Ironman 4x4 Monster winch: 12-month update

A quality winch is the cheapest form of insurance you can have on a four-wheel drive.

If you need it just once, it has basically paid for itself. In saying that, there’s not much point having a poorly serviced winch, or a cheap unit that can’t do the job it’s intended to do in the heat of the moment.

We chose to install an Ironman 4x4 12,000lb Monster winch with synthetic cable to the front of the 4X4 Australia D-MAX, and after a year of service it has been a solid performer.

We opted for synthetic rope as it is lighter than steel cable, with this winch weighing in at 29kg. You can also select a 9500lb version if you own a lighter vehicle, with either steel cable or synthetic rope available.

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The thing I like most about the Ironman 4x4 winch is how easy it is to free-spool rope off the drum when walking towards an anchor point. Some winches I’ve used in the past have been damn near impossible to free-spool, requiring you to engage the winch and reverse it out.

This adds additional unwanted heat to the winch, as well as eating in to your battery voltage. A winch that is easy to free-spool is a good winch in my eyes, as I’m not a big lad.

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The clutch engagement mechanism is also simple and easy to use, and it was installed just where we wanted for easy access on the Ironman 4x4 Commercial Deluxe bar we had installed on the D-MAX.

Another trick feature is the breather system found on the motor of the winch. This helps no end in keeping water out of the winch’s vital components when driving through river crossings. It’s made up of a length of hose that runs up to the highest point of the engine bay, with a unique filter fitted to the top to stop dust and water ingress in serious conditions. It’s a great feature to see fitted from the factory, and it will assist with overall longevity.

The remote supplied with the winch is also a winner, being able to operate it wirelessly or wired. To use it wirelessly, a small dongle needs to be pushed on to the control box; if you’d prefer to use a cable, just plug one end of the supplied cable in here and the other to the remote.

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The remote even has an LED light built in to the handpiece, which comes in handy during night drives. A cable damper is included in the kit too, which we’ve stored in the D-MAX since the day it was installed – safety first when it comes to winching.

All that we have done to keep it working well so far is to use it at least once a month, ensuring internal components are being regularly greased. A good practice to get in to for anyone that has a winch fitted to their vehicle.

We also ensure the synthetic rope is washed after it has been used in mud. If you look after your gear, it will look after you.

AVAILABLE FROM: www.ironman4x4.com
RRP: $1223 (sans installation)