Off-roading with an ATV can be thrilling but can also come with unexpected challenges like getting stuck in mud or a ditch. A hand winch can be an invaluable tool in such situations. This article provides a comprehensive list of the 9 best hand winches for ATV, including their features and benefits, to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Which is the Best Hand Winch for ATV ?
Blackhorse Racing’s 3500 lbs is the best ATV hand winch because it offers reliable pulling power and durability, with a high-quality steel cable and a sturdy construction. Its compact size and easy-to-use design make it a convenient and practical choice for off-road adventures.
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 load capacity needed to handle the ATV’s weight, the desired cable length, and durability. Only products that scored more than 7 were chosen.
Best hand winches for ATV
Best winch
Blackhorse Racing
- 3500 lbs capacity
- Corrosion resistant
- Zinc plates frame
Choosing the best atv winch can be challenging specially with multiple factors, we have chosen 9 such products which will appeal to a lot of ATV users since we curated the list by talking to real ATV users and kept in mind the small nuances necessary to make a decision.
The Blackhorse racing hand-operated winch is a 3500-pound capacity winch which is designed to provide an outstanding load lifting facility and is an ideal hand-operated winch for your trucks, boats, ATVs, and RV. This hand winch is perfect for heavy duty.
The hand crank has a solid and quality construction of heavy-duty steel and has a heavy gauge zinc-plated steel frame which offers long-lasting durability and prevents the winch from rusting and corrosion.
The winch displays high performance, as it is equipped with carbon steel dual gears. The dual gears have a gear ratio[1] of 5.1:1 and 12.2:1, which assists in smooth cranking. The thirty-one feet long cable, along with a 3-3/8″ long durable hook, assists in executing heavy-duty work. The durable construction of the BlackHorse Racing 3500-pound capacity hand winch helps the winch for ratcheting or free spooling.
This Black horse Racing hand-operated winch has an ergonomic design. The hand winch features a grip handle, which ensures your safety by helping you to get a firm grip on the handle for hassle-free cranking.
The comfortable hand grip also reduces hand fatigue. The winch has a minimum weight of four pounds, making it easy to transport. It is recommended to get the hand winch installed by a professional.
My Opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
The Blackhorse racing hand-operated winch is a game-changer. When I tested it, This powerful winch could handle up to 3500 pounds with ease and the hand crank operated smoothly. The winch is durable and well-built, making it a reliable choice for any heavy-duty project.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on February 13, 2019 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Includes a comfortable hand grip which saves time and strength
- Superior corrosion resistance
- Zinc plated steel frame makes it long-lasting
- Portable
CONS
- Not well constructed
- Cable does not wound properly, which can block the lever bent.
The Cal Hawk hand winch is a 3200lbs capacity hand winch which is sturdy and durable. If you go off-roading in the countryside, you are bound to come across wet areas where you might fall into a rough spot. An electrical winch can also do the job, but in case the electric winch does not work deep in the woods, having a hand-operated winch will come to your rescue. Therefore, it is better to have a hand-operated winch as well.
Cal Hawk 3200 winch is designed for manual boats, ATVs and RV trailers. It has a pulling capacity of 3200 pounds and weighs around twelve pounds, making it easy to move. It is a dual-gear winch that makes it fast and acts as a rope equalizer, allowing the rope to equalize at any time.
The Calhawk hand winch has zinc and steel plated construction along with hard steel gears, which makes the winch weather and corrosion-resistant. The winch has a thirty-two feet long cable and a gear ratio of 4:1 or 8:1. One drawback of this winch is that the rope and the gear assembly are in close proximity; therefore you have to use the winch straight forward.
My Opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
A wrong hand winch can turn out to be a disaster if not chosen carefully. When testing Cal Hawk CZCWR 400 lbs Hand Winch, I found it to be a reliable and efficient tool. I have used it multiple times to pull heavy loads, and it has never failed me. The cable is sturdy and durable, and the winch’s construction feels solid.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on October 31, 2017 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Good quality at the given price
- Durable and sturdy
- Zinc and steel-plated construction
- Corrosion and weather resistant
CONS
- The gear assembly and cable are in close proximity.
