Alternative to hand winch - hi-lift jack

**windsock** · 16th July 2009, 12:52 PM

Yes, I normaly anchor the hilift by the 'top, and pull the load using the 'lift' motion of the jack. I have quite a few options as to where exactly the jack goes relative to the pulled load but I try to set it up whee it is stable underfoot as the jacking exercise is quite rigourous if well stuck. I can pull the land rover 110 on its diffs along ruts using my weight (76kgs) but if I was lighter I think I would slide around a bit more. Most times it moves ok on its wheels and I hardly feel the load but when really stuck, you need firm footing and a weight to throw around.

As to the anchor rods... it relys on the strength of many if you know what I mean. I get movement from the closest pins to the load but this slack is taken by the next pins and their slck is taken by the next etc. Many pins makes a strong anchor. Sand, gravel all is ok. Where I have issues is when there is a large boulder down below and cannot get good depth. Move the pins around and I ususally get a good anchor.

I should also hasten to add, the pins are not used that close together either. Normally, ground conditions permitting I hammer them in approx 300-400mm apart. I have plenty of chain to use t link them all up.

Cheers, glad to be able to assist.

Phil

**Cap** · 16th July 2009, 12:58 PM

Thanks for that, thats what I suspected. As for throwing weight around, I weigh 93kg (6'3") so I guess im at a slight advantage that way

**windsock** · 16th July 2009, 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by stooge

Thanks for that, thats what I suspected. As for throwing weight around, I weigh 93kg (6'3") so I guess im at a slight advantage that way

Yep, I am 6'2" and the extra height is good leverage. My shorter mate has a few problems at times and he is heavier than me. Depends on where the handle ends up once the slack is taken up and the load is felt. 93kg at that height should see you going great on this set up...

**George130** · 16th July 2009, 01:09 PM

Used the high lift only once for winching. That was in the back yard when we drowned the bob cat. Was quite easy to pull the thing back onto it's wheels. As said the biggest issue is the distance before you run out of travel.

**BMKal** · 16th July 2009, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by stooge

Thanks for that, thats what I suspected. As for throwing weight around, I weigh 93kg (6'3") so I guess im at a slight advantage that way

Ah you're only a little fella Stooge.

I used my hi-lift as a winch a while back to skull drag a rather large electric motor up onto it's base plate to drive a crusher. Was the only thing we had available at the time (poor planning - assumed there would be a crane, or at least a forklift on site). It got the job done, but slowly and a lot of hard work. A coldy definitely went down well at the end of the day.

**Cap** · 16th July 2009, 02:28 PM

The beauty about it is that even if you have an electric winch, IF that fails on the track then at least you have 'Plan C' - Hi-Lift winching

(Plan B is the hand winch proper like tirfor types)

**camel_landy** · 16th July 2009, 05:26 PM

Personally, I'd look at carrying a Turfor and have the Hi-Lift as a backup.

I've used the Hi-Lift for winching a couple of times and I agree with the others in that it's a PITA. By the time you've managed to take up the slack, you're only going to pull a few inches!!!

So, if you are going to use it, make sure you're using chain & straps so that there's no stretch.

HTH

M

**alien** · 16th July 2009, 07:27 PM

We used this method not long ago. The Warn wouldn't work even though it was respooled only 20min. before this happened. Air bubbles from the control box was the first clue.

.

Planing is the key, as said LIFT AND MOVE/LIFT AND PACK when possible.
Don,t make it harder than it needs to be.
It is hard work, I find a No2 son works well

.

We also have used a truck/transport "dog" to take the slack out of the chain, you MUST lock the handle down though.

Re-acess before putting weight on the jack each time you re-winch, things do move as the weight comes off to re-config.(SAFTY 1ST.)

Still recomend a tirfer style winch, versitile and no "It will be right i've got a winch" attitude

.

Cheers.

**spudboy** · 16th July 2009, 08:28 PM

Nicely bogged! How long did it take you to hand-winch out of that?

**alien** · 16th July 2009, 08:59 PM

Only took 2 hours. Left late arvo to take shots for http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members-ri...aliens-d2.html .

Broke every rule in the book. Leave early, take food, CHECK DEEPTH

, let some one know where you are, never travel alone, I'm sure theres more

.

PICT1037.jpg

Bottomed out on tow bar brackets, no weight on back axle.
Had to dig tow hitch out after pulling back 2 foot, invert and lift from it. Packed under wheels and winch.

If it's worth doing,do it right

.
Cheers

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