Hand-winch longevity??

Submitted: Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 23:33
ThreadID: 41089 Views:3794 Replies:5 FollowUps:2
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Hi Ya'll. (Happy New Year!) Looking for feedback on the life span that can be expected out of a hand-winch. I bought my unit several years ago from TJM, a 1600kg unit same as the current "Mean Green" article. At the time the salesman talked me out of the extra expense of a Tirfor saying they would last longer as the teeth/jaws were better quality but given the usual infrequent use they get the TJM unit was fine. And it has done all that's been asked. I have now used the unit 4 times in earnest and probably clocked up about 8 to 9 hours of actual operation. Each recovery has been "full on" (last was the CSR - 6 hours, Lake Gregory - long story) and I can't help but think of my predicament if the thing failed.

The device could be as new or on the edge! Any one been there done that?

Mike.
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Reply By: ross - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 00:57

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 00:57
You can only inspect it closely and look for signs of wear.
Most owners would be looking at a decent size electric wich after a 6 hr recovery with hand winch
AnswerID: 214568

Follow Up By: Rob from Cairns Offroad Training & Tours - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 21:33

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 21:33
I have had my Elephant Looper 1.6 ton hand winch for over 20 years and for the first 10 years only used a couple of times. I take it with me on 4wd courses now and if someone doesn't have a power winch and wants to see how an hand winch works I show them. I bog thier vehicle in sand axle deep and set the winch up then let them winch thier vehicle out first without a snatch block and then with. I have now done 100s of these and only ever pulled the winch apart once to clean it more as a precaution than necesity. I still believe a hand winch is one of the most useful bits of equipment you can have in your recovery kit. Cheers Rob
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FollowupID: 475066

Reply By: Trevor W(Brisbane) - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 01:52

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 01:52
I have the tirfor brand and it generally stays in a Bag in the back of the vehicle.
Every long trip I take it out and undo the bolts and take the side cover away and blow out the sand and dust from around the Jaws inside the unit.I clean out the Splinters of wire rope etc. and give the pivots a little grease. Very Little dry grease like the stuff used on Door Higes,doesnt collect the dust. You get it at the Auto Joints in a stick form and looks like lip gloss.
my unit would be over 15 years old as it came second hand.Works fine , just give yours a good inspection,and then test it out before your next trip.
AnswerID: 214571

Reply By: Willem - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 09:15

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 09:15
Ahhh so thats what was used to extricate the Landy submarine....lol

Maybe you could take it to a mechanical workshp and have it tested.

When I grew up I traded the Tirfor for an electric winch. It gets used even less now as I have learned over the years to stay out of trouble...lol

Cheers
AnswerID: 214601

Reply By: David from David and Justine Olsen's 4WD Tag-Along - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 09:19

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 09:19
LOL sounds like you need to stay out of those places where you need a 6 hr recovery. Most hand winches wouldn't get that much use in their lifetime. :-)

I can't see the jaws wearing very much. It should last your lifetime.
AnswerID: 214603

Reply By: Rod W - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 10:50

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 10:50
Last century I was lucky enough to win the gate prize at a 4x4 gymkhana. It was a complete recovery kit. It was all supplied by TJM. The hand winch (can't remember the name) has a cast aluminium casing painted silver/grey. Over the years the main usage of the winch has been has been to remove tree stumps (about 6 or 7) up to 2 foot in diameter, immovable objects being moved, I would assume the amount of stress being placed on all components in this usage is far greater than a bogged vehicle, I know that all cables/straps are so taught that I'm constantly waiting and listening for that snap/twang. With one job a winch strap rated a 4,000kgs snapped with the whole set-up just falling to the ground.

The jaws are still gripping.
AnswerID: 214639

Follow Up By: miker - Friday, Jan 12, 2007 at 21:07

Friday, Jan 12, 2007 at 21:07
Thanks to all for the feedback. At least no stories of coming up short. It is worth noting that on the couple of occassions I've really needed a "hand job" ;) the engine has been down due to the electricals being drowned ( Landrover TDI + TD5). An electric would have been of no use.

Cheers,
Mike.
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FollowupID: 475292

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