Badland Apex 12000 User Manual

Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions

Save This Manual Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly,

operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number in the
back of the manual near the assembly diagram (or month and year of purchase if product has no number).
Keep this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference. 19e

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65,"7%&'(%$*4.8"4,7%#'//&($%,$-%/(&9'4$#'//&($:.,(+&(2(*"3.$14&5

When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact

and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken,

please call 1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible.

Copyright© 2019 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved.

No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in

any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.

Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing

improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.

Too l s r e q ui r e d f o r a s s em b l y a n d s e rv i c e m a y n o t b e i n c lu d e d.

Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.

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Specifications ............................................................2

Safety ........................................................................3

Setup .........................................................................6

Operation ..................................................................13

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Rated Single
Line Pull

Application

Motor 12 VDC Series Wound
Power IN &

Power OUT

Duty Cycle Rating

Remote Control Wireless / Wired, 12 ft (3.7 m) long
Gear Train 3-Stage Planetary
Gear Ratio 210:1
Freespool Rotating Ring Gear
Brake Automatic Load Holding
Drum (Dia. X L) 2.5" x 8.8" (64 mm x 224 mm)

Clevis Hook

12,000 lb (5443 kg)

Vehicle Recovery /
For Trucks and SUV’s

Yes

5% (45 sec at Max Rated Load;
14 min, 15 sec Rest)

3/8", Replaceable with
Spring-loaded Safety Latch

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12000 lb (5443 kg) 16.3' (5 m)

Maintenance .............................................................14

Parts List and Diagram .............................................18

Warranty ...................................................................20

Fairlead Aluminum Fairlead
Sound Rating 85 dB
Synthetic Rope

Size / Type

Battery 12 VDC Minimum 650 CCA

Battery Cables Minimum 2 AWG x 6'
Mounting Bolt

Pattern

Mounting
Hardware

Overall Dimensions
(L x D x H)

Shipping Weight 80 lb (36.2 kg)
IP Rating IP68 / IP69K

Ø0.375" x 80' (Ø 9.5 mm x 24.4 m)

10" x 4.5" (254 mm x 114.3 mm)

H"84.-

8 x Gr8.8, M10 x 30 mm

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2 x Gr8.8, M12 x 40 mm

23.2" x 6.67" x 9.96"

(590 mm x 169.5 mm x 253 mm)

M

N

O

9517 lb (4317 kg) 37' (11 m)

7885 lb (3577 kg) 60' (18.3 m)

6732 lb (3053 kg) 80' (24.4 m)

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0 (0) 31.5 (9.6) 60

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Page 2 ;&(%$*4.8"4,7%<'*#$"&8#=%/7*,#*%4,77%>?@@@?@AA?BCDC1 Item 56385

3000 (1361) 12.1 (3.7) 166
6000 (2722) 8.9 (2.7) 259
9000 (4082) 6.7 (2.0) 349
12000 (5443) 4.7 (1.43) 448

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This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential

personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that

follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in minor or moderate injury.

Addresses practices not related to personal injury.

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2/5

5/5

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Volts Direct Current

Amperes

P

Cold Cranking Amperes

Horsepower

Feet Per Minute

Meters Per Minute

Revolutions Per Minute

International Protection rating

Classifies the degrees of protection provided

TL

against the intrusion of solid objects,
dust, accidental contact, and water.

Grade 8
A fastener strength rating.

Page 3;&(%$*4.8"4,7%<'*#$"&8#=%/7*,#*%4,77%>?@@@?@AA?BCDC1Item 56385

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The warnings and precautions discussed in this manual cannot cover all possible conditions and
situations that may occur. It must be understood by the operator that common sense and caution
are factors which cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.

T8#$,77,$"&8%L(*4,'$"&8#

1. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry,
as they can be caught in moving parts.
Non-skid footwear is recommended.
Wear restrictive hair covering to contain long hair.

2. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles and
heavy-duty leather work gloves during installation.

3. Before installation confirm that area is clear
of fuel lines, brake lines, electrical wires,
gas tanks or any other component which
could be damaged during drilling.

