Get some band aids and neosporin to go along w/ the PB! They seem to be needed when PB comes out!

 

hey man, i had a used winch from harbor freight tha i gave 50 bucks for, pulled out my tractor and my toyota many times, then i sold it for 100$$ lol. just take care of it a little and you'll be ok. and i looked at these too, im planning on buying one so let us know how it works

 

I have not read the whole thread but this type of talk towards other members will not be aloud. consider your self warned..

 

I fit saves your butt once it's paid for that's what maters.

Most seem to only ever use there winch once or twice.. Good score..

Could you have got a better brand, sure but that one fit into your budget and that's what maters..

 

That's what I just did two days ago. $350 for a smitty xrc8 with LIFETIME warranty. That vortex winch looks very similar to the smitty though.

Do yourself a favor and paint the chrome **** and the chrome-looking tie rod bars. They RUST fast. I saw two of these winches on jk's at 4wd hardware and they both rusted in these same spots. I didn't mount my box over the drum cuz it mounts via metal brackets that scratch and rust.

I think your winch will be fine. Keep it above water (if its not waterproof) and at least once a year (or by usage) take it apart and regrease everything. It should work pretty well and for a long time. I abused my $299 milemarker for years almost every weekend and it held up. I took care of it though and replaced the motor when it started showing signs of wear. No winch is bulletproof, it's all about how it's taken care of.

 

I dont beleive the smittybilt winches are chinese mfg anymore,the first xrc 8's had milemarker markings on the cables and drum from my research and now they say T-Max which is a aussie or new zeland mfg.