Tips for buying used hyd. winch?

[JimS]

I have several projects that a winch would be useful for. Pulling logs up steep hills and such. With the pulls being long I think hydraulic is the way to go. I ran across someone with several used 8000 lb hyd. winches. One supposedly has a new(er?) motor. What sort of things should I be looking for/asking about so I don't end up with worn out junk? I know it really varies a lot but how much is reasonable for something like this in unknown condition?How much cable does a small winch like this typically hold? Is it reasonable to spin the motor with compressed air just long enough to make sure everything turns? I could pull the gearcase plug and look at the condition of the grease. Anything other tips?

I have a L3600 kubota so I might run it with those hydraulics or may use it stand alone with an engine/pump. It may be overkill but it would also be nice for a lift for a log splitter.

 

[J_J]

I have several projects that a winch would be useful for. Pulling logs up steep hills and such. With the pulls being long I think hydraulic is the way to go. I ran across someone with several used 8000 lb hyd. winches. One supposedly has a new(er?) motor. What sort of things should I be looking for/asking about so I don't end up with worn out junk? I know it really varies a lot but how much is reasonable for something like this in unknown condition?How much cable does a small winch like this typically hold? Is it reasonable to spin the motor with compressed air just long enough to make sure everything turns? I could pull the gearcase plug and look at the condition of the grease. Anything other tips?

I have a L3600 kubota so I might run it with those hydraulics or may use it stand alone with an engine/pump. It may be overkill but it would also be nice for a lift for a log splitter.

You never can tell about used hydraulic stuff. They can clean and repaint to look like new, or new/old stock. You need to buy with a guarantee, or as is, at a good price, and take your chances. Sometimes you get lucky and make out. It may have been sitting up and dirty, but may be unused. If it has plugs installed, that is good, Remove then and check fluid with a white cloth. If you can test them before you leave, would be good. What you may not know, is the operating pressure if the item, or the rpm. The hyd motor, might be a 1500 psi, and your tractor 2500 psi. You might not be able to use air if the item is tight or been sitting up along time.

How about some pictures.

 

[GE222]

You might want to think also about cooling. Assuming you buy it, and it works ok, when used under load for long time periods, (depends on the amount of load and duration), the hydraulic system will begin to get warm. An auxiliary cooler might be needed. I would think that a tractor with a hydrostatic drive would have sufficient cooling capability, but I can't say for sure on a machine with a geared transmission having the same cooling.

I also share J J's assessment regarding used hydraulic equipment.