Used Winch - What to look for?

I have the opportunity to grab a 2 year old Warn XD9000i, that has apparently only been used twice, for a pretty unbelievable price.

There is no rust, it was never submerged in water (although I'm sure it'd be fine even if it was) and comes with all parts including the remote.

Before purchasing what else should I look for or test out? This would be my first winch. Thanks.


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Hook it up and run it. All warns can be rebuilt so dont worry to much.. If it runs under load grab it..
 
Obviously you're going to need to operate it. Ideally you'll be able to pull against some weight - around 500 pounds or so minimum. It should run smoothly and not jerky. Does it have wire or synthetic line on it? Either way you'll want to unspool it (leave at least 5 wraps on the drum) and take a good look ar the condition. You don't want to see any obvious kinks or popped/broken wires on a wire line. If it's synthetic make sure there's no fraying or cuts in the line. Replacing those lines can get a bit expensive. Not replacing them when they should be can cost a whole lot more, like someone's leg or the front end of your 4R. Make sure the drum free spools easily when you disengage the clutch on the winch. I'm sure there's more that I'm missing but that's a pretty good start. Good luck with it.
 
The winch is still for sale. The seller is offering it for $400. Talk me out of this purchase.

Only things I can think of:

1) won't use it a ton
2) it'll hurt mpg further which is a concern given how many miles I drive
3) I'll have to replace my front springs since I threw a SS hybrid front bumper on as well which will have added expense
 
Assuming you have the cash or can pay off the credit card, and assuming you can test it like mentioned above, I cannot think of a single reason to not buy that winch right now. That's a $1000 winch (new) for $400. Even if you have to replace the line it's still a deal.

If you're worried about weight and don't want to replace your springs right now (a few hundred for new springs plus labor to install) you can just stash it in your garage and ask for springs for Christmas. Another thing to help the weight would be to replace the line with synthetic.
 
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Assuming you have the cash or can pay off the credit card, and assuming you can test it like mentioned above, I cannot think of a single reason to not buy that winch right now. That's a $1000 winch (new) for $400. Even if you have to replace the line it's still a deal.

If you're worried about weight and don't want to replace your springs right now (a few hundred for new springs plus labor to install) you can just stash it in your garage and ask for springs for Christmas. Another thing to help the weight would be to replace the line with synthetic.

I said talk me out of it! :rockon:
 
I'd say to open it up and re-grease the bearings/gears but seeing how it was only used twice, it sounds like you don't need to do a thing. Like what was said previously, run it to see how it pulls and sounds. If it seems normal, buy it. At least you'll have a decent winch on hand.
 
I consider synthetic line mandatory these days.. Dealing with a steel cable is just not something worth messing with.
 
Only reason I'd say not to buy is if it's steel cable and not synthetic. There are minor differences between the two models related to the drum and brake systems. You can break a drum intended for steel cable by using synthetic rope on it. And you can damage synthetic rope by overheating it due to the brake location on a model intended for steel cable. Plus you're going to end up spending another $200ish on synthetic rope.

Just my .02. Seems like a good deal. Warn products are very durable. I have a 30 year old one on my FJ40. Still works. Been under water many times. Has even been used under water a few times.

Edit: I agree with Wfo9 on having synthetic rope. That's why I bought a new winch instead of carrying over from my last 4runner. I still run steel cable on my FJ40 because it's an 8274 and has 150' spool that wasn't designed for synthetic rope. Since the brake is external heat's not an issue so, whenever I replace it I'll put synthetic on and reinforce the drum.
 
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Only reason I'd say not to buy is if it's steel cable and not synthetic. There are minor differences between the two models related to the drum and brake systems. You can break a drum intended for steel cable by using synthetic rope on it. And you can damage synthetic rope by overheating it due to the brake location on a model intended for steel cable. Plus you're going to end up spending another $200ish on synthetic rope.

Just my .02. Seems like a good deal. Warn products are very durable. I have a 30 year old one on my FJ40. Still works. Been under water many times. Has even been used under water a few times.

Edit: I agree with Wfo9 on having synthetic rope. That's why I bought a new winch instead of carrying over from my last 4runner. I still run steel cable on my FJ40 because it's an 8274 and has 150' spool that wasn't designed for synthetic rope. Since the brake is external heat's not an issue so, whenever I replace it I'll put synthetic on and reinforce the drum.

Thanks. Very helpful; I hadn't considered this.
 

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