Winching vs Pulling Deadfall

[HolidayDog]

I am headed to the Idaho BDR later this month. I anticipate lots of deadfall in some sections. We will be some of the first users to pass through some sections….some parts still have 8-16’ of snow (with more coming Monday!!!)

I have an Everglades with the factory Warn winch.

Would it be preferred to winch logs off the road or connect my choker chain to recovery points and use 4L to pull them with the engine? I am thinking the winch/synthetic line probably isn’t good to use with high frequency.

If pulling, is 4L in reverse not a good idea?

We are packing hand saws, axe, and an electric chainsaw.

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[HighVelocity]

The winch is for emergency use, when everything else fails.

Pull with the vehicle whenever possible and you have the room.

4L can be used just fine in reverse, but it's not typically necessary.

 

[HolidayDog]

The winch is for emergency use, when everything else fails.

Pull with the vehicle whenever possible and you have the room.

4L can be used just fine in reverse, but it's not typically necessary.

This is what I was thinking…keep the winch available for when I really need it.

Thank you for pointing that out.

 

[Roger123]

I would say that it depends.

You don't want to have a log chasing you down a steep trail that is still attached to your vehicle.

You can use the winch and a snatch block to rotate a log off the road and into the ditch easier than connecting it to the vehicle and pulling it where it may have a tendency to pull out directly onto the road. Slope and camber of the road will often dictate the best method.

Don't be worried about using the winch. Pulling in reverse should be fine, I personally would not however "snatch" in reverse.

Every situation will be different, use caution while using a chainsaw in the backcountry. Things can go bad very quickly with deadfalls.

 

[SierraBronco]

Are you asking about running your winch line out then using it as a tow-strap?

 

[Aonarch]

I am headed to the Idaho BDR later this month. I anticipate lots of deadfall in some sections. We will be some of the first users to pass through some sections….some parts still have 8-16’ of snow (with more coming Monday!!!)

I have an Everglades with the factory Warn winch.

Would it be preferred to winch logs off the road or connect my choker chain to recovery points and use 4L to pull them with the engine? I am thinking the winch/synthetic line probably isn’t good to use with high frequency.

If pulling, is 4L in reverse not a good idea?

We are packing hand saws, axe, and an electric chainsaw.

It is always preferrable to pull forward, not in reverse.

That doesn't mean that you can't!

But when possible, I'd turn around and pull forward.

I use a tow hitch recovery point. You can get a Curt, RhinoUSA, Yankum, etc, etc.

Mine is a bougie aluminum one with a built in hitch slider.

Don't forget a chain saw! Cut from the bottom, make sure it falls away from you, and you might want chain saw pants if you will be on uneven, slippery ground. My brother took one to the shin. He is very lucky he didn't lose his leg.

Winching is fine too though... that is what you bought it for and it does have a warranty, just make sure you keep the Bronco running while in use.

 

[Fordified1]

Your differentials are stronger pulling going forward than reverse. Just an FYI.

 

[Aonarch]

Your differentials are stronger pulling going forward than reverse. Just an FYI.

I think that is what would determine if I were to use the winch or the Bronco.

If you can't pull from the front, use the winch.

If there is plenty of space to safely pull from the front, do that. Just go very slow!!! You don't want a tree flying in the air, hitting a bump, or having momentum still when you stop.

 

[HolidayDog]

I would say that it depends.

You don't want to have a log chasing you down a steep trail that is still attached to your vehicle.

You can use the winch and a snatch block to rotate a log off the road and into the ditch easier than connecting it to the vehicle and pulling it where it may have a tendency to pull out directly onto the road. Slope and camber of the road will often dictate the best method.

Don't be worried about using the winch. Pulling in reverse should be fine, I personally would not however "snatch" in reverse.

Every situation will be different, use caution while using a chainsaw in the backcountry. Things can go bad very quickly with deadfalls.

Yes I am very aware of the dangers of chainsaws and especially with logs under weird tension situations (much different than cutting a standing tree). Each one will take some time to study to understand where will it roll and how is it under tension, and as I cut how will that tension change.

I will drag slowly, definitely no snatching logs. Keep the wood under control.

 

[Felix808]

The winch is for emergency use, when everything else fails.

Pull with the vehicle whenever possible and you have the room.

Never heard that before . Winching is more controlled. The Bronco is also not designed to pull much of anything with a 3,500 lb tow limit if you are using the tow hitch as a pulling point.

It really depends on the situation at hand.
YMMV

 

[DewarT]

Totally situational- how big is the tree, where do you want it when done, is there risk of rolling away, risk or rolling into your vehicle...

I have used winches for about every job imaginable. I would rather risk blowing up $1,000 winch in a controlled pull than damaging my car (dents, transmission, axles, etc...

 

[SierraBronco]

Totally situational- how big is the tree, where do you want it when done, is there risk of rolling away, risk or rolling into your vehicle...

I have used winches for about every job imaginable. I would rather risk blowing up $1,000 winch in a controlled pull than damaging my car (dents, transmission, axles, etc...

I’ve been trying to find direct evidence as to how the differentials are damaged when trying to do harsh pulls when in reverse, but everything has been empirical. @5GENIDN do you have anything?

 

[Mikerider]

I will chose the winch every time to move trees. I choke it with an inexpensive strap then connect your winch. Biggest advantage is control and direction. You can apply a snatch block to pivot the tree off the trail vs just dragging it further.

 

[5GENIDN]

I’ve been trying to find direct evidence as to how the differentials are damaged when trying to do harsh pulls when in reverse, but everything has been empirical. @5GENIDN do you have anything?

Surprised they are being damaged but you are putting pressure on the weaker side of the gear. Typically it should hold up but I suppose that if you put enough pressure on it it would fail easier than going forward. I need some charts and graphics to show tooth design, but... they are designed to take more pressure in the forward direction. I have pulled in reverse without worry but I was not hammering on it either.... But Yes, if you have a tough pull, pull forward.

This is in relation to the ring and pinion... Not the straight cut....

 

[SierraBronco]

Surprised they are being damaged but you are putting pressure on the weaker side of the gear. Typically it should hold up but I suppose that if you put enough pressure on it it would fail easier than going forward. I need some charts and graphics to show tooth design, but... they are designed to take more pressure in the forward direction. I have pulled in reverse without worry but I was not hammering on it either.... But Yes, if you have a tough pull, pull forward.

Charts and graphs would be awesome. And while I’ve seen failures going backwards, it’s one of those things where who’s to say that wouldn’t have happened going forwards too? Kinda the same scenario as stringing out the winch line and effectively using it as a strap. I’ve broken a winch doing that, but it might have broken during that pull anyway using the winch conventionally. And while it makes sense that the winch could be overloaded in that scenario, is that really what’s happening?

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