Hand Winches

[gregd]

hi

i was wondering what hand winches people here have used and would recommend.

It would need to be able to pull an xj and would only be used occasionally. im not looking at spending a huge amount of money.

thanks

[TheDoc]

I use a black rat 1600kg handwinch - 11mm cable. Works well. You want to have at least 1 snatch block, and 2 will make the process a lot easier. Everytime you add a snatch block it doubles the capacity, halves the effort, and requires you to winch in twice as much cable. Pulls a fully loaded crusier, so shouldnt have a problem with an XJ at all.

You might be able to pick one up second hand, but want to make sure that it's in good conditon. Wire rope doesn't last that long if its not looked after.

Throw in a couple of shackles, a tree trunk protector, and winch extender (dont use snatchem straps with winches - not a good idea).

Nice piece of mind though knowing its in the back!!

[OzJeeper]

Each type of winch has it's own pros and cons.

Electric winch is very convenient and powerful - until you run out of motor/electricity! You need a winch bar as well. But it sits up there and says nothing until you need it! Spool out some wire and presto! You're mobile again. However, it won't pull you out backwards (without a lot of stuffing around).

A hand winch is not as powerful and takes a lot of effort to set up and will burn up calories with the ensuing workout on the handle. You can "double up" with a snatch block and that will give you close to the pulling power of an electric winch. But at a snails pace (a slow snail at that). You can pull backwards, sidewards and frontwards - as long as you can safely hook on the winch. Takes forever to pack up again and it's bulky to carry. A Tirfor type winch is a third of the price of an electric winch however.
I have yet to lay hands on a "Mud Mauler" winch which uses a chain to pull. Rated at 5000lb from what the ad says.

Hope this helps.

[TheDoc]

Yeah I mainly brought a bar mounted winch so that I could say that they're generally a waste of time with some level of credibility.

Front winch or not, still need to have a hand winch packed. And really for the few times that you ever need it (not talking about you comp guys there!!), expending a few calories is not going to be a bad thing for most of us.

[OzJeeper]

Looks like the "cheap" tirfor winch has made the top of the priority list.

Hope you'r fit enough to use it...

Don't forget- the Tirfor needs a larger diameter snatch block - thicker cable.

[mattc]

I think I have this one
Big Haul (http://www.4wdwarehouse.com.au/product_frame.html) or maybe it is a similar called the Tuff Pull???

Anyway it is the same design as the Tirfor but cheaper.

It is one of those piece of mind things which I have never really used apart from practice.

[Buddha]

To those of you that say use up a few calories, good on you.If you want my advice,go to the gym,pack on some muscle and you will be pushing yourself out of trouble no worries. graemlins/headspin.gif

[Gojeep]

If anyone wants a Bighaul in Melboune then I know where they are being sold below cost at I think $395 instead of $485 from memory. They have two left as they are closing down.

[TheDoc]

One of those chain pull winches might not be a bad idea as OZ mentioned. If they worked alright, wouldnt have to worry about carrying the extra cable. Might be some problems with snatch blocks and doubling up, etc.

Anyone had any first hand experience with em?

[PK]

I carry a Black Rat 1600Kg, but similar seem to be as good as each other. Hard work/costs a fraction of a leccy/versatile. I got it at the 4WD in Melb last year for just over $300 by memory

[TheDoc]

Exactly PK, and theres a couple of k saved thats better spent as locker money!

[ 03 September 2002, 09:42 PM: Message edited by: TheDoc ]

[PK]

mmmmm.....I better get you to talk to the better half!

[TheDoc]

LOL...just explain to her how it will save her money in the long run....less panel damage, less wear on the rest of the car, not needing a lecky winch, and doesnt she just want you to be happy?