Best Chainsaw Winches (2021 Buyer’s Guide)

| Last Updated: January 4, 2022

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Carpenters, craftsmen, hunters, loggers, and woodcutters know all about the struggles of hauling heavy objects and the fatigue associated with moving them around. Extra time and effort are utilized in doing so, but why should one work hard when you can work smart?

Work smart with a chainsaw winch to solve all your problems! Having an accentuated pulling capacity, you can drive your chainsaw's power and stability to improve work efficiency in carrying loads. By reducing power loss, a good-quality winch can become your best companion in moving across rough terrains, loading big games, or felling trees.

We have compiled an exclusive review that will tell you everything you need to know regarding chainsaw winches. Read below to find out which products are the best ones in the market.

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Comes with 150 feet of strong cable
  • Designed to be used for heavy duty tasks
  • 4000 lbs of pull capacity
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What is a Chainsaw Winch? 

The name provides a fairly good description. A chainsaw winch is a tool powered by a chainsaw used for hauling heavy objects. These are versatile and lightweight devices capable of pulling up large weights in a straight line. Whether it’s for hunting or industrial use, a rugged and durable winch can serve reliable pulling and lifting duties, sustaining long durations of time.

The winch can be attached to an electric or gas-powered chainsaw for easy portability and handiness in performing practical tasks. It amplifies the power of a typical chainsaw to project it into carrying heavy loads, lifting up logs or trees, pulling out game animals after hunting, and reaching out into places where vehicles have no access.

How Does a Chainsaw Winch Work? 

Simple mechanics are employed to enhance the power of a portable winch and give it a boost of energy for winding the spool to drag massive objects. It is undoubtedly a highly valuable device that maneuvers in rough grounds, and effortlessly transport heavyweight objects with zero manpower. 

For bolting up the wench with the chainsaw, an adaptor is used to harness the chainsaw’s motor power into the winch's shaft to enable smooth and efficient running power. Using the high RPM of a chainsaw and converting it into low-speed torque is what actually supplies augmented power to rotate the cable spool and haul large-sized objects. 

The entire lifting capability is mainly dependent on the engine of the chainsaw, which feeds the steel cable enough strength to drag hefty weights.

How to Choose a Chainsaw Winch 

Being a product with limited availability in the market just adds to the trouble of choosing a reliable chainsaw winch with solid features. Strength, durability, longevity, and practicality are prime contributors in making it a worthy purchase. Before deciding on a product, you must look out for the following qualities:

Weight

Since the greatest pros of owning a winch are portability and easy accessibility to rocky grounds, you must make sure that your tool is lightweight and easy to handle. Most winches are constructed in an aluminum framework, guaranteeing strength, and lightweight portability to your desired site. 

Work Capacity

Since power is majorly derived from the chainsaw, you should make sure that the winch is compatible with the chainsaw’s power without overburdening it. However, do not compromise on the strength because winches can easily lift thousands of pounds until they reach a maximum value. The power should be stable enough to tug big weights, large logs, wild animals, etc.

Spool

A sturdy and robust cable is what you’re looking for to manage loads with no trouble. At the same time, it is necessary that the cable is long enough to tackle large distances, without placing pressure on the chainsaw engine. 

Lewis Chainsaw Winch Model 400

Review of the Best Chainsaw Winches   

To assist you in making a purchase, we have presented a researched and factual review of the market's best chainsaw winches. This will provide you a deep insight into the pros, cons, and specific highlights of each model. 

Best Overall:
Streamline Industrial Winch

Streamline Industrial WINCH - Chainsaw Mounted - 4000 Lb Cap - Includes 150 Ft of 3/16' Cable

PROS

  • Extremely heavy-duty and durable construction framework
  • 150 feet of cable length to conquer loads from distant places
  • Weight carrying capacity of 4000 lbs to sustain substantial masses
  • Thick rope to pull all kinds of weights with massive strength and vigor
  • Subtle maneuverability and firm grip for consistent and controlled movement

CONS

  • Does not operate with interior clutches
  • Balance is a bit off while lifting objects in the air

What Recent Buyers Report 

Buyers have consistently given positive feedback regarding the Streamline Industrial Winch. It is a powerful tool to conquer rough terrains and easily tug along solid and big objects. Although it does not operate on the interior clutches, one can maintain a secured grip on the handle with little practice. A thick rope and hook assure the buyer that it is meant for heavy-duty operations.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It is not very often that we come across a product that guarantees top-quality features and powerful functioning. This chainsaw winch can withstand weights up to 4000 pounds, making it a favorable choice for lifting and dragging heavy loads. Durable construction ensures that the machinery is built to last a long time with proper care and oiling. 

