All winches need to be maintained and checked whether they have been used or not. If you were to simply use the winch off a tree every now and then to ensure it works and if you are handy regrease it as well, it will probably suit your needs.
Electrical connections that haven't been checked for 3yrs are the things that will fail when you need it. Seen it many a time. Basic maintenance to anything is the key. Carbon Winches are meant to be a good unit.
cheers
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