As a mechanical component exposed to the elements and debris, your ATV or recovery winch requires regular cleaning, inspection, and service for optimal performance.

Neglecting regular winch maintenance can lead to expensive repairs or force you to buy a new winch altogether. Keep your winch working longer with regular cleaning, inspection, and service.

How often you need to service your winch depends on how you use it. If you ride in muddy or wet conditions, you will need to service your winch more often to keep it working properly and to prevent rust, corrosion, mud, debris, or other damaging elements from obstructing the inner workings of your winch. Even if you don’t always use your winch while riding, mud and water can still get inside your winch and cause problems over time.

Low-mounted winches require more frequent maintenance than high-mounted winches because a low mount is submerged in mud and water more often. When you’re deciding where to mount your winch, choose a higher mounting spot rather than a lower one.

Check for loose mounting bolts or electrical connections and tighten or replace as needed. Remove dirt or corrosion that build up on the electrical connections and winch housing. Keep a close eye on your winch cable as well. Clean and dry the cable as needed, especially if you ride in wet or muddy terrain.

Synthetic cable requires more frequent maintenance to keep it in good condition. Spool out your synthetic rope after each muddy or wet ride, hose off the mud, and allow the rope to dry completely before respooling. Replace your steel or synthetic cable at the first sign of damage, such as excessive fraying, spliced wires, or other signs of wear and tear that could cause your cable to snap under load.

Protecting your winch with a cover is a basic and inexpensive way to keep your winch in good condition and trim down on the amount of maintenance required. A neoprene winch cover with a snug fit keeps your winch clean and dry and prolongs the service life of your winch.

Note: No lubrication is required for the life of your Gorilla [now ProMark Offroad] winch with proper care and maintenance. Only a complete disassembly or repair will require re-lubrication.