Gas-powered capstan winches are essential tools for a variety of heavy-duty applications, including forestry, construction, and industrial settings. They offer reliable and robust performance, making them a go-to choice for professionals who need to lift and pull heavy loads. In this article, we’ll take a look at the four best gas-powered capstan winches on the market.
Which is the Best Gas Powered Capstan Winch?
PCW4000 winch is the best gas-powered capstan for its exceptional pulling capacity of up to 4,000 pounds, reliable 4-stroke engine, and durable construction. It’s easy to use, versatile, and can handle tough jobs in various applications.
Thorough multi-level testing is done by my team to ensure the highest product standards before I recommend anything. Learn more about our process here.
Scorecard: To curate a scorecard, I considered the pulling capacity needed to handle the weight, engine power and the build quality to see durability. Only products that scored more than 7 were chosen.
Best Gas Powered Capstan Winches
Looking for the best gas-powered winch? Check out the following best ones briefly reviewed below:
1. PCW4000 Portable gas powered capstan winch
If you ever need to free a stuck car, remove hung-up trees, reach out-of-reach logs, or get out of any other scenario like this, this gas-powered winch is the ideal option for you. This winch’s HONDA 4-stroke GXH-50 cc engine, which is designed to handle heavy loads, provides the power.
Additionally, this portable capstan winch is powerful for its weight, weighing only 16 kilograms yet pulling 1000 kg. It’s simple to put up and use this winch. You have plenty of freedom to move away from the car thanks to the 12-foot lead on its transportable rubber controller.
Although it is quite durable, it is not waterproof. Consequently, the winch will work in most weather scenarios but won’t be appropriate for saving a car from the water. Although it makes a little more noise than most of the other winches on our list, that’s hardly the worst quality a winch could have.
A 12-meter per minute draw and a 57 mm drum make up the basic setup, which lasts longer. The 85 mm drum (#PCA-1100), which promotes 18 meters per minute, is available separately. With 1/2 ton capstans, the “PCA-1215M” gas powered capstan winch is utilized. The line drawn by this rope can also be improved or changed using pulleys and anchor straps.
Pull Capacity
Engine Power
Durability
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on December 7, 2020 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Great pull capacity
- Great portable winch
- Easy to use
- Reliable pulleys and anchor straps
CONS
- Not waterproof
2. PCW-5000 - 2,200-Lb
This brand is a renowned industry pioneer for the gas powered capstan winch. It seems to be the unquestioned front-runner in the powered winch industry since 2003. Out of so many excellent gas-powered capstan winches made by this business, the PCW-5000 is among the best.
It has a maximum pulling capability of 2200 pounds and is easily capable of pulling 4400 pounds using the snatch block. Well, you may use this gas-powered winch to pull just about anything as long as it doesn’t exceed the weight limit.
So, among other things, you could use the winch to drag the logs out of the forest or woods, pull large animals through steep terrain, and pull electrical lines through conduits to get out of a tight spot.
In conclusion, this winch can be utilized in various situations, such as forestry, hunting, industrial, and for similar outdoor activities. This capstan winch is very simple to tether. Any substantial objects like a post, rock, or tree, can serve as its anchor.
A Honda 4-stroke with a GXH-50cc engine which can handle heavy-duty usages powers this winch. A Honda engine is consistently reliable. This winch can be utilized with just about any length of a double-braided polyester rope, as was previously mentioned.
Pull Capacity
Engine Power
Durability
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on November 8, 2012 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Multi-purpose winch
- An infinite length of pull
- Great for heavy loads and long distances
- Easy to use & Lightweight
CONS
- No accessories included
- Cost is high
3. PCW5000-FK - 2,200-Lb, Capstan Winch Forestry Kit
This gas powered capstan winch is employed on boats for maritime purposes; hence it needs sturdy housing built of durable materials. This item is entirely watertight and is composed of premium anti-corrosion resistant metal[1]. This portable capstan winch also features a travel bag and a large top handle.
A 12V motor powers the winch, ensuring a great and consistent operating speed. It operates smoothly because of the lubricated planetary gearset. All the wiring is required to connect it to a cable that is already on the winch.
