• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Not Just A Hobby.com

4x4, Off-Roading & More!

  • Jeep
  • ATV
  • Diesel
  • Motorcycle
  • About
  • Contact
  • FAQs
  • Legal

Best Winches For ATVs (For When You Get Stuck)

by Zach Barrett | Last Updated February 14, 2020

Best ATV Winch 2018It’s not a matter of IF you get stuck while riding your ATV offroad but WHEN. An electric ATV winch is an indispensable tool which can make the difference between pulling yourself out of a sticky situation or spending the night in the wilderness beside your trusty ATV.

If you’re looking to buy a winch to extract yourself from the next bottomless mud bog, tow another stranded ATV out or simply to plow snow then read on for our detailed comparison chart and in-depth reviews of our top ATV winches for 2020.

Please note​ that ​we participate in a number of affiliate programs, including Amazon, and earn from qualifying purchases. ​For more information, visit our Legal page​.

Best ATV Winches 2020

A winch is an essential part of offroad ATV riding but buying the wrong one or the cheapest one could leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere with an expensive paperweight bolted to your ATV. While name brands such as Warn have pioneered the ATV winch industry, in recent years a number of competitors have emerged offering exceptional value for not a lot of money. On the flipside there is also more overpriced junk available which should be avoided at all costs. Not to worry though as we’ve done the hard work for you and sorted the winners from the losers.

Winch ModelWeight
Capacity
Line Speed
(at 3000lb)
Cable 
Superwinch Terra 35
(Editors Choice)
3500 lb10.8 FPMSteel Wire 50ftCheck Price on Amazon
Warn Vantage 4000
4000 lb7.3 FPMSteel Wire 55ftCheck Price on Amazon
Superwinch LT3000ATV3000 lb4 FPMSteel Wire 50ftCheck Price on Amazon
Warn ProVantage 25002500 lbN/ASteel Wire 50ftCheck Price on Amazon
Superwinch LT4000ATV SR4000 lb7.5 FPMSynthetic
Rope 50ft
Check Price on Amazon
Line speed? Cable type? Load capacity? Winch brakes?
If these are new terms to you then check out our ATV Winch Guide to learn more.

1. Superwinch Terra 35 – Editors Choice: Best Bang For Your Buck

Superwinch Terra 35 Review - View on AmazonIf you’re looking for the best ATV winch for the price, you can’t go wrong with the Superwinch Terra 35. Somehow the engineers at Superwinch have managed to design an unbeatable combination of excellent performance and impressive reliability all for an unbeatable “bang for your buck” price. The Terra 35 is around 50% cheaper than the Warn Vantage 4000 and boasts the fastest line speed in our comparison.

Featuring a very capable 3500 lb weight capacity from its 1.6 hp permanent magnet motor, surprisingly quiet and smooth operation, and a heavy duty 4-way roller fairlead, the Terra 35 is a hard act to follow.

Did we mention it comes with everything you need short of the mounting plate specific to your ATV brand/model? Yep, it includes the winch, 50ft steel cable, hook, 10′ wired remote, handlebar mounted thumb switch, solenoid relay, auto reset breaker/fuse, all necessary wiring, nuts & bolts and even comes with cable ties.

Winching duties are handled via a steel planetary gear system twice as wide as other ATV winch brands use and utilizes bronze bearings for longer life, meaning the Terra 35 is built right and will provide years of problem free operation. The 50 ft steel cable is guided through a stainless steel 4-way roller fairlead while the heavy duty latched hook comes complete with thimble for safer winching. All of this is backed by Superwinch’s limited lifetime warranty and their reputation for great customer service.

The included 10 foot wired remote comes in handy when winching heavy loads such as fallen trees or tree stumps since you have a much better view of what is happening while also staying out of harm’s way. If you plan on plowing snow with your ATV you may want to spend a little extra and opt for the synthetic rope model, the Terra 35 SR. This gives you a lighter and more flexible alternative to the steel cable which can end up kinked or damaged due to the acute bends and awkward angles often experienced when connected to an ATV snow plow. Combined with the included handlebar mounted rocker switch this winch gives you the perfect setup for clearing that overnight snowfall with ease. As far as physical dimensions go, the Terra 35 is fairly compact making it easier to install on ATVs with limited space for a winch.

