A used winch can be used for a variety of purposes; they are commonly mounted to the front of off-road vehicles, to the rear of tow trucks, or to trolleys used in industrial settings such as factories or warehouses. Before you invest in a used winch, it is exceptionally important for you to determine how you are likely to use the device on a regular basis. Every winch features a weight capacity that dictates for what purposes it can be used, so you will need to have a good idea of what kind of items you will be hauling or lifting.
Once you know what size and type of used winch you are looking for, you have two basic options: buying from a dealer or buying from a private seller. You will probably end up paying less money for your used winch if you buy from a private seller, but buying from a dealer will give you the peace of mind of knowing the unit has been inspected and damaged parts have been replaced. If such actions have not been taken, the price will usually reflect the winch's condition. You may also be able to work out a return policy or warranty from a dealer, while this will not be possible with a private seller.
If you will be mounting the used winch to a vehicle, it is important to ensure the vehicle will accept the winch on its mounting plate. Your vehicle should be outfitted with a winch bumper, or the frame of the vehicle should be designed to accept a winch. Otherwise, the frame of the vehicle may need to be altered, which can end up weakening the system. Most winches feature a standard mounting surface that will work with most bumpers or frames, though you will still need to do a visual inspection to ensure the winch will work with your vehicle.
A visual inspection and test run of the used winch will be very important as well. The length of the cable should be fed out from the winch drum so you can inspect the entire length for burrs, breaks, or other damage. All connecting points should be inspected for damage or weakness, and the motor should be tested to make sure it runs smoothly and properly. Hand-controlled units should be tested, especially if the hand controller is a radio control. It is a good idea to test the limits of the radio controller to see what kind of range is possible.