The control pack may be installed either alone or along with the control pack. The sizable metal drum that doesn’t add extra weight shields the rope from getting damaged. This unit’s symmetrical, black design is elegant and easy to assemble.
Pull Capacity
Engine Power
Durability
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on August 13, 2011 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Straightforward to use
- No external power sources
- Great flexibility and a Lightweight winch
- Heavy-duty rope
CONS
- A bit pricey
4. Portable Winch Co. PCW3000-HK 1,550-lb
The 35cc 4-stroke all-position Honda engine that powers the PCW3000 Winch gives it excellent power and dependability without compromising portability. It is simple to transport over large distances using methods like a backpack carrier or a car strap. Additionally, this ground-breaking Winch is ideal for quad riders, boaters, hunters, and foresters.
The capstan’s design allows for unlimited length of rope. However, you need to tug on the rope to provide friction to draw the weight since the capstan drum is permanently revoked when the engine is running.
With consistent pull strength, you’ll be able to pull whatever you want, wherever you want! It also includes a wonderful selection of hunting equipment to aid in retrieving and lifting large wildlife, clearing trails, etc. It also comes with the Custom Molded Transport Case for additional security and protection.
Pull Capacity
Engine Power
Durability
Product Timeline: There is no available information for when the product was available for the first time
PROS
- Lightweight and simple to operate
- Durable and powerful
CONS
- Polyester pull tape cannot be used
Buyer’s Guide
Before investing in a gas powered capstan winch, it is important to take into consideration certain parameters to make your purchase easier. This will also help you to get the right product to serve your purpose. Look at the following important points to keep in mind:
1. Capacity/Size
When buying a gas powered capstan winch, the winch’s capacity, or “pull rating,” should be one of your first considerations. In essence, the mechanical capability of the entire machine, as well as the tensile strength of the capstan drum line, defines a winch’s pound rating. Winches typically range in weight from 8,000 to 12,000 lbs/pounds for pickup/SUV applications.
So how can you figure out how much pulling power your rig needs? You must first be aware of your GVW or gross vehicle weight[2]. Simply put, this refers to the combined weight of your setup, including its attachments. Off-roaders use a variety of computations based on that amount, but a basic rule of thumb is to increase your GVW by 30 to 50 percent.
Most seasoned pullers would advise you to steer clear of the higher side if you have the money. Even if you almost ever use your winch, pulling will be simpler if you have a bigger, better-rated one. As a result, the winch will last longer because it won’t have to work as hard to operate. In this case, a bigger unit is preferable. If you are unsure how does a capstan winch work, read this article
2. Portability
A Gas powered portable capstan winch which is portable can quickly simplify strenuous lifting, whether you’re carrying a large piece of wood for an arborist job or towing a caravan while traveling. The portable powerhouse, which can be used for both lifting and pulling, has a lifting capacity of about 100 kg and can lift or lower that weight continuously for 12 minutes on a full charge. They are ideal for pulling tasks and outdoor activities when there is a limited power source.
3. Application
This winch is intended for usage in commercial settings and with larger loads. It may be used on boats, in the ocean, ships, buildings, mines, and for demolition. You may, if necessary, utilize it for private purposes as well. Depending on your demands, you may pick from a variety of winches.
Verdict
In my opinion when I was testing, I found out PCW4000 is the best option for its high pulling capacity of up to 4,000 pounds, sturdy construction, and reliable 4-stroke engine. It’s versatile, easy to use, and can handle heavy-duty tasks in various applications.
Summary
Gas-powered capstan winches are heavy-duty tools designed to lift and pull heavy loads. The article explores the four best gas-powered capstan winches available on the market today.
The winches selected have a high pulling capacity, a durable and robust engine, and are built with high-quality materials that can withstand tough environmental conditions.
The PCW4000 is considered the best winch with a maximum pulling capacity of 4,000 pounds, a reliable 4-stroke engine, and ease of use.
References
-
4 types of metal that are corrosion resistant or don’t rust. (2022, July 19). https://www.industrialmetalsupply.com/blog/4-types-of-metal-that-are-corrosion-resistant-or-dont-rust
- https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Glossary:Gross_vehicle_weight
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