Thread: Thomas PTO winches

I have one to fit to my classic Rangie, any chance of a photo or two to see how yours is attached?

Anyway, if it's the same as mine, there ugly,heavy, draw a heap of current, need to be chassis mounted via a cradle but can be used as either electric, or PTO (or hydraulic PTO if your cleaverer than the average bear) a few people I have seen on this forum run them so you should get some advice on how they run.

Fantastic and simple units, but make sure the unis and shafts are in tip top condition. If they come apart they will do some serious damage under the car

The best part about PTO winches too, is that most (Yours included) come with a hand crank facility, in case the engine isn't running you can still winch it out of that croc infested northern creek...While lying on the bonnet of course!
They can also work underwater, which also reuires you to maintain them a bit after, cleaning out and regreasing, changing oil etc but at least they don't short out!

They also hold a lot more cable than some electric winches.

they're a Good buy.


JC

Thomas winches were the only ones we would fit to a new LR/RR during my time at Leyland Truck and Bus, Brisbane other than the LR capstan winch. If you wanted an electric winch you did it yourself or got your dealer to fit it. They are an absolutely top class unit that will outwork and outlast any other.

As far as I am concerned, real winches only come in two varieties - PTO mechanical and PTO hydrolic. The down side of the Thomas unit is that they have a sheer pin, and are small in size. An alternative is the Bamford, as used by the Australian Army, which has a self re-setting clutch, and is a fair bit bigger (about 50 metres of cable). The Thomas unit is better than the Bamford unit in one respect though, they have a self locking worm. This means that the ratio exceeds about 47:1 (engineers help me here) and no matter how hard you pull on the cable, it will not come out unless you turn the shaft. The Bamford unit will, if you find a really steep hill, (where you can no longer get traction via the wheels) pay out line when you dip the clutch. Their ratio is just a little bit less then the magical figure.
With all this said, the Thomas units are very good, and any winch is better than no winch.
Aaron.

Originally Posted by Aaron IIA

As far as I am concerned, real winches only come in two varieties - PTO mechanical and PTO hydrolic. The down side of the Thomas unit is that they have a sheer pin, and are small in size. An alternative is the Bamford, as used by the Australian Army, which has a self re-setting clutch, and is a fair bit bigger (about 50 metres of cable). The Thomas unit is better than the Bamford unit in one respect though, they have a self locking worm. This means that the ratio exceeds about 47:1 (engineers help me here) and no matter how hard you pull on the cable, it will not come out unless you turn the shaft. The Bamford unit will, if you find a really steep hill, (where you can no longer get traction via the wheels) pay out line when you dip the clutch. Their ratio is just a little bit less then the magical figure.
With all this said, the Thomas units are very good, and any winch is better than no winch.
Aaron.

I Agree. However I sold my PTO winch due to space constraints, I couldn't run the shaft etc without shifting the exhaust system, and the intercooler plumbing etc would have to suffer. I have to settle for an electric one as the Hydraulic option for me is just too expensive.

(The Isuzu in my RR leaves NO room up the LH side of the engine/ gearbox.)

JC

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

Thomas winches were the only ones we would fit to a new LR/RR during my time at Leyland Truck and Bus, Brisbane other than the LR capstan winch. If you wanted an electric winch you did it yourself or got your dealer to fit it. They are an absolutely top class unit that will outwork and outlast any other.

Don't think you can get a better recommendation than that.

Ahhh yes, PTO Winches now they were a winch, pull all day long no having to stop for overheating elec motors or drained batteries and pulled like a train too not like these wimpy elec ones, but on the down side they were big and HEAVY. The only alternative these days was the Hydraulic winch with a Maxi Drive pump fitted to the transfer case instead of using the power steering pump (which then gave you power and speed), but I suppose the pumps are no longer available now.

Originally Posted by justinc

The best part about PTO winches too, is that most (Yours included) come with a hand crank facility, in case the engine isn't running you can still winch it out of that croc infested northern creek...While lying on the bonnet of course!
JC

was wondering what the shaft out the front was for......i just need to make a handle but first i need to get the thing fitted