My PTO-driven winch has three speeds forward and one reverse, all driven by that magnificent “Super Hurricane” engine – can an electric or hydraulic winch match that?
Steven Dunlop wrote: Each has its benefits. I have PTO and hydraulic on my two vehicles. In retrospect, I think it was a mistake. Electric or hydraulic winch is safer because the controls can be operated while in view of the drum, unlike PTO winch where you have to be sitting in the driver’s seat. Electric winch will run with engine inoperative, such as when truck is stuck in the river. Electric winch costs less when the installation expenses are considered. Electric winch is lighter than PTO winch. Line speeds are generally comparable between electric and PTO. (The mile marker hydraulic winch that I have has an agonizingly slow no-load line speed). Electric winch gets hot and stresses the electric system during long, hard pulls. But in most practical trailriding situations, the pull is either easy (as in a flat muddy area) or short (as when pulling out of a streambed or over a steep obstacle). There are exceptions but the fact is that most trail riders today choose an electric winch.
