Winches

[Oregon_Rob]

What do you guys use for winches on your PU’s? I have been thinking about what kind of a set up would be best and affordable. Most people around here run Waren electric winches, but most of them are mostly for show. The idea of a PTO seems to make the most sense, but I am guessing it is kind of pricey and having an automatic tranny, am not even sure it is an option.

[OneWithWood]

Rob,
I felt I needed a good size winch to pull my truck out of a ravine when fully loaded with firewood.  I opted for a Mile Marker hydraulic winch with a  rated pull of 11,000lbs.  The winch runs off the power steering pump on my '86 F250 4x4.  The only time I really needed it I ran out of gas and could not use it because the engine must be running> .  Ended up hiring a crawler to pull me out.  After that I bought a crawler with a timber winch  

[Oregon_Rob]

I have heard of the Mile marker’s, does anyone know if they hold up to regular use, dragging fire wood, milling logs up to a landing?

[Frank_Pender]

Rob, you need to come back down and see some of the toys you missed on the first visit.  I have just what you need.  the unit I use on the tractor is a winch off of a duce and a half  military rig.  I turned it 1/4 turn and built a 3 point system for it, as well as attatching a small upward arch with a grapple hanging from the top of the boom.  My first logging job required setting only one chocker in 10 truckloads.    I run the winch with a small hydraulic motor. both in and out if necessary.  It does have free wheeling on the outward pull if I wish.  You could even set yourself up a small yarding donkey that is mounted on a sled or small trailer using an independent power source with a hydraulic motor or direct PTO system.   Come on down again and we can probable come up with all of the parts or at least a design to fit you needs.  

[Oregon_Rob]

Frank,
I think what you are suggesting makes a lot of sense, it also sounds like a good rainy season project. I am up to my suspenders in pre-winter projects, but I will call you to discuss some thoughts and start to look for materials. My first thought would be to use some type of small gas engine, on skids that would fit in the back of the truck.
Does anyone know where to get specs on the torque and rpm output of small four strokes?

I will call you,

Rob

[DanG]

Rob, a search revealed the website of a dealer that has full info on all their engines. Looks like they have most all brands, too.  Go to   www.smallgasmotors.com  

[DanG]

Ooops!

www.smallgasmotor.com