When you’re working outdoors, an ATV can be a great boon. They’re small, yet tough, and can help move and hoist things that are much too heavy to carry. A great tool to make that job even easier is an ATV winch, which hooks on to things and pulls them in. However, choosing an ATV winch can be difficult sometimes due to the wide array of models. Thus, we decided to write this buyer’s guide on the best ATV winch.
It’s an invaluable thing to have, especially if you get into a tough situation with no recourse. For example, if you get stuck in the mud, you can use a winch to drag yourself out; without the winch, you’d likely be stuck there for a while. As for most useful things, there’s a large ATV winch market online. Because of that, it can sometimes be difficult to find the best winch for you.
An ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) may need a winch for several reasons:
- Extraction of the ATV from a difficult terrain or mud
- Pulling heavy loads or equipment
- Recovery of stuck vehicles or objects
- Assisting in various off-road tasks such as logging or construction.
To help you out, we’ve made this list of the best ATV winches on the market today. Like all of our lists, we’ve divided the winches into 3 different budget categories, in order to help you find the one that fits your budget.
| Model | Line Pull | Length | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4500 lbs | 55' | 4.7 /5 | |
| 3000 lbs | 50' | 4.5 /5 | |
| 2500 lbs | 50' | 4.5 /5 | |
| 2000 lbs | 50' | 4.2 /5 |
In addition, each winch comes with a list of specs that’ll make it easier to distinguish each winch. Here’s a breakdown of each spec to help you out even more:
Line Pull: One of the most important specs, considering it’s what determines what you can pull out, including the ATV itself. Expect to see the better line pulls on the higher-end winches. However, some of the budget winches are surprisingly tough, so keep your eyes peeled.
Material of the Rope: You really don’t want your rope to snap when you’re using your winch. To prevent that, you should know what type of rope will fit best with what you’re expecting to haul. There are only two types of rope: synthetic and steel. Steel is tougher, but if it snaps, it can also be fatal. That’s why you should never exceed the suggested weight limit when using steel cable. Synthetic is less tough, but cheap to replace if it snaps, as well as far less deadly.
Motor: This is part of what determines the overall line pull. Better motors are usually found on higher end models. In addition, higher-end models will come with extra motor features that the budget ones most likely won’t have.
Budget (under $150)
In this range, expect to see synthetic ropes and motors without any extra features. There are some surprisingly some of the best ATV winches in this range, especially when you factor in price. If you’re looking to get a winch at a steal of a price, this is a great range to look in.
1. Keeper Corporation KT2000 Trakker Winch
- Line Pull: 2000 lbs
- Material of Rope: 50′ galvanized wire rope
- Motor: 1 hp, 12V DC electric motor
This is a barebones winch, but it’s offered at an unbeatable price. It comes with a 1 HP motor and a 50 foot long wire rope, both of which are good enough to give the winch 2000 pounds of pulling power.
It comes equipped with a great braking system that allows you to find the perfect wire length for your task and hold it steady. It also comes with a circuit breaker in case the voltage suddenly changes, or if the whole thing short circuits. It’s also remote-controlled, allowing you stay at a safe distance when operating the winch.
This isn’t the best ATV winch for heavy duty jobs; it’s lacking in safety features and the 2000 pound limit isn’t good enough for many tough winching tasks. However, if you’re not planning on needing a super-strong winch, this one is good enough for most jobs. And most importantly, it’s offered at an absolutely unbeatable price.
2. Superwinch 1130220 LT3000ATV 12 VDC
Line Pull: 3000 lbs
Material of Rope: 50′ galvanized wire rope
Motor: Sealed 1.2 HP permanent magnet
One of the best winch on the cheaper side, but this one is considerably more powerful than the last; for only 20 dollars more, it might make sense to invest in this one! This winch comes with a 1.2 HP motor and a 50 foot wire rope, giving this a recommended pull limit of 3000 pounds! It’s pretty amazing how much weight that is for a winch this cheap. The motor itself is a permanent magnet, meaning that it runs off electromagnetic power.
This winch also comes with plenty of great safety features, such as a braking system (mechanical and dynamic), sealed solenoid and circuit breaker protection, and a rubber remote switch that allows for safe operation of the winch from a good distance away. If you’re willing to invest a few dollars more into a higher-end, yet one of the best ATV winch at an affordable price, this could be the one for you!
Mid-Range ($150-$400)
In this range, expect to see a dramatic increase in the line pull threshold, as well as more safety features. The differences between winches in this range can be dramatic, since it spans $250. As such, you might have to do some digging in this range to find the best ATV winch for you.
3. Superwinch Terra 45
- Line Pull: 4500 lbs
- Material of Rope: 55′ synthetic rope
- Motor: 12V DC, 1.6 hp weather-sealed permanent magnet motor
If you’re looking for a supertough winch, look no further. This winch has a staggering line pull of 4500 pounds, which will get you out of any tough situation, guaranteed! The rope is synthetic and pulls out to a full 55 feet, far enough for most jobs.
The motor is incredible, in part because of the 1.6 HP it’s able to produce. It’s powered by an electromagnetic motor that produces all the power inside the winch. It also comes with a 3-stage planetary gear train so you can easily adjust the speed of the winch.
