heel,

I would appreciate that information, since it might work better than lagging a 2x4 or 4x4 to a tree. If I have to do the lag, I will. You say it works? I was thinking I'd have to mount the winch to the side of the lagged piece of wood, so that the handle cranks to the side of the tree instead of hitting it. Are you saying that the wood will give it enough clearance so that I don't have to worry about the handle being to the side of the tree?

Thanks for the advice!!!