Another winch question (1 Viewer)

[jaysdead40]

While doing some parts swapping I ended up with a (Harbor Freight) KEW 8000# winch.
I'm considering tweaking my nonwinch ARB and putting it on the front of the 80. I figure some winch is better than no winch and it was basically free.
Does anybody have any knowledge or experience with these winches, and is the motor upgradeable. It apears to have the same configuration as some Ramsey motors.

 

[ginericLC]

Jay,

I don't have a comment on that particular winch but I was pretty impressed with Uglibus's 8000lb Warn on his 80. I have a real problem with stuff made in China going on my Cruiser. I just don't think the quality is there. And a winch is something you might count on using sometime and then have it not work. Also, we are hitting the Trail Friday. You are more than welcome to come along.

 

[jaysdead40]

I've wondered about the quaility isssue. Earlier when I did some research on KEW I found some info out of Europe that showed a lot of of industrial and marine use, so I'm not sure how POS it is.
The guy I got it from hooked it to a buried fullsize pickup and held the button down till the magic smoke came out.

The wife kidnapped me for friday but thanks for the invite.

 

[Tooth Fairy]

Has anyone one in the international market ever heard of this brand?

...Shelfed...

It's ShelVed

 

[Heffenoche]

While doing some parts swapping I ended up with a (Harbor Freight) KEW 8000# winch.

I know some of Samurai crowd use them and haven't of any problems but those trucks are only around 2000lbs. I think would not be up to to load a stuck 80 would put on it. So I wouldn't depend on it as your only source of recovery.

 

[timbercruiser]

IF it's the one that sells for around $300, then it seems to be OK. A guy in my club has one on his Bronco II (302, 35's) and it works fine. It looks just like a Ramsey.

 

[e9999]

there is a HF winch on sale right now IIRC
E

 

[jaysdead40]

Thanks for the input. I agree that it may not be great but I already have it. I guess my biggest question would be, is there a winch guru that anyone would recommend.
I would realy like to know what other motors could mount up to it.

 

[bjowett]

There are 2 or 3 styles of winch motors, should not be very difficult to find what you are looking for. Pull the motor... need to know how it bolts on, and what type of shaft it has, splined or keyed?