Hi Lift as Winch

In recent threads, folks have talked about using a hi lift as a winch. I have never done this but can see only limited use but interested to know more. Any views on where, where not, pro's-con's limitations. Photo's would be great. Ta

forget it - however hi lifts are very useful for tensioning fencing wires

Sean said:

forget it - however hi lifts are very useful for tensioning fencing wires

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till it snaps

I have a PDF explining it all, but its too big to post here. PM me our email and i will fire it across.

there are limitations due to its length, you can only winch for 3.5ft. then you have to set up again, but somehow secure the vehicle. Its alot of effort.

G

90truckcab said:

till it snaps

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easy does it, thats the trick

Griffdowg said:

Its alot of effort.

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yer tellin me

for winching with an hi-lift you need a length of chain with a chain hook on one end and a ratchet strap. The chain to winch with, and the ratchet strap to take the strain, while you re rig the chain.

redhand said:

for winching with an hi-lift you need a length of chain with a chain hook on one end and a ratchet strap. The chain to winch with, and the ratchet strap to take the strain, while you re rig the chain.

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yup , when i were buggerin about with one , i just looped the strap and shortened the ratchet as it got closer,
pull with the jack , stop and shorten the loop of strap, winch some more, too much effort tho

90truckcab said:

yup , when i were buggerin about with one , i just looped the strap and shortened the ratchet as it got closer,
pull with the jack , stop and shorten the loop of strap, winch some more, too much effort tho

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but still better then trying to push it out

90truckcab said:

yup , when i were buggerin about with one , i just looped the strap and shortened the ratchet as it got closer,
pull with the jack , stop and shorten the loop of strap, winch some more, too much effort tho

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Yup tis easier with a chain though 20ft of chain weighs a fook of a lot Mine is double hooked so is infinately adjustable. Still a fooking Pain though.

baggyjim said:

but still better then trying to push it out

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iv been known to go home on the bus :doh:and go back in the morning with a tractor

I assume if it is mud city it does not work so no firm ground you are buggered....

kwhajh said:

I assume if it is mud city it does not work so no firm ground you are buggered....

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Nope. With an hilift you need a solid anchor point. Either another vehicle, a solid tree or a ground anchor.

I have a set of chains and hi-lift .. simply couldn't afford a Tirfor when a Hi-Lift is £40 and the chains (rated at 4 tons) were £20 ...

Frankly it's a last resort when stuck, after digging, jacking etc Extremely HARD work, but it can be done and it's better than leaving the Disco out, 'specially if you're somewhere miles from anywhere and have to hike out otherwise!

OTOH, I carry the Hi-Lift anyway, it's quite useful in many areas, lifting out of ruts, moving trees out of blocked lanes, dragging away rolls of wire in the lanes .. all of which I've had to do in the past, so a box of chain is the only addition that's 'extra' .. but yes, it weighs a lot!

I'd rather have a Tirfor or Jet winch thobut ..

ideal kit for self recovery.....dodgey tho....

Hi-Lift are on YouTube...

They have a clip that shows you how to winch with the Hi-Lift Jack.[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xldBPnzohtI"]YouTube- Winching with the Hi-Lift Jack[/ame]

Also have other clips on how to use the jack and how to look after it.

Paul D said:

I have a set of chains and hi-lift .. simply couldn't afford a Tirfor when a Hi-Lift is £40 and the chains (rated at 4 tons) were £20 ...



I'd rather have a Tirfor or Jet winch thobut ..

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I has got both

cheers markypd

fook that...the weight of a hilift suspended in mid air between 2 vehicles and using it as a winch,the amount of tension required to keep the jack in the air and then when it loses tension and falls on yr foot..not for me but im sure pepes do do it..good luck

wiltshire landyman said:

fook that...the weight of a hilift suspended in mid air between 2 vehicles and using it as a winch,the amount of tension required to keep the jack in the air and then when it loses tension and falls on yr foot..not for me but im sure pepes do do it..good luck

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worked for me. Great for getting a dead one onto a trailer anorl.