Engo Winches

That's fine for manufacturing (machining) but what about the quality of the material they start with?

 

And who checks on the specs being followed?

I have read where the Chinese will set up a company and build a factory just for one contract, then abandon it.

 

My take on the Chinese manufacturing debacle is this:
Some there do have the ability to build some decent things........and that is seen in certain parts & bearings and other specialty Items that not only has a certifiable QC process in place there but also a similar process here once the parts are landed prior to packaging.........on the flip side of that generic parts that are more loosely produced , are just manufactured with a specific useful life.........meaning if the part has a warranty for a given period...........don't be surprised when it either wears out or fails shortly thereafter.

 

Not sure how any ordinary person could verify the "certifiable" aspect.

There have even been cases of very high-end aerospace parts being counterfeit.

 

My thoughts also. More a pain in the butt than really useful. Certainly WAY more maintenance (and much heavier) than a good electric version not to mention the shafts get in the way of the steering if you went Saginaw.

Like why HF includes (or used to) a set of spare brushes with their power tools? Never had one that needed those. Every one puked from something else-usually bearings-before it wore out the first set.

Frankly, IMO, it isn't worth the time to set up the mounting on a cheap winch. Do it once with a Warn and be done with it. I wouldn't put a cheap winch on any of my Jeeps even if it was free. But maybe I'm risk adverse and don't like the idea of hiking tens of miles because a cheap one puked, or for that matter, having a totaled Jeep because of that.

 

Yes...........that sometimes can be an issue. I have a friend who is in Manufacturing here in the US and frequently uses the Chinese market for Heavy machine castings, that he later finish machines here in the States...........he was the example I mentioned whereby the QC on the shippers end along with metallurgy testing also gets verified here by a separate testing facility........initially there was some issues and parts did get rejected.........but he says the process seems to be pretty seamless now.

I have also had issues with metallurgy test reports here when I buy a small piece of steel that Is not clearly marked / stamped with the Mill's Stamp as witnessed by the reports that follow the steel........

Buyer Beware..........is all I can say!

 

Another example of the wiley Chinese tactics is to manufacture a bunch of stuff substandard then a bunch of stuff correct. Put the correct stuff at the opening of the shipping containers so when it gets checked the accessible stuff is ok.
Happened to someone I know. Now that stuff is manufactured in-house.

 

Aren't warn winches made in China now as well?

 

They have their budget line where parts are manufactured overseas. I think that's the VR series. The full on Warn winches are still made here. About 3 miles from my Condo.

 

Similar situation for Ramsey. They only manufacture industrial winches here in Tulsa now, the consumer winches are Chinese imports with an inflated price.

 

X2. Curious which way you went Patrick? And if you did buy the Engo please give us a thorough report. I'm curious how they stack up against other winches you've used/owned.

 

Nice! That 8274-50 is probably the best winch ever built. The only one I've seen better (electric winch) was the Air Force spec version with the stainless steel ratcheting and brake mechanism. When rebuilt properly they are a work of art.
You won't regret it Patrick and the money saved I'm sure paid for a good portion, if not all of the suspension upgrade.

 

I have been seeing a lot of decent reviews for the engo and Harbor freight winches. I may get one for a backup and for my trailer.

My 20 year old Ramsey has never let me down and I have really beat on it.

I don't know where it was made though.