Tirfor winch rating

You would need one rated to atleast 2500kg, not sure what the 508 is rated at, but if it is you will also want a snatch block to halve the effort. Winching near the rated maxium for a hand winch is very hard work.

Guts,

If it is a real Tirfor not a copy why not consider putting on an electric winch. You can get 9000lb electric for as little as $1000.

I wouldn't want to be pulling a tirfor up a hill unless I waqs trying out for Mr Universe.

I was under the impression that the 516 was rated at 1600kg static pull before the shear pin is designed to let go. Given this, logic would tend to suggest that the 508 was rated at 800kg?

Hand winches are rated by lifting capacity. You would need a T516 ( 1600kg lift ) complete with snatch block for your purpose. Pulling is easier than lifting, therefore this size is sufficient. The 508 is rated at 800kg lift.
They are a bit of work but you tend not to get stuck when you have to rely on your own muscle power to extract yourself.

Hi the 508 i rated at 800kg single line straight lift...this equates to 1600 kg pull along the ground single line, or 3200kg with a snath block....it will work but so will you ...very hard! makes u think twice b4 u plunge in next time...i luv them....still got my 516....better than walking home!
Andrew

I recently purchased a 2nd hand Tirfor T516 (1600kg) with an extra 30 m winch cable for $350. It has supposedly not been used. Next thing to do is to buy the snatch block & tree protector. It only weighs 13.5Kg, less weight to carry around, than to have a an electric winch permanently mounted. I may not be so enthusiastic when I eventually have to use it! But, it seems like a cheap alternative.
Sparky

Thanks to everyone who resonded, very helpful.