Small Winch Types And Everything You Should Know

small winch

Winches are a very handy tool to help you lift heavy stuff. But, as is the case with most machinery, winches also come in different sizes. So, of course, size is an important factor to consider before getting a winch. That is why today we look at small winches and why a small winch might just be perfect for your needs.

Why Would You Need A Small Winch?

When the conditions get bad for your vehicle, and you get stuck, even a small winch can help you get out of a potentially hazardous situation. A winch is usually a very underrated piece of equipment, but it is essentially very important. They are also a good investment, especially if you off-road, hoist up heavy stuff (like timber) or go boating often.

Before we look at our top selections for small winches, let us look at what makes a winch "small." On a general note, any winch with less than 8,000 lb. load capacity is considered a small winch. However, this is not always the case because it also depends on what you want to use the winch for.

Depending on the size and weight of your car, your winch should be able to at least carry twice the weight. But again, that doesn't always work because some vehicles can get stuck really deep and require a lot of pulling power. In such instances, a larger winch will be required. However, small winches are also very handy because of their portability.

What is the best winch on the market?

Best Small Winches

1) WARN 92000 Series 12V DC 2000 lb. Electric Utility Winch

Sale
WARN 92000 Vehicle Mounted 2000 Series 12V DC Electric Utility Winch with Steel Cable: 1 Ton (2,000...
  • Small in size so you can mount in tight spots
  • 1.6 horsepower permanent magnet DC motor
  • Differential planetary gear train; 12-volt power for portability;...
  • Ideal for use on trailers or hitch mounts
  • 35 feet of 3/16" (10.7m of 4.7mm) wire rope with hook and clasp...

The size of this small electric winch makes it perfect for mounting in tight spots. Additionally, it is very fast when working with lighter loads. You will have the ability to move loads in less time than usual. The magnet motor runs on 12V, and it has an outstanding duty cycle which makes it perfect for hitch mounts and trailers as well.

This portable winch is also an excellent piece of machinery that is equipped with 35-feet of wire rope. You will have the option to select the thickness of the rope you want. However, it generally ranges at 4.7mm. A hook and clasp is included in the package. With proper maintenance, you should get some good years from this bestseller.

Pros

  • Portable
  • Affordable
  • Long battery life
  • Powerful

Cons

  • Very noisy

2) Champion Power Equipment Winch Kit 2000-lb

Sale
Champion Power Equipment-12003 ATV/UTV Winch Kit, 2000-lb.
  • Powerful – 2000-lb. rated line pull powered by a 1-horsepower...
  • Efficient – Line speed of 3.3 feet per minute with a full load,...
  • Convenient – Included mounting channel, remote control and...
  • Hassle-Free –The roller fairlead creates a safe and smooth pull...

With a safe and smooth pull, the 49-feet super duty cable is able to tolerate a lot of strain without getting abrasions, breaking or fraying. It comes with a remote control which can work wirelessly, or it can also be wired. This light-duty winch is super convenient for your needs because it creates an easy winching experience.

At full load, the line speed is 3.3-feet per minute. Without a load, the line speed is 10.5 feet. This mini winch is an excellent and powerful winch to own. The DC motor ensures it is fast for its size and dependable. It is perfect for getting ATVs and UTVs out of sticky situations because of its high-performance motor.

Pros

  • Portable
  • Compact
  • Powerful
  • Efficient
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Complicated wiring instructions

3) ZEAK 12V DC 3500 lb. Electric Winch Kit

ZEAK 12V DC 3500 lb. ATV/UTV Electric Winch Kit, Steel Cable with Wireless Remote, Mini-Rocker,...
  • ZEAK 3500 pounds of steel cable is powered by a 1.1 horsepower...
  • Waterproof power coated workmanship and sealed engine to keep...
  • The ATV / UTV winch equipped with a 7.2 x 5.1 inches mounting...
  • Each lead is connected to the other end of the corresponding...
  • From plowing snow to stacking wood, towing equipment, there's an...

This light-duty winch has a 1.1 horsepower on a DC magnet motor. The full metal planetary gear system that will guarantee faster pulling speeds even at full load. Additionally, at full load, the speed is 3.2-feet per minute, and with no load, the speed is 13-feet per minute. The rocker handlebar power switch allows you to retract the rope or cable when you need to.

