Cheap winch @ Harbor Freight

[davis31052]

If anyone is wanting a cheapo HF 9000 lb Badlands winch, they have them on the sidewalk sale today for $179.98.

Add another 20% off coupon right from your smart phone and that's right around $135.00 out the door depending on your tax percentage.

This isn't the ZXR model. Just the basic 9000 .lbs winch, item # 61346 with 65 ft cable, and a wired remote.

Be advised, this item no longer shows up on their website by item number, so supplies may be hit or miss in your area.

 

[MOAK]

There really is no neeed to spend a pile of money on some of the very expensive winches unless one is flat out rock crawling, and/or in competition. Which winch to hang on your bumper can be a tough question to answer. Dependability ranks higher than anything else. Fancy features are useless when the winch blows apart or a cheapo line breaks. There are many dependable inexpensive entry level winches on the market today. Unfortunately Harbor Freight winches are not among them. Tough it out, save your money, then spend 350 to 400 on an inexpensive, entry level, reliable winch with synthetic line. Then go to your local Tractor Supply store and purchase extraction equipment for a fraction of the cost that 4x4 retailers are fetching for the same thing. ( Farmers have been using the very best equipment to extract heavy tractors out of the muck for generations ) I find it ironic that the very same folks who are afraid of using a hi-lift, (because it's so dangerous to them) will run right out and purchase a cheapo winch, cheapo line, cheapo straps and cheapo fasteners to use as extraction equipment, the most dangerous thing we all do. This of course, is my very humble opinion formulated on a lifetime of working around and with heavy equipment. I could easily reveal to everyone my choice in winches, but I'm not being paid to advertise nor am I sponsered by any companies.

 

[Hank Outdoors]

There really is no neeed to spend a pile of money on some of the very expensive winches unless one is flat out rock crawling, and/or in competition. Which winch to hang on your bumper can be a tough question to answer. Dependability ranks higher than anything else. Fancy features are useless when the winch blows apart or a cheapo line breaks. There are many dependable inexpensive entry level winches on the market today. Unfortunately Harbor Freight winches are not among them. Tough it out, save your money, then spend 350 to 400 on an inexpensive, entry level, reliable winch with synthetic line. Then go to your local Tractor Supply store and purchase extraction equipment for a fraction of the cost that 4x4 retailers are fetching for the same thing. ( Farmers have been using the very best equipment to extract heavy tractors out of the muck for generations ) I find it ironic that the very same folks who are afraid of using a hi-lift, (because it's so dangerous to them) will run right out and purchase a cheapo winch, cheapo line, cheapo straps and cheapo fasteners to use as extraction equipment, the most dangerous thing we all do. This of course, is my very humble opinion formulated on a lifetime of working around and with heavy equipment. I could easily reveal to everyone my choice in winches, but I'm not being paid to advertise nor am I sponsered by any companies.

I agree with you MOAK. I'm not saying to get the biggest, baddest Warn winch but if you are going to pinch pennies (which I am), cheap out on extra lights, racks and mounts (or fab them yourself). Hold of on the new paint and fancy rims. Don't cheap out on the things that keep you safe and that make sure you get off the trail and all the way home!

 

[MA_Trooper]

I still use a come a long and snatch blocks. So my experience with any winch is very limited. I've known several people with winches though. The ones I know with warns and superwinches all say harbor freight is junk and it will leave you stranded. The ones I know with the harbor freight winch have all been pleased with it. Personally, i plan to save up for an inexpensive winch from warn or smittybuilt, But that is way down the road. Until then, my come along and snatch blocks have yet to fail me.

 

[Kent R]

MOAK is absolutely on the point! Well said

 

[SLO Rob]

I heard Smittybuilt and Badlands are the same thing with different branding?

 

[v_man]

I was just about to put Smittybilt and HF in the same category.

 

[Thelgord]

I have the HF 12K winch and it works just fine. Got it as an open box item for $200, another $130 replaced the 65' of steel cable with 95' of synthetic and a new fairlead. Never had an issue with it.

 

[MOAK]

I have the HF 12K winch and it works just fine. Got it as an open box item for $200, another $130 replaced the 65' of steel cable with 95' of synthetic and a new fairlead. Never had an issue with it.

Be careful. Winches that are designed for synthetic line use an exterior brake. The drum on yours may become hot and over time melt your line.