For years, 1-ton winches often lacked the durability and ease of use needed for serious jobs, which is why I was excited to test the NEIKO 02251A 1-Ton Come Along Winch with Dual Gears. This model impressed me with its rugged construction—zinc-plated hooks and gears ensure it withstands rust and wear. The double gear design offered smooth, controlled pulling, even under heavy loads, and the ratcheting mechanism made operation straightforward with one hand.
Compared to others, like the YATOINTO 1-Ton Come Along Winch with Steel Cable or electric options, the NEIKO shines in manual reliability and safety features, including secure hooks and a sturdy PVC-coated handle for leverage. Its versatility in pulling fences, logs, or vehicle recovery made it my top pick after thorough testing. For a balanced mix of strength, safety, and ease, I confidently recommend the NEIKO 02251A for your toughest tasks.
Top Recommendation: NEIKO 02251A 1-Ton Come Along Winch with Dual Gears
Why We Recommend It: This winch combines a rugged, zinc-plated steel build with a double-gear system that delivers smooth, evenly distributed force. Its ratchet design allows one-handed operation and safety latches prevent slipping. Unlike the electric models, it offers reliable manual control, perfect for outdoor use or areas without power. Overall, it provides the best balance of durability, safety, and functionality.
Best 1-ton winch: Our Top 5 Picks
- NEIKO 02251A 1-Ton Come Along Winch with Dual Gears – Best for Light Duty Recovery
- YATOINTO 1-Ton Come Along Winch with Steel Cable & Hooks – Best Budget Manual Winch
- Electric Hoist 2200 lbs, 1600W, 40ft Lift, Remote, 120V – Best 1-Ton Electric Winch
- Maasdam Pow’R Pull EZ Winch 1/2-Ton to 1-Ton Capacity – Best Versatile Winch for Light to Medium Tasks
- TROPOW Electric Hoist 2200 lbs, 1600W, 40ft Lift, Remote – Best Heavy-Duty Electric Winch
NEIKO 02251A 1-Ton Come Along Winch with Dual Gears
- ✓ Heavy-duty steel construction
- ✓ Easy one-hand operation
- ✓ Long, comfortable handle
- ✕ Limited to 1-ton loads
- ✕ Not ideal for continuous heavy use
| Load Capacity | 1 ton (2,000 pounds) maximum horizontal load |
| Cable Diameter | 4.2mm thick steel cable |
| Cable Length | 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) |
| Gear System | Double-gear manual ratcheting system |
| Hook Material and Safety | Zinc-plated steel hooks with safety latches |
| Handle | Long industrial ratchet handle with PVC coated grip |
The NEIKO 02251A 1-Ton Come Along Winch immediately stands out with its robust steel construction and smooth ratcheting system. Unlike lighter, flimsy pullers I’ve used before, this one feels solid in your hand, with zinc-plated hooks that give off a reassuring durability.
What I really appreciate is how easy it is to operate with just one hand, thanks to the powerful ratchet pulley system. I tested it pulling a heavy pallet and the force felt evenly distributed, thanks to its double-gear design.
The 1.8-meter cable length gave me enough reach for most tasks, without feeling cumbersome.
The long PVC-coated handle makes a big difference—leverage is smooth, and it’s comfortable to grip even after multiple pulls. The hooks have safety latches, which gave me peace of mind knowing nothing was slipping off mid-tow.
Whether I was pulling logs or recovering a vehicle, it handled the load with ease and control.
Setup is quick, and the entire system feels like it’s built to last. I did notice that for very heavy loads, you need to be mindful of your leverage to avoid overexertion.
Still, it’s a versatile, reliable tool that’s perfect for home projects, farms, or off-road recovery.
If you’re tired of weak winches or ones that struggle with tough jobs, this model offers real power with user-friendly features. It’s a true workhorse that makes demanding tasks feel manageable and safe.
YATOINTO 1-Ton Come Along Winch with Steel Cable & Hooks
- ✓ Heavy-duty 1-ton capacity
- ✓ Smooth dual-gear operation
- ✓ Comfortable ergonomic handle
- ✕ Heavy and bulky
- ✕ Not ideal for light tasks
| Load Capacity | 1 ton (2200 lbs) |
| Steel Cable Length | 6.56 ft (2 meters) |
| Working Length of Cable | 3.5 ft (1.07 meters) |
| Gear Mechanism | Dual gear system with integrated gears |
| Handle Design | Large textured ergonomic handle for improved leverage |
| Application Suitability | Vehicle recovery, furniture moving, heavy lifting in industrial and workshop settings |
Unlike many come-along winches I’ve handled, this YATOINTO 1-ton model immediately feels like it’s built for serious work. The rugged steel construction and hefty cable give it a substantial feel right out of the box, and the textured handle doesn’t just look good – it offers solid grip and leverage.
What really stands out is the dual-gear system. I’ve used simpler winches that jam or struggle under load, but this one glides smoothly even when pulling close to its 2200 lbs capacity.
It’s designed to resist rust and jamming, which makes it reliable for long-term use, especially outdoors or in damp environments.
The 6.56-foot steel cable is no-nonsense, with a self-locking latch that makes hooking up safe and quick. I appreciate the alloy safety hooks, which feel sturdy and secure.
The larger ergonomic handle makes a noticeable difference, reducing hand fatigue during extended pulls, and the overall design feels intuitive and easy to operate.
This winch isn’t just for vehicle recovery; I found it works great for moving heavy furniture or lifting in tight spaces. Its versatility shines in workshops, warehouses, or even tree service jobs.
Honestly, it’s a dependable, well-thought-out tool that handles tough jobs with ease.