If you are in search of a 2000 lbs hand winch, you can consider checking out this winch. This hand Operated winch can be a good match for your boat, truck, car, trailer and ATV. It is recommended to keep a hand winch with you at all times, just in case your electrical winch does not work in time of need.
The winch weighs around nine pounds, making it lightweight and easy to move around. It has an optimum pulling capacity of 2000 pounds. It is a powerful and durable hand-powered winch which can be easily mounted anywhere it is needed. The winch features a thirty-two feet long braided heavy-duty galvanized steel cable.
The galvanized steel cable is corrosion and weather-resistant[2], which increases its longevity. It also includes a clevis latch hook. The 2000 lbs winch’s shafts and gears are made of high tensile alloy steel, which assists in making the operation smooth and hassle-free.
Though while using this winch, you must pay attention as there are chances of the cable binding up on the spool.
If you have a free hand, it is better to guide the rope. To avoid any loose loops on the rope, try to put as much tension as you can on the rope till the winch lifts up the load. It is recommended to use a Poly rope as the steel cable can cause a number of problems.
My opinon
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
When I got my hands on the 2000 lb Cable Hand Winch from ATE Tools, I must say it exceeded my expectations. The winch is solidly built and can handle heavy loads effortlessly. The cable is sturdy and durable, and the winch smooth operation makes it easy to use. A 2000 lb is not a small weight for a hand winch and using this was a breeze.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on September 8, 2008 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- The winch is durable
- Has resistance against corrosion
- Lightweight and portable
CONS
- Not meant for heavy duty
- The steel cable is not good in quality
The Segomo Tools’ 3500-pound manual winch is a great heavy-duty winch for your truck, boat, jeep and ATV. The Segomo 3500-pound winch has a high-quality steel construction, making it perfect for heavy duty. The winch also features high carbon steel gears[3] with a gear ratio of 4.1:1 and 8:1. The carbon steel gears are corrosion resistant, which helps to increase the lifespan of the winch.
The winch has a pulling capacity of 3500 pounds which is perfect for lifting a heavy load, thus making it perfect for heavy duty. The durable, heavy-duty hand crank features a thirty-two feet long cable made of high-quality steel that is heavy enough and strong enough for a wide array of applications.
Using this winch will make loading and unloading easy. This hand winch comes with a mooring hook which is equipped with a safety pawl which allows for two-way ratcheting (forward and reverse). The two-way ratcheting is one of its key features.
Segomo Tools’ 3500-pound manual winch is ideal for loading boats, lawn equipment, trailering and lifting heavy objects. The heavy-duty hand crank also features an ergonomic handle grip which is designed to assist efficient and comfortable cranking, ensuring a tight grip and reducing fatigue.
The winch has a minimum weight of twelve pounds, making it easy to move around. It is highly recommended to keep a manual winch handy even if you have an electrical winch because if there is a situation where your electrical winch stops working. There are no electrical outlets.
My opinon
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
I feel Segomo Tools’ 3500-pound manual winch is a product with great build quality. The build quality is impressive, and the winch feels sturdy and reliable. The cable is robust and has never snapped or frayed on me, and the winch gear ratio makes it easy to use. It’s a great investment for anyone needing to pull heavy loads.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on April 15, 2021 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Suitable for heavy-duty work
- The winch is resistant to corrosion
- Easy to install
- Durable and sturdy
CONS
- No provision to detach the hook
The High Free hand winch is a 600-pound hand-operated winch which is perfect for heavy duty. The winch is well suited for personal watercraft, loading boats, trailering, lawn equipment and ATVs. It is a well-constructed winch, solidly built with high-quality, heavy-duty steel and steel wire rope, made with heavy-duty steel. The manual winch also features hardened steel heat-treated bushes, shaft and gears, which increases the durability of the hand crank.
Along with the carbon steel gear, the heavy-duty hand winch features a twenty-seven feet long winch cable which is made of high-quality steel and is long enough to do a wide array to work on a daily basis.