Now onto the negatives but luckily they are few. The installation instructions aren’t great but that’s not a problem as we’ve found a great ATV winch installation video (for a very similar model) to help guide you through the process:

Also, the circuit breaker assembly is poorly insulated and isn’t fully waterproof. Your choices are either thoroughly wrap it in insulation tape, seal it with heatshrink or buy a higher quality waterproof replacement.

Overall this is an incredible buy for the money. You get a reliable and powerful winch and everything you need to install it is included (except the mounting plate). If you’re in a hurry and just want to know our “best value” pick then look no further than the highly recommended Superwinch Terra 35.
Pros
  • Includes everything you need (except the mounting block)
  • Powerful, quiet, smooth
  • Great customer service
  • Outstanding value for money
Cons
  • Average installation instructions
  • Circuit breaker isn’t waterproof
Buy Superwinch Terra 35 now from Amazon

2. Warn Vantage 4000 – Editor’s Choice: Most Powerful In The Lineup

Warn Vantage 4000 Review - View on AmazonWarn is likely the most widely known name in ATV winches. Developing the first recreational winch in 1959 and the industry’s first all terrain vehicle (ATV) winch in 1988, Warn deserves its reputation for pioneering specialized off road equipment. While the Vantage line represents their “value” offerings (ProVantage is the premium range) don’t let this deter you, this is a solid and reliable winch.

Boasting the longest-in-class 55ft wire rope, the Vantage 4000 is a solid contender for your hard earned dollars. Comparing the line speed of our top 3 ATV winches for the money with 3000 lb of weight, the Warn Vantage 4000 comes in at 7.3 FPM (feet per minute) which is slower than the Superwinch Terra 35 at 10.8 FPM but faster than the much cheaper Superwinch LT3000ATV’s glacial 4 FPM. Not a critical factor but something to keep in mind when it comes to the speed of winching. The Vantage 4000 also includes a 5 year limited mechanical warranty for added peace of mind.

Other common features at this price point include a fully sealed, weatherproof motor, a three-stage planetary gear train, a handlebar-mounted rocker switch and a corded remote control. The 1.4 hp (1.0 kW) permanent magnet motor provides a stout 4000lb pulling capacity making the Vantage 4000 powerful enough for use on UTVs and side by sides.

Rest assured with this much grunt available this winch can definitely handle the heaviest ATVs without hesitation. Note: if you plan on using a snow plow on your ATV or UTV you should look at purchasing a replacement synthetic rope. This is because steel cables tend to kink and fray when pulled around tight bends such as from the winch drum around the lower roller fairlead and straight down to the snow plow winch attachment point.

The negatives are few and far between with this solid unit. A few customers found the included wires were too short but whether this is a problem for you will depend entirely on what brand and model of ATV you are installing it on. The biggest issue that may turn some people off is that Warn’s Vantage range of winches are all made in Asia now. While in this case it does not affect the quality of the product (which is great) it’s something to keep in mind if you wish to buy American Made.

In conclusion if you require maximum pulling power and a name brand you can’t go wrong with the Warn Vantage 4000. While it does not offer the same value for money as the Superwinch Terra 35 it’s still a powerful and reliable choice from a brand that pioneered ATV winches almost 30 years ago.
Pros
  • Very powerful
  • Well known brand
  • Great customer service
Cons
  • Only average value for money
  • Kit is not as complete as the Terra 35
Buy Warn Vantage 4000 now from Amazon

3. Superwinch LT3000ATV – Best Value For Money (3000 lb Load Capacity)

Superwinch LT3000ATV Review - View on AmazonIf 3000lb of pulling power is all you need and your budget is limited then take a look at the Superwinch LT3000ATV. We have no idea how Superwinch can offer so much value for such a small investment but here it is (we’re not Superwinch fanboys, honest!).

