Has anyone made their own hub (bush) winch?

[Rancho5]

I'm a big fan of "less is more" and have always been fascinated by simple machines (any of the basic mechanical devices for applying a force, such as an inclined plane, wedge, or lever) and how much work they can do. Many of the complicated machines of our day can be deconstructed to simple machines that work just as well. In my efforts to reduce and simplify I was wondering about winches, and I came across the Australian Bush Winch, but they're pretty expensive, so I was just wondering if anyone had attempted to make their own version. I've seen pics of redneck versions that make me shudder but am wondering about write ups for ones that work and are also safe.

Here's the Aussie Bush Winch version Bush Winches and Anchors | Vehicle recovery system

Here's another, older version I found on YouTube but the website no longer exists.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY4cKc4FKSM

And for a REALLY simple machine I found this "Two wood poles and a rope" winch, although I don't know if I would have the patience for it.

https://www.carthrottle.com/post/all-you-need-to-make-a-diy-winch-is-a-rope-and-two-poles/

 

[Rancho5]

Well, I guess not then.

 

[rideexileex]

I have while snow wheeling out of tow straps, using a ratchet strap through the wheel and around the tire as an anchor. But that’s about it... knowing odd recovery things is always helpful

 

[gamefreakgc]

That bush winch is freaking awesome though. Too bad it costs an arm and a leg. Or is that AUD prices?

 

[TheRandyMan]

Take on old steel wheel, weld on hooks where they'll grab your actual wheel's spokes in one direction. That's all you need. Then just switch sides so it'll hook in the right direction for forward or reverse. You'll need a diff locker for it to work though, unless you make two.

 

[Rancho5]

AUD money but still pretty steep

 

[AntleredRuin]

I have while snow wheeling out of tow straps, using a ratchet strap through the wheel and around the tire as an anchor. But that’s about it... knowing odd recovery things is always helpful

This makes sense to me. Kinda want to get myself stuck, just to try it.

Also, with any of these methods, people will probably want/need wheel-well armor (?) and aftermarket armored bumpers. You won't always have the benefit of multiple places to anchor to, and I can very easily see the strap/cable wearing against the bottom of the bumpers and wheel-wells.