Z Drag System: ATV Recovery

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you for your time, interest and support! Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and leave me a COMMENT! If your are interested, there are links in the description box on where I purchase clothing and gear. Take care and God bless!

[@blakenelson911]

Hey Matt, great video! We use a really similar version of this Z-rig in the Fire Service for high angle rope rescue. At one point in the video, it looked like your “moving” pulley was about to run into the “anchor” pulley that was attached to the tree. One easy to add feature would be a second prusik rope, added to the “anchor” carabiner (right beside the anchor pulley). The other end of the prusik would be triple wrapped around the rope going toward the load. This would allow you to quit pulling on the haul line and let the load rest on that anchor prusik. Those pulleys did appear to be prusik minding pulleys, I believe. Anyway, that would allow you to reset the system without losing your progress.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Very true. I am familiar with that method as well and I think in a case of rescue, it would be critical to put that security in place. I took a shortcut on this one just due to the application and my method of continuously pulling back as I did. I think if I were in a situation where I had to perform hand over hand tension to pull, I would be wise to apply that progress capturing prusik/ pulley as well. Thank you you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience. It would have been good if I would have mentioned that addition in the case of it being necessary. No doubt being in fire service you got the opportunity do some good training in this area :)

[@jamessotherden5909]

I learned two knots and how to Z drag today. Thank you.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

That's what it's all about right there James! I appreciate you tuning in and hope this knowledge will serve you well!

[@Plain-Ole-Chuck]

Had a winch on my ATV for years.. never used it ... till a couple weeks ago haha Worth i's weight in gold.. this is a great little system for those who don't have one.. cause when you need it .. YOU NEED IT lol

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely! I am glad you were prepared when you needed it! Maybe one of these days I will get one myself. It really can be a "lifesaver" when the time comes. This equipment is a good in that it a multifunctional set to have for many uses. Thank you for tuning in and the kind comment!

[@scorpionregent648]

Great concept video. It is far better to use skills and simple tools than spend a lot of money. One thing that was missing was a tie off point for the working end of your line. Some situations require being able to step away and not lose progress. I would recommend adding a pair of strong ratchet straps to your set up. They will give you even more options along with mechanical advantage. When you do decide to upgrade consider getting a 'come along' instead of a vehicle winch. It costs less and is far more versatile because it isn't limited to the ATV.

[@krishoogstraat6866]

Well done for explanation on this system. Thanks Matt

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Kris!

[@RangerReject]

Nice video Matt. Some added tips, add a Prussik for progress capture, incorporate a “flip-flop” winch for even more mechanical advantage with no additional gear, and with another pulley, you can piggy-back a 2:1 on your 3:1 “Z” to give you 6:1 if you have a harder pull.

[@scorpionregent648]

Good point, Brian. Before I read your comment I suggested a tie off point for the working end, but Prussic would do an even better job. It could be argued that second pulley would be better anchored to the tow hitch or to a mid line loop, like a figure of eight or a alpine butterfly, while the Prussic should be used for "Progress capture".

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Great information Brian! I have used the Prussik loop to capture progress and in the case of a rescue or pulling hand over hand, I would definitely use that addition. In this case I went unorthodox by pulling straight back since I had room to do that and therefor left that out. It probably should have mentioned it at least. I need to practice setting up the 6:1 system as it could be very beneficial in many instances. Thank you for tuning in and sharing!

[@davidgates1122]

I bought some of that milsurp webbing years ago, but used the last of it last month. A good alternative is an endless loop used by the towing industry. Best practice is to use it basket style instead of choker. Better for the tree and a stronger setup. Also easier to break down. With another rope about the length of the one you have, you can rig it for a 4 to 1 mechanical advantage and eliminate the prussick.

[@vrbnstl1]

Hey! Sean Kelly was right! I love how well you explain things and especially when you use text to backup the audio which saves all the stopping and rewinding to clarify. Can’t wait to see more of what you have!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I truly appreciate you coming over from Shawn's channel Vicki! He has some amazing content for sure. I hope you will enjoy what you see here and feel free to ask questions, make comments or suggestions any time! Welcome.

[@DWerner7822]

Matt, you are the BOMB! I have all the equipment you demonstrated except the ATV. What a great way to convince my wife I need an ATV. Why own all the rescue gear if I don't have the equipment to "rescue". And the best part, as this is YOUR argument, not mine, is that she couldn't possibly get angry at me.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

LOL! I agree wholeheartedly! You definitely need an ATV to go along with all that other gear you have and feel free to place all the responsibility and blame on me for that 😃 I strongly recommend all outdoorsman to have an ATV! Thanks for tuning in and for the great comment Jim!

