Harbor Freight 3500# Winch to RTV 900?

[LarJea]

Does anyone know if Harbor Freight's 3500# winch will bolt up inside the front bumper? They are on sale for $89.00 with coupon.

 

[timswi]

Does anyone know if Harbor Freight's 3500# winch will bolt up inside the front bumper? They are on sale for $89.00 with coupon.

Don't know about bolt up but you get what you pay for...Not sure I'd even try it with a machine that heavy.

 

[Tkblacktail]

Don't know about bolt up but you get what you pay for...Not sure I'd even try it with a machine that heavy.

I agree w/timswi; but I'm going to offer too much information as usual

The 3,500# advertised rating is the absolute maximum achievable value under perfect conditions such as sufficient electrical supply, new bearings, and a spool with only 1 wrap of wire; some load tests are done for less than the length of the cable or on paper, so some (if not most) winch-capacity claims are tenuous at best.

I think it is more important to match the electrical requirements of the winch to the electrical aspects of the vehicle; if the winch needs a certain amount of "amps"to run properly, make sure your vehicle (battery & alternator/generator) can produce it for an hour or more.

A fully-loaded mired vehicle like yours can easily exceed 3K pounds (more if on a slope) plus the weight of the rigging, so carry at least 3 snatch blocks regardless of the winch you end up with.

There is some good math in this pub:

http://www.northeastohio4x4.com/pdf_files/army vehicle field manual.pdf


http://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/PPP/PPP-98.pdf

 

[LarJea]

Ok, thanks for the information. I have a truck and a jeep with winches and a excavator in case I get into trouble. I just thought I could use a winch on the RTV 900 for smaller chores. I suppose I could wait and buy a warn 3500# winch instead. I would like to bolt in a larger winch but I don't believe it would fit inside the bumper so I can still use the snow plow.

 

[Hiptfarms]

In SC that winch is currently 139.00. Where did you get such a great coupon? Maybe HF sends out different sales ads in different parts of the country. I'd like one of those great coupons myself!

 

[SpudHauler]

I had a 4,000 lb Warn on my 900 and then moved it to my 1100 with no problems.

Check Warns site for the length and width, then measure HF model.

If the dimensions are close enough it will probably fit.

Getting to the end switch on the Warn was tight.

With a little work, drilling holes, you can make almost any winch fit the plate that is there or get one cut.

I never had to use my winch for what I would call real work, like getting unstuck.

So really, why not get the good deal, fit it up and see what happens.

Chances are you will get along just fine.

 

[LarJea]

Hiptfarms: My wife thru out the harbor freight coupon sales paper, but I will check with a couple friends and see if they have a copy.....SpudHauler: I think I will take your advice, (providing I can get another $89.00 coupon).

 

[Hiptfarms]

Thanks for checking.

 

[LarJea]

In SC that winch is currently 139.00. Where did you get such a great coupon? Maybe HF sends out different sales ads in different parts of the country. I'd like one of those great coupons myself!

I found another Harbor Freight coupon for the 3500 lb. winch, if you are interested, for $99.99. Coupon code #55801290 on their website or call 800 423 2567. I am going to wait and hold out for the $89.00 coupon, if and when that happens again.