Suggestions on a come-a-long to carry? (1 Viewer)

[IdahoDoug]

For 30 years I've carried a military come-a-long in the Cruiser in the backcountry. It's wearing out and starting to get dangerous. What I'm looking for is a cut above the crap they sell at auto parts stores or big box hardware stores, which I have a few of. What I'm NOT looking for on the high end of the price scale are those awesome hand winches that crawl along the cable (Tifor?) as those are more than a small electric winch.

Anybody have something like that they'd suggest to replace my old trusty?

 

[JunkCrzr89]

I carry this bastard in the trunk as a backup. Only used it couple times over the years but it worked.

4000 lb. Cable Winch Puller

Amazing deals on this 4000Lb Cable Winch Puller at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

There are some larger 5-ton varieties that can be had for around $70-80, too.

 

[bhmmapping]

I have no real experience and it may be too expensive but this looks like a step up:

The More Power Puller®, Portable Winch, Cable Puller, Come Along Winches | By The Wyeth-Scott Company

Buy The More Power Puller Online Today! Shop puller models & replacement parts, FAQs, operating and repair instructions. Contact us online or 800-743-4521.

www.wyeth-scott.com

 

[Rusty Marlin]

Hi-lift with a winch kit attachment and a length of log chain.

https://www.thefirestore.com/Hi-Lift-Jack-Company-Winch-Kit?&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=googlebase&utm_content=18077&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInp6e2Ia2-wIVQ8-GCh38rg4BEAQYASABEgLTnfD_BwE

I have used this set up and it works quite well. Slower than a standard come-a-long, just because of the reach, but it has a built in tie off when you reach the end of travel and you need another bite.

 

[jpoole]

I also carry a come along and prefer it's small size and flexibility vs. a winch. My current puller is similar to the 8k Harbor Freight shown above and think it's a good size for light recovery and similar tasks. I keep mine in the tailgate and it fits well along with a recovery strap/shackles, and doesn't overload the weight of the gate. I don't ever plan to test it near it's stated limits.

I've used a variety of these types of pullers over the years, including some pretty robust/industrial ones and while you can scale up to very strong pullers they also get heavy and are more than I'd want to keep in the 80 or carry around on slick/sloped surfaces.

I'd guess most of these are made in china these days and when I shopped for my last one I didn't see much variety in materials or finish.

If you need more than the "8k" ish hand pullers can offer I'd consider just moving to bumper mounted winch to get a jump in capacity without the hassle of storing/carrying a larger puller. Of course, every use/scenario is different.

 

[Godwin]

I have no real experience and it may be too expensive but this looks like a step up:

The More Power Puller®, Portable Winch, Cable Puller, Come Along Winches | By The Wyeth-Scott Company

Buy The More Power Puller Online Today! Shop puller models & replacement parts, FAQs, operating and repair instructions. Contact us online or 800-743-4521.

www.wyeth-scott.com

This, the More Power Puller. US made and the come-along equivalent of the Hi-Lift jack. I've had one for 20 years and have found it to be extremely useful for all types of pulling needs.

 

[jpoole]

Those Wyeth-Scott units do look like a good upgrade option from the sea of chinesium pullers on the market.

They only weigh about 10 lbs more but cost about 10 times as much as the HF one.

https://www.wyeth-scott.com/pdf/List-Price-Sheet-01-01-22-Effective-04-04-2022.pdf

 

[cartercd]

Another option from a reputable company is the Maasdam Pow'r-Pull. They have been around since 1946. They have a 4-ton units (using a pulley)

 

[thatcabledude]

I have a couple of these and prefer by far. Strap is short though.

Little Mule Hoist | Little Mule 300A | J Harlen Co

Ships same day | 300A Little Mule Hoist, great prices, buy from the experts at J Harlen Co, we know linemen and the tools you need.

www.jharlen.com

 

[IdahoDoug]

Wow, some nice upgrades. Unfortunately, every one of them is $400 ish and more, which is what I am trying to avoid. I was hoping there'd be a middle ground less than those very nice ones, but a step above the "stamped metal handled Chinese" types you see everywhere. Maybe I'll nose around a military surplus and get another like my worn model...

 

[cahill]

Check the used market for a Wyeth Scott. Sounds like the design hasn't changed much and service parts are available. You might be able to pick up a quality piece for a reasonable price.