[@dragonslayer7587]

Now that's a good one! Being a woman, I'm telling you, she may go for it! 😎

[@DWerner7822]

@@dragonslayer7587 Thank you for your support. I believe you are correct that this argument would have worked on most women. Unfortunately, I failed to mention... I MARRIED A WITCH!

[@rickayres9049]

Very impressive, your explanation on all points is first class 👌 Much appreciated.. Regards Rick - Queensland Australia 😊

[@jukothrow]

This is one of the best and most practical videos hands down. Can be useful in so many situations, and well taught as always! Thanks Matt!!!!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much brother! I truly appreciate all your kind words and support!

[@ricksilver7398]

It was a nice retrieval setup without a winch

[@toddgibson9861]

Great video....!!! Haven't told you lately, but I do appreciate your time and effort. Great job in educating us all....!!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I truly appreciate that Todd! You have offered a great deal off encouragement to me over the long haul and while we haven't had the opportunity to share a camp together yet, I consider you a friend. Thank you for all your support brother!

[@robertjyllhed3245]

Now all I need is a ATW, Thanks for a great video and a nice way be prepaired for the worst

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Robert! There are some great deals on used ATV's out there if you do a littel searching. I have only purchased used Honda ATV's but the two I own serve me well! Take care!

[@chevelless7261]

Awesome video...thanks...Freedom for all people...

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Amen! Thank you!

[@rlbranch65]

Excellent. Learned something new. Thanks Matt.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely brother, thank you for tuning in and sharing a kind word!

[@doulos4Jesus]

So good to see you making videos again Matt! God bless.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Frank! God bless you and yours!

[@ynotjf]

It’s easy to mount a winch on an ATV but I use a very similar system on my dual-sport motorcycle for solo rescue. 100’ of 1300lb 1/4” rope, two 9oz snatch blocks and one friction cam all less than 4lbs will get me out of most jambs..

[@martingreen2018]

Good Afternoon from the UK. Not had occasion to do that sort of thing myself, very good tutorial. Thank you.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much and blessings to you in the UK! It isn't too often that I need this but it is always good to have the know-how. I appreciate you taking the time to tune in and comment friend!

[@MotoPavilion]

Very nice video. I ride ADV bike and I am on the the market for such a recovery system. There are couple like these system on the market but after your video I start thinking to make one myself.

[@tonysmith5924]

Very good system, very informative!👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Tony! I appreciate you tuning in!

[@dragonslayer7587]

What a great idea! Compact and a lot cheaper than the winch! Thank you! This will be useful for me pulling logs out alone! I've never thought of this!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely! That is just what I was hoping for with this. Taking the concept and using it for multiple different purposes. That makes these items even more valuable to carry. Thanks for tuning in and commenting!

[@dragonslayer7587]

You my friend are now a top bell ringer for me! I've watched a couple of your other videos and really like what you do! Thank you for putting in the time and effort! At 65yrs old, trying to get my SHTF mountain property at least buildable, I need all the ideas I can get! I SHOULD probably get a few others in it with me, but I'm stuck with the who!! To many just think I'm nuts!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

@@dragonslayer7587 I am very glad to have you aboard and I hope that each of my videos will be helpful for you! Knowledge is power they say so keep working on it each day and no doubt you will see that mountain building up quickly! Feel free to comment or ask questions any time!

[@FiveElementsTactical]

Great video. Great information. Love the use of knots, pulleys and mechanical advantage. Thanks for sharing!! Keep em coming.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much brother! I truly appreciate you tuning in and sharing a kind word!

[@herbsmith6871]

Great info Matt! Thanks my friend 🤠

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely Herb! I appreciate you tuning in and commenting my friend!

[@FD_Boss]

Also, if you happened to have injured a hand or arm and couldn’t use a t handle, wrap the tail end of the rope behind your back at the belt line, this way you’re using the legs to do most of the work. Nice vid on the z rig sir!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Darren and definitely a good idea on dealing with the adversity of an injury as well! Thank you for taking the time to tune in and comment!

[@michaelbrunner6654]

Great information!!! Really enjoyed this. Something to think about getting

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Michael!

[@sdr22630]

Thanks Matt. I can never remember how to set these things up. This video helps. 👍

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Awesome! I am glad this was helpful. That's what it is all about :) Take care.

[@Tykevelli304]

Great content as usual Matt! Thanks for sharing!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your support Jerry!

[@randygalichia]

It was axle deep in mud though and on a slope, but im definitely getting this rig as I tried to install a winch but it just wouldn't fit without major modding, this is nice because it can go ither direction to get it out

[@glennfyfe1357]

Excellent. Hope I never have to use it, but thanks to you it’s in the toolbox. Will also show my boys.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Awesome Glenn! I am glad you got something from this one and also glad you will pass it on! Take care!

