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Home > Expedition & Overland > Which hi-lift for overlanding - 2'' lifted 2.4 90?

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SteveT247

Member Since: 21 Feb 2011
Location: Central
Posts: 491

2002 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Bonatti Grey

I've had my 5' Hi-lift for 14 or 15 years, and in that time I've used it twice for recovery. Once to lift and slew a mates series 3 out of ruts, and the other time as a winch to recover my 200Tdi from a hole (driven in to by the same mate who owned the series 3 I had to lift & slew

). A waste of money? Not in my view. Both times it was invaluable. Yes we could have used a spade to rescue the series from the ruts but (a) that would have been a lot more time consuming and (b), digging up a RoW is hardly treading lightly. The Hi-lift did it quickly, efficiently, and with no damage to the ground. In the second recovery, going backwards out of the hole was the most sensible option and outside of a Tirfor or a rear mounted winch, nothing else would have done (solo vehicle so no chance of a tow) and both of the other options cost considerably more than the £50 the Hi-lift cost (it was a few years ago when I bought it new but they haven't gone up in price that much).

Therein lies the strength of the Hi-lift, its versatility. A number of recovery techniques and methods can be carried out using a single tool. Yes I agree, they can be dangerous. When I first purchased mine, before I ever took it out with me laning, I practised using it and practised the various recovery techniques it can be used for in a safe environment (without the stress of actually being stuck in the back of beyond) and carried on practising until I felt competent in its safe use. About 95% of the laning I do is solo and I'm confident I can recover my vehicle from most situations (and have done) with the gear I carry, and I don't carry any £££££ gear. If I don't feel confident then I either won't attempt it or turn round/reverse out if I'm already committed. That happens very rarely. As well as recovery, I've used it for a number of other tasks including straightening the steering gear on a RR classic that came in to contact with a rather solid rock while out laning. The Hi-Lift is a great bit of kit for recovery and umpteen other jobs, but a word of warning if your unfamiliar with them (and sorry if you already know this), I wouldn't contemplate using it for vehicle maintenance or changing wheels etc. They are very unstable. This can be an advantage in recovery but down right lethal in regular vehicle maintenance or changing tyres. A regular jack is far superior/safer for this.

My Hi-Lift is strapped down in the back of my Defender probably 90% of the time. Not because I'm posing or have no idea, but mainly because I often decide to do some lanes at the drop of an hat and I can't be bothered to keep loading/unloading/securing all the gear in the back every time the mood takes me. Personally, I view an Hi-Lift the same as insurance. No one wants/expects to get have an accident (get stuck) but if/when it happens your glad you've got it and are prepared, even if thats only twice in 15 years (I wouldn't go laning without it despite the lack of times I've actually needed it).

To the OP, a 4' is easier to stow, a 5' Hi-Lift has the advantage when used as a winch (I wouldn't go any shorter than 4' or longer than 5'). Either height is ok for lift and slew recovery. Mines a 5' and fits nicely behind the rear bulkhead. Whichever size you choose, practice with it, become confident in its safe use and recovery techniques. You won't find a more versatile bit of kit IMO. As for the make, I've only had experience of genuine Hi-Lift and got no complaints.. Worked perfectly in the time I've had it and service parts are easily available

Happy days

19th Nov 2012 4:11am

Caterham

Member Since: 06 Nov 2008
Location: Birmingham
Posts: 6298

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Stornoway Grey

sorry a little off at a tangent here.

I've had a little search and this is the thread I got.......seem to recall someone using a high lift fitted to the read x member and caused damage to it?

was it a dodgy xmember (I believe the tube you attach the hi-lift to bent) or operational - are these holes not intended for use with there jacks (perhaps they used to be but now a cheaper chassis and longer suitable) ???

this could be a relatively cheap way to jacking mine up onto axle / chassis standing for removing rear springs?

thanks.

11th Apr 2013 10:23am

JSG

Member Since: 12 Jul 2007
Location: Berkshire
Posts: 2412

The sleeved hole in the rear cross member are the jacking points Landrover recommend for their own pillar jacks that used to come with Defenders.

John

http://www.hampshire4x4response.co.uk

2011 Tdci 110 CSW XS

11th Apr 2013 3:08pm

BigWheels

Member Since: 21 Mar 2010
Location: Somerset
Posts: 1405

2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Tonga Green

My 08 Defender came with a pillar jack.

AFA useage;

I have a green Ltd edition Hi Lift with certificare saying it is. Polished steel handle.

David Bowyer on his site says he prefers the Canadian made Jackall

Quote:
I personally prefer the Jackall to the Hi-Lift, because not only is the handle a one piece affair and therefore doesn't rattle about so much when lying in the back of the vehicle, but according to the manufacturer's literature it is designed to lift 8,000lbs instead of the Hi-Lift's 7,000lbs.

Land Rover Defenders. 67 years heritage, minimal appearance changes, still going strong all over the world. Not a fashion vehicle, but fashionable to own. Made for the needy, not the greedy. Ta ta Defender

12th Jul 2013 11:24pm

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