4. Mounting location and hardware
must support Winch and load.

5. Use supplied power cords and synthetic rope
listed in manual only. Do not use thinner/
longer cables or link multiple cables together.

6. Do not route electrical cables near sharp edges
or parts that will move or become hot.

7. Ventilate area well before and while working
on battery. Explosive invisible hydrogen gas
can accumulate and then explode when ignited
by a spark from the battery connection.

8. Only connect to a clean, corrosion free battery.

9. Do not lean over or come in contact with
battery while making connections.

10. Remove all metal jewelry before
working near battery.

11. Connect the red cable to the Disconnect Switch,
then connect the 12" 2AWG cable to the Disconnect
Switch and the positive battery terminal. Connect
the black cable to the negative battery terminal.

12. Insulate all exposed wiring and
terminals after installation.

13. Install Winch and Fairlead in underwind
orientation, so that the Synthetic Rope enters
and exits the Winch at the bottom of the drum.

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G*(Z"4*%L(*4,'$"&8#

1. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles and
heavy-duty leather work gloves during service.

2. Disconnect power to Winch and allow it
to cool completely before service.

3. Use supplied power cords, synthetic rope or
cables listed in manual only. Do not use thinner/
longer cables or link multiple cables together.

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4. Have the Winch serviced by a qualified
repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that
the safety of the Winch is maintained.

5. Maintain labels and nameplates on the Winch.
These carry important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.

GP;6ERSL6KPETSUVPTUE6UPUF6 G6EWL

Page 5;&(%$*4.8"4,7%<'*#$"&8#=%/7*,#*%4,77%>?@@@?@AA?BCDC1Item 56385

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Winch x 1 Aluminum Fairlead x 1

Hook x 1

Red Hook Strap x 1 Control Box Baseplate x 1 Sheath (red, black, yellow) x 3

Small Black
Wire Extension x 1

Rope Protecting Mat x 2 Ground Cable x 1 Disconnect Switch x 1

Small Black
Wire Connector x 1

Remote Control x 1

Disconnect Switch Cable x 1

Remote Control Cable x 1

Extended Copper Screw x 3

Terminal Box x 1
Terminal Box Cover x 1

Power Cables
(relocation kit) x 3

Instruction Books

• Manual

• Guide to Winching

Page 6 ;&(%$*4.8"4,7%<'*#$"&8#=%/7*,#*%4,77%>?@@@?@AA?BCDC1 Item 56385

V&'8$"83%$.*%H"84.

1. Make sure the Winch will fit the chosen mounting
area. If relocating the Control Box is necessary
or desired, perform the removal and installation
of cables to the Winch before mounting. Refer
to Relocating the Control Box on page 8.

2. The mounting plate must be rated to
at least the Winch’s capacity.

3. Align the Winch perpendicular to center line of
the vehicle at the desired location, and mark the
locations of the winch base holes. Compare the
dimensions of the marked holes to Figure A.

4. Before drilling, verify that the installation
surface has no hidden components or
structural pieces that will be damaged.

USE6-%%This Winch can generate extreme
forces. Select a location that can withstand the
rated capacity without damage or weakening.
Steel reinforcement plates may be needed or a
certified welder may need to weld on additional
bracing depending on the mounting location.

5. Drill holes appropriate for the hardware
at the marked locations.

U&$*- Depending on the vehicle application, it may
be beneficial to install the wiring before mounting
the Winch. Check all terminal access and plan
wiring routes before mounting the Winch.

6. Install the Winch using hardware specified
on the specification chart. Tighten fasteners
to the following torque values:

Winch mounting fasteners 30 –33 ft-lb

8.82 in. / 224 mm 7.2 in. / 183 mm7.2 in. / 183 mm

10 in. / 254 mm

4.49 in. / 114 mm

23.2 in. / 590 mm

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7. Mount the Fairlead centered on the Winch
to guide the Rope onto the Winch drum.

