Manual Winch on Small Compact

[Skypilota72]

I had really wanted a DC winch on my tractor but given the small size of the battery and equally underpowered alternator, those options were out. Buying a DC generator would work, but was just too much $$$, and didn't want a train of components. I also didn't want to buy 2000 feet of electrical cord and opt for an AC winch for numerous reasons. The only option left was a manual winch connected to a 2" receiver that could handle 3,400 pounds of pull. I used the following products and worked like a gem: Total Cost was $125.52

1) (Amazon) Extreme Max 5600.3084 Universal 2" Receiver Hitch Winch Mount for ATV/UTV. ($36.53 Free Ship)
2) (Amazon) Segomo Tools 3500 Pound Manual Two-Way Ratchet 32.2' length steel cord. ($68.99 Free Ship)
3) (EBAY) 1/4"x6"x8" A36 Steel Plate ($10.00 - Paid $10 for ship)
4) 3/8" bolts, nuts, washers, etc (on-Hand)

The winch mount was designed for a DC motor, and the Segomo manual winch was too long to fit. However, if turned upside down and using the steel plate, worked perfectly with the pre-drilled options on the mount, and only had to drill the steel plate for matchup. I know much of this could have been fast-tracked for those having a stick welder and parts laying around, but this was a good fit. Also, by turning the mount upside down, it provided a way to secure the winch claw.

I realize this one-off idea is simplistic and most people would just laugh at it, but thought perhaps another person may have considered the same need.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

nicely done!

is the winch a 2 speed winch? (faster for light stuff slow for heavy)
is there a way to grab/lock the cable other than the ratchet pawl (sp)?
I wonder if the pawl (sp?) would be strong enough to hold a tractor pulling say a log?

This could be very very handy for many things on the cheap for sure like tensioning trees prior to felling, etc..

 

[Skypilota72]

There are similar winches that have speed selections and brake locks, but not this one. I have reeled this one out and back, which did not take long at all. The selector allows three options:
1) Crank out
2) Crank in
3) Neutral position (unlocked). I like this one as I can quickly walk the pawl out

As to the structural integrity of the pawl, along with the cable, according to the seller, it is capable of 3500 pounds. I would like to think that all componentry would have to be rated at 3500 or better, but I have not exercised this as yet to its max listed strength. Depending on your tractor (SCUT, ATV), the vehicle may actually be pulled into the log depending on weight/drag.

 

[bcp]

Back before electric winches for off-road use, people used heavy duty boat trailer winches on their Jeeps if they couldn't afford an expensive PTO winch.

Bruce

 

[Skypilota72]

nicely done!

is the winch a 2 speed winch? (faster for light stuff slow for heavy)
is there a way to grab/lock the cable other than the ratchet pawl (sp)?
I wonder if the pawl (sp?) would be strong enough to hold a tractor pulling say a log?

This could be very very handy for many things on the cheap for sure like tensioning trees prior to felling, etc..

Check this one out
https://www.amazon.com/AUXMART-Capacity-Two-Way-Ratchet-Trailer/dp/B091YGR9HV?th=1

 

[Smokeydog]

Winches come in handy. While your winch will be fine for non-overhead pulls, it is not rated for shock loads like pulling a log. Pull a log to the tractor then secure to tractor with a separate rated line or chain. Also use caution when pulling something that stores energy like a tree, ie spring pole, as you are near an attachment point. If something gives you are a target near the winch.

Enjoy and be safe.

Use a similar winch with crane for my truck and shop. Modified to fit 2” receivers. When building, Northern tool had a similar winch that could be driven with a cordless drill. My lifts were pretty short.

 

[SmallChange]

Hey... I really LIKE this idea! I foresee that this will become my next little attachment.

 

[rScotty]

Winches come in handy. While your winch will be fine for non-overhead pulls, it is not rated for shock loads like pulling a log. Pull a log to the tractor then secure to tractor with a separate rated line or chain. Also use caution when pulling something that stores energy like a tree, ie spring pole, as you are near an attachment point. If something gives you are a target near the winch.

Enjoy and be safe.

View attachment 806294
Use a similar winch with crane for my truck and shop. Modified to fit 2” receivers. When building, Northern tool had a similar winch that could be driven with a cordless drill. My lifts were pretty short.

Yepper. Put a couple of cylinders and a bucket on there and you have a backhoe...

 

[Smokeydog]

Handy loading truck or in the shop.
Crane training safety, never ever side load a crane. Winches made for pulling. Cranes made for lifting.

Yes the backhoes are often used as a crane.