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Looking for opinions about driving the LU-4: PTO vs. hydraulic vs. electric.

What is the most reliable, least maintenance mate for my LU-4? Feel free to assume the rest of my truck, including the LU-4 is mechanically perfect . I'm thinking that the electric is NOT the way to go simply because of the current draw.

PTO is definately the cheapest, most reliable way to go. It's the way it was designed to operate and works very well. Electric, as you suggest, is not favorable due to the current draw. Hydraulic would require the addition of a hydraulic pump, control valves, and associated plumbing in addition to the mechanical connection to the winch. This would entail a fair chunk of labor and expense and, since the most likely source of power for the pump would be the existing PTO, why bother with the conversion?

Lifer is offering good common sense in his suggestion. A simple PTO & drive shaft set up can't be beat for economy, great operation, & clutter under your truck. I'd never consider hydraulic unless the truck already had a hefty system in place for other accessories & electric for driving an LU4 is rediculous.