What do you think of this winch mount?

admin

First let me say I am not one to poop all over another guy's work.  I am the first to say I am no expert, and don't even come close to knowing it all.  Or even half of it!  My concern here is from a safety standpoint, as I know people who are interested in buying this product.  It is a winch mount this guy has designed and is fabricating to sell to other people.  Since I know some people waiting for him to get it into production, I am concerned and would like some opinions from some guys with experience with steel in demanding applications.  It is specifically for the Hummer H3, and is made to be hidden behind the grill.  He is designing it around a Warn 8000 lb winch, which doesn't even come close to meeting the rule-of-thumb-minimum of 1.5 times vehicle weight.  Some are already talking about trying to fit bigger winches to it.He made this video of his testing of it, and has declared it a resounding success, claiming his test was done under the worst possible situations.  As you watch, keep in mind the winch is mounted sideways, so the base of it is bolted to the front vertical face of the mount, instead of the horizontal surface, as is the usual way.  It looks to me like it flexes a huge amount for such a small area, and he doesn't even come close to stalling the winch out.  I don't see how you can declare a success when you never even reach the max pull of the winch!Am I wrong, or do you guys see a disaster waiting to happen with the amount this mount flexes under pull.  Seems like it would only be a matter of time before something gives. To get a better idea of what is happening under pull, here is the thread where he has documented his design/build process.  About half way down the page in post #98 are cad drawings of the mount.  It looks to me like there is no support for the horizontal plate to prevent it from just twisting.  Especially if the pull is downward at all.  And since the load is all on the front vertical plate it will have a huge twisting leverage on the plate and the seemingly small connections it has to the frame brackets.  http://www.hummer4x4offroad.com/foru...ch-Setup/page7  A few people have mentioned the flex and concerns for strength, but he just dismissed them saying the test in the video was the absolute worst case situation, so it is just fine.
Reply:Apparently me and this guy have a differing view of success.Arcon Workhorse 300MSPowcon 400SMTPowcon SM400 x 2Powcon SM3001968 SA200 Redface1978 SA250 DieselMiller Super 32P FeederPre 1927 American 14" High Duty LatheK&T Milwaukee 2H Horizontal MillBryan
Reply:Seemed like it had a lot of flex to it to me. I agree that if there was down pull it would be much worse. And only someone who has not seen a cable or rope break would stand that close to one on a heavy pull like that.
Reply:looks like something will give you are right, the video doesn't come close to torture testing
Reply:Originally Posted by welderjSeemed like it had a lot of flex to it to me. I agree that if there was down pull it would be much worse. And only someone who has not seen a cable or rope break would stand that close to one on a heavy pull like that.
Reply:Winch is under sized for the job it is being asked to do. It appears to be poorly mounted. Needs to be firmly attached to the vehicle frame at both ends of mounting plate. The guy also needs to attend a winch safety class as he clearly has no idea of how to use a winch. BTW, there is a reason why this guy broke his winch rope. I see someone getting seriously hurt.Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkQualified & experienced at welding scrap metal
Reply:First you need a vehicle to attach it to instead of Dat Peez Uv Chit. LOLBubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Originally Posted by little JeepWinch is under sized for the job it is being asked to do. It appears to be poorly mounted. Needs to be firmly attached to the vehicle frame at both ends of mounting plate. The guy also needs to attend a winch safety class as he clearly has no idea of how to use a winch. BTW, there is a reason why this guy broke his winch rope. I see someone getting seriously hurt.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:To each his own.
Reply:That rig will probably never see anything but the grocery store anyway.  I am sure it's probably more for show than work.Downhill Hillbilly.   From the top to the bottom, stackin iron throwin fire
Reply:Over the years, we have had several snow storms that stop all vehicles, except for Jeeps. During these times of bad weather, Hummers seem to disappear. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkQualified & experienced at welding scrap metal
Reply:Originally Posted by Hillbilly DeluxThat rig will probably never see anything but the grocery store anyway.  I am sure it's probably more for show than work.
Reply:That is true for about 95% of those types. If you run over a grocery cart though...and need to winch it out....oh hell yes..in steps the hero! Originally Posted by Hillbilly DeluxThat rig will probably never see anything but the grocery store anyway.  I am sure it's probably more for show than work.