Hand winch... seems cheap

[MrX Member Find all posts View Profile Close MrX]

I am resigned to the fact I won't be fitting a bull bar and winch to my Kakka any time soon so looking around for a hand winch. In my travels I stumbled upon these: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TJM-4WD-O...a30d7ac&_uhb=1

Any reason to / not to buy one that anyone can think of given the price?

They look identical to these http://www.tjm.com.au/en-oceania/pro...udes-20m-cable but a lot cheaper.

Also the TJM branded ones are shown as 2500 LBs not KGS, though I think this may be a typo on the website given the guy from the local TJM was pretty adamant that his winches were 2500 KGs.

Woops... didn't follow the rules

Item Name: TJM 4WD Offroad 4X4 Hand winch - Mazda BT50 Branded - Rated 2500Kg Pull
Item Description: See above
Link: Click Here

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Any reason to / not to buy one that anyone can think of given the price?

There's a reason there are so many for sale 'only used once'...

[cfryback Find all posts View Profile Close cfryback]

I'd go this option - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Portable-...item43c05c6ea1

If you were to also get a couple of blocks (going back to my high school physics) and reduce the load.

[MrX Member Find all posts View Profile Close MrX]

I am considering that option too... I could get the winch that would ultimately be mounted in the bull bar when I get one. It could very well be my next step but still think I am going to go the hand winch for right now for a couple of reasons... cheapest option, all the attachments I get (like blocks, extension straps, etc) will be fine when I upgrade eventually to a more permanent solution, and even then the hand winch will still be a handy option should the need arise.

[retroenduro Member Find all posts View Profile Close retroenduro]

I'd go this option - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Portable-...item43c05c6ea1

If you were to also get a couple of blocks (going back to my high school physics) and reduce the load.

i like this idea...

[discoveraus Member Find all posts View Profile Close discoveraus]

Hello MrX,

A hand winch is a good thing to carry, the first time you use it will teach you not to get stuck again and to be more careful next time. I used one with the local fire brigade years ago and have not used mine since despite carrying it around the country several times.

I check out where I am intending to drive very carefully now and dont get stuck. A hand winch is still good insurance for when you do get it wrong, it pulls forwards, backwards and sideways when required and is usefull away from you own vehicle. Very versatile tool to have.

regards

Ross

[MrX Member Find all posts View Profile Close MrX]

Hi Ross,

Thanks for the info... I am thinking along the same lines. Even if I get an electric one at some point the hand winch will still be handy. I did eventually get the hand winch but haven't really had the opportunity to play with it properly but from what experimenting I have done with it, it does seem to be a deterrent to getting stuck. That said my track record isn't good... in 6 months since getting the Prado, forward (and backward for that matter) motion hasn't been possible 2 times now. One time my 1 week old Maxtrax (which are still dirty) got me out and the other time cost me $50 cash to guy Toyota road service sent out with a snatch strap. Perhaps I need to spend 3 hours pulling Prado out of a boghole 4 cm at a time to learn my lesson

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

Contrary to popular belief it's possible to use a hand winch more than once. I've used mine twice.. lol. Once for myself with a broken axle and once for a fellow PP'er stuck in mud. I can't say that I particularly enjoy setting it up - although that may be negatively influenced by the feeling of "how the fk am I getting out of this now!?!?"........ but after putting it through the paces and telling the story later, that brings some significant satisfaction Just don't expect to go to work the next day. Regardless, I'm definitely glad I have one. Mine was from ARB, for around $400.

Practically speaking, a hand winch can be used in many more ways than a standard front mounted e-winch. Regardless of vehicle position, needed direction, battery power or the existence of water, it can still be used.

[chappy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close chappy]

I've found that a hand winch is a useful tool to remind you not to get too carried away.

cheers,
chappy.