Winching In and Out of a Shed

Hello All,

After some discussions with a colleague who was formerly a boiler maker in the mines, I have progressed further along the path for the proposed project.

I had initially thought of having the steel anchor point at a height where it would be easily seen and not tripped over. However, my colleague raised concerns about how something out of the ground can act like a lever that multiplies the stress that could be placed at the point the steel leaves the ground. The longer the 'lever' the more stress on the part of the anchor point located above the ground.

So bearing this in mind I reverted to my trade as a landscaper. This experience included installing in-ground irrigation systems. I remembered things like in-ground valve boxes similar to the one shown in the photograph. Since a bobcat is going to be digging the holes it can go a bit deeper and have the anchor point coupling below the valve box's lid. The lid can be flush mounted to the ground level. The result is no trip hazards and things like the mower and other light vehicles can be driven over it.

Since Kings has their 12000 pound winch on sale - reduced by $200, I bought one. I did follow some contributor's advice and I checked on Marketplace for the range of second-hand winches. Some units were dearer than the Kings' winch and they would not come with a warranty. Other second-hand winches needed repairs and new replacement parts. Or they did not have the same capacity.

I will be making a unit where the winch fits on a trailer receiver that can be slotted into the towbar at the back of a vehicle. Also, with the aid of a 1300 mm x 50 mm x 50 mm square hollow section with a 5 mm wall thickness I will be converting my old Jeep Commander tow bar so it can bolt into the front of the currently front bumper-bar-less Defender; while having brackets mounted for my range of other vehicles.

Just have to go to the local scrap yard for the steel anchor point and arrange for the bobcat bloke to bring his toys with him. Also, a mini-mix concrete truck. Plus a trip to the hardware store for two valve boxes. Then everything should come together!

Lionel wants to winch the Defender into the shed. Hook up winch unit. Sit in Snowy's cab ... press a button and steer. At the end of the day after working on the whatever project vehicle. Swap the winch unit to the back and press a button and steer and the vehicle until it is parked for the night. Then the daily driver can resume residence in the shed. [bigsmile1]

Thank you every one for your contributions. I will keep you updated when the ground work kicks off.

Kind regards
Lionel

Hello Slunnie,

In case you were wondering about the masonry securing hook and why I did not take up the option. The anchor point located in close proximity to the back of the shed will double as an anchor point for removing things such as inoperable cars or loads without wheels from my trailer. I used to use a large fence post as the anchor point in the middle of a paddock. However, it got to be in the road and it was removed. The in-ground anchor point will return that bit of lost flexibility I used to have for removing awkward loads.

Thank you for the information about the suggested winch load capacity.

Kind regards
Lionel

Something you will need to consider, especially if using all or most of the cable, is how it is laying on the winch drum. You'll need to ensure that it doesn't bunch up too much on one side & result in damaging the winch.
If your anchor points are located centrally to your line of pull then you should be able to lay the cable evenly by steering slightly from side to side & thereby avoiding it bunching on one side.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Xtreme

Something you will need to consider, especially if using all or most of the cable, is how it is laying on the winch drum. You'll need to ensure that it doesn't bunch up too much on one side & result in damaging the winch.
If your anchor points are located centrally to your line of pull then you should be able to lay the cable evenly by steering slightly from side to side & thereby avoiding it bunching on one side.

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Hello Xtreme,

Thank you for posting the gem of information about laying the cable on the winch drum. I have not used vehicle mounted winches before.

Kind regards
Lionel

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lionelgee

Hello Slunnie,

In case you were wondering about the masonry securing hook and why I did not take up the option. The anchor point located in close proximity to the back of the shed will double as an anchor point for removing things such as inoperable cars or loads without wheels from my trailer. I used to use a large fence post as the anchor point in the middle of a paddock. However, it got to be in the road and it was removed. The in-ground anchor point will return that bit of lost flexibility I used to have for removing awkward loads.

Thank you for the information about the suggested winch load capacity.

Kind regards
Lionel

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I hadn't thought that, it just sounded like you had a plan in your head that would work best for you. You've obviously put a lot of thought and research into it, have experiences and discussed it widely when developing a solution.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Slunnie

I hadn't thought that, it just sounded like you had a plan in your head that would work best for you. You've obviously put a lot of thought and research into it, have experiences and discussed it widely when developing a solution.

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G'day Slunnie,

Thank you. It was more of a germ of an idea that I lacked some essential information about. Consult with various brain trusts and a boilermaker into hot rods. Relate things back to experience and go 'Doh!' 'In-ground valve boxes - Lionel - how many of them have you installed ... lots!' Plus, the good old internet to read independent reviews and search the availability of suitable second-hand options.

Some pieces start to fit and it all begins to come together. Fingers crossed the in-theory model crosses over successfully into reality. It will be a couple of weeks to have everything up and operational. That cross-over from paper to reality can be a really cruel head and arse kicker!

Kind regards
Lionel

Quote:

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Originally Posted by V8Ian

Makes the winch idea look overly complicated, Lionel.

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G'day Ian,

I did not study and successfully complete a PhD because I automatically switch to 'simple'. Even if it is a very rare type of PhD; a practical-based 'tool' that can be used in everyday life. [wink11]

In my defence though - one of the people I consulted is an internationally renown military vehicle restorer and his feedback was, "Your idea of a remote controlled electric winch just makes so much sense. One of those 'why didn't I think of it' - ones?"

Anyway, as per an extract of Rudyard Kipling ...

I keep six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When And How
And Where and Who.
I send them over land and sea,
I send them east and west;
But after they have worked for me,
I give them all a rest.

Then onto a description of a person that Kipling knew who ...

keeps ten million serving-men,
Who get no rest at all! ....


An extract from The Elephant's Child Accessed 29th May 2023 from, I Keep Six Honest Serving Men – The Kipling Society.

It is just the way I am wired!

Kind regards
Dr. Lionel

I'm more a Banjo fellow myself, Lionel. Henry, if I'm feeling more sombre.

Twas Mulga Bill, from Eaglehawk, that caught the cycling craze;
He turned away the good old horse that served him many days;
He dressed himself in cycling clothes, resplendent to be seen;
He hurried off to town and bought a shining new machine;
And as he wheeled it through the door, with air of lordly pride,
The grinning shop assistant said, "Excuse me, can you ride?"

[biggrin]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by V8Ian

I'm more a Banjo fellow myself, Lionel. Henry, if I'm feeling more sombre.

Twas Mulga Bill, from Eaglehawk, that caught the cycling craze;
He turned away the good old horse that served him many days;
He dressed himself in cycling clothes, resplendent to be seen;
He hurried off to town and bought a shining new machine;
And as he wheeled it through the door, with air of lordly pride,
The grinning shop assistant said, "Excuse me, can you ride?"

[biggrin]

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G'day Ian,

One, Henry Clarence Kendall (N.A.P.) must be up there on your list too Ian. 'Native Australian Poet' - as in, born in Australia.

Kind regards
Lionel

I've had snippets of somewhat 'modified' bits of Banjo (written by various trip participants) as parts of some of my Victorian High Country trip reports............

There was movement at the station for the word had passed around
That Roger’s four-wheel drivers were at play
And were seeking wild bush courses as they left old Merrijig town,
Fred & Ros were Tail-End-Charlie for the day
.
.
.
.

Through stringy barks and saplings, on the rough and broken ground
Down the hillside at a careful pace, Roger led
Ros & Fred were right behind us when we turned our heads for home,
Eager for good company, good food and our bed

With apologies to Banjo.

And back to the thread topic.