Compact portable winch

[Tom Dunlap]

Today I watched a compilation video of products from the SEMA show.

This might have arborist applications.

RescueWinch | Be prepared with RescueWinch | Provo, UT

Rescue Winch is a portable/packable, 10,000-pound capacity recovery system. It bypasses the installation of traditional winch systems. Always ready for multidirectional deployment, giving the option of recovering from the front side or rear of your vehicle. Be Prepared with RescueWinch.

www.myrescuewinch.com

Its not on the market yet though

 

[Shadowscape]

As a regular user of a 25,000 lb. winch in my work, this doesn't look like a very practical invention for vehicle use. Not because of it 10,000 lb. power, but because of the cost and bulk.
First there is the $800. you are going to shell out for it. Then you will need about $600. worth of Amsteel or similar rope. Add on three snatch blocks. A cordless drill. You are now up to about $1,700. Then there is the matter of storage for all of that stuff. The rope is going to have to be coiled up so it doesn't tangle and stored in a bag or some such. The drill needs to be stored along with the snatch blocks. Oh, and the winch unit and that long pole.
The video makes it look like it is some major operation to install a winch on your vehicle. It is not. Usually, a bumper swap is all that is needed if yours doesn't already have a winch mount. For the cost you can get a Sherpa Stallion 25,000 lb. winch (I think is the best of the best) and all the line is stored on the spool, outside your vehicle. No need for snatch blocks and running double or triple lines. No drill. Operated by a remote the size of key fob from anywhere within 150'.

Now... For the arborist community it may have some use. I can't think of any at the moment, but there might be some. I can't see it doing anything better than a GRCS however. And at nearly the same cost when all is said and done, I can't see the company staying in business, if it even gets off the ground.

My pessimistic 2¢

 

[Tom Dunlap]

All good points.

My Tracker weighs 3k# and I don't ever plan on going mudding or hard core off-roading. I've already got DeWalt tools and batteries.

I also have a 12v winch...typical configuration...10k#...mounted on a 2" receiver hitch skid. Front and back receivers and long, heavy wiring too.

How might it work for lifting?

 

[Shadowscape]

All good points.

My Tracker weighs 3k# and I don't ever plan on going mudding or hard core off-roading. I've already got DeWalt tools and batteries.

I also have a 12v winch...typical configuration...10k#...mounted on a 2" receiver hitch skid. Front and back receivers and long, heavy wiring too.

How might it work for lifting?

I lift with my winch a lot. First I anchor the vehicle to another sturdy source, usually a tree so it doesn't slide. Then through a snatch block lashed to the base of a tree and up to another snatch block above what I am lifting. I can pick a whole tree up that way, and often do.
I don't know the limits of your Tracker on being stretched like that frame wise, but for something under a 1000 pounds I would imagine it would be fine.