McGrew 460 #1 Posted February 4, 2020 My wife was tired of the rose bushes in the garden. We planted them about 7-8 years ago, and although they were healthy, the wife had other ideas for that garden. So I got orders to yank them out. Not a problem, as I pulled quite a few shrubs out with the WH, I used my old military lifting straps and put a loop around the base of the bush. I tried making an easy tug, and got nothing but wheel spin. OK, time for a little more aggressive approach. I got several feet of slack in the strap, and dumped the clutch in 2nd gear hi range. It didn’t budge. Several more attempts made me realize these things have a bigger root system than I thought.. About a year ago, I was given a 5000 lb. Ramsey winch. The guy said it didn’t work. After putting in a new solenoid and cleaning up a few electrical connections, it worked fine. Then I built a bracket to mount it to the front hitch mount on my tractor. Okay, I can hear you now... Why would you put a 5000 lb. winch on a 700 lb. tractor? Best reasons I can come up with is 1) the winch was free, and 2) because I can. I have been accused of being nuts if that helps explain. I backed the tractor up to a large tree and ran straps to the rear hitch. . I can report the setup worked great! It snatched those rose bushes out without any strain. Now I’m looking forward to the next time the wife decides to redecorate the gardens! Did I mention I can install the winch in about 5 minutes with two 3/4” bolts, and two cables directly to the battery. Danny 8 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 19,457 #2 Posted February 4, 2020 Nice clean install . Safe to say you won’t be popping any wheelies with that hangin off the front ! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 8,837 #3 Posted February 4, 2020 2 hours ago, McGrew said: now... Why would you put a 5000 lb. winch on a 700 lb. tractor? Best reasons I can come up with is 1) the winch was free, and 2) because I can. Are any other reasons needed! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McGrew 460 #4 Posted February 4, 2020 Thanks guys! I appreciate the comments. Oliver2-44, You said no more reasons were needed, but there is one more. I had nothing else to mount the winch on! Danny 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 6,358 #5 Posted February 4, 2020 Hmmmm. I picked up an ATV winch for cheap at the local HF last year. Was planning on making brackets for temporary mounting on U Haul car trailer. Last time I hauled a car, I had to load it with rope and a come along. The winch sounded easier. My Horse has a front Tach-a-matic. Sounds like a good project to make an adaptor for the winch to hang on the front Tach-a-matic. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 4,874 #6 Posted February 4, 2020 Well done Danny. A big Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,038 #7 Posted February 4, 2020 nice job on that danny ! neat and clean installation, you have probably already done this , but regular chain / cable lubrication ,will keep that cable smooth and flexible , while stopping any rust . pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 59,571 #8 Posted February 4, 2020 As for pulling small bushes and whatnot, I think leverage might be our best advantage when weight is an issue. Having some type of cantilever to pull on a long lever and it lifts the bush out of the ground might be best? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McGrew 460 #9 Posted February 4, 2020 Thanks again guys! Pullstart, yes, I used a couple pieces of 2x4 I screwed together to make a fulcrum. Using it, I was pulling up on the bush at about a 45 degree angle. It didn't budge with just the tractor... Sparky, I think wheelies would be next to impossible with the winch hanging out front! I have not weighed it, but would guess the winch and bracket are about 75-100 lbs. I realized that bolting the winch to the front hitch mount would be a problem. As heavy as it is, I knew I would not be able to hold it up with one hand while putting the bolts in. So I welded a piece of angle iron to the rear of the mount that slips under the hitch mount. All I have to do is lift it into place and pull it forward. That locks the winch in place, and lines up the bolt holes. Then I can put the bolts in without having to support the weight of the winch. Peter, Thanks for the info on lubing the cable. That is not something I had considered! Danny 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
