Hey everyone,
I am looking at the possibility of getting an electric winch for an HD36. I dont have the mill yet, but I did order the Log loading and turning package, and the trailer package.
I know some of you have added an electric winch to their mills. What I would like to do is not install the manual crank winch to the post, but rather bolt on an electric winch to that spot on the post. Has anyone done this?? Does anyone know if the Harbor Freight Badland series of winches will bolt to the platform without any major modifications??
What I am considering for the job would be either the 2500lb or the 3500 lb winch. I found a post where Post Oakie had a 2500 lb unit and was using it. But I did not see if there were any mods needed to mount the unit.
I like some of the ideas others have used with the winch attached to a stump/pickup/trailer. But that would not be the ideal setup for me.
Also, will the mill battery support both of these winches?? Or will a deep cycle battery be a requirement to use one??
Thanks, in advance, for any help with this.
TJames.
Why do you need a winch if you ordered the loader and turner?
I ordered the manual loader and turner. Which is the ramps, the post that attaches to the mill, and the hand crank winch which goes on top of the post. I just wanted to save myself from all the hand cranking that will be needed to load the larger logs up the ramps.
I am getting to be an old lazy fart. Cheaper to buy an electric winch, that a hydraulic mill.
TJames
I found a design in the MODS thread and made my own version.. So far the largest log I have hauled up using my $100.00 Champion 3500 lb winch was a 28" maple.
The ASH in the image below is around 12-14 inches if I recall correctly.. I am currenlty using a normal car battery.. Winched 18 logs in one day a few weeks ago.. no issues
Hey Rick,
Thanks for the picture!!
Are you glad you went with the 3500# instead of a 2500#??
Did the winch mount without issues?? Or did you need to drill additional holes on the plate to mount it??
Do you think the mill battery would have enough amperage to operate the winch without much of a power deficit??
Thanks for the input!!
TJames
I installed an electric winch. In fact I have gone through 3 of them. I bought the HF with the warranty, so I have only bought one. I bought the one with the wireless remote so I can work the log at the ramp side. Sometimes the bark makes it slippery and the log needs a little help. I also made the slide in part longer so that I don't need to lift off the winch. I just pull it out until the mill head clears it. Most of the time on smaller logs it stays out. Larger logs and using it to rotate logs it has to be slid in. I have a 2000# unit on it now I think. It parbuckles the log just fine. I have since mounted a battery up front and have a quick disconnect. If it stops raining anytime soon I'll post another picture. Dan
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Wow, amazing information I am enjoying reading this post of yours. Because I searched a lot about it in Google before. But I did not get the correct and satisfactory answer about it yet. When I read your post, I got very good information. Your information proved to be very helpful for me. Thanks for sharing the information.
Swamp,
Do you ever wish you had a heavier winch,or does the 2000# unit do everything you need it too??
i am trying to decide if the $50 2K# unit is fine, or if I should step up to the 3500# unit for $115 .....
TJames
TJ, I think I had the 3000# one on there but the wireless controller messed up, so I got a 2K. I liked the 3K one because of the twist release for the free wheeling of the cable. I have had to help the 2K one in log turning very large and long logs but not in log loading. The 3K one is heavier too and I'm getting older..
Swamp
I built mine from 1/4" tubing and plate.... so yes I drilled holes to mount the winch plate. Actually I just checked my setup, it's 3000# not 3500.. The disadvantage with mine... it's really heavy.
All great information. Makes my decision easier.
Thanks all!!
TJames
Baron, I make sure it's pulled out far enough to clear the mill and turn it.
I did have to modify my winch mount just slightly. A little grinding on each side so bolts would clear, but no drilling. Haven't mounted a swivel, but that's a very good idea. I use a marine deep cycle battery, and it lasts all day. It turns small logs, up to around 24" diameter ok, but I just use a cant hook for those. For the bigger logs, I use a mechanical farm jack, which gives much more precise control and lifts the log, putting less stress on the sawmill. The video on log decks has a segment loading a large oak log with the winch. Here's a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YliEREHaaVs
Here's a picture of me turning a log with a mechanical jack. The rope is on a hook that bites into the log, goes under the log and attaches to the jack. Piece of cake!
Good judgement comes from experience... experience comes from bad judgement.