Come-along

[dumolebob]

Why Not Use Your High Lift???

Seems to me most carry a high lift jack, which makes one of the strongest come along you can have. I don’t know of a stronger tool and probably everyone carries one (or should). Esp the X-Steme High Lift rated at 5,000#

Do be sure to put a blanket or heavy cloth damper on any chain or cable you pull with!

http://www.hi-lift.com/hi-lift-jacks/index.html

 

[Fish]

If you're going to the extent of comparing them in that detail, you might want to add Tirfor/Griphoist to the list to compare.

I'm interested in hearing people's experiences with the Griphoist product.

 

[Northern Explorer]

I just ordered the Maasdam 6000s pow'r-pull from Amazon for 108.99 and free shipping. I figure 3 tons is enough and I already have a snatch block if I need more power. I will just need to order a winch extension line to go with it in case my anchor is more then 12 feet away.

I understand the not being in the line of fire argument in case something breaks. I'll take my chances.

 

[michaelgroves]

I understand the not being in the line of fire argument in case something breaks.

Another reason to go with a small come-along, and make up with lots of rigging, IMO. The part where you're working is generating smaller loads = less catastrophic breakages. Just keep away from the ends where the big loads are!

 

[Northern Explorer]

My Maasdam 3 ton come along (model 6000s) came in the mail a few days ago. This thing is huge. Very well made.

The jury is still out as far as what the difference is between the 8000sbc (3 ton/4 ton) and the 8000sb (4 ton). The one I have looks just like the one in jsmorris's post but without the snatch block. Wouldn't adding a snatch block turn a 3 ton into a 6 ton??? What's with the 3 ton/4 ton rating.

This isn't where I bought mine but you can see all three here.

Now I just need a winch line extension so i can actually reach something.

 

[jsmoriss]

The jury is still out as far as what the difference is between the 8000sbc (3 ton/4 ton) and the 8000sb (4 ton). The one I have looks just like the one in jsmorris's post but without the snatch block. Wouldn't adding a snatch block turn a 3 ton into a 6 ton??? What's with the 3 ton/4 ton rating.

Here's what I figure:

8000SBC = Has a snatch block and detachable hook to use as 3 ton (no snatch block) and 4 ton (with snatch block)

8000SB = Has a snatch block and cable is permanently connected back onto the come-along, so it can only be used with the snatch block (4 ton capacity)

6000S = No snatch block, so 3 ton capacity. This is probably the one I should have bought since I have a few ARB snatch blocks in my kit anyway.

I haven't used my mine yet -- it's one of those items, like the Pullpal and Waffleboards, that you don't often use, but are glad to have 'em when you need them. The trick is to find somewhere to stow them. I'm still working on that for the 8000SBC.

As for the 4 ton rating vs 6 ton, yes, a snatch block can double the rating IF the components are up to it -- perhaps the swivel (non-cable side) or hooks are not.

js.

 

[michaelgroves]

As for the 4 ton rating vs 6 ton, yes, a snatch block can double the rating IF the components are up to it -- perhaps the swivel (non-cable side) or hooks are not.
js.

This doesn't seem safe at all! If it can pull 3 tons without the snatch-block, what's to prevent you from putting more than 4 tons of strain on it when using the snatchblock?

 

[Bogo]

This doesn't seem safe at all! If it can pull 3 tons without the snatch-block, what's to prevent you from putting more than 4 tons of strain on it when using the snatchblock?

Why?

Rig from one bumper recovery point out to tree, and through the snatch block. Then back to the hoist attached to another bumper recovery point. Hoist only sees 1/2 the pulling load seen by the snatch block. Also each recovery point only sees half load.

 

[jsmoriss]

Rig from one bumper recovery point out to tree, and through the snatch block. Then back to the hoist attached to another bumper recovery point. Hoist only sees 1/2 the pulling load seen by the snatch block. Also each recovery point only sees half load.

