I-Max 12,000lb Winch compared to the Tigerz11 12,000lb winch?

[rob_macca67 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close rob_macca67]

I see that Tigerz11 are having a 20% off everything sale, so I thought it was time to look at winches. I was looking at the Grande 12,000lb winch with the synthetic rope for $639. I looked at the specs which are:

• Rated Line Pull 12000LB (5443kgs) single line
• Motor 6.6hp/4.8kw(12V) 4.0hp/3.0kw(24V) Series Wound
• Control Remote switch, 12ft(3.7m)lead
• Gear train 3 Stage Planetary
• Gear train ratio 187.2:1
• Clutch Key Cam
• Braking Action Two way braking action
• Weight NW 30KGS

12000LB LINE SPEED AND AMP DRAW (FIRST LAYER) 12V

Line Pull	lbs	0	4000	6000	8000	10000	12000
kg	0	1810	2720	3630	4540	5440
Line Speed	ft/min	33.3	16.8	12.8	10.1	8.8	7.6
m/min	10.3	5.1	3.9	3.1	2.7	2.3
Motor	Amps	85	158	231	302	371	450

Then theres the "I-MAX" 12,000lb winch that can be found on eBay: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-12000...item3cc420b38a for $379 + $20 P&H

The specs for this one are:

• Rated Line Pull 12000LB (5443kgs) single line
• Motor 6.0HP/4.5KW, series wound -- (Slightly smaller than Tigerz11 but not by much)
• Control Remote switch,
• Gear train 3 Stage Planetary
• Gear train ratio 265:1
• Clutch ??
• Braking Action Automatic load-holding brake -- (Not sure which braking system is better between the 2)
• Weight NW 28KGS

Line pull	Lbs	0	2000	4000	6000	8000	10000	12000
Kgs	0	909	1818	2727	3636	4545	5454
Line Speed	ft./min	21.3	11.5	9.4	7.9	6.5	5.8	4.4
m/min	6.5	3.5	2.85	2.4	2.0	1.75	1.35
Motor Current	Amps	65	126	175	230	280	355	390

The 2 units are very close in specs with the Tigerz11 having a slightly bigger motor but the Gearing is not as good as the I-max. The I-max draws less current due to it being slower. The Braking systems are different and I don't know which is better between the 2 -- Can anyone tell me the difference??

I'm leaning more towards the I-max (I know the Tigerz11 has a better warranty period) but for what we would really use it for I reckon it would meet our needs (if checked/serviced) regularly. I'm not interested in the high price brands as I can't justify the extra $$ ATM.
From what I've researched on the web, it gets a fairly good rap. There's not too much negative comments about them and if u look hard enough, u will find negative comments about both the I-max and the Tigerz11.

Looking for people's experience / comments on these 2 model winches....

cheers....
rob

[derek11 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close derek11]

Hi Rob, A mate has got the Tigerz11 12000 winch and it worked well at the cape this year, personally i'd go for that because of the faster speed, i've got a Runva 9500 winch with a ratio of 166 : 1 and the faster speed help to get you out of the bog quicker, some of the winching at Palm Creek took forever because of their slow speeds.

Cheers Derek

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

I've got the 12,000lb TigerZ11, I thought it was more like 23kg when I got mine but it might not be the same model as the current one.

The remote control with mine is great, means getting a safe distance from the recovery is easy, also means easier to get in a good spot to view any potential problems during the recovery.

The Plasma rope is definately the way to go, easy on the hands and much lighter.

Ive done a few over teh number plate water crossings since fitting it and no issues there, If I went to the cape again I would probably look at how to improve the seals. Having said that a recent thread on hear talked about a Warn that filled with water and died due to inncorrect fitment, so it can happen to the best of them.

A faster pull is always good, especially if you go double line which halves the speed again.

Can'tr comment on the other brand as I have not had anything to do with it.

Cheers Andrew

[rob_macca67 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close rob_macca67]

Yeah, I noticed the line speed of the Tigerz11 3ft/min faster than the i_max when pulling at 12k lbs but the current is a lot more as well.
One might pull quicker but will require a rest period where as the other might be able to continue pulling w/o a rest period.... so its a much of a muchness so to speak..... All depends on the type of recovery req'd.

$239 difference though....

[rob_macca67 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close rob_macca67]

Andrew.... Have u ever pulled yours out and serviced it?

Just curious as to how water tight the Tigerz11 is and what sort of grease is used??

I've got the 12,000lb TigerZ11, I thought it was more like 23kg when I got mine but it might not be the same model as the current one.

The remote control with mine is great, means getting a safe distance from the recovery is easy, also means easier to get in a good spot to view any potential problems during the recovery.

The Plasma rope is definately the way to go, easy on the hands and much lighter.

Ive done a few over teh number plate water crossings since fitting it and no issues there, If I went to the cape again I would probably look at how to improve the seals. Having said that a recent thread on hear talked about a Warn that filled with water and died due to inncorrect fitment, so it can happen to the best of them.

A faster pull is always good, especially if you go double line which halves the speed again.

Can'tr comment on the other brand as I have not had anything to do with it.

Cheers Andrew

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Andrew.... Have u ever pulled yours out and serviced it?

Just curious as to how water tight the Tigerz11 is and what sort of grease is used??

I pulled it apart before installation, seals were only average and I have been slack (too busy) to service it yet, it is still working fine after a few moderate water crossings. If I was going to the Cape again I would look at adding positive pressure from the air compressor as a simple way of keeping it dry.

Cheers Andrew