Badland APEX 12000 User manual

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Email our technical support at: [email protected]
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. 22h
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©2022 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.
Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.

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Table of Contents
Specifications ............................................................2
Safety ........................................................................3
Setup .........................................................................6
Operation..................................................................13
Maintenance.............................................................14
Parts List and Diagram.............................................18
Warranty ...................................................................20
Specifications
Rated Single
Line Pull 12,000 lb (5443 kg)
Application Vehicle Recovery /
For Trucks and SUV’s
Motor 12 VDC Series Wound
Power IN &
Power OUT Yes
Duty Cycle Rating 5% (45 sec at Max Rated Load;
14 min, 15 sec Rest)
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 3/8", Replaceable with
Spring-loaded Safety Latch
Fairlead Aluminum Fairlead
Sound Rating 85 dB
Synthetic Rope
Size / Type Ø0.375" x 80' (Ø 9.5 mm x 24.4 m)
Battery 12 VDC Minimum 650 CCA
Battery Cables Minimum 2 AWG x 6'
Mounting Bolt
Pattern
10" x 4.5"
(254mm x 114.3 mm)
Mounting
Hardware
Winch:
8 x Gr8.8, M10 x 30 mm
Fairlead:
2 x Gr8.8, M12 x 40 mm
Overall Dimensions
(L x D x H)
23 1/4" x 6 1/2" x 10"
(590.5 mm x 165.1 mm x 254 mm)
Shipping Weight 80 lb (36.2 kg)
IP Rating IP68 / IP69K
Layer Rated Line Pull Synthetic Rope Capacity
112000 lb (5443 kg) 16.3' (5 m)
29517 lb (4317 kg) 37' (11 m)
37885 lb (3577 kg) 60' (18.3 m)
46732 lb (3,054 kg) 80' (24.4 m)
First Layer of Synthetic Rope Performance
1
Line Pull lb (kg) Line Speed fpm (mpm) Amp Draw (@ 12V)
0 (0) 31.5 (9.6) 60
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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SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS
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.
Symbol Property or Statement
Wear heavy-duty, cut- and
abrasion-resistant leather gloves.
Wear ANSI-approved safety glasses.
Cut or sever hazard.
Roller entanglement hazard.
Hot surface burn hazard.
Fire hazard.
Caustic chemical (acid) hazard.
Explosion hazard.
Do not loop the synthetic rope
around object and hook onto itself.
Do not place finger(s) through hook.
Fingers may be caught and get
pulled into fairlead or drum.
Pull hook using strap only.
Symbol Property or Statement
Do not use winch in overwind
orientation. (Synthetic rope
enters/exits at the top.)
Use winch only in
underwind orientation.
(Synthetic rope enters/
exits at the bottom.)
VDC Volts Direct Current
AAmperes
CCA Cold Cranking Amperes
HP Horsepower
fpm Feet Per Minute
mpm Meters Per Minute
RPM Revolutions Per Minute
IP
International Protection rating
Classifies the degrees of protection provided
against the intrusion of solid objects,
dust, accidental contact, and water.
G8 Grade 8
A fastener strength rating.

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SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING! Read all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed on page 4 may result
in fire, serious injury and/or DEATH.
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.
Installation Precautions
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.

Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 56385
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
Service Precautions
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.
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.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

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SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Installation and Setup
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this
manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
What’s in the Box
Winch x 1 Aluminum Fairlead x 1
Hook x 1
Remote Control x 1
Rope Protecting Mat x 2 Ground Cable x 1 Disconnect Switch x 1
Remote Control Cable x 1
Red Hook Strap x 1 Control Box Baseplate x 1 Sheath (red, black, yellow) x 3
Small Black
Wire Connector x 1
Small Black
Wire Extension x 1
Instruction Books
•Manual
• Guide to Winching
Power Cables
(relocation kit) x 3
Extended Copper Screw x 3
Disconnect Switch Cable x 1 Terminal Box x 1
Terminal Box Cover x 1

Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 56385
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
Mounting the Winch
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.
NOTE: 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.
Note: 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
10.0 in. / 254mm
10 in. / 254mm
23.2 in. / 590mm
6.50 in. / 165.0 mm
4.49 in. /
114mm
Figure A: Winch Dimensions
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
Figure B: Fairlead Mounting Dimensions

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SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Relocating the Control Box (optional)
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM EXPLOSION
DUE TO SPARKING AT THE BATTERY CONNECTION:
Unplug the Remote Control Cable and disconnect the Battery Cables
before making other wiring connections.
1. Engage the clutch on Winch.
2. Disconnect the vehicle battery
cables, negative terminal first.
3. Disconnect the Ground Cable and Small Black
Wire from terminal on rear of Winch. Make
sure the Small Black Wire that connects to the
Control Box is disconnected and hanging freely.
Small
Black
Wire
Ground
Cable
4. Remove the Terminal Cover by unscrewing two
M4 x 10 Screws holding it in place. Remove
the six Motor Terminal Nuts and three
Copper Plates. Retain all the hardware.
Motor Terminal
Cover
Motor
Terminal
Nuts
Copper
Plates
M4x10
Screw
5. Remove four M6 x 20 Screws holding the Control
Box in place and gently lift it off of the Winch.
M6x20
Screw Motor
Cover
6. Attach the Control Box Baseplate to the Control Box
using the four M6 x 20 Screws removed in step 5.
M6x20 Screw Motor
Cover
Motor
Cover
Baseplate

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SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
7. Install the three Extended Copper Screws
to the terminal on the motor. Mount the
Terminal Box on the Winch using two M6 x 12
screws. Do not overtighten screws.
M6x12
Screw
Terminal
Box
Extended
Copper
Screw
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.
Motor
Terminal
Nuts
Power
Cables
9. Install the Terminal Box Cover on the
Terminal Box using three M5 x16 Self-Tapping
Screws. Do not overtighten screws.
Terminal
Box
M5 x16
Screw
Terminal
Box Cover
10. Connect three Power Cables (control box
relocation kit) to the Control Box using remaining
three Motor Terminal Nuts removed in step 4.
Motor
Terminal
Nuts
Control
Box
Black
Red
Yellow
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.
Small Black
Wire Extension
Connector
Black
Ground
Cable Red
Battery
Cable
12. Install the four decorative M6 x12
Screws onto the Winch.
M6x12
Screw
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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SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Wiring
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM EXPLOSION
DUE TO SPARKING AT THE BATTERY CONNECTION:
Unplug the Remote Control Cable and disconnect the Battery Cables
before making other wiring connections.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM LEAKING BATTERY ACID:
Do not use a dirty, corroded or leaking battery.
Only use a 12V automotive (or equivalent) battery, in good condition.
1. Plan a route for the wiring from the point of the
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.
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: 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
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.
3. Route the Cables from the Winch to the battery,
following the precautions discussed above.
Refer to Figure C.
Disconnect
Switch
Black
Ground
Cable
Red
Battery
Cable
12"
Cable
Socket
Cover
Small
Black
Wire
Figure C: Wiring Connections
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.
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.
IN
OUT
Figure D: Remote Controls
11. Disconnect and turn off the Remote Control
when not in use and before driving vehicle.
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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SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
Disconnect Switch
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: 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.
Preparing the Synthetic Rope
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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SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Remote Control Instructions
Wired Operation
1. To use the Remote Control in a wired
configuration, connect the Remote Control Cable
to the bottom of the Remote Control and to the
Remote Control Socket on the Control Box.
IN OUT
Rocker
Switch
Blue Indicator Light
Red Indicator Light
Remote
Control Cable
Remote
Control Socket
2. The blue indicator light will come on indicating
the Remote Control is ready for use.
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.
IN OUT
4. Press OUT on the Rocker Switch to
extend the Synthetic Rope out.
Wireless Operation
1. For wireless Remote Control operation, turn on
the Wireless Receiver Switch on the Control Box.
Wireless ReceiverWireless Receiver
SwitchSwitch
ControlControl
BoxBox
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.
IN OUT
Rocker
Switch
ON/OFF
Switch
Red Indicator Light
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.
IN OUT
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.
Note: The Remote Control will automatically shut itself
off after 2 minutes of inactivity to save the battery.

