Wayne (NSW) replied:

Jimbo,

I would be asking for a demo before parting with any dollars.
How good is the connection from the winch to the battery, they would have to be alligator clamps.

Does the winch spin around on the coupling to the vehicle, if you have only one recovery point at the front how does it hook up then.

The deal sounds good but will it work, a hand winch might be an option.

Wayne

D-Jack replied:

Jim

I would think that if you have the need for a winch, you would probably have the need for a bull bar. They are not just for mounting spotties, aerials and fishing rod holders, they are for protecting the engine and associated parts in the case of a collision with an animal on the road, which will hopefully allow you to keep driving. If you are going to places where you could get bogged, it generally entails driving on remotish dirt roads or highway driving where you are most at risk of hitting a kangaroo or similar.

Having said that, I have a bull bar but it is not a winch bar. I would dearly love one and an electric winch, but funds don't allow. I purchased a hand winch from TJM, about $600 all up I think, included winch, cable, tree trunk protector, extension, 4 x rated shackles, gloves, snatch strap all in a sexy carry bag. More work, but cheaper.

But then again, never really looked into these porta winches. May be a good thing.

D-Jack

Willem replied:

How much lighter?

Portable winches are a PITA. They have to be stored in the truck. Invariablky theu wiklkl be dirty and full of mud when putting it back in. You have to be a strong fella to lug the 30kg winch around. You are probably better off with a Tirfor hand winch.

Member - Tonester (VIC) replied:

Hi Jim. How big is the unit? and whats your guess at the weight? Never used a tirfor and don't know how heavy that is for comparison. I presume also that that plasma rope (I think it was) can be installed perhaps, reducing weight?

Member - Glenn D (NSW) replied:

My 5 cents worth,

Purchased a brawn last year for an around oz trip , thought it was better than buying a bar to mount it to , had everything out of the Patrol except for the front seats so space wasnt an issue,

For : Dont have to carry weight around when you dont need it . Winch doesnt sit out in weather. Can winch in all directions. Cheaper if you are straped for cash.
Only saw a hand winch in use once ,must have power.

Against : When you are bogged it is normally packed at the bottom, C of G. Takes up valuble space if just going away for the weekend without stripping you truck out.
Awkward if you are in deep mud or stuck midstream.

The space factor is killing me at the moment and I am thinking about getting a winch bar.

Hope this helps

Glenn