John replied:

Johnno, I looked at the Mud Mauler very closly and was not impressed. It is expensive, heavy and none of the parts are pasivated, so rust will be a big problem. You can not reverse the action, the chain is captive, so can't be used for other purposes. Comparing it with a Big Haul, I would go for the big haul. After evaluating my winching needs, I decided to that if I ever need winch, I will use the highlift jack that I carry. Hope that this helps. John

Peter Cosh replied:

John & Johnno,
I had a look at a Mud Mauler, I think you can take the chain out by taking off a hook and running the chain out? I'll have to check it out again. But they are more compact.

Peter Cosh replied:

John,
Thanks for the email. I'm sure you do and your views are valid, particularly about the potential for rust. I'd really like to see a comparo in the field, I understand a number have been sold up Townsville way. Anyone with any experience....? It would be interesting to hear further comment.

David replied:

Check out how you ancor it to the ground,,,three tent pegs about 12" long & three pieces of flat bar with a hole in each end, so you can ''PIN'' it to the ground in a triangle shape, i would hate to pull out a patrol or land cruiser stuck fast in the mud or in a creek, looks like it,s more suited to for a Tonka toy, put your money towards a decent tirfor, the only thing positive i can see is its compactness, but thats only my opinion.

paul replied:

well i have one and it seems to work fine. am no engineer and one guy i showed it to was very sceptical so i had long chats with the maker etc and so far am pretty happy. Compactness is a big issue for me cause i don't plan to get bogged and don't go rock hopping up cliffs. To be honest i have not had to use in a bogged situation yet (snatch strap has been good enough so far cause other wagons have been around) but for my own piece of mind i have practised pulling the Prado up some hills just so i know how it works. It does it fine and you can use a jack handle for more leverage. I don't use the 3 pin set up and have a tree protector i run the rear section of the chain through as the rear anchor point. I guess a sunken spare tyre would do the trick in an non-tree situation. Maybe the 3 pin set up may pull out a vitara or jimny but i too am skeptical of its value in something larger, but my point is you are not restricted to the 3 pin anchor and could even anchor it to another vehicle, the options are open.

But that said i too would be keen for a serious test by someone

Paul replied:

Yes you can remove the chain - that is one of the attractions, the chain therefore doubles as a drag chain if need be, always useful.