Albert Vandervelde
Mile Marker Makes Their Mark
Just as the winch is powered from the power steering pump, each winch comes with a vehicle-specific install kit, to be ordered together. The install is very simple and takes about an hour – not much different than the installing of an electric winch – this just using hoses rather than power cables.photos & story Albert Vandervelde
When it comes to hydraulic winches, the name Mile Marker is probably the first that comes to mind. Back when speed was still an issue with many winches, we were able to prove it wasn't for us, with the endless pulling power of the 9000 we installed on our first CJ project build.
Since the CJ project build, the H & HI series from Mile Marker have added additional features. For the most part, they are easier to read and use engagement handles, with clearly marked with high and low positions. As each Mile Marker operates in two speeds, the line speed in high range rivals that of most top-end electric winches, while with low speed you get a steady, unchanging pull (we achieved a full 9000 lbs for our tester winch at the drum).
Unlike fast electric winches, (or any electric winches that tend to run on, even when the controller is released) when you let go of the Mile Marker controller, the line stops dead in its tracks. Hit the trigger, and off it goes. Simple as that. The hardest thing to get used to from this winch? Its complete lack of sound.
Just as the winch is powered from the power steering pump, each winch comes with a vehicle-specific install kit, to be ordered together. The install is very simple and takes about an hour – not much different than the installing of an electric winch – this just using hoses rather than power cables. The Mile Marker Hydraulic fits in most aftermarket bumpers that are designed for other winch applications.
One bonus to this series is that it has nearly no electrics - the winches are designed for complete submersion and will operate with the same hydraulic efficiency while buried in mud, or while dragging up a rock face. One drawback for some is the fact that the engine must be running to winch. Most electrics will only run a short time with no alternator topping up the battery before they generate much unwanted heat. This requires one to stop occasionally and allow the winch to cool down. For the hydraulic winch this is not a problem: you can winch all you want.
I can honestly say that in all my experiences with a Mile Marker I have had no failures. The winches have worked silently and steadily for years. If this sounds like the right winch for you, contact Mile Marker for the dealer nearest you.
9000 specs:
3.5 GPM @ 1500 PSI
Layer of Cable
1
2
3
4
Line speed-low gear (FPM)
6.16
7.48
8.8
10.5
Rated pull (lbs.)
9,000
7,300
6,200
5,400
Line speed-high gear (FPM)
33.6
38.4
48
57
Rated pull (lbs.)
1,500
1,200
1,000
900
Mile Marker Recovery Gear
2121 Blount Road
Pompano Beach, FL 33069 U.S.A
1-954-782-0604
www.milemarker.com
For the full story and install photos see Volume 13 Issue 6