TJM Torq winch 9500lb synthetic rope - any good?

[Ent]

Looking at a TJM bar with winch. Reading suggests that the TJM winches fit in well while other winches can have things protruding. Anyway tempted by a TJM Torq winch, the shop recommends the 9500lb version. Fitted cost $1400 for the winch alone. The vehicle is a PC Challenger.

Basically, for the price are they good, bad or ugly. Ie, better get another brand for reliability or cost.

Usual hassles is TJM will not reply to questions on the bar and winch weight. If the 12500lb is not that much heavier might go that way. Also, planning to use starter battery as spare space in the engine bay is taken so efficiency important.

So your thoughts/experience please on the winch.

Cheers

[old Jack]

This makes interesting reading;

http://4x4earth.com/forum/index.php?threads/winch-warrantys-who-to-support-and-when-to-walk-warn-smittybilt-runva-ironman-tmax-etc.25959/

I would go for a winch that was lightweight, low amp draw, 200:1 ratio as a minimum gear reduction. 9,500lb is plenty for a fully loaded Challenger.

OJ.

[Ent]

Yes found that thread on that forum and makes interesting reading. In Tassie you simply expect a winch to go underwater so excluding warranty for water ingress means say a Warn winch is not fit for purpose. The TJM is IP67 rated on waterproofness so if that is endangered of being exceeded me thinks you would be having bigger issues

Finding specifications on mainstream products is a nightmare. I agree more than happy to trade to lower amps for slower speed as not in a competition. But where to find that detail?

To me a winch is one item when you need it, then it can not fail. I have a genuine Tirfor 1.6/3.2 tonne winch, and no doubt trusted to work just about whatever, but it is not a thing of beauty to use. In a steep sided bog hole four Maxitrax and twin diff locks were needed to give the extra grunt to recover the vehicle using the Tirfor. After that winch block and synthetic rope were purchased as one person simply can not get the maximum pull. Only reason I was thinking of heavier 12,000lb rating, but if too heavy, or expensive, agree a 9500lb should be fine, providing it is that rating not some pie in the shy number.

[Ent]

Ok, found Sherpa winch that gives gearing at 205:1 for 12,500lb with 45 metres of rope. It's smaller brother, 9500lb is 249:1 with 28 metres of rope. With the same 28 metres the 12,500 is only 4 kg heavier. The 45 metre option is only available on the 12,500lb winch and weighs extra 2 kilograms.

Not sure how many metres must remain on the winch but 45 metres would be handy and comes at a 6 kg weight penalty over the 9,500lb option, but likely higher amp draw as higher gearing.

Anyone, experienced with the Sherpa winch as they make a point on water resistance?

Ps, at least a website that clearly states specifications, please note TJM!

[Pajshomoneroguntero]

I got a 17K Sherpa. Got it because it was the same price as the 12K. Just checked the website and this is still the case, $999 but I did need to mention it to the sales guy when I ordered direct with Sherpa. Probably overkill but the 17 from the spec sheets has a faster line pull and lower current draw for the same load.

Be aware that the physical size of the winch body is larger for the 45m option. The drum is the same size though IIRC. Not a particularly important statement but I think I overlooked the fact that the body is bigger with 45m rope because I saw the same drum dimensions. So check that your bull bar can fit it. You'll also need an offset hawse if you have an ARB bar.

[BrisVegas]

I've got the TJM 9500lb synthetic rope winch on my MU-X. Haven't had to use it in anger as yet. I give it a run every couple of months to make sure it doesn't seize up etc. The winch has been underwater a few times, including lots of muddy water either side of mt Dare last year. I got water in through my rear diff breather on that trip, but the winch is still working.

[Ent]

Hi BrisVegas

Thanks for that feedback. Looks like I will be ordering a TJM 9500lb winch.

[amec]

I have the TJM 9500 on my PC, it has been used for removing stumps in the garden, pulling dead trees in the forest whilst camping, recovering a Mazda 6 from a ditch where it pulled the Mazda sideways with all 4 wheels locked. Been underwater crossing the Turon.

I'm happy with it.