WINCH SYSTEM

A winch system for pulling or towing work as might be used in construction, rigging, communications, power or any industry using a winch. As presented here the winch system is particularly adapted for towing cables being installed on an existing messenger strand. The system includes a motor vehicle having an enclosed compartment, a stationary track assembly mounted on a floor of the vehicle within the compartment, and a movable track assembly movable along the stationary track assembly between a stowed position within the compartment and an active position disposed outside the compartment. The movable track assembly carries an indexing frame on its outer end which rotatably mounts a winch base frame. Locking means are provided for locking the movable track assembly in either its stowed or active positions and for locking the winch base frame against rotation in any of several positions. The system also includes vertically adjustable stabilizing legs pivotally mounted on the outer end of the movable track assembly and stabilizing chains which are also attached to the outer end of the movable track assembly and to some portion of the vehicle, such as the bumper thereof.