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SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
Operation
Before operating this Winch, refer to the Harbor Freight Tools publication Guide to Winching included with the
Winch for important operational safety information, winch basics, winching tips, and general winch operating
procedures. If this guide is unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of the
Guide to Winching including all text under subheadings therein before use of this product.
The instructions included in the Guide to Winching are basic guidelines only and cannot
cover all situations encountered during use. The operator and assistants must carefully
plan usage to prevent accidents.

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SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Maintenance and Servicing
Procedures not specifically explained in this manual must
be performed only by a qualified technician.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Unplug the Remote Control Cable and disconnect the Battery Cables before performing any
inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM WINCH FAILURE:
Do not use damaged equipment. If abnormal noise or vibration
occurs, have the problem corrected before further use.
Cleaning, Maintenance, and Lubrication
1. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general
condition of the Winch. Check for:
• loose hardware
• misalignment or binding of moving parts
• cracked or broken parts
• damaged electrical wiring
• corroded or loose terminals
• any other condition that may
affect its safe operation.
Examine the Synthetic Rope. Do not use the
Winch if the Rope is frayed or has cut strands.
2. AFTER USE, wipe external surfaces of
the Winch with clean cloth. If the Winch
is submerged during use, rinse thoroughly
with fresh, clean water when finished.
3. The Winch’s internal mechanism is permanently
lubricated. Do not open the housing.
Synthetic Rope Replacement
1. Move Clutch Handle to the Freespool position.
2. Extend the Synthetic Rope to its full
length, noting how the existing Rope is
connected to the inside of the drum.
3. Remove old Synthetic Rope and
attach new assembly.
CAUTION! Do not replace with inferior synthetic rope.
Only use a synthetic rope rated to the same
rating cited on the specification chart or better.
4. Retract Synthetic Rope onto Rope
drum. Refer to instructions for tensioning
the Synthetic Rope under Preparing
the Synthetic Rope on page 11.
5. Test Winch for proper operation.

Page 15For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 56385
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions
Motor
overheats.
1. Incorrect power cords.
2. Winch running time too long.
3. Insufficient current or voltage.
4. Loose motor connections.
1. Use only supplied power cords.
2. Allow Winch to cool down periodically.
3. Fully charge battery. Run Winch
with vehicle motor running.
4. Check and tighten motor connections to Control Box.
Motor does
not turn on.
1. Remote Socket not
connected properly.
2. Loose battery cable connections.
3. Insufficient current or voltage.
4. Defective contactor.
5. Wireless Receiver
Switch turned OFF.
6. Wireless Remote turned OFF.
7. Winch Disconnect
Switch turned OFF.
8. Low batteries in Wireless Remote.
9. Defective motor.
10.Loose Control Box ground cable.
11.Internal wear or damage.
1. Insert Remote Socket all the way into connector.
2. Tighten nuts on all cable connections.
3. Fully charge battery. Run Winch
with vehicle motor running.
4. Replace Control Box.
5. Turn ON Wireless Receiver Switch.
6. Turn ON Wireless Remote.
7. Turn ON Winch Disconnect Switch.
8. Replace Remote batteries — CR2032, quantity two.
9. Check for voltage at armature port with Switch
pressed. If voltage is present, replace motor.
10.Check and tighten ground cable to Control Box.
11.Replace motor.
Motor runs
but drum does
not turn.
Clutch not engaged. Move the Clutch Handle to the Engaged position.
If problem persists, a qualified technician
needs to check and repair.
Motor runs
slowly or
without normal
power.
1. Insufficient current or voltage.
2. Loose or corroded battery
cable connections.
3. Incorrect power cords.
1. Battery weak, recharge.
Run Winch with vehicle motor running.
2. Clean, tighten, or replace.
3. Use only supplied power cords.
Motor runs in
one direction
only.
1. Defective contactor.
2. Defective Wireless Remote.
3. Loose motor connections.
1. Replace Control Box.
2. Replace Wireless Remote.
3. Check and tighten motor connections to Control Box.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing
the tool. Disconnect power supply before service.