Winch, LLC — Cable Pulling Experts
The Willy Winch wasn’t created in an office. It came from the jobsite.
In 2017, Steve Rogers set out to solve a problem crews face every day. An electrical supervisor approached him with a challenge: create a tool that could attach to an excavator and use its hydraulics to pull wire faster and easier. Steve got to work immediately.
The first prototype was built from a modified Kubota X090 digging bucket, a salvaged wheel motor, and a repurposed wheel rim as a capstan.
It wasn’t fancy but it worked right away, pulling wire through conduit faster, with less effort, saving crews time and reducing strain.
The success of that first design sparked a bigger idea. Encouraged by the company owner and supported by his partner — who jokingly started calling it the “Willy Winch” — Steve decided to bring it to market. With the help of an engineer, he created detailed plans and refined the design into a reliable, job-ready tool.
Steve also developed additional capstans and accessories so crews could safely handle different materials, including fiber optic cable. Thanks to the guidance and collaboration of those around him, the Willy Winch became a versatile tool that works across a wide range of equipment.
Today, Willy Winch units are in use across the United States. They reduce physical strain, prevent injuries, and save hours on the job, often paying for themselves quickly. Steve is proud of how it started, grateful for everyone who helped along the way, and even prouder of the difference it makes for fiber optic line installers and cable crews every day.