hey guys. I know another Winch question but I really need your help. I saw a winch for sale at Harbor Freight tools. its on sale for 70 bucks! now i don't climb rocks or have crazy inclines, i mostly go threw sand, mud, snow, clay, and ponds.  here is the specs

Wireless remote gives you freedom of movement during vehicle recovery.

    * Six feet per minute |removethispart|@ 3000 lbs.
    * Two button forward/reverse remote control
    * Freespooling
    * Drop forged hook with safety retaining clip
    * 7 gauge mounting plate is predrilled for installation
    * 30 ft. of 3/16" zinc plated high carbon steel cable
    * Ideal size for SUVs, ATV or yard tractors 
and link http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95912

so what do you guys think? would they just assist me in sticky situations?

thanks guys

I would go a bit higher if you can. Some might argue, but if your stuck, you want to get "Un-stuck"!

A winch that light would work fine for light snow as long as you run a snatch block.  Only 30' of cable though is a bit short.  It means you only have about 15' of real pull strength.

For clay, mud, and ponds though you are going to want something heavier.  Go with at least a 6000, if not an 8.

I would go with at least a 6000Lb and carry a snatch block.


Amilla

The biggest (or is it smallest  ) problem I see with that winch is the cable is only 3/16".....pretty small, especially when you run a snatch block to pull more weight.
This winch is really designed more for ATVs and such, not really vehicles.  If you decide to get it, when you use it make sure you throw something over the cable (like a coat, towel, etc.), so if the cable breaks it won't go flying through the air and smash through a windshield or worse yet decapitate someone.

thanks guys.

 I guess I'll stick to the good old hand winch i have and the reliable verizon phone service to call a friend   or just don't get stuck

p.s. i hate being on a budget with a "if it breaks" reserve

I'm in the process of building a winch bumper, so I'm watching this winch to go on sale...
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40764
HF seems to put items on sale every other week.

I thought about the 3K winch too, but then I remembered the time my pickup was stuck in a ditch full of mud and the wrecker truck pulled itself across the road trying to pull me out! The suction mud creates is amazingly strong.

I'm going heavy.

I'm in the process of building a winch bumper, so I'm watching this winch to go on sale...
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40764
HF seems to put items on sale every other week.

I thought about the 3K winch too, but then I remembered the time my pickup was stuck in a ditch full of mud and the wrecker truck pulled itself across the road trying to pull me out! The suction mud creates is amazingly strong.

I'm going heavy.

I have the earlier version (a little different paint and hand controller) of that winch on my samurai.  Works great (other than being a little slow)...but I'm not complaining for the price.
Mine was a little under $300 on sale.....but that was 2 or 3 years ago.

The Smitty Built version is on sale at 4 Wheel Parts at the moment for 255+shipping.   You have to add it to the cart to get a price on it.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Winches-Winch-Accessories/XRC8-Winch.aspx?t_c=18&t_s=300&t_pt=100702&t_pl=6426&t_pn=S/B97281

Not a bad deal, as long as it holds up better then most of Smitty Builts items.  I believe it is the same winch as the HF, Chicago Electric, Etc. 

Dont short change yourself go with at least a 6K winch.  I have a 8K mile Marker and it works pretty well for the money (NTWonline.com).  It hasnt failed me yet and I winched full sized trucks out of mud holes.  Of course the secret to that is put your front bumper up against a tree, do not tie off the rear or something will break if you do.

One other suggestion I have is to move the control box inside to keep it out of muck.  It will last a long time if you do.  Use 4ga wire or better.

good luck

well guys after beating my self up for 4 hours trying to figure out if i should buy it looking at the website 3000 times asking friends, dad, and grandpa (he knows his stuff). researching and researching. looking at sites for other prices and reviews.  i decided..... to BUY IT
ya ya i know not a big deal but for me this means im finally ready to hit those trails i was afraid of and going through those nasty looking mud puddles

and for the bumper i was thinking to buy the d.i.y. rocky road front bumper 

oh forgot to say im buying the smitybilt xrc8

oh and i just stumbled upon ZOR Bumpers   pretty cheap and nice looking what do you guys think?

I just bought a ZOR bumper,it is first class workmanship.

   i cant figure out what to do about the bumper decision.  my dad was saying to just get a big square tube and some other sheets of metal to make it complete it