loading count
loading pagination
Winches
You never plan to get stuck, but hey, it happens. This is where the trusty UTV winch comes in. When you can’t rev your way out of it, these game-changing rescue devices will come to your aid, but only when you have the right hardware.
Speaking of the right hardware, Side by Side Source carries side-by-side winches from entry-level 2500-pound units for light machines and occasional use to heavy-duty 6000-6500 pound winches for serious off-road use. Getting stuck is no joke, and we’re not joking with this absolutely top-tier selection of premium winches!
Read More
Filter
FILTERS
Buyer's Guide for UTV Winches: Helping You Shop!
Understanding Winch Capacity and Sizing
Winch capacity ratings determine what loads they can safely pull. Rated capacity (measured in pounds, including 2500, 3000, 4500, and 6000+) is maximum pulling force winch can exert on first wrap of cable around drum. The standard recommendation is winch capacity should be at least 1.5 times your machine's loaded weight.
Winch pulling power decreases as the cable wraps around the drum. Outer wraps (full spool) provide rated capacity, inner wraps (nearly empty spool) might provide only 60-70% of rated capacity. Using snatch blocks for 2:1 mechanical advantage doubles the effective pulling force; a 3000-pound winch becomes 6000-pound effective capacity. This lets smaller winches handle bigger jobs at cost of half speed.
While it’s better to be a bit overpowered than underwhelmed in the world of UTV winches, you still don’t want to waste the funds and add weight when it’s not needed. Keeping your winch rating comfortably, but not comically beyond what you expect to pull is the recommended strategy.
UTV Winch Motor Types and Gear Ratios
First off, a permanent magnet motor uses magnetism to move the armature as you’re winching. These winches are really efficient, boast a fairly high power-to-weight ratio, and are fairly cost-efficient as well. A series-wound motor is generally reserved for more heavy-duty applications. These will give you more torque at low RPMS and can hold up better under more extended use. As you might guess, though, they’re bulky and a bit more costly.
Planetary gear systems (gear reduction mechanisms multiplying motor torque while reducing speed) are universal in modern winches. The higher your ratio is, the more pulling force (but less line speed) you have and vice versa. Finally, regardless of motor type, you always want to watch overheating. If that winch slows down suddenly and dramatically during use, give it a moment to cool off.
Side-by-Side Winch Remotes and Other Features
Wired remotes (handheld controllers on cables connected to winch) are standard. Wireless remotes (RF remotes operating on radio frequencies) eliminate cable hassles and allow operating from greater distances or different positions. They require batteries and add cost but improve convenience.
A free-spooling clutch (mechanism disengaging motor from drum, allowing manual cable release) is essential. Without it, pullingthe cable out requires running the winch in reverse, consuming battery and time. Quality clutches engage/disengage easily even under load. Automatic load-holding brake (prevents cable from unspool under load when motor isn't running) is mandatory safety feature. Without it, the cable would pay out dangerously if power fails during winching.
Finally, cheap winches without proper sealing fail quickly in UTV environments, so make sure the hardware you’re looking at is rated to handle the outdoors.
3 Top Selling UTV Winch Brands
- SuperATV manufactures quality winches, including their Black Ops series with synthetic rope and proven reliability.
- Rough Country produces winches with balancing capability with accessible pricing for recreational users.
- KFI Products offers comprehensive winch selections designed specifically for UTV applications with proper sizing and features.
5 Top Selling UTV Winch Products
- Serious pulling power with synthetic rope comes with this 6000 lb Black Ops Synthetic Rope Winch by SuperATV, providing heavy-duty capability with safe rope handling.
- Maximum capacity arrives with this 6500 lbs Winch with Remote and Synthetic Rope by Rough Country, featuring top-tier pulling force for extreme situations.
- Yamaha Viking/Wolverine/YXZ owners get proven capability with this 5000 lb Winch with Wire Cable by Quad Boss, providing durable steel cable performance.
- Entry-level capability comes with this 2500 lb Winch with Wire Rope by Tusk, suitable for lighter machines and occasional use at accessible pricing.
- Mid-range performance arrives with this 3000 lb Winch by KFI, balancing capability with value for typical UTV applications.
UTV Winch Frequently Asked Questions
How big of a winch do I need?
Load up your machine to your normal riding weight and multiply that by one and half. This is your ideal winch’s load rating.
How long can a winch run before draining the battery?
During a hard pull, winches can draw massive amounts of power in excess of 300 amps. Keep the engine on to keep that battery alive, because otherwise, you’ve only got a few minutes of operation.
Can I install any winch on my UTV, or do I need model-specific options?
Winches themselves are mostly universal. Any winch with appropriate capacity works mechanically. The mounting is model-specific: you need mounting plate or bumper designed for your specific machine positioning winch properly and distributing loads into frame.