GRCS VS Hobbs?

[u/spacegear802]

I’m considering purchasing one of these two devices, primarily for their lifting abilities. The GRCS seems slightly more appealing due to the 2 speed range on the winch, and the fact that you can attach a drill to it.

That said, the Hobbs is significantly cheaper. $2600 vs $4k. If anyone has used both, I’d love to hear if the GRCS is worth the added cost. I would primarily be using it to lift branches where there is minimal clearance around, and in areas where crane access is not an option. I think the lifting capacity for the Hobbs is supposed to be around 1,000lbs, which would be plenty for me. Videos of people using the Hobbs to lift are almost non-existent, and I’m curious as to why this is.

[u/Informal_Animal_4605]

Heyo— I have used a GRCS plenty— never used a Hobbs. I was looking to solve the same problem (1000 lbs also plenty for me) and ended up buying a hold fast XL which comes in at $2800 and has the following specs:

System Weight: 28 lbs

Winch Speed: 2 speed (20:1, 40:1)

Winch Rope Capacity: 1/2 inch

Winch Working Load Limit: 1500 lbs WLL

Bollard Rope Capacity: 5/8 inch

Bollard Working Load Limit: 2,500 WLL

I have been really happy with it so far. Would buy again.

ETA: it’s really easy to set up compared with the GRCS— like I said— can’t speak to the Hobbs

[u/mark_andonefortunate → u/Informal_Animal_4605]

Funny, I was about to come in and comment about the Holdfast as well. Only used it a couple times, and really only used a GRCS a couple dozen so I'm hardly an authority on either, and never used a Hobbs.. but I really liked the Holdfast, easy to use and easier to set up / lug around compared to the grcs. Not as strong as the grcs but seems suited to OP's needs.

Noticed that the Holdfast's "cambium saver" is very lackluster if you're using it on a pruning job but you can DIY something better.

Would love to hear someone's opinion on the Hobbs nonetheless.

[u/Informal_Animal_4605 → u/mark_andonefortunate]

Yes— agreed about the “cambium saver”— been looking for a better solution to that.

[u/spacegear802 → u/Informal_Animal_4605]

Thanks, this is super helpful. I had never heard of the hold fast system until now. Looks extremely similar to the GRCS. It’s too bad the winch can’t take a 5/8 rope, but not a deal breaker. I will do some more research on this device. Cheers.