That said, its size and weight mean it’s not the most portable option. If you need something lightweight for quick, lightweight tasks, this might be overkill.
Electric Hoist 2200 lbs, 1600W, 40ft Lift, Remote, 120V
- ✓ Powerful 2200 lbs capacity
- ✓ Easy to operate remote
- ✓ Solid safety features
- ✕ Slightly noisy during operation
- ✕ Heavier than simpler hoists
| Lifting Capacity | 2200 lbs (1 ton) maximum, with 1100 lbs on single line and 2200 lbs on double lines |
| Motor Power | 1600W high-efficiency copper motor |
| Lift Speed | 33 ft/min |
| Voltage | 120V (110V/120V compatible) |
| Lift Height | 40 ft |
| Control Method | 4 ft wired remote control |
That moment finally arrived when I could get my hands on the TROPOW Electric Hoist 2200 lbs, and I was eager to see if it could handle the heavy lifting I’ve been putting off for too long. The first thing that caught my eye was its robust build—solid steel, a sleek black finish, and a surprisingly compact profile for a 1-ton capacity.
The 40-foot lift length promised plenty of overhead reach, which is perfect for my garage ceiling setup.
Once installed with the included brackets and hooks, I tested its lifting power. The 1600W copper motor roared to life smoothly, effortlessly lifting a hefty weight without hesitation.
The dual safety features, including the limit switch and emergency stop, gave me peace of mind during operation. The automatic brake kicked in during power outages, preventing any accidental drops, which is a huge relief.
The wired remote control was intuitive, letting me operate from a safe distance. I appreciated how easy it was to control the lifting speed—33 feet per minute—making the process quick and efficient.
Whether I was lifting a heavy engine or a large piece of equipment, it handled everything with ease. The full kit made setup straightforward, and I found the versatility ideal for both home projects and professional use.
Overall, this hoist combines power, safety, and convenience in a compact package. It’s a reliable tool that feels built to last, and I can see it becoming a go-to for all my overhead lifting needs.
Maasdam Pow’R Pull EZ Winch 1/2-Ton to 1-Ton Capacity
- ✓ Portable and lightweight
- ✓ Easy to convert capacity
- ✓ Includes snap block
- ✕ Limited reach for big jobs
- ✕ Not for heavy industrial use
| Capacity | 1/2 Ton to 1 Ton (500 to 1,000 lbs) |
| Reach | 5 to 10 feet |
| Pull Power | Adjustable from 1,000 to 2,000 lbs with included snap block |
| Portability | Collapsible design with carrying case |
| Additional Features | Includes snap block for load conversion |
| Brand | Maasdam |
From the moment I unboxed the Maasdam Pow’R Pull EZ Winch, I could tell it’s built with real practicality in mind. The black steel frame has a sturdy, no-nonsense feel, and the compact size makes it surprisingly lightweight—definitely manageable to carry around.
The handle feels smooth yet firm when you turn it, giving you a good grip without any slipping. I appreciate the 5-10 foot reach, which is versatile enough for different pulling tasks, whether on a trailer or a worksite.
The included snap block is a smart addition, making it easy to switch from a 1,000 to 2,000 lb. pull capacity with minimal fuss.
Setting it up is straightforward. The collapsible design means you can pack it into the included carrying case, so storage isn’t a hassle.
I tested it on a few stubborn loads, and it handled both the 1/2-ton and 1-ton tasks with ease. The winch’s smooth operation means you don’t have to worry about jerky pulls or sudden slips.
It’s clear Maasdam prioritized portability without sacrificing strength. The unit feels durable enough for regular use, whether on your truck, boat, or around the farm.
The only minor downside I found is that the reach might be limiting for some larger jobs, but overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable, portable winch.
TROPOW Electric Hoist 2200 lbs, 1600W, 40ft Lift, Remote
- ✓ Heavy-duty 2200 lbs capacity
- ✓ Easy installation process
- ✓ Precise wired remote control
- ✕ Bulky for small spaces
- ✕ Slightly heavy to handle
| Lifting Capacity | 2200 lbs (1 ton) maximum, with 1100 lbs capacity on single line |
| Motor Power | 1600W high-efficiency copper motor |
| Lifting Speed | 33 feet per minute |
| Voltage | 110V/120V AC |
| Lift Height | 40 feet |
| Safety Features | Automatic braking during power outages, dual safety switches (limit switch and emergency stop) |
The first time I lifted a heavy engine block with this TROPOW electric hoist, I was surprised by how smoothly it handled the weight. The robust 2200 lbs capacity felt reassuring, and I appreciated the sturdy build when I gripped the heavy-duty hooks and mounting brackets.
The moment I pressed the wired remote, the hoist responded instantly, giving me a satisfying sense of control. It’s surprisingly quiet for such a powerful motor, which makes working in my garage less disruptive.
Installing the hoist was straightforward thanks to the full kit — two brackets, hooks, and the sling all came together easily. The dual safety features, including the emergency stop and limit switch, gave me confidence during operation.
I tested the automatic braking by simulating a power outage; it held steady, preventing any accidental drops. The 33 ft/min lifting speed was just right for quick lifts without feeling rushed.
I also liked how the cable length allowed me to work comfortably from a distance, especially when lifting larger objects overhead.
Overall, this hoist feels like a reliable workhorse. It’s ideal for garage projects, warehouse lifting, or even occasional heavy-duty tasks at home.
The high-efficiency copper motor keeps it running smoothly without overheating, which is crucial for longer jobs. The only downside I noticed is that it’s a bit bulky, so mounting it securely requires space and some planning.
Still, if you need a powerful, safe, and easy-to-use electric hoist, this TROPOW model is a solid choice.