It includes a rugged all metal 3 stage planetary gear system, 3000lbs of pulling power, a 1.2 HP permanent magnet electric motor, a 50 ft durable wire cable, a solidly constructed 4-way roller fairlead, wiring harness, circuit breaker and a wired hand held remote control with a 12′ wire. The kit even includes a flat, universal mounting plate perfect for attaching to a receiver mount or any acceptable flat surface such as a flat front bumper. Note that you will still likely need to purchase a mounting plate specific to your ATV/UTV model.

The above specs are nothing out of the ordinary until you see the price. While the Superwinch Terra 35 includes everything you need to install the winch except the mounting plate, the LT3000ATV offers previously unheard of value for money making it perfect for those on a budget. Did we mention the Two-Year Limited Warranty and Superwinch’s reputation for great customer service? Yes it’s still possible to speak to a real American (not a recording) over the phone!

Now to the negatives. Just like the Superwinch Terra 35 the LT3000ATV’s circuit breaker is not insulated or waterproof meaning you’ll want to carefully wrap it in insulation tape, seal it with heatshrink or purchase a higher quality waterproof replacement. Another common complaint is while the roller fairlead is solidly constructed, the rollers sometimes do not spin freely meaning the steel cable can wear grooves in the rollers in a short amount of time. Something to keep in mind but not a deal breaker by any means.

The steel rope is just 3/16″ which is thinner than the Terra 35 or Warn Vantage 4000 and a small number of customers have reported fraying and premature wear after limited use. Considering how popular these winches are we would take that with a grain of salt. Lastly, the LT3000ATV boasts a line speed of only 4 FPM (feet per minute) at 3000 lb of pulling force compared to the Terra 35’s claimed line speed of 10.8 FPM at the same 3000lb of pulling force, making the LT3000ATV over 2.5 times slower than the Terra 35.

Overall the LT3000ATV is perfect for someone on a budget or for use on ATVs up to around 700cc. If you are looking for a winch for a UTV or side-by-side you’ll want to get a 3500 or 4000lb winch to be on the safe side. Considering everything that is included for the price it’s simply an unbeatable deal. Highly recommended and our best aftermarket ATV winch.
Pros
  • Amazing value for money
  • Powerful and reasonably quiet
  • Includes a wired remote
  • Includes a universal mounting plate
Cons
  • Circuit breaker is poorly insulated
  • Some reports of premature cable wear
  • Rollers don’t always spin freely
  • Slow line speed
Buy Superwinch LT3000ATV now from Amazon

4. Warn ProVantage 2500 – Maximum Quality

Warn ProVantage 2500 Review - View on AmazonWhile only offering 2500 lbs of weight capacity, the Warn ProVantage 2500 should not be overlooked. The ProVantage line is Warn’s premium range meaning it includes a limited lifetime mechanical warranty, a 3 year limited electrical warranty and all metal internal gears and housing making this a tough little unit you can depend on for years of abuse. All of this is backed by a company with an excellent reputation for making customers happy.

Other standard features at this price point include a three-stage planetary gear train for smooth, quiet operation, an ergonomic clutch handle for easy cable unwinding, Warn’s patented roller disc brake for excellent control while winching, a fully sealed, weatherproof motor which keeps mud and water out and a mini rocker control switch for use on your handlebars rounds it all out.

The included wireless remote is a great feature of the ProVantage 2500 giving you control of your winch from anywhere within a (claimed) 50 foot range of your vehicle. This very handy feature means you no longer need to trudge back to your ATV after attaching the hook to your desired anchor point making it a great time and energy saver. Another great detail is the extra large lower roller fairlead which is designed for use with an ATV snow plow meaning your steel cable won’t kink or fray when raising and lowering your snow plow repeatedly. A very useful feature for those living in areas that experience a white winter.
The only complaints customers had were completely drained wireless remote batteries when the unit arrived. Otherwise it’s smooth sailing with this quality piece of kit – if you don’t mind paying a premium for a 2500lb ATV winch that is.
Pros
  • Unbeatable warranty for peace of mind
  • Ideal for use with an ATV snow plow
  • Wireless remote
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Only 2500lb weight capacity
Buy Warn ProVantage 2500 now from Amazon

