Hilift - 60 inches of "leatherman" recovery device.
	
	
		I don't quite understand some of the posts about a hilift only taking up the slack.    
 
There really is only one way to be successful at using a hilift as a winch.  Non-stretch chain, cable or straps just the same as any other recovery pulling device.  If the ropes chains, or straps are slack before pulling then even a tirfor will take time to pull it in tight.  For the hilift, by using two chains attached to the hilift to pull (chain 1), hold (chain 2), reset hilift, pull (chain 1), hold (chain 2), reset hilift etc there is absolutely no reason why a hilift cannot do the same work as any other hand winch.  (See the photos in my post pg 1 if not sure of two-chain setting).  
 
Add in the versatility of being able to push, lift and clamp and you have the 'Leatherman" of recovery devices... sure, using a hilift is awkward but hell, it ain't tiddly-winks out there when you are stuck in goop...  
 :wasntme:
 
In saying that about using stretchy ropes, I have actually used the method outlined by Alien D2/Landrover mag.  Load the snatch strap by two pulls of the hilift and drive out using the loaded stretch.  I use this method in the rocks or muddy tracks when a controlled direction of movement or exit is required.  If I am pulling the truck and am not in it, it (the truck) tends to follow gravity.  By loading up a snatch strap and then driving off the load, I can control direction and distance.  Handy when there is a drop-off or when climbing big rocks in the river bed (not rock-crawling just getting over big rocks).  I have two straps I use for this, a specific snatch strap, and an ARB winch extension that has a small amount of 'give'.