The push bar that I have on there doesn't eat up much approach, just a few inches that protects the superficial skid plate, the cladding, the radiator & AC heat exchange, and the grill. I think it's well worth the few extra degrees for the protection. I know it's on there pretty good, but 10,500lbs worth? I guess worst case scenario is that I pull the push bar clean off. Then I know it needs some more welding. I'd still have the rope to get pulled out by someone on the trail.

Their other winch is rated at 17,500. but it isn't waterproof, and with a steel cable it weighs 125lbs + mount. That's just too much weight to be positioned so far up front. And if you did have to move it to the back, it would be much more reasonable to move the rope winch.