[gogetter]

Anyone used one of those 12v portable winches that you see on eBay and in HarborFrieght catalogs?

I've been thinking about getting one for the rare occasion that I need to pull a bush or small stump.

They have a 6000lb rolling workload and a 2000lb dragging workload.

They also come with an attachment to slip over your hitch ball.

They run about $50-75 depending on where you get it from.

I just got done digging out 8 bushes and it wasn't fun.

So, anyone used one? Thanks.

Oops! I just realized I already asked this question a few week back. Moderators, feel free to delete this one.
Sorry.

 

[GLAN]

Don't need a winch if you have a chain......

 

[Alan Bechard]

We use a come along sometimes.

 

[fblandscape]

I guess you could use a battery operated winch depending on what exactly you are trying to pull out. It took me some time to rip out a 10 foot tall taxus with a 10,000 lb excavator and a chain. Just some food for thought.

 

[GLAN]

We dig stumps. Couple shovels, axes. In like not time at all my guys have it out.

OK larger stuff, yeah some time is needed.

If I don't want to do them or don't have time. I call a friend with stump grinders.

 

[Team Gopher]

Here is a tree company site that discusses how they utilize a winch to remove roots.

 

[Rustic Goat]

Doubt the quality of winches you described would hold up. A good Warn brand would.
Have to be careful pulling plantings up as suggested method if they're anywhere near buildings or plumbing, gas lines, etc.

 

[GLAN]

True that Rustic


I have seen masons and even homeowners try pulling bushes out with their trucks, suv's, cars, etc...........

Some of them have actualy pulled up their walkways, sidewalks, fences, you name it.

 

[bobbygedd]

pick, ax, chainsaw, shovel, and brute strength.

 

[DoubleCutter]

Chain/Cable. Heavy Duty Truck rim.4WD truck.
Was told this a while back. Hook chain/cable to bottom of tree, stump,ex girlfriend etc. Have the chain go right up and over the top of rim.(rim straight like it had tire, and was on vehicle right near stump etc closer to tree better) Then hook chain to trailer hitch Truck in 4Low On something with traction and pull. Having the rim near tree will help pull the tree straight out and up rather than trying to yank it out sideway......Im not responsible for any of your accidents :angel:
Bill
Has worked for me flawless...but use your brain...wont work on redwoods

 

[DUSTYCEDAR]

u have to be careful using a wench with all that cable and tension if it slips off the stump it can hurt or kill someone it is not a bad way to do it just more dangerous than i think it is worth

 

[mike9497]

chain and a 4X4 any size 4X4 with a tow hook or trailer hitch.i have seen ATVs rip out little shrubs

 

[lawnworker]

Has any body heard about using a blanket over a winch or chain for safety. I don't know if that would really help or not, in case of breakage.

 

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

Originally posted by DoubleCutter
Chain/Cable. Heavy Duty Truck rim.4WD truck.
Was told this a while back. Hook chain/cable to bottom of tree, stump, EX-GIRLFRIEND etc.

Now, she had to be quite a jerk to do dat

 

[Pecker]

I read in an ATV magazine (ATVNews I think) that putting a coat (or a heavy kind of material) in the middle of the winch line would serve as a damper in the event the line should snap. Although, I haven't seen a line snap, nor one with a coat over it to know if it really works. Hope we never have to find out. Realistically though, there's no way it is going to stop it completely.

 

[DLCS]

Originally posted by lawnworker
Has any body heard about using a blanket over a winch or chain for safety. I don't know if that would really help or not, in case of breakage.

Yes, I've done it before. Also, if your truck is facing what your pulling. I've put the hood of my truck up just to keep the winch cable or chain from busting through the windshield of the truck. When a cable breaks it can easily kill you. The best method would be to use a heavy tow strap, straps don't fly as far when they break.