8. Install the Fairlead using hardware specified
on the specification chart. Tighten fasteners
to the following torque values:

Fairlead mounting fasteners 53 – 57 ft-lb

10 in. / 254 mm

GP;6ERSL6KPETSUVPTUE6UPUF6 G6EWL

9.96 in. / 253 mm

6.67 in. / 169.5 mm

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Page 7;&(%$*4.8"4,7%<'*#$"&8#=%/7*,#*%4,77%>?@@@?@AA?BCDC1Item 56385

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GP;6ER SL6KPETSU VPTUE6UPUF6G6EWL

1. Engage the clutch on Winch.

2. Disconnect the vehicle battery

3. Disconnect the Ground Cable and Small Black

4. Remove the Terminal Cover by unscrewing two

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cables, negative terminal first.

Wire from terminal on rear of Winch. Make
sure the Small Black Wire that connects to the
Control Box is disconnected and hanging freely.

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M4 x 16 Screws holding it in place. Remove

the six Motor Terminal Nuts and three
Copper Plates. Retain all the hardware.

M4 x 16

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M6 x 25

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6. Attach the Control Box Baseplate to the Control Box

using the four M6 x 25 Screws removed in step 5.

M6 x 25

G4(*)

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7. Install the three Extended Copper Screws
to the terminal on the motor. Mount the

Terminal Box on the Winch using two M4 x 12

screws. Do not overtighten screws.

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M4 x 12

G4(*)

5. Remove four M6 x 25 Screws holding the Control
Box in place and gently lift it off of the Winch.

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Page 8 ;&(%$*4.8"4,7%<'*#$"&8#=%/7*,#*%4,77%>?@@@?@AA?BCDC1 Item 56385

8. Connect three Power Cables (Control Box
Relocation Kit) to the Extended Copper
Screws on motor terminal using three of the
Motor Terminal Nuts removed in step 4.

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11. Use the Small Black Wire Connector and
Small Black Wire Extension to lengthen
the Small Black Wire from the Control Box.
Reconnect the Ground Cable and Small Black
Wire to the backside of the Winch motor.

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GP;6ERSL6KPETSUVPTUE6UPUF6 G6EWL

9. Install the Terminal Box Cover on the Terminal

Box using three M4.8 x16 Self-Tapping

Screws. Do not overtighten screws.

M4.8 x 16

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10. Connect three Power Cables (control box
relocation kit) to the Control Box using remaining
three Motor Terminal Nuts removed in step 4.

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black

red

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12. Install the four decorative M6 x12
Screws onto the Winch.

M6 x 12

G4(*)

13. Place the Control Box on a solid mounting
surface in a suitable place near enough to the
Winch to allow the cables to be routed properly.

14. Verify that the installation surface has no
hidden components or structural pieces
that will be damaged before drilling.

15. Secure the Control Box assembly in place
with Baseplate mounting hardware.

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yellow

Page 9;&(%$*4.8"4,7%<'*#$"&8#=%/7*,#*%4,77%>?@@@?@AA?BCDC1Item 56385

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GP;6ER SL6KPETSU VPTUE6UPUF6G6EWL

1. Plan a route for the wiring from the point of the

HPKUTUXb Do not attach the wires to the exhaust
system, drive shaft, emergency brake cable, fuel line, or
any other components which may create damage to the
wiring through heat or motion, or create a fire hazard.

2. If you drill through the bumper or any part

3. Route the Cables from the Winch to the battery,

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W8/7'3%$.*%K*5&$*%F&8$(&7%F,+7*%,89%9"#4&88*4$%$.*%Y,$$*(J%F,+7*#%%
+*2&(*%5,a"83%&$.*(%)"("83%4&88*4$"&8#1

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Q&%8&$%'#*%,%9"($J=%4&((&9*9%&(%7*,a"83%+,$$*(J1%%%

Only use a 12 V automotive (or equivalent) battery, in good condition.

vehicle where the Winch will be mounted, or
used, to the battery. This route must be secure,
out of the way of moving parts, road debris, or
any possibility of being damaged by operation or
maintenance of the vehicle. For example, you
may wish to route the wires under the vehicle,
attaching it to the frame using suitable fasteners.

of the body to route the wires, be sure
to install a rubber grommet in the hole to
prevent fraying of the wires at that point.

following the precautions discussed above.
Refer to Figure C.

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6. Attach the red Battery Cable from the Winch to
the remaining terminal on the Disconnect Switch.