From plowing snow to stacking wood, this small winch will be with you throughout. However, the mounting plate the winch comes with requires modifications to function. When mounted on different vehicles, the plate will need specific modifications. Other than that, this winch is waterproof, and the motor has been sealed to prevent moisture from getting through.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Waterproof
  • Durable
  • Well-made
  • Fast

Cons

  • Weak cable

4) TYT 2000 lb. Waterproof Winch

TYT 2000 lb. ATV/UTV Winch with Synthetic Rope Kits, 12V Winch for Towing, Boat, Off-Road,...
  • Advanced load winch: TYT 2000 lb winch by DC 12V 1.5 HP permanent...
  • Precision structure: This TYT 2000 lbs ATV winch features 3-stage...
  • Strong and Sturdy: All TYT winches have been tested for...
  • Wide Range of Applications: TYT orange 2000 lb. winch have...
  • Warranty and Professional Services: TYT All winch provides 2...

For use in humid conditions, this remains one of the best in the market. This small winch features a 3-stage planetary gear train and a unique clutch brake system. The sealing ring placed on the inside of this winch ensures it is waterproofed. Additionally, this winch has a wide range of applications.

Some of the applications include home traction towers, ATVs, UTVs, boats, jeeps, modified car equipment, and trucks. For the best off-roading experience, ensure to bring a TYT winch with you. Additionally, the drag speed on full load capacity is about 2.9-feet per minute and 10.5-feet per minute without load.

Pros

  • Sturdy
  • Durable
  • Waterproof
  • Portable
  • Fast
  • Easy to install
  • Powerful

Cons

  • The wireless service for remote control doesn't work

Advantages Of Having A Small Winch

Large winches have lots of uses. However, having a small winch is very beneficial, especially for normal chores that require heavy lifting. Here are some of the advantages to getting your truck fitted with a small but powerful winch.

a) Easy To Mount

Most small winches are easy fits. Compared to large winches that have vehicle specifications, a small winch is perfect for your all-terrain vehicle. Additionally, small winches don't have a lot of details that you need to pay attention to. They are also very handy, especially when it comes to hoisting stuff up.

Small winches are also easy to mount because they come pre-assembled, and you only have to mount them. Mounting is made easier for you by providing all the mounting accessories you might require. Small winches are powerful, as well as a snug and very easy fit.

b) Portable

One of the reasons some people prefer small electric winches is because they are portable. Portability is very important in the instance where you have to get another off-roader out of the muddy or rocky situation. So it makes much more sense to remove a winch that is easily portable compared to one that isn't.

Additionally, with a portable winch, you don't have to mount it. You can easily use it for other activities and still take it with you on your off-roading adventure. It also helps if the portable winches are electric because they do all the work for you.

c) Gets Vehicles Unstuck

This has evolved to become the best and only use for most purchased winches. Winches are very popular in the off-roading community. As we all know, vehicles have a tendency of getting stuck—even the 4*4s. Having a winch, even the smallest winch, can help you out of a very dangerous situation.

In off-roading situations, drivers are never near any type of help. However, with extreme cold or hot temperatures and a stuck vehicle, a winch could save your life. The same applies to other drivers on normal roads.

d) Affordability

Small electric winches are quite affordable. When purchasing a winch, of course, you also have to consider your budget. In that regard, it's a good thing that most small-capacity winches are very affordable. However, they are also very powerful and are capable of pulling up very heavy loads very easily.

When purchasing a small electric winch, ensure to also do some research before buying it. Customer reviews are very important when it comes to buying any product. Affordability should not mean your winch will stop working in a month.

e) Durability

A durable and well-made winch will serve you for the longest time. A winch should always be waterproof because most places are either humid or muddy. Even if they aren't, the nature of work you require a winch for, might involve some humidity. A winch should also be rustproof.

The cables or ropes are usually very strong. However, proper maintenance is required so that they don't snap. Also, if there are lots of plastic parts on your winch, it is better not to use it for safety purposes.

The Bottom Line

Small winches are very convenient when it comes to small or minor operations. Additionally, it is important to select the best type of winch for your needs and requirements. Small winches are also very powerful as long as you select the right one. We hope this guide helps you out on the broad subject of small winches.