Autolift's CTA 12000lb 12v winch....any good?
Discussion
A lot of the cheap Chinese winches break(which this is), and have spare parts issues. I'd test the mettle of the vendor and call his bluff first, by saying you want a price on the winch, plus a spare gearbox and motor to see if he keeps any.
I'd suggest a quality winch but second hand over a new cheapo job all day long.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
I'd suggest a quality winch but second hand over a new cheapo job all day long.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
normalbloke said:
A lot of the cheap Chinese winches break(which this is), and have spare parts issues. I'd test the mettle of the vendor and call his bluff first, by saying you want a price on the winch, plus a spare gearbox and motor to see if he keeps any.
I'd suggest a quality winch but second hand over a new cheapo job all day long.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
Fair point....thanks. I'd suggest a quality winch but second hand over a new cheapo job all day long.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
normalbloke said:
A lot of the cheap Chinese winches break(which this is), and have spare parts issues. I'd test the mettle of the vendor and call his bluff first, by saying you want a price on the winch, plus a spare gearbox and motor to see if he keeps any.
I'd suggest a quality winch but second hand over a new cheapo job all day long.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
It does seem to be built to a high standard though. should get plenty of use out of it, by which time it will have paid for itself.I'd suggest a quality winch but second hand over a new cheapo job all day long.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
Could get a brand one for a bit more, but then breaks and costs you money to get it fixed.
I have one of these ww.winchsolutions.co.uk/index.asp?action=showproduct&id={19A59766-7BC4-450E-AF48-1523AB38A260} fitted to the Landrover, which is the same I believe.
I've used it now & again when green laning, or a good number of times at a pay & play site.
The first problem that you'll find is, when winching in a load, there is no way that you can keep the wire rope going on the drum nice & neat, it will bunch or overlap sometimes, when it does, it pushes the solenoid box off its mountings as it's mounted too close on the top. I moved mine.
It all depends on what you're going to use the winch for, if you're going to us a winch on a regular basis, then get the best that you can afford, if you're only going to use it to either get your own vehicle or your mate out of the odd sticky situation, then they're fine.
BUT please, before using any winch, read up, get tuition, learn how to use it safely, learn it's limitations. If you can afford, put synthetic rope on it rather than the wire rope.
I've used it now & again when green laning, or a good number of times at a pay & play site.
The first problem that you'll find is, when winching in a load, there is no way that you can keep the wire rope going on the drum nice & neat, it will bunch or overlap sometimes, when it does, it pushes the solenoid box off its mountings as it's mounted too close on the top. I moved mine.
It all depends on what you're going to use the winch for, if you're going to us a winch on a regular basis, then get the best that you can afford, if you're only going to use it to either get your own vehicle or your mate out of the odd sticky situation, then they're fine.
BUT please, before using any winch, read up, get tuition, learn how to use it safely, learn it's limitations. If you can afford, put synthetic rope on it rather than the wire rope.
Edited by Gafferjim on Monday 10th January 11:36
/\ As said above /\
Synthetic rope is much safer and better to handle and easier to use than steel wire which is ready to tear your hands apart (if not wearing gloves as you should do!) and when on freespool is heavy to handle. Also if a synthetic rope breaks then you dont get a lethal steelwire springing at you.
Synthetic rope is much safer and better to handle and easier to use than steel wire which is ready to tear your hands apart (if not wearing gloves as you should do!) and when on freespool is heavy to handle. Also if a synthetic rope breaks then you dont get a lethal steelwire springing at you.
Thanks for the tips guys about the synthetic rope versus steel, not had any experience with winches so all helps alot 
gafferjim = link doesnt work mate
I'm not planning to use the winch very often so cant justify a superwinch/warn etc
What do you think of Champion, ive seen the EWX12000 for £330ish so might be worth putting a bit more and get that.
gafferjim = link doesnt work mate
I'm not planning to use the winch very often so cant justify a superwinch/warn etc
What do you think of Champion, ive seen the EWX12000 for £330ish so might be worth putting a bit more and get that.
Edited by jenkotvr on Monday 10th January 15:16
jbi said:
normalbloke said:
A lot of the cheap Chinese winches break(which this is), and have spare parts issues. I'd test the mettle of the vendor and call his bluff first, by saying you want a price on the winch, plus a spare gearbox and motor to see if he keeps any.
I'd suggest a quality winch but second hand over a new cheapo job all day long.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
It does seem to be built to a high standard though. should get plenty of use out of it, by which time it will have paid for itself.I'd suggest a quality winch but second hand over a new cheapo job all day long.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
Could get a brand one for a bit more, but then breaks and costs you money to get it fixed.
At least with a "known" brand you have the option of getting spares for it.However, is used properly and maintained, they rarely break.
SmokinV8 said:
I'd speak to David Bowyer at Goodwinch about his Goldfish winches, hes a very helpful guy and extremely knowledgeable. Ive bought two from him and very pleased with them despite a hiccup on one that he sorted very quickly and for free.
Cant ask for more than that.
Id second this quality winches at a good price and good service better than the cheap Chinese onesCant ask for more than that.
jenkotvr said:
gafferjim = link doesnt work mate
Sorry, it came from "Winch solutions" who are good supporters of our local Landrover club, and are very helpful guys. it's in their "bargain" bit http://www.winchsolutions.co.uk/index.asp?action=s...
CheersThese cta winches are on eBay for less money around £ 200 quid. Bargain. As for cheap Chinese winches my company uses them all the time in the back of my van for pulling cars on to a towing dolly and I've never had a problem ( touch wood). Proberbly great for occasional use. If you buy won would you post you comments on it. Cheers!
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