warn winches made in china

ultrarider1 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 08:32 AM

Been researching atv winches. Would pull my hair out but don't need another bald spot. I don't want to beat this " which winch" thing to death but I have a few things to talk about. At the Polaris dealer. Looked at Polaris winches ( 3500 ) made in China right on the box. Superwinch. Not sure if made here or in China ( I think in China ) but it also uses a permanent magnetic motor. Warn were supposed to have a series wound motor but, at least on the less expensive line, they have the magnetic motor also. Do all of the lower priced winches have the magnetic motors? I am leaning to either the Superwinch or KFI, a 2500 or 3000. Rather have to much than not enough when I need it the most. I plan on using it for self extraction ( my machine, not me! ) and maybe a snow plow a little later down the road. Was trying to "buy American " but may not be able to do so. Yes Warns are American made as far as I can tell but right now to much $$.
Any comments ?

Bruteforcebob · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 11:24 AM

I've tried them all Super winch, gorilla, viper, harbor freight etc. And all have failed including two warn 3000's and the only one I'll vouch for are Ramsey. They are made in Tulsa Oklahoma 100 miles from my house, they are noisy and Have a slower line speed but never break down we ride rivers constantly and it takes about 3 rides and a warn "waterproof" is froze up the ramsey has never let us down and it will pull what it's rated

ultrarider1 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 01:32 PM

"Our winches are made in China just like everyone else's including Warn. There are no winches made in the US for the ATV or UTV industry. It's all a matter of design and quality and Control.

We do have a 3000lb winch. It would be the A3000. If you want synthetic you will need to add it as an option. No Mods required."

The above is an answer I got from KFI's customer service on an email I had sent them inquiring about their ATV winches. Assuming this person knows what he or she is talking about, kinda' answers the " where are all the ATV winches made?" question. You think only one or two companies in China make the winches and just slap a different decal on them? Of course the winches could be made to different specs. Better for some companies than others. I don't know. Tool companies have been doing that for years.

lost cause · #4 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 03:10 PM

It is difficult to buy anything anymore that is completely made in America. Even if it says made in America, half the time that means assembled in America with Chinese parts. My experience so far is I have destroyed 2 warn winches and my polaris winch is still going strong.

416challenger · #5 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 06:05 PM

i have destroyed 2 older warn winches that were truly built in the u.s. 1 atv and 1 truck winch. my polaris 3500 polaris winch i have on my 850 has been unbelievable so far in 2 years of using it and it gets submurged often. all winches are made in china i believe now. this is off topic but even my PING golf clubs are made in china and assembled in the u.s. this is stated right on the golf clubs and right on the box too. if any of you are golfers you would know that PING is a very proud american company and even they get it made in china now !

lost cause · #6 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 06:26 PM

So yeah, as far as finding a winch that is 100% American, good luck. As far as choosing a winch, chose one that suits your needs. I will spend a little more money on a fully sealed winch due to the fact that mine is always submerged in mud/water. But, if you don't have to worry about that then you could go with a cheaper winch. Just think about how you are using it and how often.

Rottn35 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 07:26 PM

I have a promark on mine had it for almost 2 years not had any trouble out of it.

ATV Winches, UTV Winches from PROMARK OFFROAD. Free Shipping.)

sgtpatiolantern · #8 (**permalink**) 11-08-2011, 05:33 AM

I own the Polaris 3500lb winch. I have used it several times and it has worked flawlessly. Mind you it has only been on the bike a few months so I can't testify to it's long term durability. When I spoke with the dealer about winches they advised that a few years back the 2500lb and 3500lb Polaris winches were somewhat of a nightmare, with few working well or lasting long out of the box. Several issues had to be addressed before they would be worth selling again. The latest crop has a relatively low failure rate, and of those failures, improper use is often the cause.

I installed the winch myself and I was impressed with the solidity of the unit, the ease of installation, and how fairly well protected it is. Time will tell how she serves, but for the time being I have been really satisfied with this purchase.

ultrarider1 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-08-2011, 05:50 AM

Thanks for the info on your Polaris winch. I looked at them in the dealership. Here in Denver anyway they want $528.00 PLUS hardware for another $100+ ( can't remember exactly the total ) for almost $650 for their winch with me doing the install. I will install whatever I get. Not the point. $650 because it has "Polaris" on the winch? I don't think so. To many other great alternatives in the winch market for half the money or less. Superwinch, Viper, KFI come to mind right off the bat.
It is nice to be able to support your dealer but their prices are a little out of line. I have been riding Harleys for a LONG time. Same thing with them. after market parts and shops are as good if not better for less money. And they all have overhead so the difference in mark up is their choice I guess. Of course since I am NOT in the wholesale end of any of this I may be talking through my hat so if I have "wronged " you dealers, sorry.

idler8 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-08-2011, 05:53 AM

One other thing to keep in mind is mounting plates, I don't know what kind of quad you have, but here's what I have going on. My wife has a 850XP, and I recently won a BRONCO II winch, it actually looks like a pretty good winch, came with synthetic line, handle bar rocker switch, and wireless remote switch, so I would like to use that one....but I can't find a decent priced mounting plate, the price of a mounting plate is almost the same as a complete Viper with mounting plate, so I'd be better off buying the viper set up, but I've got enough back up winch's on my shelf already.

Only a few of the winch companies will offer proper mounting plates for polaris.