In 4 Wheeler's Bible the author used some tension measuring stuff on lots of recoveries and said he rarely saw more than 3K pounds (I think). My buddy is borrowing the book but the basic premise I think wasn't so much about the raw capacity as it was the combination of capacity and duty cycling. That a 12K winch isn't going to get as hot as a 8K winch on a 3K load. Either can handle it.
If anyone has some data to back that up or disagree with it I'd be interested to hear it.
So.....I'm reading that to say that the average 'pull' required of most recoveries was 3,000 lbs. (?)
And the premise being a higher rated winch will strain less and not get as hot as a lesser rated (Max) winch?
Problem with that logic...is it doesn't take into account line speed or amp draw. Some winch designs are simply more efficient than others.
But...lets just go with what has been presented. A cursory look at the specs of the Warn 8274-50 (8k winch) vs. a Warn M12000 (12k winch) would seem a fair comparison.
Instead of using the 3,000 lb. figure (from the 4 Wheeler's Bible) let just up the ante and go with 4K (since both winches have specs for that).
The 8274 @ 4,000 lbs. of pull (on the 3rd layer) uses 286 amps (motor current) and has a line speed of 16.4 Ft/Min.
The M12000 @ 4K lbs. of pull (on the 3rd layer) uses 210 amps (motor current) and has a line speed of 8.6 Ft/Min.
So...the 8274 requires 76 amps more (motor current)....BUT pulls the same load (approx. 8.5 ft.) in HALF THE TIME!
Now, we could argue for the next week all the nuances of winching and the variables involved. Where the M12000 shines and where the 8274 is more useful. Each person must take an honest look at their needs and choose accordingly.
The 8274 is NOT the perfect winch of
every situation, but its a damn fine winch for MOST situations.