I have a warn 2000 on my Sportsman (2002), this winch is primarily used for plowing. When I lift the plow, the winch allows some of the cable to play out. It acts like a slipping clutch, though I don't believe it has a clutch, just the lever that allows for freespooling. The winch is usable but the fact that the plow lowers all by itself is a PITA. Does anyone have an idea what I should look at?
Thanks in advance
BP

 

If I were you I would call warn and see if they will help you. I bought an 04 600 twin last fall and the winch was shot. I called to find out if they had parts and they sent me a new winch motor at no cost. Warn is awesome about taking care of customers.

 

These little winches do not have a proper brake assembly buy rely on their sun gears to keep the cable from spooling out under load. If the load is heavy enough, the cable will pay out however. When your plow is all the way up, the load is just enough to spool out some cable. You could mount a pulley on the plow frame, then run the cable back up to the front rack. This will give the winch a little more mechanical advantage and probably stop the cable from unwinding. It will also reduce the physical load on the winch and the electrical load on your system.

 

The extra pulley sound like a great idea, pretty simple actually. Wish I had of thought of that. That is exactly why I love places like this forum, multiple people to give ideas. Thanks!
BP

 

Some Warn winches had an optional brake on it but I don't know if you can get the brakes now as an aftermarket item. It would be worth checking into.