[@jeffechols5302]

That's really useful great tip

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Jeff! I appreciate you tuning in and the kind words.

[@markfletcher5457]

Now that was some cool info. What great stuff to go over. This can be used for so many things. Great video.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you Mark. I appreciate that and I agree, this could be very multi-functional in it's usage. I appreciate your kind words.

[@vrbnstl1]

Wow! That was cool! Gotta remember this one!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

If you get a chance to use this, I hope it will serve you well! Thank you for tuning in and commenting!

[@georgelaurie3587]

Hi ya Matt nice vid on this type of info thanx for sharing this one I believe ya could use this technique on a few lifting projects I'm gonna see if I can find some small pulleys like you have very cool

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much George! I appreciate your kind words. If you check the description box, you can see a link where I got mine. I am very pleased with them and they didn't break the bank. I hope you find a good set and that they serve you well! Take care.

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

Thanks Brother.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely JJ! Thanks you for tuning in brother!

[@michaelzimmerman8959]

👍👍👍👍👍 5 thumbs and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ five stars.

[@dmtnw4480]

Thank you for the helpful information on the drag system

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I am happy to share! thank you for tuning in!

[@stevebridges451]

Thank you for sharing this info!

[@jasonvickers2265]

Great one

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Jason!

[@RS-ss6go]

outstanding. tip. tie off the handlebars so wheels roll straight.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much! Good tip as well. I pulled it up from the hitch because if I did the front end, the handlebars tend to make it much harder because of the turning. Take care.

[@RS-ss6go]

@@blackhatbushcraft YW. Keep up the good work. Great content!

[@benterwellen]

This is a great technique, would like to see some of the other great tips that you might use, and items that you carry..

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you Ben. I will definitely expand on this series a bit. I want to go over the kit I carry on the ATV, nothing too ground breaking :) I appreciate you tuning in!

[@jonfishbough9497]

I liked your video, great info to have. I Have a question about the second pulley location- instead of at a prussic knot could you attach back at the ATV hitch? I can see the usefulness of the Prussic to give a better angle. I wouldn’t have thought of that. As with all of the PF staff you have good information that’s great to know and have in the back your head when you need it.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Jon! I really appreciate your kind words! That is a good question, I haven't tried that ,myself but it is possible. I am thinking having the pulley attached to the rope may help to get a better mechanical advantage but I will have to set up it to say for sure.. I will try it to see :) Take care.

[@larrybundy4643]

Great job, set up like a pro.!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Larry!

[@haroldmiller6853]

That's a great idea sir

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you Harold. I appreciate you tuning in!

[@RobertsBulgaria]

Nice concept and I accept this is KZbin and that you're showing a concept, but with a spade and all of those natural resources around you, I would first of all try to get materials under the drive wheels (my Honda Rincon 650 loaded out is HEAVY, but has a 4x4 option). I carry a small bottle jack (looking for a small Scissors Jack), which would allow me to lift a wheel or wheels and pack branches etc. underneath providing I can provide a platform for the jack so as not to lose that in the mud as well. I also have a small compressor which works off the cigarette lighter outlet so, deflating and inflating are also an option in trying to get traction, However, I do have and carry 30 metres of nylon rope, but not any climbing pulleys, just U Shackles as my plan was always to make a Flip Flop Winch if I couldn't dig myself out however, it is often the case that in my immediate areas there are no trees to anchor to or from which to make any Flip Flop Winch - with my 4x4 Jeep, not a problem as I can dig a hole, bury the spare wheel and use that as an anchor and with your method, could winch myself out, but what to use as an anchor on an ATV - that front box buried full of earth/dirt perhaps? There are lots of variables to think about, but you need to carry KIT wherever you go out on your own in the backcountry and out of mobile phone coverage and you need to know what your best options are to suit your environment.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Good ideas and thinking of this situation. I have also used that method of packing the wheels with natural materials as well. Honestly, I have used that more times than I have ever used this set up because I didn't always have the equipment to construct a Z drag. I have also cut a long pole (2 to 3 inch hardwood) 6 to 8 feet in length and used it as a lever stick to help pry my self out of some jams and that can work too. I like not having to cut natural materials if I can avoid it but it is also nice to know it can be done to improvise when necessary. I think the more full your tool box is with ideas and methods on how to accomplish the task, the better prepared you are to improvise your way out of a jam regardless. I like you thought process on having contingencies in case one thing doesn't work or isn't available, there are alternate options to roll with. Thank you so much for taking the time to tune in and to to share your ideas!

[@HEKTIKTHESHUFLLER]

Wow. I like your video 🤓

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for tuning in. I am glad you enjoyed this one!

