[TowerTalk] Winch for TX-455

[Jim Venneman]

Howdy,

I am in the process of putting up a TX-455 (circa 1993 model - probably pre-U.S. Tower) that is in need of a new winch. The existing winch is very rusty (it still turns OK) and does not have a locking mechanism. Any identifying information on the thing has long since faded away. Any suggestions on where I can find a replacement winch for this tower? U.S. Towers does not list winches as replacement parts on their website and I imagine they would charge a hefty price for one anyway. 

I would imagine that winches come in all types and sizes. Is the critical dimension the distance between the two mounting bolts for mouting on the tower? In other words, how do I select the correct type, given a choice of various models?

Thanks,

Jim  -WX6V-