With a pulling capacity of 600 pounds, the hand crank has a gear ratio of 3.1: 1, which is load matched to assist smooth cranking.
The High Free hand winch has a flexible design with a reversible ratchet, allowing adjustments so that the winch can work in both directions.
The hand crank is equipped with a mooring hook and safety pawl, providing you with outstanding load-lifting facilities. The extra eighteen-centimeter-long ergonomic handle grip is designed for easier cranking and to reduce hand fatigue.
This feature makes the winch highly efficient. The winch has a well-built body suitable for heavy duty with standard mounting holes. The winch body has a zinc plating and powder coating, which prevents it from rusting and corrosion.
Looking for something more specific ? Below I have compiled a list of other articles related to ATV winch that might help you. Do check them out!
My opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
In my experience of using the Highfree winch, I feel the heavy-duty steel cable and gear mechanism make it easy to operate, and the 27-foot cable provides ample length for my needs. It’s a great choice for towing my ATV or trailer, and the 600 lbs weight capacity is more than sufficient. Highly recommended!
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on February 6, 2020 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Perfect for heavy-duty work
- High efficiency and flexible design
- Value for money
- Weather resistant
CONS
- Not easy to install
If you are looking for a 3200-pound capacity hand winch, which is suitable for heavy-duty, the SPARKWHIZ 3200 Hand Winch can be a great option. This manual winch is perfect for your truck, trailers, lawn equipment, ATVs, and loading and towing your boats. The hand has a solid structure as it is built with heavy-duty steel and carbon steel gears.
The high carbon steel gears make the winch wear-resistant and assist in preventing rust and corrosion, increasing the lifespan of the winch. This durable hand winch has a pulling capacity of 3200 pounds and weighs around twelve pounds, making it transportable. The heavy-duty hand crank features a thirty-one feet long polyester strap, a sturdy steel cable which is considerably strong to bear heavy loads and a 2T solid alloy steel hook.
It has a gear ratio of 4:1/8:1 along with precise gear meshing, making forging durable. Its reverse ratcheting allows it to work in both directions- forward ratcheting and reverse ratcheting.
The PARKWHIZ 3200 Hand winch has an ergonomic design, with an anti-slip crank handle that assists you in getting a firm grip which ensures your safety. This anti-slip handle improves work efficiency and reduces work efficiency. The hand winch comes with mounting bolts attached, with precise hole placement to assist simple installation. If the hole placement is suitable for your installation method, you can use welding per your respective installation method.
My opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
Using the SPARKWHIZ Hand Winch, I was keen to look at the quality and performance. The hand winch is easy to use and can handle heavy loads with ease. Its compact design makes it convenient to store and transport.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on December 6, 2021 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Rust and corrosion resistant
- Well-built and durable
- Good product at a reasonable price
CONS
- Weak bolts
- Locking gear is not sturdy enough
The 8MILELAKE 600-pound capacity hand-operated winch is an excellent option to check out if you are looking for a low-capacity yet functional hand winch. 8MILELAKE[4] is a USA-based company dedicated to providing its customers with the best quality auto repair tools and accessories.
The 600 lb hand winch has a solid build and is perfect for heavy-duty as it has a heavy-duty steel construction along with hardened steel gears which makes the winch tough and wear-resistant.
The carbon steel gears also prevent the winch from rusting and make it weather-resistant, increasing its longevity.
This heavy-duty hand winch features a five-meter-long rope along with a Polyester webbed black strap.
The hand crank with a gear ratio of 3.1: 1, loads matched to assist smooth cranking. 8MILELAKE 600 has a flexible design with two-way ratcheting- forward ratcheting and reverse ratcheting, which allows the winch to work in both directions. The winch features a single-speed gear which offers to use a simple one-way crank.
This winch is not only well-built and sturdy but also ensures your safety. It features a mooring hook equipped with a safety pawl that makes two-way ratcheting possible. The hand winch weighs about four pounds, which makes it very easy to move and has a pulling capacity of 600 pounds. This hand winch is ideal to use for picking up trailers, boats, ATVs and lawn equipment.