But apart from all this, the thick cable with a 150-feet length draws the public's attention. It can grasp far-fetched objects and drag them over with a secure grip, so you don’t need to worry about the cable rope's flexibility and sturdiness. To top it off, the exceptional gripping eases the portability of this winch.

Bottom Line

All in all, this winch has everything that you’re looking for. You can hoist and trail even the largest of weights, and the cable rope won’t fail you. Although it might be a bit expensive, the performance is guaranteed to be outclassed and beyond expectations. 

2. Lewis Chainsaw Winch Model

Lewis Chainsaw Winch Model 400

PROS

  • Portable powered winch
  • Durable and can last long
  • Allows direct-drive hookup 
  • Has great power and pulling capability
  • Assembling the product is easy and convenient 

CONS

  • Connecting it to the chainsaw can be hard
  • Attached powerhead can make it heavy and awkward to use

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers have posted highly positive reviews about the product and claim that it works perfectly for what it is designed. It gives a great performance, but you need to know what you’re doing and how you want to go about the process; hence, it requires some creativity on your part. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

We love a product that does not boast about itself and then fails to deliver on the ground. This is a product that comes true on all the advertisement claims it made. It has great power and high pulling capacity; hence it can handle heavier loads. However, you need a certain amount of strength for that.

Moreover, the assembly of this thing is not overly complicated; in fact, it is a little fun. However, you need patience for that. Their ability to allow direct drive hookup is another feature that is not found on most winches and makes it much handier.

Bottom Line

This is an impeccable product that is designed very smartly to perform the very function intended of it. It doesn’t make any superficial claims, and if it is used properly, it can prove to be one of the best winches you’ve ever used.

3. Powerhouse Lewis XM-100

Powerhouse Lewis Chainsaw Winch (8,000 lb capacity) Kit

PROS

  • Magnanimous lifting capacity up to 8000 lbs
  • Ground anchoring feature to keep it stable during usage
  • Quick speed of 60 to 80 feet/minute to tug weights more efficiently
  • Universal adaptor kit makes installation easier to fit any kind of chainsaw
  • Sturdy and lightweight construction (22lbs) with tough cast aluminum alloy and steel gears

CONS

  • Braking mechanism needs improvements
  • Drum needs to be bigger to fit in the cable

What Recent Buyers Report

According to reports, the winch is a good device when it comes to being lightweight and can bear impressively heavy weights. They also state that it operates well enough to hold 8000 lbs with a powerful motor.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

Weighing a mere 22 lbs is the prominent stand out feature in the Powerhouse Lewis XM-100. Constructed with aluminum makes it easy to carry around to the worksite for regular use. It can easily manage hefty objects that are otherwise impossible to drag around. The line speed is fast enough to sustain overweight objects and tug them in a straight line. 

Owing to its affordable price, this chainsaw winch has emerged as a popular purchase among hunters, carpenters, woodcutters, etc. to provide assistance in many work fields. We also loved how this winch can be anchored to the ground or a tree stump, helping buyers make the most out of its stability and smooth running.

Bottom Line 

Overall, the huge lifting capabilities, painless transportability, and cost-friendliness are impressive features that contribute to making this chainsaw winch worth every penny. It stays stable while working and can handle up to 8000 pounds. 

Are All Chainsaw Winches The Same? 

There are always variations in a product to accommodate a diverse range of needs of the buyers. The same goes for chainsaw winches, which are of different types, depending on the hauling cable. 

