When companies like Warn Industries decide to re-invent the wheel-or, in this case, the automotive air compressor-they are first required to perform tons of market research, and conduct feasibility studies before ever assembling a prototype. This methodical approach to product planning typically pays off in the end. We all know success begins with a solid plan. Building on an already legendary product base, Warn focus groups came up with the idea of adding an electrical compressor to their arsenal of winches, lights, and drivetrain products. It only seemed logical to integrate one right into a winch platform. After all, a winch motor is plenty capable of powering a compressor.
Just as the introduction of the new PowerPlant popped up on our travel calendar last September, three years' worth of hard teamwork paid off for a very talented group of individuals at Warn. The first-ever combination stump puller/pneumatic power source further bolsters Warn's undisputed reputation for quality and performance in our marketplace.
We took a trip up to Clackamas, Oregon, to get some hands-on time with the new PowerPlant multitool. What we discovered was rare; the product is both an innovative concept and brilliant in execution. The new PowerPlant is everything we expected and more. It is available in two different models; the 9,500-pound high-performance (HP) version, designed for those of us who want a faster line speed, and the 12,000-pound heavy-duty (HD) version for longer duty cycles. Both units are simple to use and come complete with fittings and 25-foot coiled air hose. We plan to install a PowerPlant 12000HD on our project Mega Titan as soon as we can get our hands on one.
One of the more obvious questions we asked about the PowerPlant's design had to do with engine cooling and airflow restriction. We wondered if this new winch would cause Jeeps with relatively small radiators to overheat when mounted on top of a bumper. Warn assured us that this consideration was taken into account during the design phase. They claimed the outer shell had undergone aerodynamics testing to ensure adequate airflow to a variety of vehicle cooling systems. We were told the PowerPlant is no more restrictive than the popular Warn 8274 upright winch. In this photo, you'll notice 20 flow-through cooling vents (green arrow) that allow ample airflow to the new JK Wrangler grille.
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We had Warn remove the protective outer shell of a PowerPlant so we could showcase exactly
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When called upon as a winch, the PowerPlant offers a three-stage planetary geartrain; a Ge
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A corded remote control serves as winch cable in/out controller, as well as a compressor o
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Warn even had a demonstration set up for us where a PowerPlant multitool was used to power
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In air compressor mode, the PowerPlant is a robust, integrated system that performs well b