If you tie back to the vehicle, and not the come-along (like the 8000SB/C), then the snatch block, shackle, tree strap, and tree (for example) are the only ones to see the full load. Theoretically they should all be be rated for 6 tons.

js.

 

[michaelgroves]

Why?

Rig from one bumper recovery point out to tree, and through the snatch block. Then back to the hoist attached to another bumper recovery point. Hoist only sees 1/2 the pulling load seen by the snatch block. Also each recovery point only sees half load.

That was my point. If the hoist can exert a pull of 3 tons (and is built to safely exert that load), then the snatch block and hooks should be rated for 6 tons. It was suggested that in fact they might only be rated for 4 tons.

 

[Bogo]

That was my point. If the hoist can exert a pull of 3 tons (and is built to safely exert that load), then the snatch block and hooks should be rated for 6 tons. It was suggested that in fact they might only be rated for 4 tons.

The only parts that need the 6 ton rating are the snatch block and what holds it to the tree. The rest of them only need a 3 ton rating.

 

[michaelgroves]

Here's what I figure:

8000SBC = Has a snatch block and detachable hook to use as 3 ton (no snatch block) and 4 ton (with snatch block)

...
As for the 4 ton rating vs 6 ton, yes, a snatch block can double the rating IF the components are up to it -- perhaps the swivel (non-cable side) or hooks are not.

The only parts that need the 6 ton rating are the snatch block and what holds it to the tree. The rest of them only need a 3 ton rating.

Yes, that was still my point

The end bit - the snatch block, and its swivel and hook - should be a six ton rating. (We're pretty sure the rest of it is rated to three tons.) So if it's only rated to four tons, as has been suggested above (and as the model designations suggest), then it's unsafe. No?

 

[stioc]

Interesting discussion. I have yet to buy a high-lift or a winch as I'm just starting out but the reason the come-alongs sound more practical for me is because one I don't have to replace my stock bumper to get a real winch mounted. Two, yes you can use the high-lift as a winch but it can only pull a couple of feet at a time - seems like a slow tedious process.

Not sure why but I'm leaning towards the More PowerPull come-along https://www.wyeth-scott.com/index.asp


--
2008 Honda Ridgeline 4wd (or so it says)

 

[CruiserMog]

I've spent my life jerry rigging solutions for rigging, logging, arborist work, wheeling, and all sorts of other redneck activities. I've never been able to figure out why a come a long isn't a critical part of every wheeler's recovery gear. I wouldn't leave home without one.

The models I'd put at the top of the list are the More Power Puller mentioned above which is an American classic, and the Lug All units: http://www.lug-all.com/pages/cableratchetov.php
You want a solid cast unit, while keeping the stamped steel to a minimum. I've always been tempted to switch the standard cable to synthetic, it would seem you could probably add more line length by doing so as well, especially with something like a MasterPull line which is basically compressed.

I've used a come a long for a multitude of reasons when wheeling, particularly when traveling alone where a single front mounted winch can certainly use supplementing. Recovering one's vehicle backward out of mud or off a rock or log when moving forward has been deemed unadvisable, or pulling the back of your rig sideways away from or off of an obstacle are two good application examples. And if your rig won't run, a come a long is going to move it to solid or flat ground more effectively than a winch powered by a rapidly dying battery. They're particularly useful in expedition wheeling, where solo travel is common and self sufficiency is paramount.

As someone mentioned earlier in this thread, I think a comprehensive article discussing the wide range of come a long applications and reviews of some of the best ones in an upcoming issue of OJ would be a great idea. Maybe I could consult!

 

[jsmoriss]

Before buying the Maasdam 8000SBC, I considered the Wyeth-Scott and traded several e-mails with them about using synthetic rope on their come-along. They just sent me some documentation about their new Power Puller models with synthetic line:

http://public.mvlan.net/content/Jeep/Reference/Come-Alongs/Wyeth-Scott and Amsteel Blue.doc

I wish they'd offered this months ago, before I bought the Maasdam.

js.