After a long time waiting I finally got around to starting my logging winch project. I have been looking for a used logging winch for several years but they are very expensive if ever come up for sale. So. After seeing some PTO powered winches on Craig''s list I finally bought an old wrecker winch last winter. It has gear driven "in" and "out" and a freewheel option that is engaged or disengaged with a "forked dog" on the main shaft.
I decided to build it starting from a piece of steel plate as it will give me a large surface to mount the winch, drive shaft and eventually the mechanism for the control. I will put bracing on the bottom of the plate as well to prevent it from warping during welding as well as during use.
Here is the first picture with the winch positioned on the 3/8" steel plate. I made the mounting ears (or whatever they are called) out of 3/8" flat bar and the 3 point lower link connection is also 3/8" flat bar. Other then the large plate I had all the steel leftover from other projects. As you can tell some of it has been around the block a few times. But I love not having to pay for something if I can reuse old stuff. The frame that is above the winch just vaguely represents what it will look like, but it is not set in stone. I cut out a couple of pieces and then put it together like that and look at it to figure out the best way I can make the next thing happen. The two ugly looking pieces will probably be welded on the bottom of the plate to serve as bracing.
