portable electric winches

[Stuart02]

There seem to be quite a few reasonably priced 5000lb portable electric marine winches, and I'm wondering whether one with some synthetic rope and a snatch block could be handy for swapping between the work ute to the D4.
I think the weight would be similar or less than a Tirfor?

[Tank]

Unless you anchor the portable winch to a tree (anchor point) you will need at least 2 snatch blocks, Regards Frank.

[Stuart02]

Unless you anchor the portable winch to a tree (anchor point) you will need at least 2 snatch blocks, Regards Frank.

Sorry to be the novice I am and ask the obvious question Frank, but (and this may go for hand winches too), why can't you hook the winch to the car's recovery point? Thanks

[Tank]

No problem, but if you want to get a mechanical advantage (MA) of 2 then you need the snatch block attached to the vehicle and the winch anchored to a tree or anchor point. MA is calculated by the number of ropes supporting the MOVING block (snatch), so with the snatch block connected to the vehicle you are gaining a mechanical advantage. There is no MA the other way round, works good for tirfors as well, if you wish I can PM you the riggers guide, regards Frank.

[DT-P38]

I wouldn't mind a copy of that riggers guide Frank!

On the subject, I reckon its only a matter of time before portable winches get strong enough and light enough to add to a recovery kit and not cart around on the vehicle 24/7.

[Judo]

I wouldn't mind a copy of that riggers guide Frank!

On the subject, I reckon its only a matter of time before portable winches get strong enough and light enough to add to a recovery kit and not cart around on the vehicle 24/7.

x2 on both points!!

[RR P38]

No problem, but if you want to get a mechanical advantage (MA) of 2 then you need the snatch block attached to the vehicle and the winch anchored to a tree or anchor point. MA is calculated by the number of ropes supporting the MOVING block (snatch), so with the snatch block connected to the vehicle you are gaining a mechanical advantage. There is no MA the other way round, works good for tirfors as well, if you wish I can PM you the riggers guide, regards Frank.

Correction here.
If you put the snatch block on a tree and run your winch wire off and through the snatch block and back to the recovery point on your vehicle you gain a 2 x reduction. ie if you have a 5000lb winch in theory you have 10000lb pulling power.

[Didge]

From my readings it doesn't seem to matter where the pulleys are attached as long as the configuration is correct

[Stuart02]

No problem, but if you want to get a mechanical advantage (MA) of 2 then you need the snatch block attached to the vehicle and the winch anchored to a tree or anchor point. MA is calculated by the number of ropes supporting the MOVING block (snatch), so with the snatch block connected to the vehicle you are gaining a mechanical advantage. There is no MA the other way round, works good for tirfors as well, if you wish I can PM you the riggers guide, regards Frank.

Thanks Frank, I think I saw a link to the guide in another thread?

[Stuart02]

I wouldn't mind a copy of that riggers guide Frank!

On the subject, I reckon its only a matter of time before portable winches get strong enough and light enough to add to a recovery kit and not cart around on the vehicle 24/7.

These 5000lb marine winches weigh less than 20kg, apparently... It would be great.