5. Superwinch LT4000ATV SR – Best For Snow Plowing

Superwinch LT4000ATV SR Review - View on AmazonThe Superwinch LT4000ATV is very similar to the LT3000ATV winch reviewed earlier in this comparison. The main difference is the 4000lb load capacity delivered by the 1.4hp permanent magnet motor and the included Dyneema synthetic rope. These features are very impressive given the price point as 4000lb of pulling force is more than enough for any ATV, UTV or side by side.

The synthetic rope is another great addition as it’s much lighter and more flexible making it easier and safer to handle as there is no chance of slicing your bare hands open on a steel cable burr. The roller fairlead found on the steel cable LT3000ATV is also replaced with a polished CNC’d aluminum hawse for friction free contact with the synthetic rope.

Other standard features include a rugged, cut steel 3-stage planetary gear system and an automatic, 100% load holding mechanical and dynamic brake. The kit includes a circuit breaker, wiring harness, handlebar mounted rocker switch and a 12’ long wired handheld remote.

The only complaints customers had included the poorly insulated supplied circuit breaker (also a complaint on the Superwinch LT3000ATV and Terra 35) and lacklustre installation instructions. Neither of these problems are truly deal breakers though. Simply wrap the circuit breaker in insulation tape or purchase a waterproof replacement to minimize the chance of a short in the future. If you are even somewhat mechanically inclined or can use Google or YouTube (“how to wire an ATV winch”) you’ll be home free on the installation front.

The LT4000ATV is perfect for someone wanting a synthetic rope and loads of pulling power for use on a heavy 4 wheeler or a UTV/side-by-side. It’s hard to go wrong with the LT4000ATV which makes it a well recommended purchase.
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Powerful and reasonably quiet
  • Includes a synthetic cable
Cons
  • Circuit breaker is poorly insulated
  • Average line speed
Buy Superwinch LT4000ATV SR now from Amazon

That concludes our roundup of the top ATV winches available today. It’s interesting to see how relatively new brands such as Superwinch have been able to muscle in on the ATV winch market and put pressure on more well known and established brand names such as Warn and American made brands such as Ramsey. This is largely due to excellent quality control and smart design practices that allow Superwinch to manufacture all of its range in Asia and hit such competitive price points while continuing to offer solidly built and reliable products. Warn used to manufacture its ATV winches exclusively in the United States, but they have been forced to outsource to Asia in order to remain competitive as more winch brands enter the market.

As a consumer this is great news for you as more competition between winch brands means sharper prices and better value products as manufacturers compete to one-up each other on features and price. Whether you are buying a premium product that supports American jobs or are simply after maximum value for your hard earned dollar there is a winch available that will meet your needs and then some. In conclusion, you can’t go wrong with any of the winches on the list above. You only need to decide on your price point and what features are important to you before making the choice and ordering your new ATV winch.

ATV Winch Guide: Important Things To Know

Just how exactly does an ATV winch work? An electric ATV winch pulls power off your ATV’s battery, which in turn provides power to turn the drum your winch cable is wrapped around. It’s a fairly simple device but also a powerful and incredibly useful tool when it comes to extracting your ATV or UTV or moving heavy loads safety, quickly and easily.

Install It Yourself Or Let The Dealer Do It?

Buying an ATV winch and the specific mounting block for your ATV brand/model online will save you hundreds of dollars over dealership prices since they often only stock premium brands such as Warn or ATV brand specific winches. Don’t forget the steep installation costs of $200 to $300 which your local dealer will be all too happy to include. If you are even remotely mechanically minded or can follow the fairly simple installation instructions included with your winch or the many “how to” guides available online, you will be able to install it yourself and save hundreds of dollars at the same time.

What Weight Rating Is Right For Me?

