (warn M8724).  Electrics don't short out that easily.  At least the ones that use basic components.  I'm not sure if the MOSFETs are sealed. Winches can use Ford starter solenoids which are cheap to replace too.   Most of the guy's I now do trails like Sledgehammer which basically involved winching all the way.  They all use Warns and none of them have overheated.  I haven't had mine overheat although it's an older M8000.  I've heard of some overheating with some cheaper winches but that's kinda the price you pay for going with a cheaper winch.  A friend did have a T-Max explode on him.  The planetary was all f'ed up and basically dust poured out.

I'm kinda partial to a PTO though.  I'd love to have a Ramsey 8000.  Cool thing about PTO's is that they spool in at the same speed as the tires turn.  This is cool since it assists the winch when getting unstuck.  They used to be popular in the 70's and 80's on Jeeps.  Only problem is you need a PTO tranny or t-case.

[Elyod]

My dad had an old ford with a PTO, that is my favorite too.  It sounds like i have a decision to make, i like to be different so i think it would be interesting to try a hdraulic

[Enjoi]

Ive whinched people for about 35 minutes straight without any issues. Even pulling out halfton trucks out of rivers then to the street because of broken CV shafts or drag links. The electric handled like a champ. Though it wasnt pulling people up and over boulders. If all you do ALL day is winch over stuff then go for the hydraulic. If your an occational wincher then go with the electric