Portable Winch PCW3000 Gas-Powered Capstan Winch, 1,600 lbs Pulling Capacity Winch, Honda GX-35 Engine Portable Gas Winch - Hunting, Logging, & Towing

I live on a 300’ ridge on an island, and presently the only way for me to get heavy items up from the beach is a cable hoist.I have been manually pulling up lighter loads but needed help on anything over 50 pounds. Regular winches don’t offer a 300’ reach, so a capstan winch was needed. This unit is high quality, with a small Honda motor, and is very easy to use. Once I had it, I began finding other uses for it.UPDATE AFTER 6 MONTHS: Was working well, albeit slow, but suddenly the automatic clutch gave out, and now the motor does not engage the drum Very disappointed. Expected better from a machine with a Honda motor.The speed is better than standard winches, but I wish it could pull faster, since I don’t need the gearing for pulling anything more than about 150 pounds. I’ve learned that its big brother, the 5000 can provide a faster speed by swapping out the standard hub with a larger one, but the 3000 doesn’t take the larger hub. So, if you want the capability of a faster speed, go with the 5000 for a few hundred dollars more.

This is an amazing workhorse. No, it will not pull out an 2 ton truck but for my needs - timber and boat docks - it's a perfect fit. The selling point for me is take it anywhere gas operation. Rated at 2200lbs, it has enough power to move standard yard stuff. I know it is much more expensive than the more common drum type of winch but again it is portable for use anywhere. I also expect this will never quit. All the other winches I have used in this class fall apart quickly. Once you learn how to operate this is much better and stronger than standard drum units. There is an optional base for hitch use which I have used with the tractor. I think it could be mounted permanently if wanted. I would not though as it is easy to just leave in the truck bed ready to use plus I want a stronger winch on the truck. It uses a heavy duty rope rather than cable. Sold separately, this allows various length ropes as needed. I am very happy with this purchase even though the cost is much higher than typical winches in this class. But given I went through 2 of those already, this will likely pay for itself in durability.

I really like the PW5000. I used it to complete directional felling on storm damaged trees pulling them away from a neighbor's house toward my property. It worked very well. I watched videos #1-13 produced by the V.P. of the company several times over. These were very helpful. I also read through the manual(s); one for the winch and one for the Honda motor. Both manuals were very well written and helped solidify the video presentations. At the time of engagement with tree removal there are so many factors that could easily distract from effective winch operation. Reviewing the winching process, the "what if's" associated with winching and the "how to's" in the event of unexpected mishaps keeps safety for the operator and the surrounding area of engagement a positive experience. Follow the directions, use the correct necessary equipment for the winch and enjoy the process.

The keyway was never installed into the wheel when it was assembled not a big deal, but it shows it was not tested does not have quality control. Hopefully, nothing inside is missing as well.

I expected a little more 'oomph' from this machine. It could be that the engine needs a few hours on it before it's properly broken in and gives the HP that it is designed for. I'd be interested in putting it to a scale and seeing what it's really able to pull.Still, it's extremely portable and handy. Good quality construction, and I'm quite pleased with it.You do NOT want to get the rope tangled in the spool under a load, let me warn you! That's hard to get undone. Removing the spool helps a bit, so you ought to keep a proper allen wrench handy with you in case that happens.

Using the snatch block is awesome doubles it’s pulling strength great investment all around perfect not too quick not too slow In pulling power

Just the right tool for the job. If you're in a space where you can't bring a vehicle mounted winch this is the tool that will do the job, safely, and efficiently. I had to pull several floating docks out of a lake and pull them up onto a steep bank. I placed two 16" 2x10s under the floats and in less than a day the job was complete. I pulled the docks up with hand winches and AC winches powered by a generator previously. There is no comparison.

I’m a tree climber, and sort of a one man show! And sure I’m the beginning I had higher expectations for this machine, BUT once you understand the physics of it and all the forces at play, once you understand how to redirect and make 2-1 3-1 or even 5-1 systems, this thing is a beast. I have snapped pullys, rope runners and carabiners, we have been using this for logging all winter . Totally worth the money if your using it to make money ;)