Guns, Bows, Shooting Sports, and Hunting chainsaw winch

[Steve Robinson]

After many many years of applying, I finally drew a Tule elk tag. I am now gearing up for retrieval of the beast should I be lucky enough to dispatch one. Having hunted elk in many other states, I know what impossible places a dead elk ends up in and how difficult it can be to retrieve. So, does anyone know where I might get a chainsaw winch like the Rule 1800 (which is no longer available). I have found a company in OR that makes a chainsaw winch called the Lewis Winch Co. but their unit costs $800. 00 without the motor. Too much money for me I'm afraid. There are capstan winches out there but the weight and cost are again, too high. Anyone have a Rule 1800 or equivalent sitting around for rent or for sale?

 

[kenny61]

How bout an electric one



Pure Polaris : Polaris 1,500 LB. Versawinchâ„¢)

 

[Steve Robinson]

Kenny, thanks for the reply but sometimes the downed animal is a great distance from road/truck/electricity access. So, small highly portable gasoline winch is the ticket to get a downed animal up the steep and deep.
Thanks again for the rely. Steve

 

[kenny61]

If you didn't take a look at the link check it out its basically a battery booster pac with a winch. other wise harbor frieght has something for about the same price but it looks very Chinese

 

[kenny61]

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

 

[AMink]

A quick google found a few, but they are expensive. Good luck on your elk hunt! I have one in Nevada in November. I'm sure you know, but beware the wilderness areas; no motors allowed! Heck, you can't even use a wheeled game cart.

 

[Steve Robinson]

Kenny, thanks for the info. I checked it out online but I can't get the weight of the battery pack and the winch unit itself. Do you have any idea of its weight and overall size? This is, as you know, very critical if you have to carry it a mile or two. Thanks, Steve

 

[HSpiering]

I have taken out several elk and deer with my chain saw. It is a life saver. I use one with a rope. I have 100yards climbers rope. and a 100 ft for shorter pulls. I am around one that uses a steel cable also. It is going to have a shorter pull and cost more. I have also carried it in a deer cart or whealbarrel to get it into an area to winch an animal up. You must make sure you have the winch chain sprocket that will fit your saw. For years we just cut the animal up and take them out on a military back pack. You can only drag so far to a truck, out of a canyon to a road is about it.

 

[kenny61]

I dont own one I only saw it at the polaris dealer when I picked up my atv and thought it was pretty neat. If you have a Polaris dealer nearby they may have them in stock and you could check it out

 

[Steve Robinson]

The chainsaw winch that you use with a rope is a capstan type winch? I have not seen a capstan type winch that is chainsaw powered and I would be very interested in more info. I really need to get my hands on a winch soon, my hunt is the week of Thanksgiving but it is proving difficult finding a chainsaw winch. It is a shame Rule stopped making their little winch, I have seen them used to winch elk up unbelievably steep canyons and they are just the ticket. I am hoping I can find a Rule winch someone has in their garage and wants to sell but again, I have not had a lot of luck yet. If you can give me a bit more info about your chainsaw/rope winch I would be grateful. Steve

 

[HSpiering]

Yes I think it is a capstan type. It is called a Lewis mini Winch. made by Triway Manufacturing in Marysville WA. Don't think they are in bussnes any more?? I bought a Stihl 031 years ago and the winch at the same time. paid mabe $400 for all. Don't remember. Don't know what state you are in but some chain saw stores in Or, Wa may be able to help.

 

[Steve Robinson]

Thanks for the info about the Lewis winch. They are still in business and their winch looks like it is the only show in town but the price is now $800. 00 without a motor and I just can't do that. Somewhere, somebody has a Rule brand chainsaw winch they could part with and I just have to make that connection. I'm trying! Thanks again for the response.

 

[Dl5treez]

We have two Lewis winches... one is about 25 years old and the other is about 5 years old. There are some differences between the two models but parts are readily available for both in my area and online.



They're kind of like a good saw... . spend the money and you'll have it forever.

 

[Dl5treez]

Another one to look at is the Simpson Capstan Winch... ... less money than a Lewis.



Didn't think about them before but just looked up some stuff in my Madsen's catalog and noticed them in there.

 

[Dl5treez]

Ok one more just for fun...



Warn Pullzall..... they have a 24v cordless rechargeable version.



Cabela's -- Warn Cordless PullzAll™