Most commonly used are the Lewis winches, capable of performing heavy-duty tasks by pulling gigantic weights from any direction. They use a steel cable offering a premium level of durability and robustness. 

The other type of chainsaw winches is the Capstan Style. Such a device offers enhanced flexibility and practicality, owing to the use of a rope. Other benefits of the capstan winch include a steady pulling speed, no rope stacking on the spool, and a free hand in controlling the rope pull force.

Pros and Cons of Chainsaw Winches

While chainsaw winches proved to be a great invention, they don’t come without their drawbacks. Let’s look into the pros and cons of these so that you know what to expect from your purchase. 

Pros

Primarily built to be a helping hand for men, chainsaw winches have proven their effectiveness in performing difficult tasks and lifting loads that were impossible to be done by a man alone. Let’s have a look at their pros:

Portability

The main feature that sets a chainsaw winch apart from vehicle-mounted winches is its portability. Being compact and lightweight in construction, this machinery can be carried to distant places without occupying much space. Vehicles cannot approach rocky grounds, but a winch operated with a chainsaw is a feasible tool that can be carried anywhere in hand or in a backpack.

Heavy Lifting

By harnessing chainsaw power, winching has never been this easy. With no limitations and offering applications in every field of work, one can subtly transport large objects, saving both time and energy. A chainsaw winch can prove to be a handy tool in industrial projects, dragging logs, or lifting big game animals during your hunting trip.

Efficiency

Chainsaw winches provide continual and efficient use of power over long distances. One does not need to worry about the motor being burned or battery over-usage because the only power source is the engine of the chainsaw.

Cons

Although one cannot deny the diversity and functionality that chainsaw winches come with, you need to be alert of their cons before buying. This will aid you in developing better know-how of this product. 

Maintenance

Winches demand proper care, cleaning, and maintenance to ensure the functional operation of the device. You’ll need to tighten up screws for a firmer and stable use, along with regular oiling for a lubricated and smoother running experience.

Conclusion

You can never go wrong with chainsaw winches. A great deal of buyers has witnessed them to be highly practical, versatile, and useful tools. They perform efficiently, conquering impossible tasks, and saving man the trouble of lifting weights. Once you buy a chainsaw winch, it’ll ease your work to such an extent that you’ll never be able to live without one!

People Also Ask

If you’ve still got some uncleared doubts going on in your mind after reading our ultimate buying guide, here are some common questions people ask. Going through them will offer a better understanding of chainsaw winches.

Are Chainsaw Winches Safe?

Every equipment is safe as long as it is used within the directed guidelines, and all precautions are observed. Winches are relatively safe because they run on chainsaw power, hence saving the risks of short-circuiting or electrical hazards. Moreover, using protective gear and staying away from the chainsaw blades is crucial to avoid dangers. 

How Fast Does a Chainsaw Winch Go?

Normally, winches have a variable line speed, but they operate at a suitable velocity to make sure the load is not displaced due to a faster tug. Typical speed ranges between 60-80 ft/min with sufficient torque to drive heavy objects in a straight line. This speed is fast enough to get the job done without taking up much time. 

How Heavy is a Chainsaw Winch?

Weight is a serious factor because heavier tools are difficult to carry around, plus, they add load on the chainsaw’s motor. The market is lined with winches of varying weights, but generally, 22 lbs and 38 lbs machinery are in common use. 22 pounds qualifies to be lightweight enough for manageable portability and can be readily carried to your worksite or the truck.

How Much Does a Chainsaw Winch Cost? 

Heavy-duty machinery can surely get costly, but it’s a one-time investment into buying a solid product that will last for years with a fully functional capability. Price differs from brand to brand, and increased features lead to an increased price tag. A rough estimate shows that costs of chainsaw winches can lie between $200 and $400, whereas expensive ones can escalate to $1000.

I used to work in construction and landscaping, so I've seen my fair share of ratchet straps, winches, and similar rigging gear. I started Winch Central because I've seen some nasty accidents due to crappy rigging or poor practice. I wanted to be able to recommend good equipment that's SAFE and also provide resources for how its used. I handle the research side of things here as well as product selection for gear reviews.