TLDR Review: Chainsaw Mill Winch Kit
Pros
- •The winch kit significantly reduces milling time, cutting it from about 3 minutes per foot to less than a minute per foot on 1nch pine logs.
- •Lever arm design helps maintain precise balance and provides a perfectly horizontal pull, resulting in cleaner, straighter slabs with minimal chain teeth marks.
- •Products' winch mechanism operates smoothly, greatly reducing the physical effort required during milling and making the process much more manageable, especially when working solo.
- •Includes four higuality tree felling wedges that are very useful for larger logs and milling control.
- •Easy assembly with clear directions, generally taking about 15 minutes, even for users with limited mechanical experience.
- •Compatible and fits well with the Alaskan Granberg G778 chainsaw mill (24" and above), making it particularly suitable for electric chainsaw users who need extra pulling power without upgrading to a larger gas chainsaw.
- •The upgraded lever arm automatically tilts back at the end of the cut to protect the chain and helps achieve consistent cuts without frequent pauses.
- •Users report it feels like an essential accessory that greatly enhances the overall milling experience by improving steadiness and cut quality.
Cons
- •The kit does not include all parts shown in some pictures, such as a key bottoeft item, forcing some users to purchase additional parts separately.
- •Installation can be tricky, with included carriage bolts and ball connection bolts requiring modification (grinding) for proper fit, demanding basic mechanical skills.
- •The nylon bolt designed to prevent free spinning of the winch may arrive broken, necessitating replacement.
- •The winch sometimes does not stay firmly in place, causing the cord to drop or wrap awkwardly around the shaft, leading to downtime and potential chainsaw shutdowns.
- •Adds noticeable extra weight to the setup, which might be cumbersome for smaller chainsaws.
- •Performance with some chainsaw models (e.g., Stihl) may be underwhelming or less smooth than advertised, and compatibility with all chainsaw mills isn't guaranteed.
- •Instructions could be clearer, especially for beginners unfamiliar with sawmilling concepts.
- •Some users feel the product can be less reliable and safe than expected, with reports of more hassle than benefit.
- •Requires tension adjustments to optimize performance, which may be frustrating to some.
Bottom Line
This Chainsaw Mill Winch Kit is a powerful accessory for those looking to dramatically improve milling efficiency and cut quality without straining themselves. It shines with electric chainsaws and compatible mills like the Alaskan Granberg G778, delivering smoother, faster, and steadier cuts. However, expect some mechanical tinkering during installation, possible missing parts, and potential compatibility issues, especially if your setup differs. If you want an all-in-one, ready-to-go option or need guaranteed perfect fit and safety without modifications, consider comparing other kits designed with universal fit and clearer instructions before committing.
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices for anything in real-time, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
Footer 1
Subscribe for Updates
Get the latest news, and updates on ShopSavvy. You'll be glad you did!