[RoobyRoo]

Is using a Highlift jack with 2 recovery straps and a tree really a good option to get a nice and stuck Jeep out of a mud hole? I ask because your winch is on the front and sometimes going forwards is not a good option. And let's say your buddy can't get around back to pull you out (or you are alone :hide. I found this thread...

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f8/help-finding-good-hand-winch-nothing-else-55873.html

...but does it work when you are really stuck? I mean can you overload/break the jack or not be strong enough to crank it? Is using the jack to lift up the wheels and get stuff under them a better idea...if you can even find a usable lift point in the mud?

Thanks!

 

[MTH]

It does work, but it's not the best.

Check out this thread, which provides what I think is a great discussion on the topic: http://www.wranglerforum.com/f33/is-a-hi-lift-jack-the-best-hand-winch-choice-96087.html

:thumb:

 

[RoobyRoo]

It does work, but it's not the best.

Check out this thread, which provides what I think is a great discussion on the topic: http://www.wranglerforum.com/f33/is-...ice-96087.html

Thanks a lot MTH. That thread answers my questions and more.

 

[Hilldweller]

Here are Dave and Bruce from Overland Experts showing how to do it.
Pick your mentor well if you plan to use a Hi-Lift in precarious situations. They're great tools that can also be formidable weapons when not used correctly...
http://www.overlandexperts.com/docs/news/overland_journal_hi_lift_fall_2008.pdf

 

[RoobyRoo]

So is a chain required because my recovery straps will stretch too much?

 

[MTH]

Here are Dave and Bruce from Overland Experts showing how to do it.
Pick your mentor well if you plan to use a Hi-Lift in precarious situations. They're great tools that can also be formidable weapons when not used correctly...
http://www.overlandexperts.com/docs/news/overland_journal_hi_lift_fall_2008.pdf

That PDF is incredibly informative. I've never used (and don't own) a Hi-Lift, but that makes it clear that one could easily lose fingers or worse if you use it without proper training and technique. :thumb:

 

[71K5]

So is a chain required because my recovery straps will stretch too much?

Yes, it would stretch too much. They also do not recommend using tow straps for tree saver straps as they still stretch too much.
But that is not to say they would not work in a pinch. As long as they have the recommended weight capacity.
But I would be a little concerned about the vehicle moving unexpectedly when the strap springs back after slowly stretching too it's maximum. I DO NOT like unexpected movement from a 4500lb vehicle.

 

[GoldenSahara00]

Not to mention my hi lifts safe winching capacity and barely more than the weight of my jeep according to the paper work it comes with. More than likely I will never use it but if it's needed in a pinch I will have it. But they are definitely not toys.

 

[Hilldweller]

So is a chain required because my recovery straps will stretch too much?

Yes.
The chains, proper chains, also have specialized hooks that attach laterally to the chain and provide very good/fast length adjustment. You'd also want to have a synthetic rope winchline extension to use; it barely stretches and there's a neat method that you use to shorten it to custom lengths by using a "dogbone" or pin from a D-ring.

That PDF is incredibly informative. I've never used (and don't own) a Hi-Lift, but that makes it clear that one could easily lose fingers or worse if you use it without proper training and technique. :thumb:

Bruce, the author, is one of the best at what he does in the world. OEX creates the offroad training criteria for our SEALS and other Special Forces. Their techniques get the job done, safely, effectively, efficiently.

Not to mention my hi lifts safe winching capacity and barely more than the weight of my jeep according to the paper work it comes with. More than likely I will never use it but if it's needed in a pinch I will have it. But they are definitely not toys.

Bear in mind that planet Earth will be shouldering the majority of the burden of the weight of your vehicle in any recovery effort where you'd consider using a Hi-Lift as a winch. If mud is causing a suction effect that adds to gravity, there are techniques for breaking the seal prior to winching.

 

[jeepjones]

I can honestly say that yes it can be used but at the same time it all depends on how bad you are stuck. A friend of mine was in a position that he had to use the hi-lift for a winch, he told me it took about 6 hrs of cranking on the hi-lift to free up his cherokee. At the same time though he said he would never do it again, he'd just prefer to start walking and try to find somebody that was able to pull him out even if it meant walking for 6 hrs.

 

[Hilldweller]

He was either horribly stuck or didn't use good technique.
If you know how to use the Hi-Lift and have the proper gear, it takes about twice as long as a winch. There's a method to it, a rhythm. But not a 6 hour ordeal...

 

[GoldenSahara00]

Basically the line speed would be how ever fast you crank. As long as you have it set up correctly. And I know hill dweller I was just saying the capacity of the hilift is the same as an Atv winch :thumb: not that it isn't useful.

 

[JeeperJake]

Closest I came to using mine as a winch, was dragging a very heavy chunk of old phone pole from the hillside up onto a low trailer....my cheapie ancient hand come along wasn't up to the task. The high lift was.

Pole was about 25' long, about 12-14" at the butt and surprisingly heavy. Had to move it the length of the trailer. Hooked on to 1 end & dragged that to the front of the trailer.....3'at a time. Big lunch break after that.