I thought about a winch system, even priced a couple. A good idea but for my application it’s impractical. Going down the ramp a winch isn’t necessary. Going up a ramp has a bunch of issues. Usually it’s only one person helping mom or dad on the ramp. The easiest way to roll a chair up a ramp is by walking backwards and pull the chair.
Steering can be a challenge when pulling or pushing a chair up the ramp. But controlling the winch system and steering at the same time? Those little wheels on the front of a wheel chair have a mind of their own, move independently of each other. It’s even worse when the person in the chair tries to help steer by braking one big wheel or the other. Also, not to forget, it’s real easy to tip a chair over backwards.
I decided a winch would just add another layer of complexity and too much cost. Have to have some kind of remote control unit… or a track system to control chair steering. It’s simpler, safer and cheaper just to pull the chair up the ramp.
If worse comes to worse I'll use the front end loader on the tractor, pick them up and set them on the porch...
