I wonder if the "badland" winches aren't just rebranded Chicago Electric Winches? Harbor Freight style stores often do that to keep products "fresh".


This is not Fact and merely speculation.

 

Hey, MudHippie.... Thanks for the info.

 

FYI the badland winches suck atleast the 12k one first one the line snapped and almost hit me. I was winching my 4runner up a wet grass hill should have been easy for it. so I took that one back in exchange for a new one the first one was only a day old. Next day used the new one to try to winch out a newer f150 2wd stock motor blew out on me. So now I'm going to take this one back and buy a name brand winch. Just thought I'd share this info.

 

That's lame. I'm sorry to hear that.

Thanks for sharing though. I still recommend a 10k lb. Chicago Electric® or ROAD SHOCK® winch if you can find one. Which won't likey be at HF, but you can search the web. I found some not too long ago.
Chicago Electric® and ROAD SHOCK® winches do appear to be exactly the same. The only difference is in the stickers on them. No argument there.

However, based on the fact that the BADLAND WINCHES™ are quite different in design and appearance, plus the report that the 12k lb. sucks, I will go out on a limb here and say NO!. I highly doubt that they're rebranded Chicago Electric® or ROAD SHOCK® winches. Which actually appear to be MileMarker clones(so they're probably MM rebranded as Chicago Electric® or ROAD SHOCK®).

 

I dont know about the winches, but every electrical tool I have bought there has been junk, I wouldn't buy it there.

 

That's nice!

But this thread happens to be about their winches...

BTW, every electrical tool they sell is NOT junk. If you go in there and buy the cheapest one they have...well...you pretty much asked for it. In my experience, spend a few dollars more and get the better model they offer. Just like anywhere, you get what you pay for. Their tools that are labeled "Professional" or "Industrial" tend to be significantly higher quality than those that aren't. The term "Heavy Duty" is meaningless there though, as just about every tool they sell is labeled "HD".

Also, the Chicago Electric® Magnesium line of power tools is exceptional quality(but also their most expensive). IMO they're as good as, or better than, any power tools made by DeWALT, Milwaukee, Makita, Ridgid, Ryobi, Skil, etc.

 

I agree with Mud hippy about the tools though always had a good experience with their tools. Alright back on subject.

 

good thread

 

Not reading over the last 100 plus post but 4 wheeler just did a article on winches and the harbor winch place very low out of the 10 plus they tested.

 

Well you should've...especially before saying...
Because that is not surprising news, as they're not made by/branded Chicago Electric® and/or ROAD SHOCK® anymore. We've so far heard nothing good about the ones they sell now made by/branded BADLAND WINCHES™, and MUCH good about the older winches. I still stand behind every word I've said about mine. And what's more, if you can find a better winch for the money than I did...SHOW ME!!!

Not that I doubt the authenticity of your statement, but do you happen to have that, or know what, issue of 4 Wheeler it's in? I looked while I was in the store a minute ago at the newest one, wasn't in there. I'd really like to see it for any reference to MileMarkers. Because that's most likely who ACTUALLY made mine. You'd know that too, if you read the thread. So there's another good reason why you should('ve).

 

It was in the last few issues. I remember it.
Harbor Freight winch was one of 3 that didn't even work so they could not even test it.

 

i didnt see anyone talk about the smitty built winches are they any good or i should say have anyone here used them?

 

I say go with hf winch. Cant beat the price. Performance is great