The 2.5HP motor is very underpowered
If you had Snatch blocked it, it may of just done it?
Mine is an old 8274 with standard internals. I run the 5.5 Bowmotor (cant fault'em) Have dragged some mighty things out with it.
Im reluctant to go up to a 6 or 6.5 with standard internals, as this was where the main shafts etc started to get fooked.
If you get a Bowmotor? I would replace the 2 terminal screws,that connect the Brush assembly, to the motor housing at some point. Mine corroded and left me with a dead winch, as the contacts were not secure due corrosion of the standard screws. Something stainless would work. I'll take a piccie if needed?
If im self recovering, i will driver assist if required. Just makes sense to aid the recovery and not put the winch under the extra pressure. With your crawler gears, im sure you could have the wheels rotating pretty close to that of the winch?
If im recovering someone, i'll snatch block it. As yet again, extends the life span of you motor and winch internals.