CK5
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Winches... T-max...
- Thread starter jms
- Start date
I get the impression that T-max winches are ok, I've never heard anyone refer (praise or complaint) to the 15k model, though.
And to save bandwith: I will unfortunatelyhave to ignore any replies with the word "Warn" in it, or "...8274...", or "...cheap from Craigslist..."
I too have been looking at the T-Max winches, the 12,500lb model. But I should probably step up to the 15k. So I'm currious as to what other people think of these as well.
I've been looking on Craigslist for over a year for a winch. And have never seen a winch bigger then a 2,000lb atv. Let alone a Warn or MM or Ramsey. If I ever find one, I'm sure it won't be cheap either.
Get a warn.
Really I have not hears a thing about the T-maxx.
I firmly suspect that there are really two or three winch manufacturers out there and which ever name brand the off brand looks like is probably made on the same assembly line or just a cheaper knock off of it.
The T Maxx appears to be 90% warn styling so I say it is a knockoff and most likely a good choice for someone who is going to need the winch like you will. Not really a major need all of the time but when you get into that situation you really need it.
Really I have not hears a thing about the T-maxx.
I firmly suspect that there are really two or three winch manufacturers out there and which ever name brand the off brand looks like is probably made on the same assembly line or just a cheaper knock off of it.
The T Maxx appears to be 90% warn styling so I say it is a knockoff and most likely a good choice for someone who is going to need the winch like you will. Not really a major need all of the time but when you get into that situation you really need it.
cegusman
3/4 ton status
T Maxx is made by Mile Marker. Complete junk. Stick with a Warn or a Ramsey
That's not true at all. Please show me some proof.
The T-max winches seem good to me, I know one guy with one (9K or 9.5K, I forget) and its been good. They seem to have a good reputation.
Well, I'll ask. Do you refuse to buy Warn, not want to buy a used winch, or don't want the upright style of the 8274?
Point being that there are lots of options besides buying new, as IMHO winches are like furniture or cars; buying new costs LOTS of money due to a relatively small demand and long life cycle, but they devalue fairly quickly due to that same low demand.
-- A
Point being that there are lots of options besides buying new, as IMHO winches are like furniture or cars; buying new costs LOTS of money due to a relatively small demand and long life cycle, but they devalue fairly quickly due to that same low demand.
-- A
cegusman
3/4 ton status
I could, but I would have to tear my Mile Marker E12,000 apart again. The motor is stamped with Mile Marker/ T Max on the inside and part of the winch housing also has the same stamp on the inside. They are both hidden you must pull apart the winch to see it.
http://www.gowarn.com/tabor-12k-self-recovery-winch.asp
How does this compare? Price in similar, although it is just a 12K it is made by Warn. Not sure how the amp draw compares though, or whether it's enough winch for you considering you were looking at a 15K winch.
Rene
How does this compare? Price in similar, although it is just a 12K it is made by Warn. Not sure how the amp draw compares though, or whether it's enough winch for you considering you were looking at a 15K winch.
Rene
cabledawg
Secret Squirrel
OK. Did the ole Google search and found that T-max is an Australian based design (with some parts made in China) that is currently owned by Westin (same guys that build some good step bars and bumpers). The few folks that actually own a T-max love 'em. Aside from a few having issues with the remote not working quite as it should, and a few lemons, noone had anything super negative to say about them. Good bang for the buck. The T-max has a larger motor and deeper gearing which allows it to run cooler and draw less amperage. The are suffering in the warranty department with only a one year warranty versus Warn that has a multi-year and tech and parts support that last for decades.
So if you want a winch you can find parts for 20 years from now, go Warn. Looking to save a few bucks and dont plan on owning it more than a few years, go T-max. As far as performance, they seem to be on the same playing field with each having its ups and downs.
