Hi all. Today I have prepared for you a ranking of the seven best electric and manual lever winches of 2021. Everyone knows that a winch is an indispensable assistant for an off-road motorist, and it is also necessary during construction or repairs when it is necessary to lift, hold or move a load. I have chosen for you only high-quality models that really deserve your attention. The criteria for evaluating traction mechanisms in the rating were technical characteristics, as well as expert opinions and reviews from the Internet audience.
Lever winch MATRIX 52225
MATRIX 52225 – lever unit. Lever mechanisms are a type of manual mechanism. However, unlike traditional devices equipped with a drum and attached directly to cars, this type of unit is connected to the car with a hook and is suspended. Its operation is carried out by the movement of a lever, which drives a small toothed roller that winds the cable around itself.
The maximum weight that the MATRIX 52225 can move is four tons. The tractive force of the unit is 700 kilograms.
The delivery set includes a steel metal cable with a diameter of five millimeters and a length of 2.8 meters, which has four hooks. One of them connects the equipment and the vehicle, the second - the unit and the cable itself, and the third is hooked to the object that needs to be pulled.
The average cost of MATRIX 52225 in Russian stores is 2,800 – 3,000 rubles.
Lever winch MATRIX 52225
Manual drum winch Tundra - 1400 kg, cable 10 meters
“Tundra” is a compact Chinese-made mechanism that can be purchased in domestic automobile stores at a price of approximately 2,500 rubles.
Included with the Tundra is a metal cable made of steel ten meters long and 4.5 millimeters in diameter with a hook at the end.
The unit has a very comfortable handle. Its lever is slightly curved, which makes working with it more comfortable, and in the grip area there is a corrugated pad made of polymer material that prevents the palm from slipping.
The gear ratio of the mechanism is four to one, and the maximum weight it can withstand is 1t. This allows the Tundra to be used to free other passenger vehicles if they are stuck.
Manual drum winch Tundra - 1400 kg, cable 10 meters
Load capacity index and vehicle class
This indicator means the maximum level of force that the winch can generate to move the vehicle in a horizontal plane. The load capacity index must necessarily exceed the weight of the vehicle by 2–2.5 times. In this case, it is necessary to take into account not only the weight of the car according to the registration certificate, but also the total size in running order, that is, with the spare wheel, thresholds, guardrail and other attachments, as well as with passengers and cargo.
To determine which winch to choose for a particular car model, you must first pay attention to the class of the vehicle. The pulling force in the marking of winch equipment is indicated by a special index, which is calculated in pounds, for example 6000 lb or 9000 lb
Off-road vehicles are divided into the following classes by weight:
- Easy.
This category includes the domestic Niva, Daihatsu, and certain Isuzu and Sportage models. They don't need heavy-duty traction devices. Equipment with an index of about 6000–8000 will be sufficient. - Average.
This category includes UAZ, Pajero, Trooper, Wrangler, Discovery and similar models. Depending on the operating conditions for such machines, it is better to purchase a unit with an index of 8000–9500. - Heavy.
This category includes Land Cruiser, Patrol, Defender 110 and other similar cars. The minimum winch pulling force for such machines is 9000–9500. If the vehicle is used in extreme off-road conditions, the index must exceed 12,000.
Lever traction winch GLA-1800A
GLA-1800A is another lever-type unit. Unlike the previous participant in our rating, it is capable of pulling a load weighing almost 2 tons. The towing force of this model is 900 kilograms.
The delivery set includes a metal cable made of steel fibers. Its length is three meters and its diameter is 6.4 millimeters. The mechanism is also equipped with three hooks.
Lever traction winch GLA-1800A
How to make a hand winch with your own hands
For rare applications, a do-it-yourself hand winch can be made very simply. For this purpose, a strong axle is suitable, which can be easily mounted in the guides with the possibility of rotation. A lever is welded to it and a cable is attached. As it rotates, it winds around the axle and moves the weight attached to the other end. For convenience, you will need a platform with brackets in which the axis will be located. Here you can use hot-rolled channel, which has high strength. If the axle is made with a recess and a gear is attached to it, the cable will be located in the guides with the possibility of winding.
