Available Types of Electric and Hand Winches

Question:

Hi, I am building an outdoor elevator to help my senior dog off/on the deck. Really, its a glorified dumbwaiter.. Ive been researching various options to power it and have settled on an electric winch powered by a car battery. Similar to hauling an ATV onto a trailer, but installed vertically instead of horizontally. My question relates to the battery. Do you sell a solar powered battery? Any insight you may be able to provide is greatly appreciated. Im not technically blessed but am trying to learn!

asked by: Penny

Expert Reply:

Electric winches can require substantial battery power, but this will vary depending on the actual weight of the load. If you have access to your household AC power and an installation point that is protected from the elements you might prefer to avoid the battery and solar charger entirely with a winch like # DL25707. The long 50-foot cable on this winch might allow you more mounting options.

If you find you prefer the simplicity of a non-electric hand winch you can spend a lot less and you might prefer this since you have direct control over the lifting speed, something you do NOT get with an electric winch. An older pooch might find it less stressful to be elevated by your hand-control of the winch.

If you have the ability to mount the winch overhead a great option is the Dutton-Lainson Loop Drive Worm Gear Hand Winch # DL10954. This can be used with 25-foot cable # DL24043 or 50-foot cable # DL24104.

Solar battery chargers can maintain a charged battery, but they do not deliver enough power to fully charge one that has been depleted.