I am thinking of carrying a light weight, hand operated winch for casual trail rides (where its a little wet/muddy) or for muddy XC races...what do you guys think of this one? I realize this product is only rated for 900lbs, but I don't plan to hit the deep mud holes during casual trail rides unless I'm riding with others who can pull me out if I get stuck.

http://www.atvoutfitters.com/cgi-bin....htm?E+scstore

Happy trails...[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

If it makes you feel comfortable go for it... You'd be surprised at how helpful it can be.

 

GoatManx,
Have you tried a hand operated winch on an ATV before? Just curious as to how well they work. I've owned a few Warn winches in the past and they worked fine, but seemed to have electrical problems over time (bad solenoids)...I would like to try something light weight like this hand operated winch...that way I can leave it at home (or in the truck) whenever I know I won't need it (dry XC races for example).

 

I don't mess with the deep mud etc. to much either.......but sometimes it happens like other things. and when it does it is nice to have friends close by but if not I really like my powered winch as it is more powerful AND does not take as much of my physical attention so that I can work the bike at the same time. It is sometimes most efective in a real bad situation if you can use the winch and the bike together..... get the bike rocking back and forth but every time it moves forward the winch takes up the slack and holds it.