Anybody using the Tabor 12k (warn value line)?

[MomentRider]

I have an opportunity to pick up a brand new Tabor 12k for less then half the cost of the M12000. I get that the quality of the Tabor will be lower then that of the M12 but the question is how much?

Have any of you used/seen one in action?
Will it bolt directly to the ARB without any additional mods?
Am I crazy for even considering it?

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Here's the reply I got from Warn when I requested a performance spec sheet on the Tabor line

Rick



The Tabor is designed to complete with entry level winches coming in from overseas, no performance specs are available



Tom Ewing

Customer Service

I'll be going with an M8K and a few snatch blocks....

[mobi-arc]

No performance specs available....frick'n shady.

[Cruiserdrew]

I personally know a Warn technical guy, and asked him about the Tabor winches. They are aimed and designed to compete with the T-Max's, the Costcos and the Milemarkers of the winch world. Which means they will work, but are basically disposable off-shore knockoffs.

I agree that an M8000 is a screaming deal around $500, and the Tabor is a less desirable option at about the same price. I think I'd avoid the Tabor 12000 unless finances are really tight. A used Warn would be better, or just go with a smaller model and a snatch block.

[a85toy]

I have a Tabor 9000, and it was made in the USA. I have only used it a half dozen times with NO problems at all. I don't have the spec sheet but when I bought it I did see a spec sheet. Very same as a Warn M8000.

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Originally Posted by Cruiserdrew

I agree that an M8000 is a screaming deal around $500.

Where did you find it for $500?


Lowest I've seen was $555 shipped (winch depot)

[missipboy]

i've got the tabor 12000 and have had no problems. only used a few times, though. for what it's worth, i would feel better if i had a real warn sitting there, but this winch fell in my lap.

[sprocket3]

Originally Posted by 98 SNAKE EATER

Where did you find it for $500?


Lowest I've seen was $555 shipped (winch depot)

They were $500 at winch depot a few weeks ago. looks like they raised prices as a couple models i was looking are more money now.

The 9.5xp went up 10% as well.

[mobi-arc]

Originally Posted by Cruiserdrew

I personally know a Warn technical guy, and asked him about the Tabor winches. They are aimed and designed to compete with the T-Max's, the Costcos and the Milemarkers of the winch world. Which means they will work, but are basically disposable off-shore knockoffs.

I agree that an M8000 is a screaming deal around $500, and the Tabor is a less desirable option at about the same price. I think I'd avoid the Tabor 12000 unless finances are really tight. A used Warn would be better, or just go with a smaller model and a snatch block.

Okay...that's fair, but I'd want to know exactly where compromises were made to shave cost.....and without performance specs, tought to make an educated decision.

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Anyone know what the difference is between the two M8000's listed on winch depot's site?


WAR26502 ($555.69)

WAR20910 ($718.94)



Other than the fairlead, they look identical, but that's quite a price difference for just a fairlead

[mkaustin]

I'll wager that the 20910 has 80' of synthetic rope. That's the typical difference from Warn. 80' w/ hawse fairlead is typically synthetic rope. While 100' roller fairlead is typically wire rope.

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Originally Posted by mkaustin

I'll wager that the 20910 has 80' of synthetic rope. That's the typical difference from Warn. 80' w/ hawse fairlead is typically synthetic rope. While 100' roller fairlead is typically wire rope.

Yeah, I kinda figured that...

Even though it says "wire rope", having a hawse fairlead it would only make sense to have a synthetic rope...

Anyhoo, the price just went down to $516 shipped @ WD


Now I'm kicking myself cause I just spent my winch money on a new sub amp and custom enclosure


Hopefully the price will stay low (or go even lower) over the next few weeks until I can afford it again

[e9999]

I did call Warn to ask about the Tabors and I got a non-answer answer...


I would imagine that they are not that different from the regular Warns, simply because it'd be too expensive to make 2 different lines if (if!) they use the same manufacturer for both. Maybe cut down on a bearing or bushing here and there? Conceivably, the difference could be only marketing, less warranty, and less profit on one than on the other.

An inspection and/or some pics may reveal more.

[Cruiserdrew]

Originally Posted by e9999

I would imagine that they are not that different from the regular Warns, simply because it'd be too expensive to make 2 different lines if (if!) they use the same manufacturer for both. Maybe cut down on a bearing or bushing here and there? Conceivably, the difference could be only marketing, less warranty, and less profit on one than on the other.

.

Just curious Eric-have you ever looked at them? They are completely different. The Tabors are on a smaller frame, and do not look like the same winch at all.

Tabor = Warns China line, to compete with the cheap end of the market.

Warn = Made in USA (at least for now). Totally different winch.

[FJ40-GARAGE]

One of the main manufacturers in China is the Goldenwinch Corp

The sell them even in Europe under different names like Horn Winch, Duke Winch or whatever........

Not neccesarily cheap crap but nothing i would like to depend on in a trophy or a hairy situation that requires 100% safety.
You get what you pay......sponsoring labour in china included.

[e9999]

Originally Posted by Cruiserdrew

Just curious Eric-have you ever looked at them? They are completely different. The Tabors are on a smaller frame, and do not look like the same winch at all.

Tabor = Warns China line, to compete with the cheap end of the market.

Warn = Made in USA (at least for now). Totally different winch.

No, I haven't looked at them. I should have done that. Somehow I thought they did look similar. My mistake. Well, as I said, my argument only works if it's the same manufacturer. If they are completely different, who knows?
Are we even sure that the regular ones are really fully made in the US? Some of the Warn stuff is not.