Which winch does everyone recommend? My dealer said the only difference between the 2 is Warn has plastic gears and superwinch has metal gears. It's not hard to figure out that metal is better than plastic, but I just would like to hear from people who have experience on them first hand.

 

If your dealer said the Warn has plastic gears. He is not providing you with accurate information. Recently, I took my A2000 apart and two A2500's and installed the brake. The gears are metal and weigh 15-20 pounds.
Either he does not know what he is talking about or he is not telling the truth. You may want to call Warn @ 800-543-9276 and ask the source.

I have not owned any other Winches, except Warn I have an 8274 that dates back to 1977 and an X8000i, an M12,000. I have never had a failure with any Warn. The company has an excellent reputation for standing behind their products. The ATV winches have palnetary gears like the larger truck winches. The other brands are good or they would not still be in business. Tree Farmer can tell you about the SuperWinch he has experience with and is very happy. Cowboy can tell you about his recent winch purchase also.

 

Thanks TxDoc2. I should have known that you could help me!! Thats good enough for me.

 

TxDoc2, I just got off the phone w/ Warn. Thanks for the ph. #. Warn said the gears you were talking about are metal (palnetary), but the housing gears are plastic. He said the only time they have problems w/ them is when people use the winch to secure the 4-wheeler on their trailer or in their truck. They also have had problems when people get slack in their cable and then back up. I think I'll go w/ the Warn.

 

That is true about the tie down and bouncing problem. Same thing if you use it like a tow strap. They made some desing mod to the outer housing for more stength, but I don't know the width or dimension change.
Don't buy it based on that. Wait and talk to folks with SuperWinch, Ramsey, and Rule. I saw some Warn winches at Tractor Supply at least 2 months ago. The A2000 had price sticker that said $847. I told the guy standing there that maybe that was meant for another model. Last Saturday, it was moved to the top shelf with the same price! It will be there next year, I guess.

 

I have the 1500 Superwinch that I got from Sam's for $109. Kmart has them for $149. Some folks say they may not be as good as the Warn...but for the price, you can't beat 'em. I havn't been stuck anywhere yet that it wouldn't pull me out. I've even pulled two out at once. Granted, the 2000 would be stronger...but I wanted to save some coin.

 

Chilldaddy, I don't know how far back the "Search" function reaches, but acres of text in previous posts address your question.

Considering the most popular ATV winches, Warn A2000 and A2500; Superwinch T1500 and ATV200, I offer the following:

Both Warn winches have the same motor and geartrain; both SuperWinch winches have the same motor and geartrain; the ATV2000 comes with internal spring brake standard (preventing load slipping, as when lifting snowplow blade; extra ($ 22) on T1500; extra cost accessory on both Warns).

The small Warn has a rotary switch; the "larger," a remotely switched solenoid control. The SuperWinch features a handlebar-mounted rocker switch.

The Warns have more powerful motors, greater line speed, less gear reduction, higher current draw. The SuperWinch products have less powerful motors, slower line speed, greater gear reduction, lower current draw.

Warn weighs more than SuperWinch. Warn uses an ignition switch-activated in-line solenoid; SuperWinch uses an in-line thermally-sensitive circuit breaker ("ShortStop").

Both companies offer outstanding customer service.

I've owned a SuperWinch ATV1500 since 1978; with a ****** block, it's never failed me; I've owned Warn winches in various sizes since the early 1980's, same story.

Superwinches have pulled 2400 # stall after nine hours operation totally submerged. Some good winching techniques and tips are available at www.superwinch.com

I'm certain Warns pull adequately also; Warn probably has its own website.

Finally, yer pays yer money and yer takes yer cherce, Chilldaddy!

Tree Farmer

P.S. I believe any winch, even a comealong, beats no winch at all, when you need one.

T.F.