Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Decent block and tackle rope hoist....

Anyone have any recommendations for one to hang a deer from a rafter or a tree limb?

Are these any good?

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/tuf-tug-rope-hoist-block-and-tackle

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/65...e-hoist-system-with-magnum-gambrel-steel

a rope type fence stretcher works well and has a lock that works 1 handed

A long time ago I got a Deuer (http://www.deuer.com/) and I still like it a lot. It says it's good for lifting 1000 lbs, but Ive used on some heavy stuff and it's still like new. The best part is it is only about 6 inches long across the frame by 3 inches wide.

Block and tackles like those are more than enough for deer. I have hoisted elk many times with one similar, and dozens of deer with one about like that that uses nylon cord about like heavy parachute cord.
Deer are not that heavy, Harbor Freights twelve dollar
le cheapo should do deer just fine.

A cheap one is why I am looking. I got one from Bass Pro a few years ago which is probably the equivalent of what Harbor Freight sells. Never used it until last year. Best I can tell it is a toy. I can lift a little yearling dink with it but that is about it....and even that is not easy. It is supposed to be able to lift 300lbs but I see no way in heck that is ever going to happen.

If you want something a bit more versatile, look at the Maasdam rope puller. It works like a cable puller with a lever handle, but is designed for rope.

Pulling strength is determined by the strength of the rope used.

Not cheap, but you can use any length line to help you out of a mud-stuck, etc. Amazon carries them. I got mine from Baileysonline.com.

Myron

Does it need to be portable or are you going to set it up one place and leave it?

The downside to most block and tackle is that they don't lock and also another thing to consider is that the smaller the pulley's, the more difficult they are to use..

If you are going to rig this up at home and somewhere there is power, I'd suggest an electric hoist..

If no power, I'd look at a chain hoist...neither are really portable, but if that's not a consideration, they both work far better than the typical sportsman block and tackle..

If you do go the block and tackle route, buy a locking ratchet pulley and incorporate it into the system..It will make handling loads far more convenient...

One thing to consider that's often overlooked: larger diameter ropes are MUCH easier to use simply because you can get a grip on it. Trying to pull with a 1/4 or 3/8" rope is hard on the hands. 1/2" is much easier, not to mention stronger.
A block and tackle with some kind of locking system is much better, too. The old fence stretchers were great for that. I have one of these old Durbins that I use for a lot of things. I just use short lengths of chain in the hooks to connect it to things.

+1
Maasdam rope puller
these work great up to moose weight.
And you won't have to worry about rope length.

budman5,

I haven't used mine yet - it is a recent purchase. I actually bought 2 of them to carry in the Cherokee when (if) I go off road.

I don't know how braided Nylon will work, but I have a humongously long braided Nylon line for them.

I figure that if it works, the 'rubber band' effect of nylon pulled very tight would be almost as good as a winch, without the weight of the winch, electric hookup, etc.

I have no intention of going where I would get stuck too badly, anyway.

Myron

P.S.: From experience using cable pullers;
For anyone intending to use one as a hoist, hang it with the loose end of the rope secured to the support, with the ratchet mechanism located at the load so you don't have to use a ladder to operate it.

I seen a boat trailer winch attached to a wood pole that was used to "hang" game from. It worked fine.

I have a rope puller but mine's an older one with only 1000lb cap. The newer ones are 1500. They are handy but it's not a winch so don't overload it. The handle is the weak point and if it bends, you'll likely have to cut the rope to get it loose. It would be best used with a snatch block to double the pull.

Rock,

Is yours a Maasdam or something else?

I have used their cable pullers for many years, and aside from bending a handle sideways, (which was easy to straighten), they have been indestructable.

Myron

I've seen a lot of folks using just basic inexpensive hand crank boat trailer winches spooled with either rope, cable or strap and a single pulley to hoist up whitetail deer.

http://www.easternmarine.com/Boat-Trailer-Hand-Winches/

I've never seen one of those things before but I like it. Could come in handy for a lot of things. Plus it is portable.

It's a Maasdam. The handle twisted and couldn't be moved to back off the tension. Like I said, it's one of the old 1k ones so maybe the newer ones are build different.

If it is in a permanent place, I would look at a small winch. You can get ATV winches pretty cheap. They also make a winch that fits over the ball of a vehicle. Some of these just work one way and you have a crank handle to let them down. They work well and I have used one to lift deer and also the front of my riding lawn mower, for years. I got it on sale at Harbor Freight long ago for $25.00, and it was a good investment. miles

If you want a serious hand puller and are willing to pay for what you get, take a look at the WYETH-SCOTT They come in up to a 6K deadlift.

. . . and then enough 1/2 inch rope, etc. to get the job done.

You want something that will feel reasonable in your hand. Paracord and the smaller stuff will be nothing but trouble.

Also: I use rope that I can throw in the washing machine at the end of season. It can get a little bloody. My rig has been working for 30-some years.

I have one from Tractor Supply and it works great. You don't have to tie off the pull rope when you hoist something because it has a lock that is easy to engage.