Trifor winch - how to use it!

Tip #1, if your not fit ................... Sell it,


Tip #2, get stuck with someone fitter than you ............ let them do all the work,


Tip #3, for small distance recoveries they are great :)



Cheers Kev

There is a user manual here Tirfor Manual

It is in about 5 languages so save it and scroll through till you find the English version

Last time I used one in anger was to pull out a stump. LOL
First time I had used it and it wasn't too hard.

Dingo suggest setting it up at home to practice before using it in anger paticually opperating the clutch. I put the Tirfor up at the anchor end not the car end so that as you winch you stand in the one place and not move with the car. It pays to have a long tree protector or short extension so the Tirfor handle doesn't hit the tree you're winching off. Keeping the cable clean is important to avoid getting too much dirt inside the winch. A winch extension will be advantageous as the standard cable is not particularly long. A snatch block will be needed for all but the easiest of recoveries.
While very handy at times don't expect too much from your Tirfor. They are extremely slow and alot of hard work. A recovery the length of the cable from a bog hole could take two hours or more!
Cheers Craig.

Aussiedingo, did you happen to ask the seller why he was selling the winch?
Maybe you are beginning to get some idea of why!

HA HA endorse all the comments.

We had one when I worked in Fiordland in the 60's.
Only way of getting our jetboat out of the water was one of these.

Could take ages if the water was low LOL

Also had to use it twice when firstly the tractor McCormack B250 sort of ended up in a tree perched over a river Had to walk 600m to get it and carry it and 100ft of wire rope back to the tractor and winch it back onto the track, then carry the winch back as couldnt turn the tractor around.

Second time the other tractor a Fergie sort of fell over on its side in a soft spot So off I went for 1 1/2km this time and carried it back and wrapped rope around the Fergie and dragged it back up onto its wheels. Then had to pack branches under wheels to get it back on the track.

Lots of fun and glad I no longer have one .

Deceased estate!! I probably killed him.. You need a longer lever and even longer arms!! WE used one many years ago winching a SWB Toyota up the Spanish steps, up the Blue Mountains from memory.. Not fun !!

Dingo.
used one in the mines years ago, and yes they do work, bit of yakka yes, but it will get you out of trouble,cheers bill.

For anyone who travels alone, the tirfor is about the best piece of recovery equipment you can have in your arsenel.

It can pull your car sideways, backwards, frontwards or at a greater angle than any electric winch can.

It does not rely on battery power or engine running.

Yes, they are slow, but no recovery should ever be done quickly (perhaps with the exception of incoming tide.... 8-0 )

And, as an added bonus you will develop biceps to rival Arnold Swartzenegger and a lung capacity of Steve Monegetti.

I have used a Tirfor MANY times over the years and would never sell mine. I still carry it when on solo trips in the High Country, despite the current car having a Warn 12,000 on the front.

If you would like, I could copy my Instruction Manual for you and send it to you, I will just need an address to post it to via snail mail. I'm not too sure whether these exist electronically. PM me if you like.

Ignore the above ridiculous advice of selling it...... provided you can still see that you have feet beyond the beer gut, you should be able to use it in most sticky situations. A bit of huff and puff is good for the heart and soul.

I bet Tom Hafey wouldn't shy away from throwing the Tirfor around to de-bog his new Jeep. More than likely he'd pull it out with a bit of rope between his teeth!!!

A few out there need a few HTFU pills!!!

Cheers,

Mark

Don't panic, the doomsayers probably need to man up a bit.
Tirfor's can be really hard work if not operated correctly.
They can hurt you if not used correctly.
They can save your life if used correctly.
They can save your vehicle if used correctly
Like anything based on leverage, the longer the lever, the easier the work.
If you have to use it, ensure the handle is extended, and use the full length of it. A shorter handle requires less body movement, but makes the task harder.
Like any tool, respect it.
Sure, electric winches are quicker and easier, but not necessarily as useful in some situations. Tirfor's don't rely on battery power, or the engine running.
Wear leather gloves, take care, and plan your recovery well.
Cheers

Like others have said, the Tirfor hand winch is a useful bit of kit used correctly. Firstly get a good length of pipe to extend the handle, I have a piece of aluminium tube about 1 1/2" diameter and about 4 foot long. Don't let anyone tell you it 'aint hard work but they do the job. Just the thought of having to use it a second time makes you look a bit harder before driving into a situation where it may be needed.

ob

Bought a Beaver (same thing as a tirfor) about 15 years ago.
Only ever used it to straighten up a fence post.
It is the cheapest way that you can get a reliable winch.
You may be lucky enough to never use yours either.
A bit of wisdom can save you a lot of sweat.