I'm wanting to put up a feeder. I'm wanting to hang it from a huge pecan tree branch. It's about 8"-10" diameter branch. I have the feeder just need a way to hang it. It's a 55 gallon barrel so it will weigh around 300lbs.

How do I do a winch set up for it? I was thinking of using a cable with a double pulley to gear it down. I can mount the winch to the trunk with lag bolts. What size cable? What size winch?

Or I was thinking of hanging it straight from the branch and not having it adjustable? Just hang below the branch and then I'd use a ladder to fill it. Any of y'all ever done it like that?

I'm ok with climbing a ladder once every few months to fill it. I guess this would be just like my legged feeders then right? I'm leaning this way due to it being much less cost.?

Use a heavy duty strap around the tree trunk with a come along. Put a pull or sheave below the branch. You will be able to work with your feet on the ground. Safest method!!!

I make and sell winch feeders, use 3/16 wire rope 25' long, and a brake winch is a must. The old boat winch will get you hurt if not killed. 3/16 wire rope swivel pulley. Don't try to be too cheap they come down faster than they go up. Theres really no need for a double pulley but if you do you will need more wire rope.

Had one we used similar to that. Had a big metal strap, sort of like a belt with a winch mounted on it that tightened around the tree trunk. hung off of a chain with pulley around the limb.

Thanks for the help.

Get a tripod for it with a crank.. that way you can control the coons a bit easier.. I got a small one hanging from a tree and it's enough to deal with on it's own... what's your reasoning of doing this?