New, updated Warn 8274!

Dave

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NEW FROM WARN

Clackamas, OR (6/8/20) - WARN Industries' most iconic winch—the M8274—is evolving. It maintains all the things buyers love about the product: speed, durability, long rope lengths, and its famous upright configuration. But the winches now have increased performance and improved features ensuring its legendary status for years to come.

Now Available with Spydura® Synthetic or Steel Rope
The M8274 will now get the option of Spydura synthetic or steel rope. Specifically, the M8274-S has 150' of lightweight, easy-to-handle 3/8" Spydura synthetic rope and a polished hawse fairlead. The M8274 has 125' of durable 3/8" steel rope and a roller fairlead.

Increased Capacity, Improved Electronics
Since 1974, this winch has had an 8,000 lb. pulling capacity. With this update, the capacity goes up to 10,000 lbs., courtesy of a new high-output 6 HP motor. This increased capacity is better suited to today's larger, heavier trucks and SUVs. Additionally, Warn switched from solenoid control to an ultra-reliable, efficient IP68 waterproof Albright contactor. The winch will continue to be the fastest offering in the entire WARN lineup (79.1 ft/min at 0 load), and the fastest full-load capacity the company has ever produced (7.7 ft/min at 10,000 lbs).

Improved Durability
While the M8274 already had a tough-as-nails reputation, several improvements were made. Warn revised the high-strength polymer control pack for a modern twist on classic styling. The new stainless-steel clutch handle is more durable, ergonomic, and is easier-to-use than ever before. There are two Oilite® bushings installed on the pinion gear assembly for improved durability in extreme recovery conditions. Finally, a bolt-and-washer assembly replaces the previous retaining ring on the brake shaft.

One thing that will not change is the fact this winch is made in the USA at our factory in Clackamas, Oregon.

These new and improved features will help ensure the M8274 and M8274-S will remain living legends helping people worldwide "GO PREPARED" for whatever adventures lie ahead.

For more information go to warn.com

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Drool worthy!

But don't give up on your old ones. The other wonderful thing about this design is that it's as easy to work on as an old tractor, and has a robust aftermarket. (See the winch competitions in SE Asia and New Zealand where they mount twin motors and pneumatic clutches on these things).

When I burned up the motor on my old one (long story that involves "Lower 2" in the now closed Tellico OHV, a frame broken in four places, and a lot of ratchet straps - but we drove it out), I did a little Googling and found out that it's about a 2-banana job to put the 6hp motor and contactors from a 9.5 XPS on an old 8274. Took me most of a day, but I also did a full rebuild on the winch. If I can do it . . . .

Replacing the snap ring with a bolt is also a big deal to some people. IT would really be a PIA if the snap ring came off. People have been drilling and tapping the shaft for that purpose for a long time.
 
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I have its great-granddaddy sitting in the garage right now. I just built a quick bracket so I could use it to move cars into the garage, but it'll get remounted on a proper truck sometime soonish.
Technically a Pre-Warn Belleview winch. Officially rated at ~6K but the scuttlebutt is that when Warn took over they re-labeled the same design as the 8274 and rated it at 8K.
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From what I was told the Belview is a very different winch than the 8274. While related, the Belview lacks the braking mechanism of the 8274 and both the motor and gear boxes are different. Similar yes, the same, no.
 
From what I was told the Belview is a very different winch than the 8274. While related, the Belview lacks the braking mechanism of the 8274 and both the motor and gear boxes are different. Similar yes, the same, no.

It looks fairly unique too, note the motor up high on the Belleview while the 8274 has the solenoid pack in the same location.
 
I've still got the 8274 off my last FJ-40 sitting in storage (selling that Cruiser is easily one of my biggest regrets). I single line dragged the Cruiser through some serious muck on more than one occasion and pulled out more than one full sized truck with it.
 
It looks fairly unique too, note the motor up high on the Belleview while the 8274 has the solenoid pack in the same location.

The motor is in the same location on both, you just can't see it in the above photos because the solenoid (now contactor) pack is blocking it from view. On mine, the solenoid pack was actually mounted to the motor using hose clamps.

I wouldn't say "very different." While not exactly the same, one definitely evolved from the other. The 8274 has a better brake (but in the same location), a different clutch handle (in the same location), and a more powerful motor (in the same location), but the basic design is just an improved version of the Belleview.
 
Here’s a great article on the history of the Warn Belleview winch that eventually spawned the 8274... in 1974!

LINK
 
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