Spot the Mistakes: Watch This ATV Trying to Move Rocks

Ever watched someone do something so wrong you couldn’t look away? That’s exactly what we’ve got today - a masterclass in “what not to do” with a winch. This video should come with a warning label: “Don’t try this unless you enjoy buying new winch cables and potentially visiting the ER.”

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Steel winch line snaps

Let’s break down this cringe-worthy winching attempt that has recovery experts everywhere shaking their heads. Our protagonist is trying to move a boulder with an ATV winch - already an ambitious task. But the execution? Pure trail fail.

First mistake: The rider wrapped the steel cable directly around the boulder. Anyone who’s spent time on the trails knows you never wrap a winch cable directly around obstacles. That’s what tree protectors and synthetic straps are for! The direct contact creates dangerous pinch points and can damage both the cable and whatever you’re anchored to.

Second blunder: They hooked the cable back onto itself. This creates a nasty kink point where the metal hook crushes against the cable. That’s a one-way ticket to Snapville, population: your winch cable. Always use proper connection points like D-rings or shackles designed for the job.

But wait, there’s more!

The coup de grâce of this winching disaster: repeatedly jerking the cable like they’re trying to start a stubborn lawnmower. Winches are designed for steady, consistent pulls - not shock loading. Each jerk puts massive strain on the cable far beyond its rated capacity. The physics here are simple: something’s gotta give, and it’s usually the cable… at high velocity.

As one commenter put it: “Lucky you are not dead.” Not an exaggeration. When steel cables snap under tension, they store enormous energy. I’ve seen snapped cables whip through truck windows, take out trees, and cause injuries that make grown wheelers queasy. That cable becomes a metal whip looking for something soft to hit.

The proper approach? Use a tree saver or recovery strap around the anchor point. Connect with proper hardware like bow shackles. Apply steady, consistent pressure. If the object doesn’t budge, reassess your approach - maybe you need a snatch block to double your pulling power or a different angle of attack.

What’s wild is how common these mistakes are on the trail. I’ve seen seasoned wheelers get impatient and take shortcuts that end up costing them more time and money in the long run. A quality synthetic winch line and proper recovery gear might seem expensive until you compare it to hospital bills or replacing damaged equipment.

So next time you’re reaching for that winch controller, remember this video. Take the extra minute to set up properly. Your rig, your wallet, and your body will thank you for it. Recovery done right isn’t just safer - it’s actually more effective.

What’s the worst winching mistake you’ve seen (or made) on the trail? We’ve all been there at some point!