BADLAND APEX Series

5500 lb. UTV Short-Drum Winch

The BADLAND APEX 5500 lb. UTV Short-Drum Winch is purpose-built for the tight confines of sport UTVs. It packs 5500 lbs. of pulling power and a durable synthetic rope into a compact package, giving you the confident recovery capability to conquer any trail obstacle or loading task.
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Engineered for Power and Durability

Every component of the BADLAND APEX 5500 is built for dependable service. From the series wound motor and hardened steel gears to the corrosion-resistant synthetic rope and IP68-rated housing, these features work together to deliver powerful, quiet, and long-lasting performance on the job or on the trail.
Tackle Tough Terrain

Confident Recovery for Your UTV

Fits Tight Sport UTV Spaces

The short-drum design fits perfectly in the tight mounting areas of sport UTVs, allowing you to equip powerful recovery capabilities without sacrificing space. Its compact form factor is engineered for a seamless installation on your specific vehicle.

Powerful 5500 lb. Pulling Capacity

With a robust 5500 lb. capacity, this winch provides the pulling power needed to recover from deep mud, pull heavy loads, or navigate obstacles on the trail. It delivers the strength to handle demanding recovery tasks with ease.

Safer, Lighter Synthetic Rope

The high-strength synthetic rope offers a safer, lighter alternative to steel cable. It resists corrosion, doesn’t store kinetic energy under tension, and is more forgiving, making rigging and daily operation more manageable and secure.

Built for Your Demanding Tasks

This winch is built for the UTV owner who demands reliable recovery power in a compact form. Whether you’re navigating challenging off-road trails, loading equipment onto a trailer, or working on a job site, the APEX 5500 provides the dependable pulling force you need.

Sport UTV Trail Recovery

Perfect for sport UTVs that regularly tackle deep mud, steep inclines, or rocky trails where getting stuck is a real possibility. The 5500 lb. capacity provides a safety net to recover your vehicle and continue your adventure.

Equipment Loading onto Trailers

Efficiently loads ATVs, UTVs, mowers, or other equipment onto trailers and tilt beds. The synthetic rope and controlled line speed make the loading process safer and more precise, especially when working alone.

Job Site Material Handling

For contractors and landscapers who use their UTV as a work vehicle. It can pull stumps, drag logs, or help position heavy materials on a job site, adding versatile pulling power to your daily operations.

Farm and Ranch Utility Work

Handles the daily rigors of farm or ranch work, from pulling fence posts to moving hay bales. The winch’s dependable power and corrosion resistance make it a valuable tool for property maintenance and livestock management.

Winter Snow and Ditch Recovery

Assists in pulling vehicles from ditches or snowbanks during winter emergencies. The compact design allows it to be mounted on utility vehicles used for snow removal or property patrol, providing critical recovery capacity.

Recreational Trail Riding Assurance

Supports recreational trail riding by offering the assurance to explore more challenging terrain. Whether you’re rock crawling or crossing streams, the winch gives you the means to self-recover and keep the group moving.
Straightforward Setup

Install and Operate Your Winch

BADLAND APEX 5500 UTV winch being mounted to a winch plate with stainless steel hardware.

Mount to a Winch Plate

Secure the winch to a compatible winch plate and mount it within your UTV’s designated winch housing area. Use the included stainless steel hardware to ensure a firm attachment, which is critical for safe and effective operation under load.
BADLAND APEX 5500 UTV winch power cables connected to a battery and a dash switch mounted.

Wire to Battery and Dash Switch

Route the heavy-gauge power cables directly to your vehicle’s battery, ensuring solid, clean connections for maximum current flow. Mount the wired remote’s dash switch in an accessible location for clear line-of-sight during winching operations.
BADLAND APEX 5500 UTV winch rope rigged with the premium hook attached for recovery.

Rig the Rope and Begin Recovery

Engage the free spool clutch to manually pull out the rope to your anchor point. Attach the premium forged hook securely, then switch to power-in mode to remove slack before performing your pull. Always maintain clear line-of-sight.
Proven on the Job

What Users Are Saying

OffRoadGator

This winch was a great fit for my Deere Gator 625i XUV. The kit came with everything needed for install except a winch plate. Instructions were sparse, but the illustrations were sufficient. Very good quality wiring and mounting included. It’s powerful and has handled everything I’ve needed so far.

TrailerBoss

I use one of these daily at work for loading lifts onto a tilt trailer. Handles everything we throw at it. Dig the synthetic rope over the old school cable. It’s more forgiving when my coworkers don’t wind them winch back up correctly. 4 years and still going strong. Would buy again.

UTVRecovery

I love everything about this winch. Love the rope, the strength, and the durability of it. I set it up on my car trailer and should have done it years ago. I had been getting the steel cable but most people don’t know what they are doing and would ball up the cable. This synthetic is so much better.

ValueHunter

Looks quality, performs great, worth every penny. It’s my second one I’ve purchased; really liked the first one and when I needed another one I didn’t hesitate to buy the second unit. Great price and above all customer service. A+ for the entire experience from purchase to performance.
Common Questions

Your Questions About the APEX 5500 Winch

Get straight answers to common questions about installing and using this winch. We cover everything from what’s included in the box to its ruggedness on the trail, helping you make an informed decision for your UTV recovery needs.
The winch comes with all necessary mounting hardware, the hawse fairlead, the premium hook, and the wired remote control with dash switch. You will need a winch plate for your specific UTV model, which is sold separately, to ensure a proper and secure installation.
This winch is specifically designed for sport UTVs. Its short drum allows it to fit into the compact winch mounting areas common on these vehicles. Users have successfully installed it on models like the Deere Gator 625i and similar side-by-sides.
The winch holds an IP68/69K rating, meaning it is fully dustproof and waterproof. It can withstand high-pressure water jets (up to 1450 PSI), so it is built to handle complete submersion during water crossings and rigorous cleaning without damage.
The permanent magnet motor is designed to optimize power delivery while minimizing excess heat, which contributes to maintaining fast line speeds. Combined with the 201:1 gear ratio, it provides efficient and reliable pulling power when you need it most.
The high-strength synthetic rope is more forgiving than steel cable. If it becomes kinked or improperly wound, it is less likely to ball up catastrophically. It’s also safer to handle and lighter, making it easier for a single person to manage during rigging and operation.
The hardened-machined steel planetary gears are designed for fast, quiet, and reliable pulling under load. This geartrain, paired with the automatic brake, provides controlled and dependable operation whether you’re recovering a stuck vehicle or pulling a load onto a trailer.
Complete Your Setup

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