Winch advice...brand, mounting, size

[fender22]

Hi all. Been considering a winch for my 93 defender for sometime although just can't justify the $1000+ required as I only do light 4wd and then seldomly.

Saw on this morning advertised for $650, a VRS V9500
9500lbs spec. Had a look on the net and it seems to be an ok brand?
Does anyone know of these winches and is it big enough to do the job?

Other question is I have a pretty tough ARB steel bullbar. It doesn't have the cut out for the winch but I feel I could mount it on the bullbar at the front whilst keeping it behind the face of the bullbar. What are the requirements. I know you can't have it hanging out the front but provided the winch is behind the front of the bullbar is this ok? I could possibly foot mount it on the top of the bottom bullbar ledge or perhaps cut out the face of the bottom section of the bullbar to mount behind in the traditional way?

I know with winches you probably should spend as much as you can and ensure you are set for every situation reliably whether you use it once every 5 years or every day. The time u will need it will be the important time obviously but in my case more peace of mind than anything. I will never be in super remote life threatening situations so as long as this thing would reasonably pull my vehicle out of a bog or a rut on semi level ground I''d be happy.

[spudboy]

9500 will be sufficient. I have similar Warn 9500 on my 130, and it is OK. Might need to take a snatch block to halve the speed and double the pull if things get ugly. Higher pull winches would suit too, but then they weigh more.....

[rangieman]

Im told the VRS is the poor cousin of a Warn at a budget , In my opinion you get what you pay for ! I prefer Warn as they have a proven track record unlike all the cheap ones that have flooded the market of recent

My theroy is when you need it the most is when they fail no matter what brand ! Always follow the owners manual , Dont fit it and not use it for 3 years Frequent use is your friend And after any water dunking always run your rope or cable out and winch in under load to get the motor warm to dry any moisture out with in a couple of days is fine, This is what i have done for years with out any dramas

Steer clear of the real alcheapo winch,s ( my opinion only ! )