I have the 8500 or 9500 lb one. It has been put to use. The main issue with all the low end winches is the motors are not totally sealed. Mine had filled with rain water and got stuck. I spent 30 minutes removing the end cover, used a garden hose to wash it out, drilled a drain hole in the cover. Oiled it and it has worked since. I use it to pull dropped trees and stumps around. I could have spent more but if you get 2 or 3 years out of it throw it away and get another.