Posted by Charlie on September 03, 1999 at 02:05:15:
In Reply to: More winch questions posted by M37 Newbie on September 02, 1999 at 23:49:39:
It probably can be converted, because Braden has been ultra conservative in making design changes. Many parts between my new AHSU3s (hydraulics, new in last 3 years) and MU2s on 48 Power Wagons and 42-45 WCs are interchangeable. The M37 LU4 probably has a current hydraulic equivalent and if it does then the adapter for the hydraulic motor is available. But that would then require installation of a pump, probably divorced and frame mounted, driven by a shortened pto driveshaft. Then a reservoir would be needed for hydraulic oil, plumbing, a spool valve also. There are certain advantages in that relatively safe single operator usage is possible while watching the cable; not possible with a pto winch unless you have a kill switch for the motor in your hand, preferably a deadman type. But it seems rather involved and expensive to convert a current pto installation. All my hydraulic jobs have been "de novo". On my Ford F350 crewcab, all 22' and 9-12,000 lbs of it, hydraulics have the definite appeal of easy installation of a relatively powerful rear winch.
Charlie