If you’ve have a smaller ATV (under 400cc) or a sport quad then a 2000lb or 2500lb winch will be more than adequate. For larger ATVs (over 400cc) you’ll want to step up to a 3000lb or 3500lb winch which will cope with heavier loads without complaint. For UTVs and side by sides you’ll need a winch with some extra grunt so a 4000lb pulling capacity winch is highly recommended.

Wire Cable Or Synthetic Rope?

This choice depends on what you’ll be using your winch for. Both synthetic and wire rope require maintenance and care if you want them to last.

If you are using your winch often and are looking to save weight, synthetic rope is a great choice as it’s lightweight and easy to handle without gloves. Synthetic rope won’t develop sharp burrs when worn or kinked like steel cable does, and synthetic does not store the same amount of potential energy when under heavy loads. Contrary to this, synthetic rope is more susceptible to wear and abrasion, and should be inspected routinely for frays and other wear and tear caused by chemicals, UV light, and general use. Be sure to always use the included abrasion sleeve when using your synthetic rope as it provides much needed protection against damage to the rope when winching over rock ledges or around rocks or trees during your extraction.

Steel cable, on the other hand, is exceptionally durable making it ideal for both ATV recovery and utility tasks such as removing tree stumps, rocks and more due to its high abrasion resistance. Damage from UV light is also not an issue with steel cable meaning it may be a better option for you if you seldom use your ATV winch. While steel cable weighs considerably more than synthetic rope, it can also corrode over time and develop sharp burrs from improper or careless use.

Careless or improper use may include allowing the cable to tangle when winding back onto the winch drum, repeatedly operating the cable at sharp angles such as with ATV snow plows or looping the cable around trees or rocks and simply hooking the cable back on itself (always use a strap). Because of this we would highly recommend you always use heavy gloves to keep your hands safe whenever handling your steel winch cable. Better safe than sorry, right?

A common misconception is that synthetic rope is a safer alternative to the traditional steel cable. While steel cable does store more potential energy when under heavy loads, due to its steel construction, it is less likely to suffer from abrasion or fraying, making it less likely to fail in the first place (when used correctly). Really it does not matter which type of cable or rope you choose as safe winching techniques and taking all the required safety precautions will make a bigger difference to your overall safety when using your ATV winch.

Power Source And Efficiency

Modern ATV winches are all electric – that is to say they attach directly to the battery of your ATV for power. A small number of high end full-size off roading winches are driven via hydraulic power but this type of winch would be overkill for an ATV as winches of this calibre are designed for very heavy loads and extreme operating conditions. If your ATV battery is healthy then an electric ATV winch is completely adequate for use on your ATV, UTV or side by side.

Efficiency is an important part of choosing the right ATV winch. A winch with a motor which requires high amps combined with an old or weak battery is a recipe for disaster. Your battery will end up quickly drained and your ATV or the object you were trying to move won’t have gone far. Rest assured all the winches in our comparison are permanent magnet motors which are more energy efficient than their cheaper and inferior series-wound predecessors.

The only negative to permanent-magnet motors are their tendency to overheat more easily. Taking into account that your ATV winch will only be pulling lighter loads (compared to a truck winch), this minor drawback is not something to worry about.

Load Capacity

Deciding what size ATV winch to buy generally comes down to load capacity. The more your ATV, UTV or side by side weighs the higher the load capacity you require in a winch. Aim for a load capacity that is significantly more than the weight of your fully loaded vehicle as you need to account for any added resistance such as that deep mud bog that is halfway up the side of your stuck 4 wheeler.

Winch Brakes

ATV winches commonly use either mechanical brakes or dynamic brakes. A mechanical brake physically locks the winch drum while dynamic brakes utilize a gear system to stop the drum from rotating. Either system should be more than adequate for ATV winching usage, but keep in mind mechanical brakes are less prone to slipping while holding a heavy load.

