I I just got a new bumper, which prompted me to buy a winch. I've never needed one, and didn't want to pay over $500 fora Warn, so just got a cheap "Classic 9,500 lbs electric winch" off eBay. Anyone ever use these? Thoughts?

 

Might be just fine. Might be a hunk of metal. Hard to say unless it has some brand or marking material to know who made it.

There are some well regarded winches out there that don't require you to pay a fortune. Engo, for example, is what I have on my Jeep. Tested out great compared to all brands and I think I paid around $500 with synthetic line.

 

Who makes it? Plenty of people have had decent luck with cheap Smitty, Rugged Ridge, etc winches. Does that have any warranty? Hopefully you don't have any issues with it!

 

I'm not sure who makes it. The selling point for me was the wireless remote along with the wired. It has no markings on it whatsoever, s I guess I'll just have to try it out to see. I've never been in a situation where I needed one, but I figured it would be nice to have just in case.
{Edit}
It looks like a Bulldog winch without markings or brand name. Copy?

 

the good news is most cheap winches are all made in the same place. I have a cheap Chinese made Warn VR10000 and it pulls like crazy. The photo does not show it but this is uphill and the tires are 34". Snow was heavy and wet and it would pull hard enough to stall then pull some more.

 

What does that big yellow sticker on the left say?

Can you take a closer pic?

 

I searched on ebay and found this under "classic" 9500 winch It was $255. Is this what you got?
It looks like a Tuff Stuff Winch without the decals. I don't know anything about winches but maybe someone with knowledge can see the specs and give you a better answer.


Capacity of 9,500( single line rated pull )
Efficient Three-stage Planetary Gear Train helps to offer powerful horsepower
4-Way Roller Fairlead to guide the rope onto the drum evenly
Free spooling clutch allows the wire rope to be pulled out without using electric power
Corded remote controller with power in and power out functions
Free Cordless Remote controller
Automatic braking in the drum will lock the wire rope and stop pulling when you release button on the switch.
Note:
To ensure that you choose a winch with enough power for your truck or SUV, use this easy formula: gross vehicle weight x 1.5 = minimum winch size.



Single line rated pull 9500LBS
Single line rated pull 9500LBS
Motor 4.0kw
Control Cable switch:12ft
Remote switch:98ft
Gear train 3 Stage Planetary
Gear reduction ratio 235:1
Clutch Sliding Ring Gear
Braking Action Automatic In-The-Drum
Cable 85ft of 0.32" diameter
Fairlead 4-Way Roller Fairlead
Finish Black/Dark gray
Overall Dimensions
(L x W x H) 21.3"x6.3"x8.6"
Mounting Bolt Pattern(L x W) (254X114.3mm)
Weight 83.7lbs
Performance 12 VDC
Package included:
1* Electric winch
1* Instruciton manual
1* Wireless Remote

 

Hope your winch works out. $255, it's either a great deal or great bumper decoration.
Some guys swear by their Chinese winches, but I'd rather pay now than pay later.