Since it’s a mid-range winch, it has plenty of safety features, including a remote control, a state-of-the-art braking system, and a circuit breaker. In addition, all mechanical parts are protected under a lifetime warranty, ensuring your investment won’t ever go to waste!
High-End (above $400)
The cream of the winch crop are in this range. Expect to see the best of the best here, from rope material to lift pull. Still, all that comes at a (literal) cost; you should be ready to invest when looking to buy from this range.
WARN 75500 XT25 Extreme Terrain<
- Line Pull: 2500 lbs
- Material of Rope: 50′ wire rope
- Motor: 12V DC, 0.9 hp (0.7 kW)
This is one of the best ATV winch on the market. Any problem you run into, this bad boy will have no problem fixing it. That includes everything from snow plowing to lifting other ATV’s out of the mud! With 2500 pounds of lift pull, this winch can handle pretty much everything that’s thrown at it.
The motor is sealed, allowing for much more protection that you’d usually get on a winch, and making it really easy to use in terrible (or “extreme) weather conditions. It comes with a 3-stage planetary gear train that allows the speed of the winch to be controlled easily, which can also be controlled with a remote control that comes with the winch. The mechanical parts are under a lifetime warranty, while the rest is under a 3-year warranty.
Runner-Ups
- It features a single-stage planetary gear train with the gear ratio of 153:1, an impressive 2,000 pounds pull rating, an efficient 1.1 horsepower series wound motor, 3/16 inch x 50 feet of durable...
- This 2000 pounds ATV winch with an unique clutch brake system to ensure faster traction speed at 12 feet /min full-load, and prevent slipping, ensuring efficient and safe use, brings you a better...
- With a IP65 power coated winch; 1/4 inch clevis hook; 4.3 x 2 inches aluminium hawse fairlead; 9.5 feet handlebar mounted rocker; 3.15 inches mounting bolt pattern; drum size: 1.25 x 2.8 inches
- To install the winch and fairlead, getting a mounting bracket set up which not includes in this product; Please read the instructions carefully before operating the winch; Using the snatch block to...
- From snow plowing, outdoors hunting to stacking wood, towing equipment, there's an endless list of accessories to your vehicles; You can add the winch for wildcat, prowler, maverick, commander,...
- With a pull force of more than 3000lbs, this electric winch delivers a 1.0kw/ 1.3HP 210 amp 12V DC permanent magnet motor with a 153:1 planetary gear system with a fully loaded line speed of 3.3...
- Waterproof powder coated surface, resistant to corrosion. Durable 3/16" x 32' synthetic winch rope with high tensile properties is sufficient for any outdoor traction operation.
- Each lead wire is connected to the corresponding position, the connection is clear, the connection is very convenient and fast; 12.63-inch (approx. 32.0 cm) blue (-) and yellow (+) wires are connected...
- The winch will include an 18.5 x 13 cm (L x W) universal mounting plate for mounting on the rear of the machine, which will need to be modified to fit with each particular machine, as well as a...
- We use the planetary gear system, which can automatically brake, while we want to achieve the highest speed and a certain guarantee to provide safe and reliable power in any situation.
- XPV AUTO 2500lbs Winch integrate the Remote Control and the Control Box into one, for quick & easy installation and use.
- Pure Copper Motor: 12V DC 1HP permanent magnet, and winch motor is made of pure copper wire, which has a line speed of 2.7 feet per minute with a full load, ensuring faster linear speed under load....
- Strong Cable: 12-STRAND 4MM*15M steel cable High strength steel cable is made of 12 fine stranded rope, falling to the ground quickly when the rope snapping.
- 3-Stage Planetary Gear: This 3-Stage Planetary can decelerate or grow, reverse, and more. The combination of multiple planetary wheel systems can achieve a very large speed ratio, which enables...
- Safety guarantee: XPV will offer efficient, timely and friendly customer service. In addition, we will provide return or replacement of accessories within one year.
- Improved Material: Black frosted spray paint reduces external damage and does not rust. The insulation performance and durability of the winch are greatly improved. The all-steel housing protects the...
- Convenient Wireless Remotes: High quality wireless remote control allows operation of the winch from anywhere within a 50-foot radius. Besides, wired remote control can also meet your specific...
- 3-Stage Planetary Gear: 153:1 gear speed ratio and 3-stage planetary gear give the ZESUPER winch a strong traction. When the winch is No load, the line speed is 10.5ft/min. When the winch load is...
- Powerful sysytem: Winch can effectively reduce the excessive wear on the synthetic rope of the winch, a dynamic permanent magnet motor (it is made of high-quality steel) can drive strong and stable...
- Reliable Service: Zesuper support includes a 1-year limited warranty and lifetime free professional technical support. If you have any problem, please free contact us.
- 2500 pounds pulling capacity
- Includes 50 feet of 3/16 inch wire rope
- Three-stage planetary gear train for smooth, efficient operation
- Patented roller disc brake for outstanding control while winching
- Mini-rocker control switch with integrated socket
Get Your Winch Today
In conclusion, a winch is an essential tool for an ATV as it provides versatility and usefulness in various off-road situations. It enables the ATV to extract itself from challenging terrains, pull heavy loads, recover stuck vehicles or objects, and assist in various tasks. Hence, having a winch can significantly enhance the capability of an ATV and make it a more reliable and useful vehicle in off-road environments.
