PTO winches
There is a problem in using PTO driven winches for self recovery that can make them less desireable than electric winches. When you are stuck it is not uncommon to use the tires to help the winch move the vehicle. With a PTO driven winch (mechanical or hydraulic) you can either use the winch all by itself or you can use the tires to assist the winch but you must spin the tires faster than the winch is spooling in which can dig some really good trenches. With an electric you can put just enough pressure on the tires to help without spinning them. A PTO winch is strong but it is not the best choice for self recovery IMHO. I have a PTO winch so this is from personal experience.
Gus
There is a problem in using PTO driven winches for self recovery that can make them less desireable than electric winches. When you are stuck it is not uncommon to use the tires to help the winch move the vehicle. With a PTO driven winch (mechanical or hydraulic) you can either use the winch all by itself or you can use the tires to assist the winch but you must spin the tires faster than the winch is spooling in which can dig some really good trenches. With an electric you can put just enough pressure on the tires to help without spinning them. A PTO winch is strong but it is not the best choice for self recovery IMHO. I have a PTO winch so this is from personal experience.
Gus