Could this winch idea work?

Hello - already been invented.

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Hub Winches

There is an original Land Rover device called a Hub Winch. This device consists of a pair of deep steel dishes that are bolted onto the rear wheels of a vehicle. One attaches one end of a fabric strap or non-stretch rope around each drum and the other ends to a length of stout rope. Fit a pulley to the rope and attach the pulley to an anchor point. The pulley is important as it equalizes the strain between sides such that if one wheel spins it will take up the slack so that the strap does not fall off the opposite side.
Take note to wrap the strap in the opposite direction of rotation of the wheel. Gently drive the vehicle out of the situation, taking care not to drive on the strap when grip is re-gained. There is no need for excessive power, drive in 1st or reverse in low range with center diff locked where applicable. The reason for fitting hub winches to the rear wheels only is that the steering mechanism will get bent as the front axle cannot cope with such loads.
The original hub winches are fairly scarce and can only be used on steel rims.
There is, however an equivalent available, called Hubbytrax, these are available at 4x4 stores and chain stores. The straps used should have a 6 ton rating and each need only be 8 meters long and the rest of the distance can be taken up with a rope, via the pulley.

Cheers
Greg

the army tried this some time ago with some success, but found you need to have some type of guide in the front say off the bull bar.

K & N have them on the floor for sale here in WA

I used to use a set-up like this in the '70s. We owned a SWB Landrover with free wheeling hubs which were about 4" diameter, parallel and smooth. Managed to acquire about 40 yards of 1/2" soft wire rope. Put a couple of wraps on the hub of the wheel that was spinning and a very good anchor point, (extracted some little trees one night) and it was unstoppable.

Excellent system.

There is an "Updated" version available.........

check out The Bush Winch Home Page

I saw it in action at the Caravan, Camping, 4WD show here on the Gold Coast this year. Not bad in effect, but exxy when you can get an electric for similar $$

Cheers

Brian