Winch Mount Plate
A winch is defined as a mechanical device that facilitates the act of lifting, pulling, or moving. Winches are typically attached to tractors, and are also used on Jeeps and work vehicles. When used on Jeeps, winch mount plates are attached to the front of the Jeep near the hood and usually include parts that make it easy to attach ropes, bungees, and other devices that give the vehicle extra leverage. If you're interested in purchasing a winch mount plate, then you may want to consider the following information about how they are used, how much they cost, how they are installed, and other facts pertaining to this useful pulling equipment.
What Are Winch Mount Plates Used for
Winch mount plates are used to mount winches for heavy vehicular lifting or pulling, and are an integral piece of equipment in the construction, off-road riding, and lumber industries. Depending on the weight limit of the Winch Mount plate, it can be used for a variety of reasons, including pulling wood and building materials, towing other vehicles from spots they are stuck in, and possibly transporting the vehicle that the winch mount is attached to. If you have the need to utilize your Jeep for heavy lifting and pulling, then a winch mount plate is an absolutely necessary additional component for your vehicle.
How Much Do Winch Mount Plates Cost?
The cost of winch mount plates depends on the size, weight carrying abilities, brand, manufacturer, model, supplier, and the vehicle that the winch is intended to be attached to. The average cost ranges from $200-$500, with winches that are designed for older vehicles being the cheapest. It is important to note that many winch mount plates do not include the winch itself, so the additional cost of this part should be factored into the total calculation of expense. Purchasing a winch mount from the original manufacturer will almost always be more expensive than purchasing one from a third-party source, so it therefore may be in your best interest to search online for the best prices on winch mount plates.
Types of Winch Mount Plates
Winch mount plates come in a variety of types, sizes, colors, and brands. The most popular type of winch mount plates are those that are used to mount a winch on a Jeep or other off-road vehicle. Another commonly used type of winch mount plates are those that are attached to cranes and other construction vehicles such as tractors, which facilitate the process of moving items used to construct buildings. When choosing a winch mount plate is imperative to ensure that the size and weight lifting abilities match your requirements as a vehicle owner. The average weight lifting capability of a winch mount plate that attaches to a Jeep is about 12,000 pounds. If you're planning on using the winch mount plate on a vehicle that will be undertaking a specific task, it is important to have an accurate estimate of the weight of the object you will be lifting, in order to purchase the appropriate plate for your vehicle.
How Winch Mount Plates Are Installed
The installation of winch mount plates can be handled by the owner of the vehicle, or it can be outsourced to a more experienced mechanic. Some shops that sell winch mount plates will offer free or discounted installation as an effort to solicit new customers, and to satisfy their current customer base. If you're going to be installing the winch mount plate yourself, it is extremely important to thoroughly review the documentation and assembly instructions included with the part. Winch mount plate installations require a handy tool set that should include basic tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers. The installation may require two individuals, as the plate may be too heavy and/or bulky for single person to maneuver and install easily.