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X595 Warn winch install

14461 Views 35 Replies 25 Participants Last post by  AOW162435
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I'm new to the forum, so I thought I'd start off with a thread showing a project I just completed...

I just finished installing a Warn xt25 2,500 lb winch on my '03 x595. Since I've occasionally come across threads asking about winch installs, I thought I'd share my project for others who may be interested in something similar.

The reason for the install is that we have a hilly property, and I'm always reaching for the come-a-long, etc. to pull out a bush, lift something, etc. This should do the trick.

The pics should be self-explanatory, but I'll add a few notes here:

- The xt25 is rated for 2,500 lbs as purchased. It comes with all wiring, an ATV handlebar switch, a universal mounting plate, 50 ft of synthetic line, and just about any piece of hardware you could need for a basic install. While researching these winches, I stumbled across an interesting tidbit of info regarding the pulling capacity differences between this winch, and the xt30 (3,000 lbs). The only difference, as verified by Warn, is that the xt30 winch comes with 6 AWG wire, rather than 8 AWG wire (xt25). So I purchased a length of 6 AWG Flex-A-Prene welding cable and created my own power cables using heavy copper ends, a hydraulic crimper, and shrink tubing.

- The plate that comes with the winch could easily be welded to a 1-1/4" receiver hitch insert and attached to the tractor as needed. I opted to create my own mount (powdercoated) and bolted it solidly to existing holes in the x595's front frame.

- The waterproof Warn handlebar switch is a nice item. I decided to modify the housing a bit and securely mount it within the cubby in the right fender. It fits great, is protected, and cannot be accidentally engaged.

- Speaking of the switch, it requires a +12v signal to operate. By mounting the switch in the cubby, I had a ready 12v source nearby - the on/off switch for the 12v outlet. I opted to make the Warn switch hot only after the 12v outlet switch is flipped first. I may add another switch or a handheld remote down the road, but for now this works great.

Enjoy the pics:






















Andreas
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Welcome to MyTractorForum. Nice job on the winch. Looks like your mount covers the reciever so my guess is you have more need for the winch than a front reciever. May I ask where you got the winch?
Looks great with a nice and clean install. That synthetic line is nice stuff. :fing32:
Well done! And great spread on the winch install -- very informative. :fing32:

Welcome to MTF!
Looks great with a nice and clean install. That synthetic line is nice stuff. :fing32:
I agree, looks like a 595 on steroids!
Welcome to MyTractorForum. Nice job on the winch. Looks like your mount covers the reciever so my guess is you have more need for the winch than a front reciever. May I ask where you got the winch?
I purchased the winch brand new on EBay for $300, shipped. Best price I could find.

My initial thought was to weld the mounting plate to a 1-1/4" receiver insert. But that would have placed the winch out in front of the frame head. Then I thought about removing the receiver tube and tucking the winch within the frame opening (it would fit).

In the end, I chose this route as the winch is easily removable should I need to use the receiver, and I left the structure of the tractor as it was.


Andreas
Nice install! How long would it take to change it out to put a front plow on it for snow duty? :fing32:
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Welcome to the forum! That is a really nice article you posted.

The pics should be self-explanatory, but I'll add a few notes here:

So I purchased a length of 6 AWG Flex-A-Prene welding cable and created my own power cables using heavy copper ends, a hydraulic crimper, and shrink tubing.

The waterproof Warn handlebar switch is a nice item. I decided to modify the housing a bit and securely mount it within the cubby in the right fender. It fits great, is protected, and cannot be accidentally engaged.










I noticed two bolt holes in a couple of tabs that you have welded on to the underside of the bracket. Do you use one long bolt to make this connection or two short ones?

This is a great install, it's clean, neat and functional. I will keep this one for future use. I have a whole wood lot down over the hill. This is great way to retrieve the logs.

Jerry
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I noticed two bolt holes in a couple of tabs that you have welded on to the underside of the brqcket. Do you use one long bolt to make this connection or two short ones?

This is a great install, it's clean, neat and functional. I will keep this one for future use. I have a whole wood lot down over the hill. This is great way to retrieve the logs.
Jerry,
I used 3/16", 2"x3" angle to construct the mount (and the standard Warn plate). The two tabs you refer to nest over the receiver tube and are then fastened with one through bolt. The two front bolts use existing holes in the x595 frame.

I thought about creating a square opening to allow use of a shackle insert for the receiver. Once my bracket was back from powdercoating...


Andreas
Welcome and great job! :thanku: for the pics!
I thought about creating a square opening to allow use of a shackle insert for the receiver. Once my bracket was back from powdercoating...
Andreas

Thank you very much for the prompt answer. You just cannot have it do everything! You will just have to wait for the next version. I believe you could have had it though by nesting the reciever hitch into the tube and then securing the bolt.

Jerry
Great idea, and what a slick way to add it without alterations to the tractor. Good job!!
Great Job. We put a small winch like this on a lifted golf cart one time that looked similar to this. But wow, powder coat ! I have a X495 this would work on. Going to save this for sure.
:MTF_wel::howdy:

Nicely fabricated! :thThumbsU
Nice job on the install and welcome to the forum. :trink39:
:MTF_wel2: and a very nice setup. slkpk
Good looking weld! Thatis not your first bead.:thThumbsU
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Comes in handy when you need it...

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Good looking weld! Thatis not your first bead.:thThumbsU
Thank you. I've done a ton of welding over the last 5 years - really wish I started earlier...

Comes in handy when you need it...
Now that's a winch! Holy Cow.


Andreas
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