Ground anchors

[solarman216]

As title, anyone had any experience of these, I got one a while ago and was dying to try it out, but it was pretty much useless, first time we drove it in it was not deep enough, second time Zac had a few swings with the hammer but as soon as the rope got tight it started to shift a large chunk of soil, perhaps I was expecting too much, we were in the mire that needed a pretty much full power winch out (6 tonne pull), so maybe it may work if just on slippy stuff with no dig in, fortunately on this occasion there was a convenient tree that saved the day, Rick

[terranosaurusdoug]

Same here Rick, I have same type as you, tried it a couple of times but pretty much useless! I thinkmthe ground conditions need to be specific and like you say not very stuck.

[Davey Boy]

I think they're bloody awful things.
Even the foldaway ones are a real issue to store, and you really require a second someone stood on it to assist the dig in.
I agree Doug, the type of ground decides wether it'll even work or not.
I used one during my winch training, and it had ploughed the most perfect six foot furrow before it got a bite on a root.

[makeitfit]

Now then , no need for a ground anchor. All you need is 3 dirty great tent steaks. Marquee size ones. Typically about 90cm long and 2 or 3 cm diam. Drive them in at 45 degrees one behind the other in a line following your desired pull. Tie them together at ground level then you winch to the third.

[don simon]

Originally Posted by makeitfit

Now then , no need for a ground anchor. All you need is 3 dirty great tent steaks. Marquee size ones. Typically about 90cm long and 2 or 3 cm diam. Drive them in at 45 degrees one behind the other in a line following your desired pull. Tie them together at ground level then you winch to the third.

Andrew St Pierre White has a video showing this technique, but using spades or shovels instead of pegs.

[Davey Boy]

Aha the old farmers type are the same, but have eyes at the top Pete. I like your idea!
Easier to stow away than that huge spade anchor.
You can lash the three together using the eyes and you have a tripod for cooking over a fire with.
Very Grizzly Adams and not gay at all...

[makeitfit]

I like the tripod cooking idea. Yes I should have mentioned the eye eye at the top 😊

[solarman216]

I got one of those here somewhere I always thought they were used with a plate with holes in, I must have a hunt around as there are still places I have not investigated yet, one is a big shed the roofers store tiles in, I have seen some big steel cables hanging from the roof but far too big for me, Rick

[elty001]

The blade type ones have their uses but better for ploughing than winching.
Get hold of an mod one like this and you will Never look back.
DSCN9206.jpg

[makeitfit]

Rick lucky you got a bigger truck. You need room for all the gear plus a seat for the winch bitch, gate keeper and pike basher
Can't wait for that video

[solarman216]

Ah yes Elty just what I imagined, but never seen, I got one of those spikes must have a determined look for more and can make the plate no problem, Pete you are right never enough room, as for the video I have not seen both girls to get their permission, will keep at it though or may have a look for a clip or two that do not show faces, Rick

[solarman216]

Forgot to say, just popped up to have a word with my local MOT man about my bumper, all OK he said except the balls on sticks, he did not like them one bit so have to take em off for test time, mid November, Rick