Mud Mauler winch

Johnno, I looked at the Mud Mauler very closly and was not impressed. It is expensive, heavy and none of the parts are pasivated, so rust will be a big problem. You can not reverse the action, the chain is captive, so can't be used for other purposes. Comparing it with a Big Haul, I would go for the big haul. After evaluating my winching needs, I decided to that if I ever need winch, I will use the highlift jack that I carry. Hope that this helps. John

John & Johnno,
I had a look at a Mud Mauler, I think you can take the chain out by taking off a hook and running the chain out? I'll have to check it out again. But they are more compact.

John,
Thanks for the email. I'm sure you do and your views are valid, particularly about the potential for rust. I'd really like to see a comparo in the field, I understand a number have been sold up Townsville way. Anyone with any experience....? It would be interesting to hear further comment.

Check out how you ancor it to the ground,,,three tent pegs about 12" long & three pieces of flat bar with a hole in each end, so you can ''PIN'' it to the ground in a triangle shape, i would hate to pull out a patrol or land cruiser stuck fast in the mud or in a creek, looks like it,s more suited to for a Tonka toy, put your money towards a decent tirfor, the only thing positive i can see is its compactness, but thats only my opinion.

well i have one and it seems to work fine. am no engineer and one guy i showed it to was very sceptical so i had long chats with the maker etc and so far am pretty happy. Compactness is a big issue for me cause i don't plan to get bogged and don't go rock hopping up cliffs. To be honest i have not had to use in a bogged situation yet (snatch strap has been good enough so far cause other wagons have been around) but for my own piece of mind i have practised pulling the Prado up some hills just so i know how it works. It does it fine and you can use a jack handle for more leverage. I don't use the 3 pin set up and have a tree protector i run the rear section of the chain through as the rear anchor point. I guess a sunken spare tyre would do the trick in an non-tree situation. Maybe the 3 pin set up may pull out a vitara or jimny but i too am skeptical of its value in something larger, but my point is you are not restricted to the 3 pin anchor and could even anchor it to another vehicle, the options are open.

But that said i too would be keen for a serious test by someone

Yes you can remove the chain - that is one of the attractions, the chain therefore doubles as a drag chain if need be, always useful.