Looking for the best chainsaw winches is hard, especially if you know how quickly one can get tangled up, posing an injury hazard to you and others. If you want to replace your previous one because it’s not serving its purpose anymore, read our buying guide below.
Reviews of the Top Chainsaw Winches
1. Lewis Winch 400 MK2
The Lewis 400 MK2’s aluminum alloy construction makes it robust and suitable for use in the roughest environments. It weighs 38 pounds and can be anchored anywhere solid ground is available.
In addition, a hitch mount allows you to attach it to a tree or the back of your truck. It is suitable for most chainsaws, and you won’t have to stress about whether the type of chainsaw you have will work.
Use it to haul wood, game, or even automobiles. You won’t find a better all-around winch than this one. Its maximum linear pulling capacity is 4000 pounds and 8,000 pounds when using a Lewis winch snatch block.
What We Like
- Light-duty chainsaw winch
- Automated clutch/brake system
- 80 FPM straight line speed
- Galvanized aircraft cable
- 1-year free replacement warranty
What We Don't Like
- Limited availability
- No other colors
2. Portable Winch PCW-5000
If you want a strong gas-powered model, the Portable Winch PCW-5000 is a fantastic option. Because of its sturdy construction, this alternative is of the highest quality and will last for quite some time while providing reliable electricity.
When the Honda GHX-50 engine was installed, it was transformed into a high-powered, long-lasting tool with enough power suitable for industrial use. Thanks to its replaceable capstan drums [1], you may choose between two different speeds with the PCW-5000.
The maximum output from the conventional 2 14-inch-diameter drums is achieved at a speed of 40 feet per minute. We recommend it for farming, hunting, rescue, and forestry tasks.
What We Like
- Portable winch
- Capstan concept for shorter cable length
- 2000 lbs in a straight line
- Continuous pulling power
- 40 FPM variable line speed
What We Don't Like
- Only use one type of rope from a specific company
- For lighter loads
3. Streamline Industrial Winch
The Streamline Industrial Winch is the best choice if you’re looking for a cheap winch and have an external clutch on your chainsaw. It stands out since it’s so well-made and durable.
It is not compatible with internal clutches, but once you get the hang of the handle, it is easy to operate. It has a long, thick wire rope that you can use to haul a wide variety of loads, making it one of the heaviest-duty pieces of equipment available.
With a towing power of 4000 lbs, it can easily transport heavy loads like logs and games. The winch’s thick hook and wire rope are better suited for heavy-duty use.
What We Like
- Durable casing
- Durable hook for a secure load
- Thick enough cable
- Thick grip
What We Don't Like
- For exterior clutches only
- Not well-balanced
4. Portable Gas-Powered Winch PCW3000
The Portable Capstan Winch PCW3000 is powered by the Honda x-35 four-stroke engine. It will give you a minimum line speed of 33 FPM. Its pulling force is 1550 lbs., which can double if you use a heavy-duty pulley.
It is a piece of affordable equipment built with the Honda x-35 engine that can produce 1.34 HP with less fuel usage. It is a compact and lightweight capstan winch you can easily transport.
Thanks to its two speeds and removable drums, it’s adaptable to your needs. It’s hard to imagine a more convenient means of completing strenuous activities than with the aid of a winch that can pull at no specified distance and doesn’t need to be plugged into an outlet.
What We Like
- Light and portable
- Durable and compact
- Gas-powered
- Easy to use
What We Don't Like
- Doesn’t include bag, carabiner, and rope
- Small engine
5. Powerhouse Lewis Chainsaw Winch
8000 pounds of weight is no match for this one Powerhouse Lewis Winch model. It could be a great choice if you’re on a tight budget.
It weighs only 22 pounds, making it easy to carry about. All you need is the included adaptor kit to utilize with your existing chainsaw. If you need one that will last and perform reliably, go no further than this one.
Whether you’re out on a hunting expedition or chopping wood, you can rely on it. If you put this in your vehicle, you can move whatever you need in a single day.
What We Like
- Durable
- Affordable chainsaw winch
- Good for large items
- Oil-bathed steel gears
- Comes with universal adaptor kit
What We Don't Like
- It may not be good for some chainsaw models
- May tangle quickly
Chainsaw Winch Buyer’s Guide
Compatibility
An adaptor is included with most winches to ensure they work with nearly any chainsaw engine with maximum power. But there is a catch.
You’ll need to utilize a chainsaw powered by a gas engine to get the job done. A general-duty chainsaw can pull up to 6000 pounds if it has good horsepower.
