I got my Simpson Capstan that mounts to a powerhead for $650. I haven't used it much yet. I was able to 2:1 my chipper into a backyard that I wouldn't have been able to get in otherwise, and skid some smaller 20' logs with it. Matching the right rope to it is important. I intend to use it to be pulled up on DdRT or use it SRT on a side by side climbline and haul line.
Roger B has one. He's had it for a while, I believe.
Limited compared to a mini, but also way, way cheaper than a mini, trailer, tow vehicle, and takes up much less room. A different tool.
No spooling and unspooling the cable, no jaggers (burrs), no loss of power as the wraps build up.
Probably the same minor lawn damage to choker brush and drag (or maybe less with less trips) as hand dragging brush.
Could help you to make the money faster to get that mini, maybe.
http://madsens1.com/sa_simpson.htm
Reg Coates has the honda powerhead Simpson Capstan, and seems to have used it effectively.
I have an upcoming job, hopefully, where its view pruning on a waterfront property, read uphill to the road across a septic system. I can have one guy down below setting chokered brush piles, and one above running the capstan, with a haulback for the rope/ choker.
We'll see how that works out.
Less tired = more productive and maintaining good judgment.