A manual lever winch, made by yourself, is suitable not only for pulling out a car. With its help, you can move heavy objects around your garden, for example, logs or pallets with bricks. The disadvantage of the device is the lack of a lock. A simple device in the form of an insert into matching holes made in the moving and fixed parts of the winch can fulfill this role.
Rotating the winch is a labor-intensive operation. A do-it-yourself manual winch can be made in the form of a drum attached to the axle of a wheel, which is a means for self-pulling out a stuck car. When a wheel slips, a rope attached to a large stone or anchor will be wound around the drum, allowing you to independently get out of a deep ditch.
Mechanical winch
According to the type of drive, it is divided into lever, with a ratchet rotation mechanism, and drum, in which the force from the handle is transmitted through a gear or chain reducer. The lever winch is convenient due to its compactness.
Another undeniable advantage is that it does not need to be attached to the frame or foundation. It is enough to stretch the cable between the anchor and the load being moved, and you can apply a force from 400 kg to 4 tons. Each stroke of the lever rotates the cable spool to a certain angle, pulling the load. The only drawback is that little cable can be placed in the drum, usually 5-7 meters.
The drum winch requires stationary placement and has larger dimensions. However, this allows the use of a cable of several tens of meters. The force is multiplied by the gear ratio or chain drive. There are separate designs with a worm drive, but the essence of the application does not change.
If you have a grinder and a welding machine, even a novice craftsman can do a homemade manual winch. The entire structure is visible in the photo:
The components can be picked up from the storerooms of your workshop, or made yourself, using an angle grinder and a powerful drill. The traction force of such a design is no more than 1000 kg. In a household, nothing more is required.
In the same way, with some ingenuity, you can make a drum winch. It is enough to select a suitable pair of gears. The drum is made from a water pipe.
A three-dimensional model of the gearbox is shown in the illustration. The rest is a matter of technique and selection of materials.
IMPORTANT! When manufacturing such devices, care and design calculations are required. The destruction of the mechanism under the influence of heavy weight can lead to injuries. There is also the option of a manual winch, but this is a very extreme option
Although, in a difficult situation, such a device can help out
There is also the option of a manual winch, but this is a very extreme option. Although, in a difficult situation, such a device can help out.
Choosing a winch for your home, garage or workshop
For single lifts of cargo in a garage, it makes sense to choose a manual winch due to its low cost, and therefore availability, or if the use of electrical equipment is impossible.
Here the choice is based on the carrying capacity, which should be with a small margin.
The design and reduction of drum models allows you to lift loads weighing from 1 to 2 tons without applying excessive force to the handle lever, that is, rotating the drum by hand.
Drum devices are fastened with anchor bolts to a vertical or inclined surface through special holes.
When using a moving block, a double reduction is achieved, which reduces the load on the lifting and pulling mechanism.
Manual winch drive mechanism
Worm hand winches - have the most effective cable locking system
This design virtually eliminates jamming and breakage, which will be important when working with heavy weights. The worm system is considered the most convenient, but is still not without its drawbacks:
- Such a cargo winch is large, and it will be difficult to take it on the road every day;
- The peculiarity of the mechanism does not allow pulling a load of too much weight, which would be critical for a heavy machine;
- The complexity of the gearbox requires keeping the entire mechanism clean and makes it difficult to maintain.
Gear hand winches have a simpler design, which is reflected in the cost of such mechanisms. To fix the cable, a ratchet is used, which holds the tension. Gear winches usually have a drum design and have the following disadvantages:
- High requirements for metal quality are caused by significant loads arising during operation;
- Any drum winch is large due to the need to use a mechanism for laying and storing the cable;
- The small diameter of the inner drum is poorly suited for winding up the steel cable and causes wear.