Looking for something more specific ? Below I have compiled a list of other articles related to ATV winch that might help you. Do check them out!
My opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
I used The 8MILELAKE 600-pound capacity hand-operated winch for a DIY project and it exceeded my expectations. The winch is sturdy, well-built, and easy to use. It handled heavy loads effortlessly and the hand crank operated smoothly.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on November 14, 2019 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Weather and rust resistant
- Highly functional and efficient
- Reversible ratcheting
CONS
- Too much strap on the spool, which gets stuck on the gear
The BULLETSHAKER 3200 pounds capacity winch is a great option if you are looking for a 3200lbs manual winch for lifting heavy and large items which cannot be hand lifted. This winch is made up of heavy-duty steel with a zinc-plated finish which makes this winch perfect for use as a boat winch.
The zinc-plated finish increases the lifespan of the hand winch as it prevents it from corrosion and harsh weather conditions. This hand winch has a well-made ratched, and the mounting plate offers you a few alternative ways you can line up your bolts. Consequently, you do not have to drill more holes.
This tough winch has a heavy-duty steel construction along with carbon steel gear for increased strength and long-term durability. A ten-meter-long blue polyester webbed strap is sturdy and resistant to damage, making this manual winch perfect for trailers, pickup trucks and other mobile applications.
The BULLET SHAKER 3200 has a brake lock system built with cold-forged steel, making the hand winch reliable. It features a comfortable anti-slip grip handle that assists in getting a secure grip, increases cranking productivity and reduces user fatigue.
The BULLETSHAKER hand winch has a minimum weight of eleven pounds, making it easy to carry around and can be connected to any vehicle direction. Its minimal weight and small size make it perfect for laboratories, field operations, off-road traction and self-rescue. One thing that must be under important notes is that this hand winch is made for pulling and not for lifting. Therefore, ensure there is nothing near the gear, rim and rolling cable.
My opinon
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
BULLETSHAKER 3200 pounds capacity winch for a weekend camping trip and it did not disappoint. This winch is easy to use and can handle heavy loads without any issues. Its compact size makes it easy to transport, while its sturdy construction ensures durability.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on December 23, 2020 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Resistant to harsh weather conditions
- Anti-slip grip gives a smooth cranking experience
- Long-term durability
- Easy to carry
CONS
- Does not free spool
- No neutral position for safety
If you need a low-capacity but functional hand winch for your ATV, boat, trailer or RV, the EASYBERG 600 lbs hand-operated winch is a good option to check out. This hand winch is solidly built as it is made of heavy-duty steel. Along with the heavy-duty steel, it has a heavy gauge zinc plated steel frame finish, making the winch rust and corrosion-resistant for long-term durability. It features hardened steel gears with a gear ratio of 3.1:1, which makes it resistant to wear and tear, providing a smooth cranking experience.
This hand winch comes with strong eight meters long steel wire. The gear shafts are made of high-tensile alloy steel. The EASYBERG hand winch has its drum busing internally lubricated and a pinion gear shaft, which adds to the winch’s long life and easy operation. A comfortable anti-slip hand grip is also included for a more secure grip, smooth cranking and less user fatigue.
Along with the strong wire cable, this hand winch also includes a mooring hook equipped with safety pawls that assist the winch for forwarding and backward ratcheting. The hand winch weighs around four pounds and does not take up much space because of its small portable size. This hand winch is made for lifting, not pulling, and is ideal for trailer mounting and boat haulage.
My opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
The EASYBERG 600 lbs hand-operated winch for a home renovation project and was pleasantly surprised by its performance. This winch is easy to use, compact and can handle heavy loads without any issues. Its sturdy construction makes it durable and reliable, making it a great option for any DIY project.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on March 31, 2020 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Durable material
- Rustproof and corrosion-resistant construction
- Reversible ratcheting
CONS
- The cable is not heavy enough
- Poor finishing
Buyer’s Guide
In the market, you can find a huge array of hand winches with different features which are suitable for different applications. Therefore before you buy a hand winch, there are certain factors that you need to consider.
