What is a Chainsaw Winch? How does it work ?

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Written by Jake Vealesco

Jake Vealesco is an offroader enthusiast for almost 6 years. He is mechanical engineer by profession and offroader by passion

A chainsaw body and a custom-crafted winch attachment that you can use for carrying or lifting heavy objects are done using a chainsaw winch. A winch is an equipment that comes with a drum, with a long cable wrapped around it several times. 

The drum rotates in either direction depending on which way the barrel turns. Based on this, the cable is either retracted or fed out. The body of a chainsaw propels this type of winch without the bar or chain. 

Although it can move or draw a lot of weight, it usually is not powerful enough to handle tasks that other fixed winch designs can handle.

What is a chainsaw winch?

The chainsaw winch is a multifunctional, adaptable winching tool that may be used for a variety of winching tasks, including hauling huge objects. Of course, it goes without saying that you can utilize your chainsaw powerhead after removing the chainsaw bar and chain. I even wrote an article discussing how to make your own chainsaw winch

It has a lengthy cable that is coiled around a drum numerous time. Its strong yet lightweight construction makes transporting in any car’s boot simple. While some adapters attach to the trailer hitch, others function effectively by anchoring the device to a rock.

You may stop the winch from moving during use while using the adapters. Therefore, adapters guarantee your safety and the longevity of the saw and whatever else you are towing. Any effective logging chainsaw should work with these winches, but to be sure, verify the precise specifications before purchasing.

How does it work?

A winch operates by converting a chainsaw engine’s high revolutions per minute into a low-speed torque. Because of this, the winch is strong enough to serve as your car’s gearbox. Each chainsaw winch has a different pulling capability depending on the size of the saw you are utilizing for power.

Use a snatch block to double the capacity if you need more power than the chainsaw winch’s manufacturer has provided. The chainsaw winch engine size you select will depend on the weight capacity you need. A general-purpose chainsaw, for instance, may draw up to 6000 lbs in a straight line with a 5–6 horsepower engine.

Top 3 Chainsaw Winches in The Market

So, now that you know what a chainsaw winch is and how it works, here are the three best chainsaw winches in the market specifically designed for heavy vehicles.

1. Streamline Industrial Chainsaw Winch

Streamline Industrial Chainsaw Winch

The Streamline Industrial winch stands out because of its exceptional quality and robust design. It does not function with internal clutches, but moving it around is simple once you get a firm hold on its handle. One of the most powerful pieces of machinery on the market, the Streamline Industrial winch, has a long, sturdy wire rope that can be used to draw a variety of weights. Additionally, it has a weight capability of 4,000 pounds, making it simple to transport heavy objects like logs and sporting goods.

The winch is best suited for regular logging since it has a robust hook and thick wire rope. The wire and hook make it easier to wrap the logs and load them onto the back of your vehicle. They are not, however, the best for hauling an animal. Nevertheless, the product promises premium features and performance. Additionally, it has a weight capacity of 4000 pounds, making it the ideal choice for lifting and dragging extremely heavy goods.

2. Lewis Chainsaw Winch 400 MK2

The Lewis chainsaw winch model 400, which a chainsaw company makes with Canadian roots, is the greatest. The winch is built of a sturdy aluminum alloy that can survive the worst weather and terrain. It weighs 38 pounds, and as long as you use the ground as your anchor, you may moor it wherever. Additionally, you may use a hitch mount to secure it to a tree or your truck. 

The manufacturer advises using the winch with a chainsaw 50cc and above for best performance. So, for instance, even if it isn’t a professional chainsaw, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher would work just well.

Chainsaws like the Holzfforma chainsaws, which are affordable and strong, are an excellent option for this kind of application. This winch can pull heavy carcasses or logs if it has enough power and the proper chains. Additionally, this chainsaw winch uses a gas-powered chainsaw rather than drawing power from your car’s battery. A 150-foot, aircraft-grade galvanized steel cable that can spool up to 80 feet per minute is included with the winch.

This winch is ideal for drawing huge objects since it has a high pulling capability and efficiently transmits power. In addition, it includes a direct drive coupling, which is a characteristic uncommon in winches.

3. Honda Chainsaw Winch

Honda Chainsaw Winch

If you’re searching for a strong gas-powered chainsaw winch, the Honda GHX-50 is a decent substitute. This alternative is made of high-quality, long-lasting, and uncompromised equipment because of its sturdy design.

In addition, the winch becomes an industrial-grade device with hours of performance when the Honda GHX-50 engine is mounted. It uses the gas powered capstan winch principle, which enables you to draw a limitless length of rope without losing strength. To learn how does a capstan winch work read this article.

Since the capstan drums may be changed, the PCW-5000 winch can operate at two different speeds, letting you select the one that best suits your requirements. The typical drum has a diameter of 2 14 inches and moves at a pace of 40 feet per minute. However, you may move at 60 feet per minute or 50% faster with the PCA-1100’s 3 3/4-inch drum.

The load capacity of this chainsaw winch is 2200 lbs without any mechanical advantage. However, a complimentary device like a pulley can increase your pulling power by up to 5 times. The Honda GHX-50 engine has a 2200lb load capacity and may be used for a variety of tasks, including forestry, hunting, farming, and rescue.

Summary

Since they are strong and capable of withstanding tremendous pressures throughout your everyday activities, chainsaw winches are particularly helpful for hunters and loggers. In addition, you can use a winch to pull small to medium-sized cars like SUVs, UTVs, and ATVs in addition to transporting logs and sporting goods. In addition to being able to go off-road, heavy-duty 44 off-road vehicles are equipped with strong engines and can do various heavy-duty activities. 

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