4k is double the vehicle weight and a snatch block will double that.

I have had good luck with the HF winches and the Badlands are supposed to be better.

Just like most things, many are made in the same place. Check the specs and draw and HP.

I picked up a 6k for my full size (7000lb) for a hitch mount. It has the same ratings as a 8k. I also have plenty of straps a block and tree savers.

Guys, do yourselves a favor and go warn or viper.

Warn has a good reputation, but these days I like viper.

Had my 4k warn freespool on my bike a year back and refuse to lock back in. Two year old winch never wu meted and used less than four times.

I've since gone to viper and it has never let me down.  I scope it out and grease the gears occasionally... Ie once a year. 

Best part... Dirt cheap and my sales rep is a fox.

Guys, do yourselves a favor and go warn or viper.

Warn has a good reputation, but these days I like viper.

Had my 4k warn freespool on my bike a year back and refuse to lock back in. Two year old winch never wu meted and used less than four times.

I've since gone to viper and it has never let me down.  I scope it out and grease the gears occasionally... Ie once a year. 

Best part... Dirt cheap and my sales rep is a fox.

If you've still got your WARN winch, it probably has a limited lifetime warranty on it. Still might be fixable.

- Andy

Warns a pretty bulletproof, so it should be fixable.  The new economy winches make them a lot closer in price to the harbor freight specials as well.

Just as a note anything you should break on the Harbor Freight winch you can order through Mile Marker.

Yes, warn would fix it, if I pay shipping to Alabama and fix the crapped out electrics myself.

I stupidly paid retail on that one, 3k lb for 450 rather than cost at 219. My mistake at the time.  Being told my winch electrics, which were
Never submerged were crapped out because of abuse left a bad taste in my mouth.  I keep it in the shed on a shelf with other junk,  reminders to not expect quality from anyone.

Considering I used to sell 40-50 rt30s a month, that's saying something.

We always double the weight and recommended as well.  I've stalled out 3k winches with two blocks and a lighter big bore atv. Suction is everything.

Sure Warn winchs are nice, but for a sammi or kick they dont have much available on the lower end of the size spectrum. I just found a Smittybuilt Xr4 comp with synthetic rope for 129$. sure it only has 10 meters of line, but I have NEVER needed to pull my vehicle even half of that distance, if I need a longer line to reach an anchor I have 2 30' lengths of strap and a snatch block if I need to rescue something heavier like a heep.

It looks like you got a great deal on that winch.  Used?  The lowest price I saw for was for $179 with the steel cable.  For around $130 more you can get the Smitty 8,000lb winch.  

I don't think a 4000lb is enough winch capacity for the Samurai stuck in a bad situation.  I've been mired in hub deep mud with deep ruts and my 8000lb Warn winch struggled a little to pull my Samurai out.  It was really nasty.  A small 4000lb would have left me stranded out in the boonies after it pucked out its guts.  Even with a snatch block.  The synthetic rope can break too (I had a buddy snap his this past weekend) and the 4000lb winch will only have 4000lb test line.

Which goes to my next point-I've only used a winch when I don't have a buddy to yank me with a strap.  Usually when I'm exploring a new area.  Therefore, I'd rather get a little bit larger winch that I need and that gives me piece of mind that I can winch myself out of a bad situation.

Just as a note anything you should break on the Harbor Freight winch you can order through Mile Marker.

You can also order parts through Harbor Freight. 

Smaller viper winches (6-8000lb range) are in the 300$ range.  Certain affordable considering they come with goodies too... And the quality is superb.

I like synthetic because it saves massive weight if going with longer lines.

Not only that but I love have amsteel lines with hooks on both ends for my bike.  Seems like it would work well for Zukis too. 2 fifty ft tow lines that can fit in a quart ziploc bag are handy.

I agree with synthetic rope being the better (and safer) choice for most applicaitons.  I plan to convert my winches to it when the time comes to replace the cables.

I agree with synthetic rope being the better (and safer) choice for most applicaitons.  I plan to convert my winches to it when the time comes to replace the cables.

It could take some time to wear a cable out.  Unless kinked, I don't see your Sami's wearing out a steel cable, even with weekly use.  The synthetics don't kink, even with sloppy spooling (which I wouldn't expect on your Sami's either).

You can talk about suction but time will solve that issue. Take your time, it is safer and you still get out.

Having a buddy is fine on a flat surface. But when you are in the tangles, winching point to point or over things is the only answer.

Remember, it is easier to winch out a lighter vehicle, synthetic is god send