I'm going to be buying the Hi-lift extreme. Would like to hear from those that have actually used their hi-lift for winching, and how well it works as far as ease of use, time etc. Obviously an actual winch is best, curious though how you like the use of your hi-lift when needed. thx

 

I bought one thinking it would be useful if stuck and thankfully have never had to use it. I invested in a bumper and winch later and had to use it to get back up a long clay hill and realized the hi-lift would have been useless for that. Of course I would have never gone down the hill in the first place without the winch but just saying useless for that. It would get you out of a spot if needed, but you need to understand they can hurt you bad if you aren't very careful. Makes a neat orniment on your jeep and rattles a lot to so mine stays in the shed until I plan a trip. I'm sure you have seen the clips on Youtube demonstrating hi-lift? Way better than nothing but not near as good as a winch.

 

I have winched with a Hi-Lift and it was not pleasant. It is slow, difficult and dangerous. Will it do it? Yes. Should you do it? No.

 

You also have to use chain if your are going to use the jack as a winch. Get the gold high strength chain. Reason for the chain is that it won't strech using up all of your travel on the jack before you even move the jeep. That is the only time you would want to use a chain, just for self recovery with a hi-lift. Always carry a 3 or 4 inch wide strap with the loops in case someone comes along to help you out and they don't have winch either.

 

I would save your money for a real winch. The thing is you probably going to be lazy to use the real winch and will just try to hammer the throttle to get out, or stack rocks. With a hilift, I can't even imagine anyone taking one out unless you are completely stuck and that is your only option. I don't even want to know what it's like to do a long pull, like through mud, or a very loose uphill

 

Yes I was aware of using chains and basically everything else mentioned here. Your reply was more the real use experience I was looking for. I assumed it would be a pain, but great 'if' you need it. thx

 

I've got to disagree with the other comments. A hilift is no more preferred than a leather man tool is preferred over a saw, screw driver set, pliers, file ect. While its not as good as those specialized tools, it ROCKS because of its versatility. I don't mean to offend, but downing the hilift tells me you guys have either way too much money to spend on specialized tools, or you've never actually been what I'd call "off the road", or off the off road park!
I've used mine for years, primarily for backwards pulls when the front warn m8000 would be useless. It's a bit slow, but crazy effective for any size pull. Use it before your stuck. Practice with it at home and you'll find its safe and effective when coupled with the hilift winch kit.
I have to wheel without it! Nothing is more versatile. Even used mine as a spring compressor for popped out coil springs. I've used it to reinforce drag links and used it to split wood at the camp fire! Did I mention it works great as a high lifting jack?...

 

I mistakenly said I have to wheel without it. I meant I HATE to wheel without it!

 

thanks, again this is what I was lookin for was real life use and experience. It seems a lot of people assume the hi lift is useless for winching without having actually done it. It's a no brainer that a winch is better for winching, but I like the idea if the hi lift being avlbl when you need it using no battery power etc. Less money and weight than a winch, and your example of a coil coming out would be a perfect use for a hi lift. Certainly more versatile than a winch only. thanks!

 

I've had to use the Hi-Lift to winch once on an old fire road during hunting season because some guy thought it would be a good idea to go down the road with balding street tires and no 4-wheel drive. He centered his rear diff on a rock and I had to winch sideways. The process was slow, but effective.