Questions? Email Us or call (888)-657-9997
(Hours: M-F 8am - 6pm Central)

  • Friend Us on Facebook
  • Follow Us on Twitter
  • Watch Us on YouTube
Free Shipping Limited Lifetime Warranty

ProMark Offroad Blog

Choosing Synthetic or Wire Winch Rope

Written By: Esther
July 28th, 2011 | Filed under Choosing a Winch, Synthetic Winch Rope | No Comments »Tags: , , ,
Synthetic winch rope

Synthetic winch rope is lighter and safer than steel cable.

Whether you’re looking for a new winch or replacing a damaged winch rope, one of the choices you need to make is whether to get a wire rope or synthetic cable. Wire rope is the most widely available choice, and it’s been in use for a long time. Synthetic cable is newer to the offroad scene, but it’s quickly growing in popularity. Here are some of the pros and cons of wire and synthetic rope.

Types of Use

If you’re planning to use your winch mainly for utility tasks (yard work, landscaping, farm chores, and the like), you’re better off with a wire cable. Wire holds up better under abrasion.

If you use your winch mostly for mudding and creek bogging, synthetic is the better choice. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and floats in water.

Safety

One of the biggest drawbacks for steel cable is the fact that it holds so much tension. If the cable gets damaged and snaps, it can backlash violently, damaging anything or anyone in its path. That’s why experts recommend dampening the winch line with a heavy blanket, coat, chain, or tree branch. The extra weight slows the cable down and reduces the backlash effect.

Synthetic cable, on the other hand, doesn’t store the same amount of energy as steel, so even if the synthetic rope breaks, it rarely causes damage. It’s a lot safer for you, for your equipment, and for the people who ride with you.

Price

Wire rope is cheaper than synthetic rope, but depending on how much you value the safety and advantages of synthetic rope, the extra cost is more than worth it. If possible, ask a friend with synthetic rope if you can try out their winch. Ask what they like and don’t like about using synthetic rope. Their experience can help you make the decision between wire and synthetic winch rope.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Choosing a Winch, Synthetic Winch Rope | No Comments »

Choosing the Right Winch

Written By: Esther
April 6th, 2011 | Filed under Choosing a Winch | No Comments »Tags: , ,
Jeep winch

Choosing the right winch is about more than just load capacity.

It’s finally spring…and time for mud season! Are you ready? The right winch can get you out of the mud, move logs on your back forty, and load that old tractor onto a trailer bed.

Choosing the Best Winch

Choosing a winch depends on how you plan to use it. Winches can be used for a variety of applications, including pulling out stuck vehicles, moving deadwood, lifting a snow plow, and winching an old car onto a trailer, just to name a few.

Some types of winching place more strain on the winch. Rolling loads offer the least resistance, while stuck loads place the most strain on your winch. The sucking forces of mud and sand require the winch to work that much harder in order to pull out a stuck vehicle. Take this into account when you choose the pulling power of your winch.

Winch Brakes

If you expect the winch line to hold weight without creeping under heavy loads or on steep angles, be sure to get a winch with both mechanical and dynamic braking. Every winch includes a dynamic brake, which is an automatic in-the-drum braking system. Some winches also include a mechanical brake, which is a physical brake that works similar to the brakes on your car.

If you winch at steep angles, under heavy loads (close to the max winch capacity), or with a snow plow system, we recommend getting a winch with both dynamic and mechanical braking. The mechanical brake will hold the load better and prevent slipping.

Winch Line

When it comes to winch line, you have a choice between traditional wire rope and the newer synthetic rope. Steel rope is durable, resistant to abrasion, and holds up well under exposure to UV rays and the elements. Synthetic rope is less well known; however, it is gaining popularity in the offroad world due to the fact that it’s safer than wire rope (no dangerous recoil action), very lightweight (plus it floats in water), and easy on your hands (no burrs, stray wires, or burns).

Tags: , ,
Posted in Choosing a Winch | No Comments »

Choosing an ATV Winch for Snow Plowing

Written By: Esther
January 5th, 2011 | Filed under ATV Snow Plows, Choosing a Winch | No Comments »Tags: , , , ,
Eagle Original Mount ATV plow

A winch with a mechanical brake is better for plowing because it prevents the line from bleeding out.

In order to use your ATV plow, you need some type of lift mechanism. The three options you can choose from are a manual hand lift, a 12V electric winch, and an electric lift system. Some plow kits—such as the Cycle Country plow and Eagle Gen II plow—require an electric winch or lift, in which case a manual lift is not an option.

