The Complete Guide to UTE Winches

One of the reasons utes are bestsellers is their unmatched versatility. They’re big, spacious and ready to take you just about anywhere. Dozens of dedicated ute parts and accessories raise that utility, versatility and practicality to whole different level. Canopies, for instance, double the usable space and offer improved organisation and protection from theft and the elements. Revised suspension layouts provide refined off-roading ability and score points for work use by increasing legal GVM limits. They also increase the already decent ground clearance (200+mm in most utes) for more maneuverability in the bush and when negotiating tough terrain. 
And this is where winches come in. They’re the necessary piece of recovery gear no ute should go without when off-road. Winches are lifesavers when traversing rocky trails, negotiating knee-deep mud or flooded streams, or tackling steep inclines with the ute or 4WD fully laden. Because, it’s not a matter of if you get stuck, but when. And without the right tools and the proper winches for sale to get you out of a tight spot, you’ll be stranded longer than you think. 

Recovery Winch Basics 

In its simplest form, a recovery winch is a strong pulling device, usually attached to the front of the vehicle, in a dedicated winch cradle that forms part of the front bull bar. It consists of several parts all working together, including the winch motor, drum, gearing and a steel cable or synthetic rope. Decent power from batteries or vehicle hydraulics pairs with gearing to create the required low-speed torque to pull out even the heaviest vehicles. 
Other critical components are the fairlead that prevents jamming, clutches to allow the rope or cable to free spool, or pulling it out to the required distance before it is attached to hooks or shackles, and wired or wireless remotes to control the winch from safer distances. 

Common Types 

4WD winches come in three basic types:

• Electric – these are by far the most common, use power from the vehicle starter battery (or an auxiliary deep-cycle battery), with cable connecting the winch motor and the battery terminals. Motors can be adjusted to operate with higher loads. Most electric winches also have gearing to convert the high-speed rotation of the drum into usable torque when recovering awkwardly stuck utes or larger 4WDs. The winches are chosen for the decent pulling capacity, easy installation and multiple mounting options. They also work even if the engine is dead. 
• Hydraulic – these need hydraulic fluid, or oil. They generate extreme pulling power using the vehicle’s power steering pump. They’re utilised in larger vehicles, and in frequent recoveries due to their continuous working capacity, high power and precise control. Where they fall short is the higher installation cost, the fact that they won’t work without the engine running and the higher maintenance needs. 
• Manual – manual or hand winches are operated manually by turning a crank, usually as a backup or when providing additional power to hydraulic or electric winches. Standalone manual winches don’t have the power to recover a bogged down off-roading vehicle, but can help with lighter loads. 

Considerations Before Buying 

Key factors to consider before buying the right winch are assessing your needs about how and when you’ll be using this recovery gear, whether towing heavy items is also a priority, and the difference between steel cable and synthetic rope. Consider the laden weight of the vehicle and the type of terrain you usually traverse. Winches need to have a safe pulling power of at least twice the vehicle’s GVM. While even the most affordable electric winches are rated for 5000 kilos (or 11000 pounds), always check the max pulling capacity. Likewise, consider how tough terrain like mud, sand or steep inclines eats into the puling capacity. And lastly, know the differences between steel cables and rope. Steel is more durable and has higher strength to pull out heavier vehicles, but poses considerable safety risks if it snaps. Synthetic rope on the other hand is much safer, weighs much less, isn’t susceptible to rust and is generally easier to use. New materials are also resistant to tearing and abrasions – one of the reasons seasoned off-roaders preferred steel cable in the past. 

Key Factors in Choosing the Right Winch 

Now that you’re committed to recovery gear to get you or a mate out of a sticky situation, look to details. These can mean a safe and clean recovery, or remaining stuck. Assess whether the motor has enough grunt to turn the drum and that there are variable gear ratios to get the most torque. Also consider rope or cable length, the inclusion of dash mounted controls and wireless remotes, and safety features like holding brakes to prevent rollback and ensure safe operation. 
Ensure cradles and mounts are compatible with your bull bar, that the winch is installed by a pro, and that the electrics are insulated for all-weather use. Lastly, and this is a given, shop from reputable recovery gear brands and off-road specialist retailers.