It’s crucial to check the specific weight capacity and compatibility of the chainsaw winch with your chainsaw model to ensure a safe and efficient operation when lifting heavy loads.
Capacity
A winch’s pulling power might vary widely depending on its capacity. What are you planning to use it with? How much will the item weigh?
To successfully bring in a large game animal like an elk or a moose, finding one that weighs up to 2,000 pounds might suffice. Think about any trailers you could drag behind your vehicle.
Cost
Finding a winch for a chainsaw is feasible at a reasonable price. However, you should prioritize quality over cost. To ensure that it lasts as long as possible and serves its purpose, you should invest in the highest quality you can reasonably afford.
The pricier option can be the highest quality. Most of the time, you get what you pay for when you go with the cheapest option. Find a middle ground and commit to it.
How to Use a Chainsaw Winch
Make sure you have a firm grasp of the machine’s operation by reading the owner’s manual before beginning. Install the chain properly and adjust the tension as directed in the manual.
After the winch for the right chainsaw has been constructed, it can be attached to the main body. To begin, take out the chainsaw bar.
Put aside the bolts that came with your chainsaw; you’ll need them to attach the winch to the bar. Next, you’ll attach the universal adaptor to the chain sprocket and the winch to the adapter.
You can now begin using it, which requires the same standard precautions and procedures as any other winch.
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How to Maintain a Chainsaw Winch
Simple technology is used in a chainsaw winch, and the gears are the only elements that need servicing to give it more power. Oil is normally drained from the engine and poured into a sump for use in the gearbox.
When the gears rotate, they take up oil from the sump, eliminating the need for an oil pump or other complex machinery. Regular servicing and careful use can make it last forever.
The oil filler point is located at the rear end of the gearbox housing and is closed off by a standard bolt head. The oil level should be checked frequently, ideally before each usage. The process can be accomplished with little effort.
You should set it upright, the nut is unfastened using a wrench, and the oil filler point should drip slowly. If it is, pour oil into the hole until it begins to flow, then change the filler sealing bolt.
Vent screws are typically located on the upmost part of the gearbox housing. If it is running, loosen this screw so the gearbox can breathe.
With the gears turning and creating friction, the air inside the gearbox will heat up and expand. A gasket or seal will likely burst if pressure is allowed to build up inside, and this air is not permitted to escape.
Make sure the vent is closed by tightening the screw before storing or transporting it. If you do this, oil won’t leak out of the gearbox in transit.
To keep it in good condition and prevent dust from getting into the gearbox and resulting in premature wear, you must always store it with a tightened vent screw.
FAQ
How do chainsaw winches function?
A winch can convert the high RPM of a chainsaw motor into the low-speed torque necessary for its operation. Due to this, you can now use it as effectively as the car’s transmission due to its great power. You can also use them with gas-driven chainsaw or most modern chainsaws.
How does a conversion kit work on the winch?
You may convert any chainsaw into one winch-ready piece of equipment by swapping the mechanical wheel with the included adaptor. After that, the chainsaw’s output shaft turns its input shaft.
Is a chainsaw winch worth it?
The best-quality winches are useful for loggers and huntsmen since they are strong and can resist heavy loads. It is useful for more than just pulling logs and games; you can also use it as a trailer hitch or if you need to pull ATVs, UTVs, and SUVs.
What type of chainsaw needs a chainsaw winch?
The engine size needed for these tools is proportional to the desired hauling capability. For instance, a 6,000 or 4,000 lbs capacity can be pulled in a straight line by a general-purpose chainsaw having a 5-6 horsepower engine.
Does Echo make a chainsaw winch?
Rule G1800E chainsaw winches are paired with the ECHO CS3000 engine. It features a 75-foot cable and can haul up to 1800 pounds on a single line. You can use this revolutionary tool anyplace there isn’t access to power.
How much weight can a chainsaw winch pull?
A chainsaw winch can pull different weights determined by the chainsaw’s chain diameter. You can use a heavy-duty pulley to increase the capacity of a chainsaw winch by twice the amount the manufacturer lists.
Does Stihl make a chainsaw winch?
Stihl does not make a chainsaw winch that you can specifically use with their line of chainsaws. However, you can find most winch attachments compatible with Stihl chainsaws since their chainsaws are one of the best in the market.
Our Top Pick For a Chainsaw Winch: Lewis Chainsaw Winch 400 MK2
After a series of tests, the Lewis 400 MK2 came out as our pick for the best chainsaw winch.
An industrial-strength winch, the Lewis Winch 400-MK2 may be used right out of the box to haul over 4000 pounds in a direct line. Its rugged build quality and durability are best for a hunter, logger, or a professional using it constantly.
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