So if you want a winch you can find parts for 20 years from now, go Warn. Looking to save a few bucks and dont plan on owning it more than a few years, go T-max. As far as performance, they seem to be on the same playing field with each having its ups and downs.
cabledawg
Secret Squirrel
I found some more info. While Warn has less isues with mechanical malfunctions (like clutch going out or drums flying off), they seem to have a tendancy to overheat and fry the solenoid. The Mile Marker winches seem to be middle of the road with most people saying they are excellent for the occasional pull, but not for full time offroad or commercial work. Superwinch and Ramsey were the two that had decent pricing with exceptional performance.
I really hope this helps. I looked at alot of different forums and a few review boards and posted what I thought was unbiased information regarding the different brands of winches.
I really hope this helps. I looked at alot of different forums and a few review boards and posted what I thought was unbiased information regarding the different brands of winches.
Fair enough, didn't know that.
Still, T-max winches aren't made by milemarker and aren't direct knockoffs of such even if they share some parts (and may or may not be made in the same factory).
I found some more info. While Warn has less isues with mechanical malfunctions (like clutch going out or drums flying off), they seem to have a tendancy to overheat and fry the solenoid. The Mile Marker winches seem to be middle of the road with most people saying they are excellent for the occasional pull, but not for full time offroad or commercial work. Superwinch and Ramsey were the two that had decent pricing with exceptional performance.
I really hope this helps. I looked at alot of different forums and a few review boards and posted what I thought was unbiased information regarding the different brands of winches.
These winch discussions always get ridiculous, but here is my personal experience:
The Warns and T-max winches I have dealt with (tons of different Warns and only one T-max) worked well.
The Superwinch and Milemarker winches I have dealt with (2 of each) were horrible, between them they were able to make one successful pull and all 4 broke (different trips).
I've never really dealt with a Ramsey winch.
Well if the motor and housing are the same...wouldn't that make your MM a POS too? Or would the T-Max be on par with the MM? I'm not trying to push anyones buttons or start an argument, just asking. I've heard mixed opinions on MM winches.
As far as 8274's go, they may be the best winch out there. But I would never put something that looks like that one the front of my truck. I hate the way them things look. 99.9999% of the time I have no problem putting something that looks like crap on my truck, if it works great, but I truely hate those thing. Even if I could get over the appearance issue...the whole blocking the rad...need for a differnt mount would turn me off.
mcwright
1/2 ton status
I will give a thumbs up to the T-max. I have the 10K and it has worked great when I have needed it. I have never had an issue with it not working. It pulled my John Deere out of the ditch twice last winter and pulled out friends a few times.
I also had an old 8274 on a CJ5 and loved it too. Very fast. But the T-max has been just as reliable so far. The T-max seemed like it was really popular a few years ago and now I don't hear so much about it.
Here is my T-max mounted on my 89
I also had an old 8274 on a CJ5 and loved it too. Very fast. But the T-max has been just as reliable so far. The T-max seemed like it was really popular a few years ago and now I don't hear so much about it.
Here is my T-max mounted on my 89
if you plan on buying a t-max then just get a summit racing winch. They are t-max winched with different stickers. Heck even go to summit's web site, find the winch you want and look at the online instructions for it..... "t-max"
And they are alot cheaper than tmax badged ones.
And they are alot cheaper than tmax badged ones.
Just spent 10 minutes trying to find a "Summit" winch and came up dry...got a specific link?
Rene
Rene
hmm, looks like they aren't listed anymore. It was on www.summitracing.com They still show the controller under the Summit name but even the p/n's that it fits aren't there anymore.
cabledawg
Secret Squirrel
Might have to look under "catalog" items. I still show it in the recent catalog I recieved, and its only a few months old.
I didn't read this whole thread but I will give you first hand feedback. I ran a 12,500lb t-max. If you are going to use it once a year or so it is a good cheap winch. If you are going to rely on this winch then get a warn. I ran the t-max for one summer and bent the sides of the drum, and had problems with the remote and the solinoid(sp). It is slow so I wouldn't buy one if you are rock crawling. I switched to a 8274 and I think it has more power than the t-max and everyone doesn't have to break for lunch while you spool your line back in. just my $.02
Haha, I love how Michael asked that Warn not be mentioned in this post and yet at least half the posts in this thread still have the word "Warn" in them.
