Chainsaw winches are amazing instruments that operate by harnessing the power of a powerful gas-driven chainsaw. A chainsaw winch is a multi-purpose winching device powered by a chainsaw motor and is used to pull big things.
You utilize your chainsaw powerhead after removing the chainsaw bar and chain. It has a lengthy cable that is looped around a drum multiple times. It boasts a robust but lightweight construction that makes it easy to transport in any car's boot.
Some winches are built to secure the vehicle's front bumper, while others are attached to the frame. You can secure the chainsaw winch to the bed of your truck with appropriate adapters if you wish to boost the unit's safety.
Some adapters function by fastening the unit to a rock, while others work by fitting the trailer hitch mount. The adapters keep the winch from shifting while it's being used. As a result, adapters assure your safety and the safety of the saw and whatever you're transporting.
Depending on your budget, we've chosen the best chainsaw winches worth your money. These winches can be used with any competent logging chainsaw, but you should double-check the specifications before purchasing to be sure.
The Best Chainsaw Winch
Rank | Product Image | Product Name | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
1. |
|  | |
2. |
| | |
3. |
| | |
4. |
| |
1. Honda GHX-50 Gas-Powered Portable Winch
Portable Winch Gas-Powered Capstan Winch - 2,200-Lb. Pulling Capacity, 2.1 HP, Honda GHX-50 Engine,...
- PCW-5000 Portable Capstan Gas Powered Winch
- Use for forestry, rescue, farming applications, and more
- Pulls 2200 lbs. on a single line
- Tether the winch to a solid object (tree, vehicle ball hitch,...
- Powered by a Honda GXH50 gas engine
If you're looking for a powerful gas-powered chainsaw winch, the Honda GHX-50 gas-powered winch is a solid option. It has a sturdy design, making it high-quality and long-lasting equipment that provides reliable power without sacrificing durability.
Furthermore, when the Honda GHX-50 engine is installed, the winch transforms into industrial-grade equipment that can work for hours. It is because it uses the capstan winch idea, which allows you to draw an infinite length of rope without sacrificing power.
Image Credits: Portable Winch
Without any mechanical advantage, this chainsaw winch has a load capacity of 2200 lb, making it suitable for forestry, hunting, farming, and rescue. Adding a complimentary item like a pulley, on the other hand, can offer you up to 5X greater pulling force.
Pros
Cons
2. Powerhouse Lewis Chainsaw Winch
Powerhouse Lewis Chainsaw Winch (8,000 lb capacity) Kit
- Extremely Tough Rugged cast-aluminum alloy housing Uses...
- Extremely Strong variable line speed of 60 to 80 ft./min able to...
- Extremely Lightweight - 22 lbs./10 kg without the cable
- Extremely Versatile Includes a Universal Adaptor Kit to fit any...
The Powerhouse Lewis winch stands out Because of its versatility and cost. Its universal adapter kit makes it compatible with any chainsaw. Because it's so inexpensive, even low-budget loggers and hunters will be able to use it to haul weights that would otherwise be too heavy.
People who need to swap chainsaws or travel between different work sites in a single day will also benefit greatly from this product. It is lightweight and simple to transport and change from a chainsaw clutch to a standard clutch.
Image Credits: Powerhouse Log Splitters
It also has an 8000-pound carrying capacity, which is more than double that of most other chainsaw winches, meaning it can handle any load, whether it's a log or an animal. So this affordable chainsaw winch is a great option if you're constantly on the move and don't need a heavy-duty winch.
Pros
Cons
3. Lewis Chainsaw Winch Model 400
Lewis Chainsaw Winch Model 400
- 38 lbs
- 1 year warranty
The Lewis Winch 400-MK2 is the most versatile portable chainsaw winch on the market. It can pull up to 4,000 pounds in a straight line and 8,000 pounds with one Lewis Winch Snatch Block. Unlike electric winches, which drain your car battery and render the winch useless, this portable winch is powered by a gas-powered chainsaw.
The Lewis Winch is constructed of a durable cast-aluminum alloy housing that is both sturdy and light. Oil-bathed steel gears are used in the Lewis Winch, ensuring years of trouble-free service in the harshest situations. With a 60-80 ft/min variable line speed, the Lewis Winch comes with 150 feet of 3/16" cable, the maximum quantity of 3/16" cable the drum can carry.
If you don't need to pull 150 feet regularly, You may want to consider cutting the cable shorter in one pull to make it easier to grasp while working. A shorter cable is also easier to wound properly on the winch's spool without jamming. Then, if you need to keep pulling, reposition the Lewis Winch.
Pros
Cons
4. Streamline Industrial Winch
Streamline Industrial WINCH - Chainsaw Mounted - 4000 Lb Cap - Includes 150 Ft of 3/16" Cable
- Brand: Streamline Industrial
- Chainsaw Mounted Winch: 4000 Lb Capacity - Includes Wire Rope
- UPC: Does not apply
- MPN: VIR400
The Streamline Industrial winch is your best option if you're on a budget, need a winch, and have a chainsaw with an external clutch. It is strong, well-built and simple to move once you get a decent grasp on the handle, even though it doesn't work with internal clutches.
It is very powerful, with a long, thick wire rope that can draw a variety of loads. Furthermore, it has a load capacity of 4000 pounds, making it simple to transport heavy logs and games.
Image Credits: Streamline Industrial
The winch is best suited for frequent logging because it has a thick hook and wire rope. The hook and wire assist in wrapping the logs and loading them into the back of your vehicle. They are not, however, suitable for hauling an animal.
