Planetary or Worm Gear Winch?

[Njsss]

Preferance for a wrecker

[Orcas Tow]

Planetary = fast line speed, worm = slow line speed but fabled stronger than planetary. Ive had both & now all my hydraulic trucks are planetary. I cant say that I have ever had to leave anything behind with a planetary, Ive had to use snatch blocks now & then but I prefer planetary, nothing like waiting on a slooooow worm gear winch to wind in 100' of wire rope working on a busy roadway.

[GRUMPS The Towman]

I agree with Orcas, The slight loss in pulling power ( barely noticeable ) is worth the faster line speed and smoother operation.

[KY Nick]

Worm all the way.  Worm are much easier to maintain and much easier to repair if needed. I prefer the slow steady pull of a worm winch vs planetary.  

We have both, as it is harder to spec worm winches nowadays.   I prefer to use my Garwood, Braden, and Tulsa, if I get to choose.  They sound cooler when operating......