Why Use an ATV Winch for Plowing?

Since a large number of ATV owners already have winches installed on their machines, an electric winch is the simplest and most affordable option for lifting your plow. And if you don’t have a winch installed yet, it still might be one of your best options because of the fact that you can use it for offroad riding, landscaping, yard work, and plenty of other applications. A winch is good for more than just plowing.

1500 lb Winch

The 1500 lb XT winch comes with a mechanical braking system that's ideal for snow plow use.

Which ATV Winch Is Best for Plowing?

Some ATV winches are better for plowing than others. One of the differences between winches involves the type of braking system: mechanical or dynamic. A mechanical brake is a physical brake that works similar to the way the brakes work on your car. The mechanical brake stops the drum from turning when there is a load on the cable. A dynamic brake is built in to the winch. It uses the resistance from the winch motor to prevent the drum from turning. Hoisted weight may cause the winch line to bleed out on a winch with dynamic braking.

Winches with mechanical brakes are better at holding a load, which makes them a better option for plowing snow. With a mechanical brake, you won’t experience the plow slipping or line bleedout that you might experience with a dynamic brake.

What Size ATV Winch for Plowing?

Generally, almost any winch capacity will work for plowing. Even a light duty 1500 lb winch has more than enough power for most plow setups. If you plan to use the winch for more than just plowing, check out our article on choosing an ATV winch for tips on figuring out what size winch you need.

A mechanical brake is the key factor in choosing an ATV winch for plowing snow. The following ProMark Offroad winches come with mechanical braking systems:

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in ATV Snow Plows, Choosing a Winch | No Comments »

What Size Recovery Winch?

Written By: Esther
September 8th, 2010 | Filed under Choosing a Winch | No Comments »Tags: , , ,
8000 pound recovery winch

This recovery winch has 8000 pounds of pulling power, generally the minimum rating for a recovery vehicle.

One question we get asked fairly often from Jeep and truck owners is, “What size winch should I get?” While the general advice from most winch manufacturers and offroad experts is to multiply the gross weight of your vehicle by 1.5, the fact is that this may not be enough pulling power for how you will be using your recovery winch.

Calculating Winch Size

For light duty winching, 1.5 times the GVW might be fine, but for heavy duty winching, you’ll need a larger capacity truck or Jeep winch. When you factor in things like mud, bogs, inclines, pulling out rigs that are heavier than yours, and not being able to unwind the cable to its full capacity, you might find that you need a winch size 2 or even 2.5 times the gross weight of your vehicle. The resistance force from a mud hole or a steep incline can double or even triple the weight of your vehicle, requiring far more recovery power to get back out.

Advantages of a Heavy Winch

One of the advantages of choosing a heavy winch is that the larger the winch motor, the less work it has to do in order to pull you out. A bigger winch motor equals less demand on the winch, which means it can pull for longer periods of time without overheating and will most likely have a longer lifespan than a smaller winch motor that is overworked. Larger capacity winches also draw fewer amps and lighten the load on your electrical system.

Another advantage to a heavy winch is that not every pull will allow you to unwind the cable to the last row, where the maximum line capacity is rated. The less cable you spool out, the less power you will get from your winch. That means a winch rated at 10,000 pounds at the first layer can drop down to a rating of less than 8000 pounds at the second layer.

Recommendations for Heavy Duty Winching

If you winch in these conditions, choose a winch with at least 2x GVW, or the largest capacity winch that your rig can handle.

  • Mud and bogs
  • Steep inclines
  • Heavy duty winching and/or frequent use
  • Pulls with several wraps of cable still left on the drum
  • Recovery of vehicles heavier than your own

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Choosing a Winch | No Comments »

Which Winch Should I Buy?

Written By: Esther
July 19th, 2010 | Filed under Choosing a Winch | No Comments »Tags: , ,

The winch you buy could make the difference between getting back on the trail fast and making a long hike back to the trailhead. You want to make sure your winch is up to the challenge. At ProMark, we get a lot of questions from offroaders about what size winch to get, which type of cable is better (synthetic or steel), etc. There are a lot of factors that go into deciding which winch is best for your 4wheeler or rig. Ultimately, the choice is yours. But here are a few guidelines to help you out.

3000 lb XTR Synthetic Rope Winch Package

3000 lb XTR Synthetic Rope Winch Package

What size winch do I need?

To get a basic idea of how much winch power you’ll need, multiply the gross weight of your vehicle (plus the weight of all the gear and people you’ll be carrying) times 1.5. That’s the minimum winch capacity that you’ll need. Depending on how you plan to use your ATV or recovery winch (mud, wet sand, etc.), you may need more power. The sucking force of mud or sand requires a lot more power to free your vehicle.