Pros
Cons
Qualities to Seek in a chainsaw winch
1. Power
Most top chainsaw winches are capable of pulling hundreds of pounds before failing. So it is especially important if you plan to use your winch to transport big logs you've cut down with your chainsaw.
You'll need enough power to pull a reasonable weight. It will depend on the chainsaw you're using. You want a winch that can manage the weight and the pulling power. You'll also want something strong and long-lasting because your chainsaw winch will be used in some extreme conditions.
2. Type
Image Credits: www.loghomestore.com
The Lewis Winch is the most prevalent and ideal for carrying larger objects through uneven terrain. These winches are powerful, but they don't weigh a lot. Rope winches are also available. These are ideal for dragging hunting prey back to your accommodation or resort using the winch. They're easier to wrap around an animal while still providing adequate torque.
3. Weight
You'll need to get a winch that works well with your chainsaw and can be transported to your job site. However, some winches are too heavy for your purposes and put too much strain on the chainsaw you're using, while others are too light or weak.
4. Length
Image Credits: Streamline Industrial
Make sure you get a chainsaw winch with a suitable length for your needs. Chainsaw winches that aren't long enough may put too much strain on your chainsaw and may not be able to reach the load you're attempting to transport.
5. Budget
It is feasible to find a low-cost chainsaw winch. However, it would be best if you placed a greater emphasis on the quality of the product rather than the price. Please select the highest quality you can afford to ensure that it is resilient and long-lasting.
The most expensive option could be the best one in terms of quality. The cheapest, on the other hand, is almost always a disappointment. So find an option that falls somewhere in the middle and go with it.
Chainsaw Winch FAQs
1. How Should I Look After My Chainsaw Winch?
A chainsaw winch uses relatively basic technology, and its gears are the only moving elements that need to be maintained. The gearbox will most likely employ an oil bath, which means the oil will be in a sump, and the gears will pick up oil as they pass through it.
There will be no oil pump or other sophisticated equipment to cause issues. There's no reason why your chainsaw winch shouldn't last a lifetime with proper maintenance and use.
The oil filling point is located at the bottom of the gearbox housing and is sealed with a normal bolt head. Please ensure the oil level is correct every time you use it by standing in the normal upright posture and placing the chainsaw winch on a flat, level surface.
Then remove the bolt after loosening it using a wrench. From the filler point, there should be a small trickle of oil. If this isn't the case, pour oil into the aperture until it starts to flow out, then reinstall the filler sealing bolt. Always use the oil that the manufacturer recommends.
A vent screw is normally located towards the top of the chainsaw winch gearbox housing. Loosen this screw when the winch is in operation to allow air to escape from the gearbox. The friction of the rotating gears generates heat, which causes the air in the gearbox to expand under normal working circumstances.
If this air doesn't escape, pressure will build-up, and a gasket or seal will likely blow. Therefore, it's critical to close the vent when moving the chainsaw winch by correctly tightening the vent screw. It is to keep oil from seeping out of the gearbox while being transported.
To prevent dust from gathering in the gearbox and creating additional wear, always keep the chainsaw winch with the vent screw tightly secured. You should never have any problems with your chainsaw winch if you follow these few simple principles.
2. How Do I Use a Chainsaw Winch?
When your chainsaw winch arrives, it'll almost certainly need to be assembled. Before you begin, thoroughly read the owner's manual to ensure that you understand how the equipment operates. Then, assemble it according to the directions, ensuring the chain is properly installed and tensioned.
You're ready to attach your chainsaw winch to the chainsaw body once properly constructed. First, remove the chainsaw bar and keep these to one side because you'll probably be using the same mounting bolts for your chainsaw winch as you did for the bar.
The universal adaptor will next be mounted to the chainsaw's sprocket and secured appropriately. Finally, the chainsaw winch will be attached to the adaptor, which should be a straightforward process. You're now ready to operate the chainsaw winch, and as with any other winch, all of the regular safety and operating concerns must be followed.
Before using the chainsaw winch, double-check that the cable is properly spooled. When spooling your cable into the spool barrel, ensure it's laid out evenly with no kinks or knots.
Securely fasten the cable in the holes and pull it tight. After that, spool the cable onto the barrel in a straight line on the ground. Ensure that the cable fits directly beside the previous turn with each revolution.
As a result, each cable wind will fit snugly against the previous one, leaving no gaps. You must also ensure that no winding is higher than the one before it. The cable windings must be exactly aligned and not stacked on top of one another.
Once the whole length of the barrel has been filled, the next winding should be placed immediately on top of the preceding level's last winding. Then, layer by layer, continue to position the windings directly next to one another until the cable is equally wound.
Before pulling anything, make sure the chainsaw winch is correctly secured. You don't want the winch to come loose and start dragging the item you're meant to be hauling. Instead, as mentioned above, work steadily and pay attention to how the cable winds onto the spool barrel.
If the cable is winding unevenly, immediately stop the chainsaw winch, unspool the cable up to the place where it is uneven, and then rewind it appropriately. When using the chainsaw winch, wear leather gloves. The moving cable might seriously injure your hands.
3. What are Some of the Uses of a Chainsaw Winch?
A chainsaw winch is ideal for usage in rural places with no access to electricity. However, while portable winches are available on the market, a chainsaw winch is only useful if you already own a chainsaw. If you require both a winch and a chainsaw, a chainsaw winch is a wise investment.
It means you can get a chainsaw and a chainsaw winch for yourself. Rather than purchasing a chainsaw and a portable gas-powered winch, this is a more cost-effective option. Chainsaw winches can be used for both hauling and lifting purposes. It functions similarly to a standard winch, except that a chainsaw powers it.
Featured Image Credits: bobvila.com