But ... you guys have me thinking ...

Is the stock battery in the Honda Rancher 420 enough?

Look into Lithium Ion Batts.Expensive but they seem to be better.

The amperage drawn by the winch will correspond with the amount of stress you put it under. If your pulling stumps out of the ground, you'll torch the battery quickly. Pulling a 500# atv out of a creek will most often be considered "light duty" for a 4500 winch, and the amp draw is something your battery should handle.

You do need to run a good quality AGM battery that is fully charged. Adding a battery tender will insure your always @ 100%, and will add years to your battery life.

There is a lot more to winching then you may think. There are a lot of good tips and tricks you should know about. When you get a chance, research the topic on youtube.

I didn't realize that putting it on a trickle charger would add life to the battery. I've got one I had for my old SeaDoo, I'll start using it. I'm gonna hang tight on the stock battery and see how it works for me. If I have a problem I see 3 good options at batteries+

Thanks for the info

I second the battery making a big difference. I had an Arctic cat Prowler with a 2500 Warren and it never had any problems. It always pulled smooth and got me out of any place I needed it. I had the same wench on a 400 Yamaha ATV and it seemed like it always struggled when I used it and it was half the size and weight of the UTV. The only thing that I can figure made the difference was the bigger battery in the UTV. That or I just had a lemon on the Yamaha.

Where did you get that winch bumper at? I like it! I've been looking for one like that for my rancher with no luck.

Here ya go, clicky linky ...

BTW it's a piece of cake to install

Engine running when winching. I pulled a feller out once that had ran the battery down winching out of a big mud hole because he was winching with the engine off. Truck wouldn't start, winch wouldn't pull. Weak batteries can die quickly under a load.

The gauge or wire used, the quality of wire used, the length of wire used, and how the connections are made have a huge impact on performance also.

Correct Sir, often overlooked but very important.

Thanks!

Here are some more options:
http://www.batterymart.com/?utm_source=Bing&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=battery_mart

Most of the batteries that will fit are 12-15 AH. There is a 36 AH option available, but it's Lithium, and is over $300. Unless you plan on getting stuck a lot, you should be alright with a 15 AH battery. For $300 + You would be better off investing in a more aggressive tire, then you probably won't ever need a winch.

Screw the $349 lithium battery ...

Motobatt looks good ...

Also winches are most efficient on the first wrap so the more cable you get off the drum the stronger they are. Always winch with motor running. Never pull something in PARK, always in neutral with foot on brake. Be very careful if you have to chain rear bumper to a tree to pull something, could warp frame. When doing heavy winching if you cant put your hand on the winch motor because of the heat wait and let it cool off before continuing. Get a block and chain and it doubles your pulling power if hooked back to your bumper and makes angled pulls easier. Spool off some cable and wind it in every few months to lubricate the internals. Good idea to have about 100' of extra cable in the toolbox. Never snatch with a winch. BUY A GOOD BATTERY! Don't own a winch on a PU anymore - Got tired of being a wrecker service. You will pull out more folks than you will pull out yourself guaranteed.

It's taken some time (due to lack of time) but I received all the parts and installed the bumper, winch, and all wiring ... except for one thing ... And I need help here

The thin red wire that's supposed to tap onto the keyed switch ... Where the heck do I splice it and will doing so void my warranty?

Anyone?

Wondering if I need to buy the Honda Accessory Sub Harness

I take mine straight to the battery so the winch is "hot" all the time

I thought about doing that and I may do so for a temporary fix for this weekend. I'd rather have it switched though

Mine is hot all the time as well.