Non performing winch

Apparently the best gearing is achieved on the first and second layer. I had a similar experience pulling two landcruisers and camper vans up the hill from Stream Beach. Backed away to extend the cable (less cable and winding layers on drum) and no problems.

Hi Davoe
At least you have the experience to try alternative methods to get out .
He is a sugestion for you snatch block on the tree in front of you, no snatch block tree trunk protector and shackle as this is not a running wire, ( this is a bit hard on the wire due to the tight bend, you can of course wrap a strap around the tree and lay the wire over it ) and run most of the wire out and annchor some where else this increases the effort of the winch.
I you had had snatch blocks you could have run three or four pulls to use up the wire.
Ground anchor is another alternative to give you some room.
The winch only pulls the maximum pull on the bottom layer of wire provided the electrics are up to it.
In NZ we tend to carry 3 or 4 blocks as we are often in heavy bush and not much room so have to get rid of wire some how.
There is always a way some times it takes a while to think outside the square.

Davo

Stands to reason that if the best gearing is achieved on the first couple of layers of cable (better gearing ratio) and you have 50 m which is twice as much as some, then the gearing on the outer layers (10m) will be stuffed. Maybe better off getting shorter cable and using extensions when needed.

Davoe-
I've got a single snatch block you can use if you want to give it a test. I got it for my hand winch which runs 18mm wire- the block seems to be for 17mm or thinner- sounds like it would suit your winch. Give us a buzz if you want it.

I've actually stuck with the short cable on my winch (approx 25m, was on there when I got the vehicle), I just carry a couple of winch extension straps for the odd occasion I need more. They are much more user friendly (lighter) when climbing hills too. There is enough cable to run double snatch blocks if required.