never get skunked again

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

What about the Torq-a-verter 2? Looks like a kit runs $170 or so. Saw plenty of guys using them on the winching forums. Seems like a cheaper alternative than going fully fluid and better than not having anything at all.

http://www.mfgsupply.com/GoMiniClutchTorqTAV30Kits.html/mv_session_id=EVe8A8mZ

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

That's what I was kind of thinking about at first. It is almost identical to the way a scooters variator works and does pretty much what Hein wants the hydrostatic trans for, but without fluid. Downside to those is, I don't know how much tunability you have in the variator without being able to swap roller weights or clutch springs.

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

I had a go-kart with one of those on it. Still
relies on engine speed to control output speed.
They are readily available and easy to implement
so that is probably why they are popular. Not
saying they don't work. But there is always a
better way and that would be a hydrostatic drive.

Better just call Greg and order a Grinch.
Then next year upgrade to the hydrostatic
model they'll be releasing.

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

this from the grinch sales speel...

"An adjustable hand throttle allows you vary the towing speed, a hydraulic brake makes for quick and easy stops and a rope friendly roller system that allows you tow from just about any angle. "

it sounds like the adjustable throttle does what you need it to do. Is this model missing that feature? Or does it just not work?

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

http://www.tahitimx.com/winch/

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Oct 08, 08 10:11 am

Based on what I have read, the throttle modulation should be able to alter the speed of the rider. If not, then perhaps you need a bigger engine with more torque. ( which will allowyou to use higher gears for more speed). It is a comlocated relationship between the power band of your motor, you gearing and the diameter of your spool. People have already done the math on other forums so the uestion becomes is a 6.5 up motor enough? There are several posts that say yes but some grinchers are looking for more power...
Without spending $1000 there are two clutches the cc and the torque-a-ma-bob. The cc is an on and off thing so there is going to be a jolt when it engages but how much jolt is going to be felt 600 ft down the rope I'm not sure. The cc is only $40 though. The torque a verter has two advantages. One is no real jolt and the other is that it has a variable gear ratio it will generate more torque in the begining and increase speed when there is less resistance. Cool yes but $200 cool? Sure it is if you don't have any intention of opening your wallet and building one.

We have a core group of 3-4 guys that are planning on meeting this Friday to prepare parts lists,costs and yalk some things over. Between us we have all the skills and machines neccesarry to make a quality winch. The winch would be great at the airport and make SI skunk resistant. If you are interested in meeting this friday, helping out, or throwing a little cash our way in exchange for some fun skimand wake skate sessions then PM me

tekko · Since 20 Feb 2006 376 Posts White Salmon Liquid Force

The throttle is adjustable and does allow for change in speed and pull.

There is a small set screw on the back of the throttle lever, which acts as a governor, putting a hard stop to the max you can throw the throttle lever.

What we've found, is that we adjust this limiter for the rider size. Had to back it off a bit for Laura last night, due to her petiteness and getting pulled super fast at 'big guy' setting.

When dialed in to the size of the rider.. it allows the driver to just fully mash the throttle and pull the rider, without having to guestimate how much or how far. This, I think is what they meant and allows for much easier control over a steady pull, as for the driver it's as simple as on/off.

Definitely notice a change in speed and pull with each turn of this screw. I think it would be difficult for the driver, given the throttle mechanism set up, if the screw was out, allowing the full range, to provide a good speed steady pull.

I agree.. there probably are better options. One of them is the cable.. and I'm sure Hein could build a better badder machine... no question..

BUT.. while everyone is on here talking about it.. the Grinch has been putting smiles on faces of riders for 5 nights straight now... right out of the box. Even came fully gassed and oiled.

AND.. I already made the purchase.. SO EVERYONE AND ANYONE IS WELCOME TO COME RIDE IT FOR FREE.

Anyone can build a better anything.. with enough time, ideas, financing and time.

I am not an engineer. I don't even really like to participate in the R&D of our kites.. rather.. I put my faith in those who do this for a living, test the product when finished, and if it's something I can get behind.. I get involved from that point on.

There are lots of ways to have fun.. and I'm stoked to see more wakeboarding in the Gorge this past week behind the Grinch, on cool clammy days in october.. that I have seen since moving out here.

It just works. Simple, out of the box, ready to go. Someone else has already done all the work.

Hein. Design and produce the better machine.. maybe I can get behind it and help them move.

In the meantime... The Grinch exists.. in stock, ready to ship and ride. All it takes is a desire and a credit card... can have you riding your own in just a few days.

Retail is $2695 and comes with 600' of line installed and with a handle... biggest dealer is buywake.com and from them you still have to cover shipping.

Until I have a local retailer to be the one stocking them, I can hook up kiters direct and can have them delivered to your front door (I pay shipping- $150-$200) , gassed and ready to pull for $2500.

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Oct 08, 08 11:31 am

tekko, I hope I'm not hijacking your thread. It sounds like people are digging the grinch but we need something to use in the PDX area. I just can't see myself winching enough to drop that kind of coin...plus I really like building stuff-especially if people are willing to help

Will you be winching this weekend?

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Yeah, we're stoked you're having so much fun on it. So stoked we wanna have our own in PDX so we can do it more often. At the moment very few people are willing to drop serious coin (as in a couple), and that isn't enough.

forrest · Wed Oct 08, 08 12:53 pm

I'm pretty sure we'll be winching all weekend, you guys should come out and give it a go, and try driving the thing, before you build or design anything. At least you'll have some perspective.

groundclown · Since 12 May 2007 135 Posts Hood River Stoked

Where is the Grinch crew?

Just rolled up the 10m, sitting around with a half rack of session, and...
at least we got to kite. I'll save the beer for Friday.

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Oct 09, 08 9:25 pm

forrest · Fri Oct 10, 08 11:20 am

It'll be out. Just not at like 9am or anything. I imagine you'll see it going by noon.