Is there a difference between using an electric winch or an electric hoist for your skinning Machine?

The reason that I ask is because Harbor Freight has a 2,500 lb winch on sale for $50 where as their 440 lb hoist is $99. Of course the weight limit isn’t an issue but the price certainly is a big difference.

One is 12V and the other is 110V. How do you want to power it?

Honestly, I don’t know electric. Of course I’d want to plug it into an outlet on the wall. So I’m guessing that winches don’t operate as such. I didn’t even consider that issue when thinking about things.

I use a 12 volt 4 wheeler winch its plenty strong! it will destroy a hide as clean as a 110volt one will

Tony how long does the battery last using the 12v system ?

My thoughts are that the cost of the $50 winch plus the battery will be more than the $99 hoist plugged into the wall.

Is there any benefit to the winch/battery combo over the hoist?

To be honest im not completely sure ive gone a full week on a full battery that's around 10 yotes a few coons and what ever else get a tour lol and im just using a cheap 12 volt lawn mower battery! Now I just leave a 2 amp trickle charger the kind for marine use on it during season low battery means high amps ,short motor life.

yes big 1 if I had to go buy new tomorrow id get a 110 unit

Thanks Tony

I use that same winch you're looking at. Don't need a battery, just use a battery charger. When time to skin, just hit switch. I've used that $49 winch for 3 years now with no problems.

I made one with the #880 lb / 120 volt winch works great. I wouldn’t want the 12 volt and have to mess with the battery and charger. Also remember the winch rating on those electric winches is when using a “2 part” line” not single. That’s why I went wtih the #880. That’s 440 single line pull.

Hoist is faster than the winch from what I've seen

I have the 440 from Harbor Freight and it has plenty of power to pull cold coyotes or otter. I run it double cable and it is plenty fast enough for me. And 25% off coupons for a single item from HF are not hard to come by and I do not want the hassle of another piece of equipment to do the 12V.

Now if I was looking to make a portable, hitch mount for road trips, the 12V would be the ticket.

QBD, those are some good points, thank you

Those Harbor Freight hoists sold for around $60.00 and cheaper before all of us started making power skinners. LOL

Does anyone know If you can buy them from the factory Or the wholesaler?
With my set up I don't need the motor bracket or the cable or spool. I would think with out those bells and whistles they would be pretty cheap.

Get the hoist and use this coupon...



The 440lb. is what I use on all my skinning machines. They are plenty and fairly fast too...



~ADC~

ADC, I wish that I lived closer, I’d love to buy one of your setups

I'd love for you too as well. lol At least you know where to save a little money on a hoist.

I use the same hoist. It works great.
I made my machine too short and need to reset the clamps or cable 3 times to get a full pull on a yote.

Do yourself a favor and make sure that you get at least 10ft of the ground. It will save a ton of time

7' max height with the right set up and no need to move the clamps or the slip noose.