inexpensive hand winch suggestions?

Will_4R · 11-01-2008, 10:53 PM

I am thinking about buying a mechanical hand winch and there appears a huge range in price and options out there. I am looking for something affordable, but up to the task of pulling my truck out of a ditch. Realiabity is obviously important, but not necessarily long term durabililty. I don't plan to use it regularly, just have it in case. I drive a lot in the snow and want some way of independantly pulling myself out.

How does using a Hi-Lift as a winch compare other manual winches?

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tc · 11-02-2008, 08:14 AM

Well, my first recommendation would be good tires and proper driving to not end up in the ditch in the first place!

The only problem with Hi-Lift winching is you can only go 48" (or 60" depending on which HiLift you have) at a time. But, it works well. I highly recommend everyone who has a HiLift to get the winch accessory kit (note: you need a section of 3/8" Grd 70 transport chain that is NOT included in the kit!)

A hand winch or come-a-long will work OK, but will be slow. You will need one rated at least 4 tons (8000 lbs), just like a motorized winch - and even then, you may have to double line pull if the snow is deep. Snow up over the axles is a huge "mire factor" and dramatically increases the load on the winch.

I think getting a nice, high end manual winch would be a better decision than a cheap motorized winch.

BigO · 11-03-2008, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tc

The only problem with Hi-Lift winching is you can only go 48" (or 60" depending on which HiLift you have) at a time. But, it works well. I highly recommend everyone who has a HiLift to get the winch accessory kit (note: you need a section of 3/8" Grd 70 transport chain that is NOT included in the kit!)

I would also advise using a hi-lift, with their winching kit and chain. Their are plenty of videos on youtube that demo how it is done, just search "hi-lift winch".

But be aware that their size is in reference to their frame, and not the amount of travel in the jacking mechanism. For example, a 48" Hi-lift, the nose starts at 4.5" from the base, and it stops at ~37-38", so there is only 33"-34" of true "winching" before you have to re-adjust. And a 60" Hi-lift has 44"-45" of travel. But still, with a little practice, you can use it very effectively!

Will_4R · 11-03-2008, 08:12 PM

Thanks for the replies, it seems like a Hi-Lift is probably the best way to go since it is a more versitle tool. I was planning to get one anyway, but since it will require adding sliders to my truck so I can use it as a jack as well, as was going to wait a bit. I guess I should fork over more dough right away and skip the comealong.

How does the mechanical advantge of the hi-lift compare to a comealong-type winch? I mean terms of how much muscle it takes to do work. It looks easy enough in the you tube vids, but if a rig is really stuck...

ocdropzone · 11-03-2008, 08:23 PM

I have had a More Power Puller (8K double line pull) for over 15 years...it has only quit working when I get tired

Probably one of the best investments for 4Wheeling I have got:
http://www.wyeth-scott.com/
it is the only thing the company makes:

have used it to pull stumps, trucks and comes in handy when you don't have your transfer cases installed

weights a bunch but better than a regular come a long and faster than trying to use a high lift jack for a winch, for single line it has almost 35 feet of cable on it...I carry my Hi-lift too...

muddpigg · 11-04-2008, 01:08 AM

I have limited experience with hand winching, I tried it with my Hi-lift once. I did not like it at all and felt that it was not a exceptible tool for winching.

Yes, I saw the youtube and hi-lift infomercial.

Still carry it but would get a come-along if I was planning to manual winch.

SR5 · 11-11-2008, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ocdropzone

I have had a More Power Puller (8K double line pull) for over 15 years...it has only quit working when I get tired

Probably one of the best investments for 4Wheeling I have got:
http://www.wyeth-scott.com/
it is the only thing the company makes:

have used it to pull stumps, trucks and comes in handy when you don't have your transfer cases installed

weights a bunch but better than a regular come a long and faster than trying to use a high lift jack for a winch, for single line it has almost 35 feet of cable on it...I carry my Hi-lift too...

i have one of these, not the same company, but the same. and it works AWSOME, i love it, and would highly recomend it

11-02-2008, 08:14 AM	#2 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,376	Well, my first recommendation would be good tires and proper driving to not end up in the ditch in the first place! The only problem with Hi-Lift winching is you can only go 48" (or 60" depending on which HiLift you have) at a time. But, it works well. I highly recommend everyone who has a HiLift to get the winch accessory kit (note: you need a section of 3/8" Grd 70 transport chain that is NOT included in the kit!) A hand winch or come-a-long will work OK, but will be slow. You will need one rated at least 4 tons (8000 lbs), just like a motorized winch - and even then, you may have to double line pull if the snow is deep. Snow up over the axles is a huge "mire factor" and dramatically increases the load on the winch. I think getting a nice, high end manual winch would be a better decision than a cheap motorized winch. __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

11-03-2008, 08:23 PM	#5 (permalink)
ocdropzone Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: PDX, OR Posts: 4,711	Get a More Power Puller I have had a More Power Puller (8K double line pull) for over 15 years...it has only quit working when I get tired Probably one of the best investments for 4Wheeling I have got: http://www.wyeth-scott.com/ it is the only thing the company makes: have used it to pull stumps, trucks and comes in handy when you don't have your transfer cases installed weights a bunch but better than a regular come a long and faster than trying to use a high lift jack for a winch, for single line it has almost 35 feet of cable on it...I carry my Hi-lift too... __________________ ~Robb '81 Trekker The B4Runner Build TREKKER Forum Mini FAQ/Misc Ideas Thread TRY THESE SEARCH LINKS GOOGLE FOR TOYOTA WEBSITES LINK TO ONLINE FACTORY SERVICE MANUALS Drive a real 1st Gen Wheel Responsibly, Don't Screw It Up for Others Last edited by ocdropzone; 11-03-2008 at 08:27 PM.

11-04-2008, 01:08 AM	#6 (permalink)
muddpigg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: injured and stateside :( Posts: 1,396	I have limited experience with hand winching, I tried it with my Hi-lift once. I did not like it at all and felt that it was not a exceptible tool for winching. Yes, I saw the youtube and hi-lift infomercial. Still carry it but would get a come-along if I was planning to manual winch. __________________ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqtr_RvR3sY Balljoints for sale. Open to trades and offers. http://www.yotatech.com/f11/ball-joi.../#post51278784

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11-03-2008, 08:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
Will_4R Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 31	Thanks for the replies, it seems like a Hi-Lift is probably the best way to go since it is a more versitle tool. I was planning to get one anyway, but since it will require adding sliders to my truck so I can use it as a jack as well, as was going to wait a bit. I guess I should fork over more dough right away and skip the comealong. How does the mechanical advantge of the hi-lift compare to a comealong-type winch? I mean terms of how much muscle it takes to do work. It looks easy enough in the you tube vids, but if a rig is really stuck...