If you need an off road truck winch that is best suited for heavy-duty winching applications, a hydraulic truck winch is your best bet. They are built with high pulling capacity, more durability, and the ability to work optimally in harsh conditions. However, as there are many hydraulic winches available in the market today, it becomes almost a hassle trying to choose the one with the best specifications for your needs. This is where this guide comes in.
In this guide, we have taken the time to select and review the best heavy duty truck winch available in the market. We will also touch on the factors to consider when buying a hydraulic winch and why you may choose one over an electric winch.
Table of Contents
What are Hydraulic Winches?
The truck’s powering steel pump powers hydraulic winches. The pump is used to turn the motor in the hydraulic winch using Bernoulli’s Principle and compressibility of fluids. The fluids within the hydraulic winch are compressed using the pressure supplied by the power steering pump. The compressed fluid then causes a pressure change within the winch, which creates the mechanical energy used to turn the winch motor.
Why Choose a Hydraulic Truck Winch over an Electric Truck Winch
The hydraulic winch is not the only type of winch you can use. There is also the electric truck winch that uses the electricity supplied by the vehicle’s battery. While the electric truck winch has impressive features such as faster winding speed and increased efficiency, there are many reasons why the hydraulic winch is still the better option. These reasons include the following;
✅ More Pulling Capacity
Generally, the hydraulic truck winch is more powerful than the electric truck winch. For example, an average hydraulic winch supplies up to 9000 lbs in pulling capacity. In comparison, an electric winch of the same size and specification may only deliver about 2000 lbs in towing capacity.
✅ Better Function in Wet Conditions
With an electric truck winch, you must be concerned about water resistance before use. This is because they have electrical components that could get destroyed if they come in contact with water in large quantities. However, you need not worry about this for a hydraulic truck winch. It does not have electrical parts or components that could get damaged by contact with water.
✅ More Durable
The hydraulic truck winch is usually built to withstand harsh conditions, and as a result, its components last longer and are more durable.
Factors to Consider when Buying a Heavy Duty Truck Winch
To get the best hydraulic 4×4 winch available, you need to consider certain factors when choosing your hydraulic winch. These factors include;
Pulling Capacity
This is the most crucial feature of a winch, regardless of the type. However, this feature is even more critical for a hydraulic winch because it is mainly used for heavy-duty purposes. Therefore, you must ensure that the hydraulic winch you choose has the right pulling capacity to cater to heavy-duty applications.
Type of Cable
Another critical factor is the type of cable that comes with your hydraulic truck winch. Ideally, synthetic cables are used with hydraulic winches. This is because synthetic winches complement the high pulling capacity that hydraulic winches generally provide. Moreover, synthetic cables are more durable and less susceptible to corrosion, damage, and tear. So it is advisable to choose a hydraulic winch with a synthetic cable.
Extra Features
Some extra features, such as remote controlling and waterproofing, affect how well you enjoy using the hydraulic winch. So having them in your hydraulic winch for trucks may help you get a good user experience while operating the winch.
A Review of the Five Best Heavy Duty Truck Winches
1. Vevor Industrial Hydraulic Winch
Verdict: 🏆 Best for Safety
Delivering up to 15,000 lbs in pulling capacity, the Vevor Industrial Hydraulic Winch is an excellent option for heavy duty hydraulic truck winches. This pulling capacity makes it perfect for pulling cars, boats, and trucks stuck in the mud.
Apart from its impressive pulling capacity, the winch has features that make its usage effortless and efficient. It comes with a weatherproof cast iron fairlead, an oil tube, fasteners, and a strapping band, all of which ensure you can use the hydraulic truck winch without worry.
The Vevor Industrial Hydraulic Winch uses an advanced steel cable that measures 78 feet in length. Given the tensile rigidity offered by the advanced steel material, the cable is reliable and durable. Finally, a cable lock feature prevents the cable from becoming loose, thereby protecting users in case of accidents.
- Pros:
- It is durable thanks to its aluminum body
- Its 15000 lbs pull capacity is impressive
- Its 2-stage gear system provides fast line speeds
- Cons:
- The steel cable length is only 78 feet
2. Mile Marker 70-50080C H Series
Verdict: 🏆 Best for Swampy Areas
Mile Marker is one of the renowned brands when it comes to the manufacture of hydraulic winches. The 70-50080C H Series from Mile Marker is one of the winches produced by the company and shows why the brand is top-rated.
While the 70-50080C’s pulling capacity is only 9,000 lbs, which is low for a hydraulic winch, it makes up for the low pulling capacity with its mounting versatility. The winch fits perfectly in the front and back of a vehicle and truck bed (permanent and detachable mounting). This means you can use this winch as an off road truck winch or a truck bed winch.
The winch’s body is also constructed in a way that makes it resistant to corrosion and water damage. Thus, it is ideal for use in swampy areas.
- Pros:
- It is sturdy and resistant to corrosion
- It is lightweight for a hydraulic winch
- It has a versatile mounting application
- Cons:
- Its pulling capacity is somewhat low
3. Mile Marker HI Series HI10500
Verdict: 🏆 Best for Winch Control
This is another quality hydraulic winch for trucks from Mile Marker. The Mile Marker HI Series HI10500 combines a 2-speed motor and integrated solenoid valve that ensures optimal winch control.
Its pulling capacity is 10,500 lbs, which means you have a powerful hydraulic winch in your hands when you get this winch. It handles a lot of heavy lifting and heavy-duty winching applications.
Other impressive features in the Mile Marker HI Series HI10500 include the presence of fasteners, remote control, and a roller fairlead.
- Pros:
- It has a remote control that allows for easy operation
- It is weather resistant and waterproof
- It uses a durable and galvanized fairlead
- Cons:
- You have to install the solenoid control valve permanently before using the winch.
4. Prowinch Hydraulic Winch
Verdict: 🏆 Best for Heavy Duty Applications
This winch is the go-to option for industrial and heavy-duty winching applications and off-road winching needs. It supplies 18,000 lbs in pulling capacity and has an IP67 waterproof rating that ensures water does not damage its components.
This heavy duty hydraulic winch also uses a reliable disk brake feature that ensures your truck doesn’t slide back down when pulling a heavy item up a slope or steep area. Finally, the winch uses a wireless remote control feature that allows you to operate it from a safe distance.
- Pros:
- It has an impressive pulling capacity
- It is waterproof
- Cons:
- It is very heavy
5. Mile Marker 70-52000C H Series
Verdict: 🏆 Best for Mounting Versatility
The fact that we have three hydraulic winches from Mile Marker on this list shows how good the brand is. The Mile Marker 70-52000C H Series is a 4wd winch that mimics the quality features of its predecessors. The hydraulic truck winch comes with 12,000 lbs of pulling capacity and uses a 100-foot steel cable to deliver reliable and excellent pulling capabilities. You also get to enjoy the versatile mounting application with this winch.
Finally, the winch’s body is also resistant to corrosion and works perfectly in swampy areas.
- Pros:
- Versatile mounting applications
- Good for heavy-duty use
- It is sturdy and waterproof
- Cons:
- It is a bit expensive
Conclusion
There you have it! The winches listed above are the best five hydraulic truck winches available in the market. These winches made the cut due to their exceptional capabilities and impressive features and functionalities. So if you want the best hydraulic winches for trucks, one of these five might be the ideal option.