Hydraulic Winch

masseycuzdad · May 16, 2021

Just pulled the trigger on a new Massey 1840M. I want to rebuild my homemade 3 point winch and go from DC electric to a hydraulic winch. This new tractor is rated at 12.6 GPM flow. I have looked hard for years at the Farmi style tractor logging winches. But I am leaning more towards my own set up. Can anyone recommend a winch? Where can I go for how to's on how to hook up the hydraulics. I am having the dealer install separate rear remotes with a valve. I already have my winch frame, a modified blade that the new winch can bolt right on, just need to know what winch, and more info on how the hydraulics work and are hooked up. Thanks!

WranglerX · May 16, 2021

If "logging" is you winching needs have you considered PTO or hydraulic capstan instead of winch.... Somewhere on site there is a in-depth thread of winch vs capstan...

Most hydraulic winches work in either direction, control is probably not much more than directional control valve same as "concept" of log splitter (with out detent lock)... For winch work location of control valve is most critical in my mind, having it on tractor (maybe a awkward placement) would be my concern... Would rather have it on winch frame as easily access to where you will be standing and observing how winch is performing... Might want dealer to hold off on valve and just to basic power beyond until you find out winch operating parameters...

5030 · May 16, 2021

Had a Mile Marker Hydraulic winch on a Power wagon I had years ago. Was bullet proof.

Xfaxman · May 16, 2021

Here is a thread with good info: Hydraulic Capstan logging winch.

Smokeydog · May 16, 2021

Have a milemarker hydraulic on the truck and frequent use it for trees. Have to anchor to tree or tractor grapple dug in. While impressive power and pulling time over electric, it is still a vehicle recovery winch.

Thought about something for the tractor. It’s just hard to beat logging winch design. Back blade anchor. Been looking for a used one for many years.

Rustyiron · May 16, 2021

I use a Ramsey hydraulic winch (planetary) for skidding, it's a 8000# and it does a great job for me. It simply plugs into a pair of rear remotes and for more pulling, the tractor is at an idle.
I'll see if I can find a link.

Rustyiron · May 16, 2021

Ramsey RPH 8000 Winch

I chose a 6" wide drum for better cable spooling although that limits the cable to around 90' (3/8 cable)

masseycuzdad · May 19, 2021

Rustyiron said:
Ramsey RPH 8000 Winch
I chose a 6" wide drum for better cable spooling although that limits the cable to around 90' (3/8 cable)

Thanks for all the info everyone!. The Ramsey looks like what I am looking for. Do you use a spring loaded tensioner to help spool? Do the hydraulics just plug directly into my remotes right from the winch, the controls are already on the winch? Does it matter in or out? I see they have a longer drum for that model that holds 140 feet of cable, that might work good. What about speed? My current eclectic is S L O W and wears down my battery even with the engine reved up, winch gets hot, stalls, smokes, then I have to stop winching, wait for battery to power back up from the alternator, wait for the winch to cool down, etc.... I pull some huge hardwood heavy green trees sometimes. I know the forestry winches are FAST, but $$, having a hard time deciding. I found a Runva 10,000 # hydraulic winch with 60' of cable for $900??

Hay Dude · May 19, 2021

Just installed a 9500lb on my Rubicon

Rustyiron · May 20, 2021

masseycuzdad said:
Thanks for all the info everyone!. The Ramsey looks like what I am looking for. Do you use a spring loaded tensioner to help spool? Do the hydraulics just plug directly into my remotes right from the winch, the controls are already on the winch? Does it matter in or out? I see they have a longer drum for that model that holds 140 feet of cable, that might work good. What about speed? My current eclectic is S L O W and wears down my battery even with the engine reved up, winch gets hot, stalls, smokes, then I have to stop winching, wait for battery to power back up from the alternator, wait for the winch to cool down, etc.... I pull some huge hardwood heavy green trees sometimes. I know the forestry winches are FAST, but $$, having a hard time deciding. I found a Runva 10,000 # hydraulic winch with 60' of cable for $900??

Yes, the "plumbing" is very simple. You simply connect a pair of outlets on your tractor to the winches 2 ports. No hoses included. The speed is fine for me and faster than an electric not to mention 100% duty cycle, I mostly have the tractor idling and only rev it up if needed for power. If someone was used to a 3pt winch with their several feet+ per second line speed, they'd be disappointed.
I chose the short spool for "tidy" cable management, and at 90', it's regularly un spooled about 50% . Where you run into trouble is pulling hard over wire that's not tight. Only once have I had to pull out the cable past a jam, and it was only about a half turn of the spool. In my woods, 90' is all I care to guide through the stumps and boulders with an assortment of snatch blocks. I've got "easier fruit to pick" and no big ravines or steep ground requiring a longer reach.