7. Attach the black Ground Cable and the Small Black
Wire to the terminal at the rear of the Winch.

8. Attach the black Ground Cable from the Winch
directly to the negative terminal of the battery.

9. Lift the Socket Cover exposing the Remote Control
socket and Wireless Receiver Switch. Connect
the Remote Control Cable to the socket and the
Remote for wired remote control. For wireless
control do not use the Remote Control Cable and
turn on the Wireless Receiver Switch. Refer to
Remote Control Instructions on page 12.

10. Turn on the Disconnect Switch and operate the
remote controls briefly to test Winch function
and drum rotation direction. If operation is
reversed, the Battery Cables may be connected
backwards. Correct any such issue before use.

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4. Attach the 12" 2AWG Disconnect Switch Cable
to the positive terminal on the battery.

5. Attach the 12" 2AWG Cable from the battery
to either terminal on the Disconnect Switch.

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11. Disconnect and turn off the Remote
Control when not in use.

12. Turn off the Disconnect Switch when the
Winch is not in use or when the vehicle
has returned to on-highway operation.

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Page 10 ;&(%$*4.8"4,7%<'*#$"&8#=%/7*,#*%4,77%>?@@@?@AA?BCDC1 Item 56385

Q"#4&88*4$%G)"$4.

HPKUTUXb Off-highway driving subjects the vehicle and wiring to much higher vibrations than on-highway driving

which can cause a breakdown of wiring insulation over time. Use the high current Disconnect Switch included
with this Winch to turn OFF the power to the Winch when it is not in use to help reduce the risk of a short circuit.

1. To use the Winch, use the Disconnect Switch
to turn the power to the Winch ON.

2. When the Winch is not in use, turn the
Disconnect Switch OFF to reduce the risk of
a short on the main power to the Winch.

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GP;6ERSL6KPETSUVPTUE6UPUF6 G6EWL

The Synthetic Rope must be properly coiled under
tension to be able to support a load without damage.

1. Find a suitable location where the Rope can be
spooled onto the Winch while anchored to a solid
object. Approximately 70 feet will be required.
Alternately, a snatch block (sold separately) may
be used to reduce the distance to 35 feet.

2. Move the Clutch Handle to the Freespool
position and uncoil the Synthetic Rope until
5 wraps remain on the drum. Move the Clutch
Handle back to the Engaged position.

3. Slowly and carefully move the vehicle in
reverse to remove slack from the line.

4. Place the vehicle in neutral. Spool the Synthetic
Rope back into the Winch while gently applying
the brakes. If the ground is flat, shallow
mud or dirt, the brakes can be fully applied.
Pavement can generate much higher loads,
in which case only light braking is needed.

5. Use a second person to monitor the rope
spooling evenly onto the drum.

6. The last layer of Rope can be
put on without tension.

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1. To use the Remote Control in a wired

GP;6ER SL6KPETSU VPTUE6UPUF6G6EWL

configuration, connect the Remote Control Cable
to the bottom of the Remote Control and to the
Remote Control Socket on the Control Box.

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2. The blue indicator light will come on indicating
the Remote Control is ready for use.

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1. For wireless Remote Control operation, turn on
the Wireless Receiver Switch on the Control Box.

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3. With the Clutch Handle in the Engaged
position, press IN on the Rocker Switch

to retract the Synthetic Rope — the red

indicator light will flash during winding.

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4. Press OUT on the Rocker Switch to
extend the Synthetic Rope out.

3. With the Clutch Handle in the Engaged
position, press IN on the Rocker Switch

to retract the Synthetic Rope — the red

indicator light will flash during winding.

4. Press OUT on the Rocker Switch to
extend the Synthetic Rope out.

2. Press and hold the ON/OFF Switch on the
Remote for approximately 2 seconds until
the red indicator light comes on, indicating
the Remote Control is ready for use.

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5. To turn off the Remote Control, press and
hold the ON/OFF Switch until the red indicator
light goes out, approximately 2 seconds.
Turn off the Wireless Receiver Switch.

U&$*- The Remote Control will automatically shut itself
off after 2 minutes of inactivity to save the battery.

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