Line Speed

While line speed might not seem that important when you’re comparing different ATV winches, once your ATV is buried up to its axles in soft sand or black bog mud that winch drum just cannot turn quickly enough. Don’t let the numbers fool you though as some manufacturers will quote the line speed without any load attached which will make it seem much faster than it really is. We’ve hunted down all the numbers that actually matter and have listed the line speed of every applicable winch in our comparison chart using a 3000 lb weight load.

Now you’re all caught up to speed on the terminology and important specs to look for when choosing an ATV winch. Head back up to the comparison chart and winch reviews to find the perfect winch for you.

What do you think? Please leave a comment below or send us a message. We’d love to hear from you!

Header photo credit: Justin Matley

Ebay

If you haven’t seen anything you like or you’re on a tight budget and would prefer to buy used, we always recommend checking Ebay!

Check Ebay

 

See what other people are saying…

Zach Barrett

About Zach Barrett

Zach is one of the contributers for Not Just A Hobby.com. He lives in Austin, TX & is passionate about Jeeps and ATVs. Read more...

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

We participate in a number of affiliate programs, including Amazon, and earn from qualifying purchases. ​For more information, visit our Legal page​.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LOOKING FOR CHEAP VEHICLES?


America's #1 Trusted Source to Gov't Car Auctions

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

We participate in a number of affiliate programs, including Amazon, and earn from qualifying purchases. ​For more information, visit our Legal page​.

Top 5 Best Selling 4×4 Accessories

Bestseller No. 1 kemimoto UTV Rear View Center Mirror Compatible With Honda Talon 1000R 1000X 1000X4 2019 2020 2021
kemimoto UTV Rear View Center Mirror Compatible With Honda Talon 1000R 1000X 1000X4 2019 2020 2021
Check Price NOW
Bestseller No. 2 Wenses Dual Layer Trellis Netting for 4x4 5x5 4x2 Grow Tent (2-Pack) Complete with Accessory Tool Pouch
Wenses Dual Layer Trellis Netting for 4x4 5x5 4x2 Grow Tent (2-Pack) Complete with Accessory Tool Pouch
Check Price NOW
Bestseller No. 3 GOLD HOOK TRD 4x4 Off Road Decal Compatible with Toyota Tacoma Tundra (Set of 2)
GOLD HOOK TRD 4x4 Off Road Decal Compatible with Toyota Tacoma Tundra (Set of 2)
Check Price NOW
Bestseller No. 4 GearAmerica Off-Road Recovery Kit | Tow Strap + Tree Saver + Heavy Duty Snatch Block Pulley + Black D-Ring Shackles + Winch Line Dampener Bag + Recovery Gloves | Ultimate 4x4 Winching Accessories
GearAmerica Off-Road Recovery Kit | Tow Strap + Tree Saver + Heavy Duty Snatch Block Pulley + Black D-Ring Shackles + Winch Line Dampener Bag + Recovery Gloves | Ultimate 4x4 Winching Accessories
Check Price NOW
Bestseller No. 5 SafeRacks Overhead Garage Storage Combo Kit | Two 4 ft. x 8 ft. Racks (24'-45') | 18pc Deluxe Hook Accessory Pack
SafeRacks Overhead Garage Storage Combo Kit | Two 4 ft. x 8 ft. Racks (24"-45") | 18pc Deluxe Hook Accessory Pack
Check Price NOW

Latest Posts

  • Best Motorcycle Jacket For Tall Riders (That Actually Fit)
  • Best Women’s Motorcycle Helmet (For Style & Comfort)
  • Best Motorcycle Helmet For Hot Weather (So You Sweat Less)
  • Best Youth Motocross Chest Protector (For Style & Safety)
  • Best ATV Light Bar (To Find Your Way)

SEARCH

ABOUT

Not Just A Hobby.com is a site for 4x4, diesel and motorcycle enthusiasts that provides expert, independent and unbiased reviews and guides

ADVERTISE

We are always keen to work with advertising partners – if you would like to advertise with Not Just A Hobby.com, please contact us

Copyright © 2020 · Not Just A Hobby.com · 4x4, Off-Roading & More!