What size winch you need also depends on the size of your mounting space. If the winch is too big, you may need to make some modifications or find a smaller body winch. The winch model and location of the drum may also make a difference as to how well the winch will fit inside the mounting space.

Synthetic rope or steel cable?

The debate is hot between synthetic and steel. Some guys swear by synthetic winch rope for its safety, lightness, and strength. Others prefer steel cable for its long history in the world of offroading.

Both types of winch line have their strengths and weaknesses. Synthetic cable is lighter and more flexible than steel cable, floats in water, won’t slice your hands with burrs, and can be easily spliced, among other benefits. Steel cable requires less maintenance, retains its circular properties under tension for neat and easy spooling, and has a long history of use in off road situations.

10K Silverback Recovery Winch

10K Silverback Recovery Winch

Do I need a mounting plate?

The safest and most secure way to mount your winch is to use a mounting plate. You can purchase either a universal mount plate or a custom mount plate that is designed to fit your vehicle. You also have the option of a multi-mount winch plate that allows you to move the winch from front to rear. If you choose not to use a mount plate, you must mount the winch to a flat, secure surface that is able to withstand the pulling force of the winch.

What about maintenance and repairs?

Offroad winches require very little maintenance. Keep it clean and dry with a winch cover to prevent corrosion and damage from the elements. Check the winch cable before and after use for any signs of damage. Clean the cable after use and allow it to dry before respooling. Check the tightness of the electrical connections and mounting bolts every few months, and remove any dirt or corrosion from the connections.

If your winch has been repeatedly exposed to harsh conditions, you may need to take it apart every so often to clean and re-lubricate it. A harsh grinding sound in the motor is one indication that your winch needs to be cleaned and serviced. All ProMark Offroad winches can be repaired and serviced by our technicians. Check to see if your winch is still under warranty before contacting us for repairs.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Choosing a Winch | No Comments »

What Is the Difference Between a Winch and a Hoist?

Written By: Esther
June 1st, 2010 | Filed under Choosing a Winch | No Comments »Tags: , ,

XT 4000 lb ATV winch

This XT 4000 lb winch is designed with a dynamic braking system and is not approved for use as a hoist.

They might look fairly similar, but winches and hoists are made for two different purposes. A winch is designed to pull a heavy load across a fairly level surface or a slight incline. A hoist is designed to lift a load vertically or up a sharp incline (greater than 45 degrees).

a

The main difference between a winch and a hoist is the braking system. Most offroad winches are made with dynamic brakes, meaning that the gear system is designed to automatically hold the load. A dynamic brake uses the gears in the winch to provide resistance, acting as a brake. But with this type of braking system, the winch line could bleed out slightly under a heavy enough load. Dynamic braking is not safe for suspended loads. If you try using your winch as a hoist, the load could slip, creating a danger hazard, or the gears could strip out, damaging the winch.

A hoist, on the other hand, includes a mechanical braking system, which is a physical brake that locks the spool in place so that there is no line bleed. In addition, there is no freespool mechanism available on a hoist.

Some specially-manufactured winches are designed to double as a hoist. In order for these devices to act as a hoist, the device must include a locking brake and no freespool mechanism (or the freespool must be completely removed or disabled). Never use a winch as a hoist unless the manufacturer specifically states that the winch is approved for use as a hoist.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Choosing a Winch | No Comments »

Electrical Requirements for Winches

Written By: Esther
January 26th, 2010 | Filed under Choosing a Winch, Winch Installation | No Comments »Tags: , ,

Winching Tip of the Week from ProMark Offroad

 

Winching Tip of the Week: Make sure your battery and alternator are up to the challenge of winching.

Silver Back Recovery WinchElectrical winches use a lot of power. Make sure your battery and power supply meet the electrical requirements for your winch model. Check the specifications for your winch supplied by the manufacturer to make sure your battery and power supply are able to handle the electrical load, or you could risk damaging your winch, battery, or alternator.

If the winch is under heavy use, consider upgrading to dual batteries and a heavy-duty alternator for best performance.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Choosing a Winch, Winch Installation | No Comments »

Dynamic vs Mechanical Winch Brakes

Written By: Esther
January 21st, 2010 | Filed under Choosing a Winch, How a Winch Works | 1 Comment »Tags: , ,

The Outback Series winches have both dynamic and mechanical brakes.

The Outback Series winches have both dynamic and mechanical brakes.

