The Forestry Forum

So.... I just stumbled across this "Lewis Winch" in a you tube video link from this site and I am pretty fascinated in this little guy.. Seems like it solves the problem of quickly draining a battery and overheating which comes with the smaller ATV style winches.

I had thought about canceling my hand winch I ordered for my LT28 and buying a lewis winch to use in place of it. I just wish I could see this dag gone "log deck package" in person and I could figure it out quickly as whether or not it would work for the same purpose. I like the idea of the lewis winch because it would be much faster/easier then a hand winch and I could take it off and use it with other situations that I know it would come in handy.

   I own a Lewis winch, the problem I see is it doesn't have reverse. You have to release the dog on the drum and hold the brake to keep it from free spooling.
With an 12 volt winch you would have better control.

  Keep the log deck package and upgrade to an electric winch if needed.

I also have a Lewis winch, and agree that not having a reverse can make it awkward to use, but for brute strength, it is hard to beat.  I replaced the steel cable with Amsteel, and will never go back to steel-- no rat's nests, and much easier on the hands.  Around the mill, it is tough to beat an electric winch and a deep cycle battery.  You can still take the battery & winch into the woods, if you need to.