Warn Tabor Winch comparison

[Appolyon]

I'm purchasing an ARB Deluxe Winch Bullbar for my '91 FJ80, and I want/need a winch for it. I'm looking under $1100 and the farther under that line the better- right now I've found 5 winches that fall into that category, but I've never heard of 2 of them and they sound sketchy.... (I'm looking only at Warn- i'm open to looking at Superwinches but I like Warn's reliability and warranty. I don't know if I'd be comfortable with an 8000lb. winch or not. )

8,000 pound winches

• 
  Warn M8000 - $820

9,000 pound winches:

• 
  Warn XD9000 - $1010
• 1.1-
  
  Warn XD9000i- $1065
• Warn Tabor 9k- $655

12,000 pound winches:

• Warn M12000- $1505
• Warn Tabor 12k- $720

After spending time comparing all of the winches to each other, I have discovered that the Tabor uses the 261:1 planetary gear, the same as in the M12000, and the only technical differences that I've noticed are shorter on included line (20' less for the 9k and 45' less on the 12k) and slower than their regular counterparts.

My other question is whether anyone on 'MUD is running a Tabor, and what they think of it.

Finally, is it ARB Deluxe Winch FJ80 compatible? The 12k only a 1" longer and .1" taller than the XD9000, so I'm fairly certain that it'll fit, but I'm curious if anyone has actually done the install.

Hopefully one of you guys has this and can tell me if there are any other differences other than the ones mentioned. With the current specs, I'm planning on buying one as soon as I get home...

 

[ForealBoreal]

my buddy went with the tabor.
the warn dealer said go with the tabor
the guy compared the two and they were identical other than the lock and unlock knob and the paint job and graphics.
its working for him.
There nice little winches.

 

[e9999]

I did ask the Warn Tech guys once about the Tabor.

I got some vague nondescript answer that the Tabor was built more cheaply. And they edged and did not elaborate when pressed as to what that implies. Who knows what that means in terms of reliability. Cheaper parts, no bearings, just without the paint job, no difference....?

I do vaguely remember reading something about the Tabors not being covered by the usual no questions asked / go overboard Warn warranty and customer service, though. Something to check?

hasn't there been threads on this before?

 

[Appolyon]

This just in from Warn Customer Service-

Dayton.
The XD9000 does have more premium components and a longer warranty (1 yr electrical – ltd. Lifetime on internals). The Tabor 12 carries a 90day electrical and 1 year internal warranty. If you have a back ground using Warn winches and are somewhat hard or demanding on equipment in general then stay with the premium series winch.
Regards,
Warn Customer Service

 

[Cruiserdrew]

My understanding is that the Tabor series, is a made in China winch to let Warn compete with the Milemarkers, T-Maxs, Champions, Harbor Freights and the like. There is a lot more than cosmetic difference. I also think that Warn is discontinuing that line.

On the M12000 the drum is bigger, the brake is much bigger, the motor is different, and the controls are completely different as well. They are not at all the same winch. I'd avoid that Tabor but that's just me.

If I were you,I'd shop Craig's list and look for a real Warn at about half price. They come up all the time, especially in this economy when folks just need some cash to tide them over. On an 80, I would shop by what winch fits your bullbar. They were originally made for the M10000 (no longer made and replaced by the M12000). One of the 9500 winches fits as well(the 9.5xp if I remember), as does the M8000 with a few spacers to space the winch out from the inside of the bumper. Email Warn and they will let you know what fits.

I think the 9.5 is adequately sized, the M8000 is OK with a snatch block. M12000 would be best but $$.

Unfortunately, winches cost a lot and are rarely used. It's just that they are priceless when really needed. Since they don't really go bad, a used winch is often your best bet if cash is tight. A used M12000 should be under $900. You really want to run a Chinese winch to save a couple of hundred$$?

The weak point of most winches is the control system. Even for Warn. The Solenoids just can crap out at the worst time. Fortunately they are easy and quick to replace. I had to replace the whole solenoid pack on my Warn 8274. At the time it was 16 years old and just stopped working. Warn was awesome about the replacement. BTW-Warn stocks almost all of their old parts. You can't really say that about the Chinese winches which are basically disposable when they stop working.

I would also avoid trickery in winches. You don't need wireless controllers, internal solenoids, combined winches/compressors etc. Keep it simple.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Appolyon]

My understanding is that the Tabor series, is a made in China winch to let Warn compete with the Milemarkers, T-Maxs, Champions, Harbor Freights and the like. There is a lot more than cosmetic difference. I also think that Warn is discontinuing that line.

On the M12000 the drum is bigger, the brake is much bigger, the motor is different, and the controls are completely different as well. They are not at all the same winch. I'd avoid that Tabor but that's just me.

Thanks for the heads up on that... I assumed that's what they were doing, but I wasn't sure.... I had a feeling that the M12000 and the Tabor had huge differences, but it isn't stated on their web page, probably just to dupe consumers like us....

If I were you,I'd shop Craig's list and look for a real Warn at about half price. They come up all the time, especially in this economy when folks just need some cash to tide them over. On an 80, I would shop by what winch fits your bullbar. They were originally made for the M10000 (no longer made and replaced by the M12000). One of the 9500 winches fits as well(the 9.5xp if I remember), as does the M8000 with a few spacers to space the winch out from the inside of the bumper. Email Warn and they will let you know what fits.

I think the 9.5 is adequately sized, the M8000 is OK with a snatch block. M12000 would be best but $$.

