Winching In and Out of a Shed

[Lionelgee]

Hello All,

After some discussions with a colleague who was formerly a boiler maker in the mines, I have progressed further along the path for the proposed project.

I had initially thought of having the steel anchor point at a height where it would be easily seen and not tripped over. However, my colleague raised concerns about how something out of the ground can act like a lever and multiplies the stress that could be placed at the point the steel leaves the ground.

So bearing this in mind I reverted to my trade as a landscaper which included installing in-ground irrigation systems. I remembered things like the in-ground valve box similar to the one shown in the photograph. Since a bobcat is going to be digging the hole it can go a bit deeper and have the anchor point coupling below the valve box's lid. The lid can be flush mounted to the ground level , resulting in no trip hazards, where the mower and other vehicles can be driven over it. All tucked away - all safe and sound.

Since the 4WD parts retailer has their 12000 pound winch on sale - reduced by $200, I bought one. I looked at some reviews posted by different forums - independent of the company. I also checked on Facebook Marketplace for their range of second-hand winches. Some were dearer second-hand than the 4WD place's new winch. However, the second-hand ones would not come with a warranty. Other second-hand winches needed repairs and new replacement parts. Or they did not have the same capacity.

I will be making a unit where the winch fits on a trailer receiver that can be slotted into the towbar at the back of a vehicle. Also, with the aid of a 1300 mm x 50 mm x 50 mm square hollow section with a 5 mm wall thickness I will be converting my old Jeep Commander tow bar so it can bolt into the front of the currently front-bumper-bar-less Defender; while having brackets mounted for my range of other vehicles - including the current bumper-bar-less Chevrolet. I took the bumper off to have more room to move at the front of the shed.

Just have to go to the local scrap yard for the steel anchor point and arrange for the bobcat bloke to bring his toys with him. Also, a mini-mix concrete truck. Plus, a trip to the hardware store for two valve boxes. Then everything should come together!

Lionel wants to winch the Defender into the shed. Hook up winch unit. Sit in Snowy's cab ... press a button and steer. At the end of the day after working on Snowy or whatever project vehicle. Swap the winch unit to the back and press a button and steer the vehicle until it is parked for the night. Then the daily driver can resume residence in the shed.

Thank you every one for your contributions. I will keep you updated!

Kind regards
Lionel

[Robin Craig]

The question is the frequency of the winching operation. The other is utility of the winch. The Tirfor style are magnificent and so reliable. I am a huge fan and have four different flavours of them. Much under appreciated and much under respected. Great control in and out, no batteries required, just so useful and honestly with a snatch block and the rolling resistance of a vehicle on wheels they work really well. Also the whole length of the line passes through the body so there is no birds nesting of cable n a drum. Plus they have a frewheel setting to reset easily. Stay mechancal, you will not be sorry. One day I hope the makers of Tirfor cut me a commission cheque......

[Lionelgee]

Originally Posted by Robin Craig

The question is the frequency of the winching operation. The other is utility of the winch. The Tirfor style are magnificent and so reliable. I am a huge fan and have four different flavours of them. Much under appreciated and much under respected. Great control in and out, no batteries required, just so useful and honestly with a snatch block and the rolling resistance of a vehicle on wheels they work really well. Also the whole length of the line passes through the body so there is no birds nesting of cable n a drum. Plus they have a frewheel setting to reset easily. Stay mechancal, you will not be sorry. One day I hope the makers of Tirfor cut me a commission cheque......

Hello Robin,

I have used Tirfor winches extensively throughout my trade in Amenity Horticulture which included Tree surgery - Arboriculture. The Tirfor winches are something you can depend upon. I also have a different range of them. The thing is they do not eliminate the need to get into and out of the cab to adjust the steering. I intend to pull the immobilised vehicle into the shed and out of the shed on a daily basis to do things like rust removal. Not just quick replacement of clutch hydraulic cylinders for the current vehicle in question. This daily repetition has influenced my decision to go to an electric winch system.

Even better news is the winch arrived today. The not so good news is that it is a public holiday tomorrow here and all the metal merchants will be closed!

Kind regards
Lionel