I would rather have a winch on a hitch receiver plate that could be up front or in the rear like you were talking. For pulling things side to side I just use a high-lift with recovery straps. It looks like a good product, just pricey.

 

ttt, say ...can anyone recommend a good tree saver and tow strap to use with that? I have a coupon for a good deal on a tow strap from Harbor Freight, but maybe I shouldn't mess with that. Also if anyone can recommend a good snatch block to use with it that would be cool. Finally, if anyone can recommend a good alternative to the ever expensive Pull Pal shovel that would be appreciated. Now that I've asked umpteen questions, thanks ahead!

 

That is a decent come along if you need just a little help to get unstuck. It will not pull you out if you are really stuck like an electric vehicle mtd winch. There is one out there that will do the job.
http://www.invictalandroverclub.com/Tirfor%20K.jpg
http://www.discountramps.com/hand-winch.htm
I have rented one like this when 2 of us were stuck in a swamp. Took a few hours to get out but we finally did aroud 2 AM.
It has over 100 feet of 5/16 cable. If I ever run across one of these I will get it.
Ron

 

I'd take a $300 Chinese 8k electric winch over one of those any day. I don't think vehicle recovery should be done from outside the vehicle, that's a recipe for disaster. And getting severely injured on the trail is not my idea of fun. I didn't want a winch at all - I thought the hand winch was the way to go until I realized if I needed it, I'd have to work my *** off for a simple recovery and I didn't want to get run over by my own Jeep when it gets unstuck. If the rope breaks, you're standing right next to it. No thanks.

 

Thanks for the input. Remember ...a great deal of my reasoning in considering this is for those situations that don't allow you to winch out of whatever from the front. This power puller is said to be much safer than a typical come along ...but "I hear you" ....it would still be nerve rattling to use it compared to a winch.

 

You could go with a front hitch and a multi-mount setup. Or just mount your winch normally and don't travel alone.

[edit] there are also ways - using a lot of gear, mind you - that you can pull yourself backwards with a single, front mounted winch. Look up "reverse winching".

 

after many years of wheeling nothing beats a good winch and snatch block. safest way to recover. I also never go wheeling alone this is a huge mistake. I have owned a pullpal for 8 years and have never used it. luckily i won it in a raffle. BTW i live in IN where we have alot of trees, would probably have used it if i wheeled in desert terrain

 

After being stuck and having to use the high-lift method, I purchased one with the synthetic line & handle extensions direct from the Wyeth-Scott company. I purchased it knowing at some point I would buy a winch. The More Power Puller seemed like a next good step, & something I would still use. Since then I have gone on to purchase a M8000 but I still carry it.

After purchasing the Power Puller I have recovered my own jeep, used it with my ATV, used it to pull a vehicle up onto a trailer, and loaned it to friends to use while hunting, ect. When I use it I made sure to lay a tarp down on the ground below it first which merely helps a keeping it clean.

It is not an electric winch, it takes some effort, but it gets the job done. The biggest positive I've seen is that it mobile. It is not just fixed to my jeep, requires a hitch, or power for that matter.