Unfortunately, winches cost a lot and are rarely used. It's just that they are priceless when really needed. Since they don't really go bad, a used winch is often your best bet if cash is tight. A used M12000 should be under $900. You really want to run a Chinese winch to save a couple of hundred$$?

That's why I'm here to ask.... I was only looking at Warn specifically because of their quality and warranty. If anything else dies after a year, (which it most likely will with how often I winch) I'll have to get a whole new winch, and there's the Warn 12000 right there.... and one pissed owner.

The weak point of most winches is the control system. Even for Warn. The Solenoids just can **** out at the worst time. Fortunately they are easy and quick to replace. At the time it was 16 years old and just stopped working. Warn stocks almost all of their old parts. You can't really say that about the Chinese winches which are basically disposable when they stop working.

I would also avoid trickery in winches. You don't need wireless controllers, internal solenoids, combined winches/compressors etc. Keep it simple.

Good luck with your search.

I like the K.I.S.S. principle-

I was already aware of how disposable the other winches are when they die... It means a complete $700 replacement If i went with a Tabor- and you're still stuck!

16 years before a problem is only 2 years less than my truck is old.... That's obsurd... PERFECT! I feel it's worth it to buy a new winch, just for the necessity of knowing the track record on the winch. If you've owned it the whole time, you know every trip and every pull you've done. I was just curious about the Tabor because of the decreased price, but still being a Warn Product.

Does the M12000 fit behind the ARB for the FJ80? I know i'll need spacers, but if I'm going to buy that monster, I want to be sure that it fits first....

Cruiserdrew, you're everywhere aren't you? nearly omnipotent?

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

For an 80 Series TLC I'd vote for at least a 10K rated electric winch.

Warn makes a good electric winch. So does Superwinch. There are differences between the "light duty" (6up to 9K) and the "heavy duty" (10K and up) electric winches.

I vaguely remember hearing of folks doing minor mods to the ARB 80 Series 'Bar to allow fitting a Warn 12K so I think it is doable.

You should also consider the Superwinch "Husky" winches which are available in 10K ratings.

Husky 10 10,000 lbs Husky Series 4x4 - Superwinch


Good luck!

Alan

 

[e9999]

the Warn M12 fits just fine as is in the ARB late 80 winch bumper. No mod (besides fairlead) or spacer needed.

 

[Adam R]

I'm going with a M8000 on my 80 series. It will be fine for an 80 series. My Warn 9.5ti drags my 5000 lb jeep all around the place without any effort. The only way I can get a full pull is tie off to a tree or another immovable object. I know the LC is heavier, but 8000 lbs is plenty of pull for a 6000 lb vehicle, even if you are winching up a tree.

You can get the M8000 off of eBay for $540 with free shipping and 4 Wheel Parts has them for the same price through the end of this year.

Adam

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

Better throw a couple snatch blocks and tree saver straps in the back of your 80 Series as well! You will need 'em when you get that wagon stuck good!


Seriously, the M8000 is a light-duty electric winch in comparison to the M8274. You'd be better off to get a Warn 95.t for the FZJ80.

Regards,

Alan

I'm going with a M8000 on my 80 series. It will be fine for an 80 series. My Warn 9.5ti drags my 5000 lb jeep all around the place without any effort. The only way I can get a full pull is tie off to a tree or another immovable object. I know the LC is heavier, but 8000 lbs is plenty of pull for a 6000 lb vehicle, even if you are winching up a tree.

You can get the M8000 off of eBay for $540 with free shipping and 4 Wheel Parts has them for the same price through the end of this year.

Adam

 

[Adam R]

I guess 25 years of off-roading on several continents and having a brother that was an engineer for Warn don't count for much.

I carry the aforementioned equipment, but I never seem to need them for myself. It's always for the bonehead that should have stayed home that day.

It might be worth your while to check out the specs of the various Warn products. An M8000 will work just fine for an 80 series and it's hardly "light duty".

For my application it will also fit nicely between the top of the frame rails and the lower part of the grill. An 8274 or a 9.5ti will not.

Adam

 

[wesintl]

I guess 25 years of off-roading on several continents and having a brother that was an engineer for Warn don't count for much.

I carry the aforementioned equipment, but I never seem to need them for myself. It's always for the bonehead that should have stayed home that day.

It might be worth your while to check out the specs of the various Warn products. An M8000 will work just fine for an 80 series and it's hardly "light duty".

For my application it will also fit nicely between the top of the frame rails and the lower part of the grill. An 8274 or a 9.5ti will not.

Adam

personally i've seen a couple m8's stall on 80's and 60's. could have been double lined, dunno, still would've been a rough pull.

I'd rather pick up a used m10 or 12 off craigslist than a new m8.

Personal preference.

 

[Adam R]

Any winch can be stalled and you can always double your pull with a snatch block if you need to. I've stalled winches on bulldozers and broken 1" cable at times. What is your point?

If you read my last line, the M8000 will fit nicely for my app. The original poster is looking for a cost effective winch. For the money, you can't beat an American made Warn. $540 for an 8000 lb winch is pretty good and it will get the job done 99% of the time with a single line pull unless you like to bury your LC up to the doors in mud on a regular basis. Again, read the Warn specs. The M8000 pulls less amps at a higher line speed than an 8274 and both have a series wound motor and great warranty. Both good winches depending on your app.

Adam

 

[wesintl]

I made my point.

 

[prado t]

Hi guys Just Hi-jacking again sorry , A Warn M8000 is a great unit. Mine is a 24volt model hooked up to a 70series ARB bumper. This winch has run up to 5hours continous (steady) cool down period was each time reaching for something to hook on.