1. Purpose
Hand winches are either used for pulling or for lifting. Therefore, one of the many things that you must decide before buying a hand winch is whether the winch will be used for lifting or the winch will be used for pulling. Some hand winches are equipped for pulling heavy items, whereas some other hand winches are equipped for lifting heavy items.
If you want a hand winch for pulling items, you also need a free spool and a free spooling drum. If you need a hand winch for lifting, you have to determine what height you want to lift the item and the mounting of the hand winch.
2. Safety
A hand winch might generate high forces, which causes several safety hazards. Therefore, one should carefully consider all the aspects of a winch before selecting one. Safety should be a primary concern, and to ensure it, one should ask certain questions to the seller before buying a hand winch.
One of the first things that you must ask the seller is about the features of the winch and see if those features are suitable for your application. Also, knowing about the required level of experience of the user is necessary. Other questions, such as, whether the winch requires a freewheel feature which is the ability to pull the rope free from the drum, and whether it is a brake winch or worm gear winch, should be asked by you.
3. Capacity
Another essential factor one must consider while buying a hand winch is its load capacity. Determining whether you want a lower-capacity hand or a heavy-duty hand winch is essential as the load capacity varies.
One frequently used way to determine the winch capacity is dividing the maximum weight of the vehicle, including motor, fuel, and gear, by two, which will give us the minimum winch capacity required, which is a 2:1 ratio. Although there are other influencing factors when selecting the right size of the ATV winch, which are beyond the manufacturers, the ratio might increase or decrease according to its application.
4. Structure
When investing in a hand winch, one must consider the way it is built. A well-built winch will come to use in the long run. Factors like the material with which the winch is made, rope type, gear type and brake system are important to know.
A hand winch made with heavy gauge steel is most suitable for pulling and lifting heavy loads. Although steel is good for heavy-duty work, over time it can rust; therefore getting a hand winch which has zinc plating will make the winch durable. Also, check the gear ratio when buying a hand winch. A low gear ratio will be good for lighter loads, whereas a larger gear ratio will be required for heavier loads.
5. Corrosion resistant
If you are going to use the hand winch in projects where it will be exposed to harsh weather and environmental conditions, it is important to buy a hand winch which is weather and corrosion-resistant. Environmental conditions such as salt water and mud can cause potential damage.
If there is little or no periodic maintenance, that, too, can cause damage to the winch. In addition to getting a hand winch that is corrosion and weather-resistant, use the protective guards given with the product to further protect the winch from any kind of wear and tear.
Looking for something more specific ? Below I have compiled a list of other articles related to ATV winch that might help you. Do check them out!
Verdict
The Blackhorse racing 3500-pound load capacity winch is a great hand winch to buy because of many reasons. It is an ideal hand winch for ATVs, trailers and RVs, which provides an outstanding load-lifting capacity.
Summary
Therefore, if your projects often involve going to locations where encountering an unpredictable situation is very common, or you want to use a cost-effective device which will do the same job as an electrical winch without being dependent on electricity, you should consider buying a hand winch. When buying a manual winch, consider the above mentioned factors to ensure durability and high performance.
References
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Brain, M. (2023f). How gear ratios work. HowStuffWorks. https://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/gear-ratio.htm
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Corrosionpedia, W. I. W. R.-. D. F. (2020b). Weather resistance. Corrosionpedia. https://www.corrosionpedia.com/definition/6111/weather-resistance#:~:text=Weather%20resistance%20is%20the%20ability,harsh%20environmental%20and%20weather%20conditions
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Shane. (2023, July 31). Selecting steel materials for Gears: 5 types compared | MachineMFG. MachineMfg. https://www.machinemfg.com/steel-materials-for-gears/
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Teamelva. (2017, September 27). who manufactures 8milelake tools? [Online forum post]. The Garage Journal. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/who-manufactures-8milelake-tools.371265/