A dynamic winch brake uses the resistance from the winch motor to prevent the drum from turning. It’s a natural braking mechanism built into the winch.

a

Unless you plan to use your winch as a hoist, a dynamic brake should be all you need. Winches with dynamic brakes should never be used for a hoist system.

The excessive force on the winch cable caused by hoisted weight will cause the line to “bleed” out, making the load unsafe and endangering the user. If you plan to use your winch as a hoist, make sure the winch you purchase is specifically designed for this purpose.

A mechanical winch brake is a physical brake, like on a car, that stops the drum from turning when there is a load on the cable. Mechanical brakes are optional on most ATV winches, although some winches come with both dynamic and mechanical brakes.

Which Is Better: Dynamic or Mechanical?

The dynamic braking system is sufficient for most ATV winch owners; however, a mechanical brake can be installed in addition to the dynamic brake in order to offer better control and prevent roll back. The XT 1500 winch and the Outback Series winches are designed with a mechanical winch braking system.

The downside of a mechanical brake is the added weight (winches are heavy enough as it is) and the increased size of the winch body. The weight and size issue can be a big deal for ATVs and UTVs with tight mounting spaces.

If you plan to use your winch as a hoist, however, you will need a winch with a mechanical brake to securely hold a vertical load.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Choosing a Winch, How a Winch Works | 1 Comment »

Winch Mounting Kits

Written By: Esther
January 12th, 2010 | Filed under Choosing a Winch | No Comments »Tags: , , ,

A vehicle-specific winch mount makes it easy to install your winch.

A vehicle-specific winch mount makes it easy to install your winch.

Although it’s possible to mount your winch directly to your vehicle, the best and most secure way to mount a winch is with a mounting kit. If you choose not to use a mounting kit, you’ll need to drill holes in the structural support of your vehicle (which most guys don’t want to do), and you need to be 100% sure that drilling those holes won’t compromise the strength of the structural support.

a

The pulling forces of the winch can put a tremendous amount of pressure on the mounting location, so be aware of this if you choose to mount the winch directly to the structural support. Also be aware that without some of the equipment included in the mounting kit, you may not be able to operate your winch safely.

A winch mounting kit can be universal or vehicle-specific. Universal mount plates are generally cheaper, but you’ll most likely need to do a custom fab job to get the plate to fit just right. Vehicle-specific plates are designed with your vehicle’s specifications in mind, which means you can easily mount your winch without customizing the plate. So although you might shell out a few more dollars for a vehicle-specific plate, the ease of installation is worth it.

Another option is to go with a receiver hitch mount. These mounts are designed to be moved from front to rear for more winching options. You can also remove the winch and mount altogether if you don’t need it. It takes some extra weight off your quad or truck and keeps your winch out of the elements when it’s not being used.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Choosing a Winch | No Comments »

ATV Winch Warranty Comparison

Written By: Esther
August 7th, 2009 | Filed under Choosing a Winch | No Comments »Tags: , , , ,

What’s in a warranty for ATV winches? Part of what makes the warranty agreement so important is that it gives you an idea of just how much the company stands behind its product. In most cases, the better the warranty is, the better the quality of the product will be.

Another factor to consider is just how much of a hassle it is to claim your warranty. If the manufacturer determines that your winch was abused in any way, your warranty can be voided on the spot. If the company has a “no questions asked” policy, on the other hand, you can easily send your winch in for replacement or repair without being grilled about how you’ve used or abused it.

We dug in and did a little research on winch warranties for the major manufacturers in the industry. Here’s what we found.

a

Comparison of ATV Winch Warranties

ATV Winch Brands Mechanical Components Electrical Components No Questions Asked Policy?
Gorilla Winches (now ProMark Offroad) Limited Lifetime Warranty 1 ½ Year Limited Warranty Yes
Warn Limited Lifetime Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty No
Superwinch
(excluding LT2000, UT3000)		 Limited Lifetime Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty No
Ramsey Limited Lifetime Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty No
Mile Marker 2 Year Limited Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty No
Venom 12 Month Limited Warranty 6 Month Limited Warranty No
Viper Classic 6 Month Limited Warranty 60 Day Warranty No
Viper Max 12 Month Limited Warranty 60 Day Warranty No
Viper Elite 18 Month Limited Warranty 60 Day Warranty No
Xtreme 6 Month Limited Warranty 3 Month Limited Warranty No
a

Note: All warranty information is based on the warranty stated on the manufacturer’s website at time of posting.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Choosing a Winch | No Comments »

« Older Entries