The best electric car winches
Models equipped with electric motors are easy to operate and capable of generating high traction force. To operate, the electric winch is connected to a car battery.
Tor S12000
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
The main feature of the model is the increased traction force - 5443 kg. It is equipped with a steel cable with a diameter of 9.1 mm and a length of 28 meters.
The presence of a hook with a carabiner allows you to pull the vehicle from a safe distance or cling to a tree during self-evacuation, even if it is quite far away.
The power of the electric motor is 4.8 kW, the dimensions of the mechanism are 537x160x218 mm. The tight weave of the rope ensures uniform winding onto the drum. The ability to remotely control the operation of the winch makes using the device easier.
Advantages:
- durable cable;
- powerful drive;
- durability;
- corrosion resistance;
- convenient control.
Flaws:
- high price.
The Tor S12000 winch is recommended for owners of large vehicles used in off-road conditions.
Avtospas LPE09M Pony W1058
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
94%
buyers recommend this product
One of the features of the model is convenient control. The operation of the mechanism is controlled via a remote control mounted on the steering wheel of the car. The winch is protected against corrosion, which guarantees a long service life under any operating conditions.
The winch pull is 2000 lbs and the drum diameter is 31.5 mm. The kit along with the device includes all the necessary elements for quick start of use. These include guide rollers, connection terminals, a set of fasteners, a hook and a strong cable.
Advantages:
- convenient control;
- corrosion resistance;
- rich equipment;
- small dimensions;
- low price.
Flaws:
- short connection wires.
The Autospas Pony winch will be useful for use in any weather - this can be installed on an SUV or snowmobile.
Caliber ELB-1130
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
93%
buyers recommend this product
The operation of the model is controlled from the remote control. If a malfunction occurs, the owner can continue to use the winch thanks to the presence of a special rotating handle. The simplicity of the design ensures ease of maintenance of the mechanism.
The winding speed is 18 meters per minute, the force is 1.13 tons. The winch receives power from a 12 V network and is equipped with long wires with terminals for quick connection. The cable with a diameter of 3 mm is made of steel and is resistant to heavy loads.
Advantages:
- long service life;
- simple controls;
- manual mode;
- ease of connection;
- fast cheat.
Flaws:
- noisy work.
Caliber ELB-1130 can be used as a winch or an independent lifting mechanism. A universal solution for use in any conditions.
Forsage F-TRH92000
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
The steel cable of this device is characterized by dense weaving and large diameter. This guarantees trouble-free operation under constant load conditions and long service life of the mechanism. The hook is equipped with a carabiner for securely securing the load.
The pulling force is 2000 lbs, the drum diameter is 25 mm. The remote control is used for convenient control of the winch operation. Small dimensions allow you to constantly store it in the trunk and use it when necessary.
Advantages:
- durable cable;
- durability;
- ease of storage;
- remote control;
- small dimensions.
Flaws:
- high energy consumption.
Forsage F-TRH92000 will be useful in an emergency situation when you need to remove an obstacle on the way or evacuate a car.
T-Max ATW PRO 3500
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
The wired control panel provides convenient and continuous control of the mechanism. The eccentric brake allows you to quickly stop the winch if necessary. The package includes connection terminals, guide cables, and a set of fasteners. You can start using the winch immediately after purchase.
The pulling force is 3500 lbs, the cable diameter is 4.8 mm. The mechanism is easy to maintain and repair. All main elements are resistant to corrosion and are easily replaced in case of failure. It is also possible to equip the model with a radio control unit.
Advantages:
- durability;
- long cable;
- light weight;
- powerful drive;
- ease of maintenance.
Flaws:
- low winding speed.
T-Max ATW PRO is worth purchasing for outdoor enthusiasts. The winch is suitable for pulling a car, ATV or snowmobile out of a rut.
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