As you are finding the best chainsaw winch and landed on this page, I’m sure you know about the benefits of a chainsaw winch.
So, I’m not going to discuss that here.
Instead, I am going to review 2 quality chainsaw winches mentioning their upsides and downsides.
I believe this will help you to decide the best bang for your bucks.
Let’s get busy.
Best Chainsaw Winch Comparison Table
Product Image | Product Name | Product Capacity | Product Rating | Product Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Capacity: 8,000 lbs (With Snatch Block) | |||
 | Capacity: 8000 lb (With Snatch Block) |
Best Chainsaw Winches Reviewed
Our Rating
This Lewis chainsaw is capable of pulling 4000 lbs (if you use a larger saw like 5 cubic inch/85cc ) in a straight line and up to 8000 lbs using a winch snatch block.
The company recommends us to use a minimum of 3 cubic inch /50cc saw or stronger to get the best result. Being said that a 3 cubic inch/50cc saw is perfect for pulling only 2000 to 2500 lbs or up to 5000 lbs.
That’s why I recommend you use at least a 5 cubic inch/85cc chainsaw to get better support from the winch.
You don’t have to use any batteries like an electric winch. A gas driven chainsaw will run the winch with ease. So as long as you have gas in your saw the winch will run smoothly.
Mounting this winch with any chainsaw is a cakewalk using a universal adapter system. Simply remove your cutting bar and attach the winch. You are good to go.
As I said, this very Lewis chainsaw is a multipurpose tool. You can use it for recovering your SUV, car, plow trucks. Also for pulling logs, game animals from remote locations, etc.
You can anchor this winch to the ground with a ground anchor, to a tree stump or your vehicle/trailer using a trailer hitch mount.
This one is not too heavy winch either. With the steel cable, it weighs around 35 lbs.
While this winch comes with 150’ steel cable, you have the option to use any shorter cable if you think 150’ is pretty big for you.
As far as chainsaw winches go, this model appears to be the most heavy duty, in my opinion. It is very powerful and is highly versatile. If your chainsaw winch needs are heavy duty, this winch is probably your best option.
Overall, this is a good portable chainsaw powered winch that won’t disappoint you with its versatile use. I believe the price could have been better, however, it is not too high either.
- Easy to use.
- Made from high-quality durable cast-aluminum alloy.
- Easy to assemble.
- It comes with the necessary hardware including brake handle, universal mounting kit, direct mounting kit, the aircraft cable.
- Super portable. You can take it with you anytime, anywhere you want.
- Lewis chainsaw is designed to mount on any chainsaw.
- I must say, this winch offers incredible pulling power.
- This chainsaw is not going to drain your battery like an electric winch would.
- A multipurpose winch and you can anchor this winch to multiple places(More on this later).
- It comes with a heavy-duty 150’ galvanized steel cable and a safety hook.
- A perfect winch for frequent use and heavy-duty jobs.
- Easy to understand instruction manual.
- The price could have been better.
Our Rating
This Powerhouse XM-100 chainsaw is pretty similar to the previous Lewis 400 MK2 chainsaw winch in terms of specification.
So, I don’t have too many words to say about this particular winch.
Let’s talk about some of the differences between this winch and the 400 MK2 winch.
This chainsaw winch is equipped with a plastic handle and a plastic turn knob for the locking mechanism.
Whereas the 400 MK2 winch offers a heavy metal handle and locking mechanism.
No doubt, you want to have the stronger option for this kind of tool that you use in tough situations. In this case, the previous model (400 MK2) is ahead of this model(XM-100).
On a positive note, XM-100 won’t cost you an arm and a leg to buy this winch. This one costs almost half as much as the 400 MK2 costs.
XM-100 is a good option for seldom use or you can say for small to medium-duty jobs. But the 400 MK2 withstands for frequent and heavy-duty jobs.
If you only need a chainsaw winch for everyday light uses, then this is a good option.
Chainsaw Winch Guide
I think I should guide you in short about some of the chainsaws that go well with these two winches.
Here you go.
You can go for either an electric chainsaw or gas-powered chainsaw. Keep in mind, you should use an electric chainsaw only for lighter jobs. Otherwise, go for a gas-powered chainsaw. It will give you the best performance.
Using a gas-powered chainsaw is more reliable because it can provide better pulling power for an indefinitely longer amount of time. Since a chainsaw winch essentially amplifies the chainsaw power and transforms it into a pulling power, a gas-powered chainsaw will be more effective.
Let me recommend to you the amount of power you need from the chainsaw against the weight you want to pull.
- From 2000 – 2500 lbs – 3HP chainsaw
- From 3000 – 3500 lbs – 5HP to 6HP chainsaw
- 4000 lbs – 7HP chainsaw.
* All these are for pulling in a straight line. You can always double the weight capacity using a snatch block.
To get the best performance with the 400 MK2 and XM-100 winch, you can go for these two chainsaws – Husqvarna 460 Rancher (60cc) Chainsaw and Makita DCS6421RFG Chainsaw.
Chainsaw Winch FAQs
What are the applications for a chainsaw winch?
A chainsaw winch is perfect for use in remote areas where a power outlet is unavailable. However, since there are portable winches available in the market, a chainsaw winch is only a good idea if you have a chainsaw.
It is also a good idea to get a chainsaw winch if you need a winch and a chainsaw. This means you can buy yourself a chainsaw and a chainsaw winch. This is more budget-friendly instead of getting a chainsaw and a portable gas-powered winch.
Chainsaw winches can be used either as a hauling or a lifting device. It pretty much acts as a regular winch - except that is it powered by a chainsaw.
Can I use a chainsaw winch for vehicle recovery?
The short answer is not really. Chainsaw winches are not really made for vehicle recovery. They are more for project tools. But if your vehicle is light enough to be within the chainsaw winch’s load capacity, then I guess it will not be really a problem.
You should remember, though, to use tools the way they are meant to be used. If you have no other tools to use to recover your vehicle, then the chainsaw winch is probably your best option.
Verdict On Best Chainsaw Winch Review
You will find very few chainsaw winches available on the market. I reviewed the top two from them.
Having a limited number of options for chainsaw winches does not mean that they are not worth buying. The amount of portability they offer is already a good reason why you should get one if you need a winch and if you already have a chainsaw.
If you already have a chainsaw, why not give it the capacity to turn into a portable winch? You can save up money this way instead of buying an electric portable winch.
Besides, getting a chainsaw winch is way more practical than getting a separate winch. This way, you can save up more toolshed space and money. It will be like having two power tools in one.
If you want me to vote for the very best chainsaw winch, I will go for the Lewis 400 MK2.
Now, it’s up to you.
You can also read our reviews of electric & hydraulic winches:
