Braden Winch, Hydraulic winch system

[Glen B]

Hi Folks.

Has anyone got any history with the “Braden” winch system?
I’m looking for a hydraulic 8-12000lbs winch and there’s one listed locally on craigslist that I had a look at this weekend. But she’s in weathered shape with no motion on the free spool lever. Minor adjustment I’m sure.
But what I want to know, are these things any good? Do they have any major weak points that should be minded? It all looks simple enough, and heavily constructed.
The internet hasn’t turned up a huge amount of info on these 1950 – 1970 style winches. This one as far as I can tell is a LU8-10 model.

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Glen

[Doc Tari]

Glen,
This kind of old winch is usually bomb-proof, just be sure the basics are all good and nothing is broken. However, why a hydraulic one as opposed to a PTO-driven version? Hydraulics are nice but more complex and you need to mount the pump and an oil reservoir. PTO's are super simple and your LT230 is made to accept the PTO drive. That arrangement will also allow you to have 5 forward and 1 reverse speed for the winch. The trick is to find a PTO for your transfer box, then any of those old winches can be used.

Pete

[ANDYD]

Hi Glen,

Normally these companies that have been around for a while are pretty proud of there older stuff. Maybe send a email asking for more info or even an old manual (in PDF).

http://www.bradenwinch.com/contact/contact.aspx

But like Pete says, a PTO would probably be a better option.

Andy

[Glen B]

Hi Pete,

Thanks for your input.

Yeah the Mechanical PTO could be a bit easier to install on a Defender from the drive shafts routing and such, but on a Discovery I can see it being a headache on a LHD. The steering box is in the way.

This arrived on Greyhound today:

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It gives me the chance to run a wood chipper and other choice farm tools when the chance arises.
Plus I get 5 forward and 5 reverse speeds. But that depends a lot on attachments and flow rates of the pumps. Now I need to see where a little Hydro fluid can is going to go..

This Hydraulic PTO has a Superwinch that could be a part of the deal:

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but the power pump is on the wrong darn side (set up for a 130 RHD) and pushes it to far forward on the Disco above the bumper line.

Lots of juggling to do to make it fit right. Does your PTO drive shaft not get into trouble coming over the top of the front diff and steering parts on the left side?
I should take another look to see how you did yours.


Glen

[Glen B]

Hi Andy,

thanks for the link I kept getting dragged there and didn't see anything on the surface, but their support link is a choice find.
cheers

Have you had a look at your rad since going through that last mud bath last weekend? I had clay set hard about a third the way up both the rad and inter cooler. Wondered why I wasn't getting as much go outa the old gal

Glen

[kRiS]

Hey Glen,

when you do get hold of them you should see if they have a 300 TDI
fan.


K

[Glen B]

Thanks K,

Yes I am patiently waiting for the shipment to arrive. There are 2 fans expected. The best one has your name on it already :oops:

G

[Doc Tari]

No problems at all. It's a tight fit but it works with no interference with the steering or axle flex.

[ANDYD]

Hi Glen,

Thanks for the tip, I will check out the rad tomorrow.

I did have to straighten my forward steering arm, it was bent all the way back to the diff housing :shock: No wonder the steering felt "different" on the way home!