[@jimhale3879]

Thanks Matt these very useful info!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely Jim! Thank you for tuning in!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

good information

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much brother! I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@Memphistiger02]

My truck got "stuck" in a field while hunting a few years ago, I mean it wasnt stuck in a hole or anything. It was weird mud, the truck wouldnt move. I had to rock the truck pushing while my wife was behind the wheel. We would rock it to get momentum, i wonder if this would have been enough to pull it out. I tried putting rocks behind it or hay under it and nothing worked. My next step was to try to tie sticks into the wheels. No I dont have 4 wheel drive, I wasnt 10 feet into the field, I had hunted there the day beofre and it wasnt muddy.

[@randygalichia]

Man I could have used this two months ago, got mine stuck in a creek, took 5 hours and a jeep to get it out.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

You must have been having some serious fun though :) I hope it will help you in the future. Thank you for tuning in!

[@randygalichia]

@@blackhatbushcraft I installed a winch on it finally, best thing I ever did, now lets hope I never have to use it unless im pulling a log up a hill.

[@YaYaLee]

Nice!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Lee!

[@robbyedwards6444]

That's a great tip. Do you think it would work on something heavier, like a truck?

[@jamesreed6558]

Pretty cool

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you!

[@rudolphschenker]

Instead of using the Prusik loop, could the carabiner/pully just be attached directly to the trailer hitch of the ATV, next to the other carabiner? Or just attached to the other Carabiner?

[@mjohns66]

Wish I had know this a few years ago... Question, could you use an alpine butterfly instead of the prusik?

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Yes, you could use the alpine butterfly in this case. Sometimes depending on distances, you may have to tweak where that connection goes which makes the Prusik ideal but it would be easy enough to just re-tie the alpine if you needed to make an adjustment. Thank you for your time and interest!

[@kris4362]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😎 (HOKITIKA Sth Westland NZ)

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for tuning in! Blessing my friend!

[@jakesevits9090]

Could you swap the anchor point to the tree and the pulley to the ATV so you are pulling downhill, rather than uphill? You would likely have to pull at a slight angle to avoid the ATV as it comes back up the hill, which may negate the advantage of pulling downhill. Just curious.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I never really considered that but an interesting thought. I will have to try it out of curiosity next time I am out there. Thank you for tuning in and commenting Jake!

[@kevbwoodman1]

Great video. Where'd you get the carabiners and pullies?

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I have a list called ATV GEAR on my Amazon page. If you click the link in the description box, there is a link to the Amazon page. I have been very pleased with all that stuff for the cost of it. They were pretty reasonable. Thanks for tuning in Kevin!

[@fredfleming261]

👍👍👍

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you Fred!

[@kcjazz62]

Hey Matt... when I saw you laying out the rope & tackle, I was thinking a prussick; I bet he is going to use that on the tree to hold tension while getting another grip on the rope, or digging the vehicle out. I never imagined that you would use it by the vehicle hitching point. Why not just attach the pulley at the hitching point? I can see using your setup if it’s a very long (say 50 yards +) distance to move the vehicle, you would need to slide the tackle maybe several times. But, if this was the case, how would you hold tension to slide the tackle? Some hard terrain inclines, you won’t be able to chock the wheels, or drive an effective spike down into rocky terrain or very sandy terrain. Can you speak to how you might solve these issues please? I have seen multi-level spikes in a pyramid pattern driven into sand (the way sailors anchored boats to beaches), but nothing for mostly rock bed type soil conditions.

[@blakenelson911]

Hey Sir Jazz, I too commented about this very thing up above here. You would definitely want to be able to “capture” your progress if it were a long pull up a hill. Check out my solution and see if my explanation was clear.

[@scorpionregent648]

For rocky conditions sink a steel stake in seam between rocks as anchor point or find a big enough rock to tie off to.

[@randybeeson3424]

Great video however, I think an ATV winch would be cheaper than climbing rope, carabiners and pulleys. Especially a Harbour Freight winch.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Maybe so? I already had the rope and pulleys as they are multi-functional. If someone were buying solely for that purpose, that winch probably does makes sense. I hadn't looked at the winches at HF but I will have to check them out since you mentioned them! Thanks :)

[@stevecallaway8457]

This z drag could be used to drag a deer up from a ditch . Kit could be in back pack.Pulley would not have to be very big. Caribener needs to be weight capable

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I agree for sure Steve. Thank you for tuning in and sharing your thoughts! Take care.

[@ricksilver7398]

If it was stuck in mud, I don't think it would have been that easy

[@apostema]

Is the carabiner made of aluminum? Not good to latch that to steel. The steel ATV trailer hitch will tear up the aluminum carabiner and leave it with gouges and burrs that will wreck your rope. Better practice would be a steel carabiner, a steel shackle, or a rope/strap that goes between the steel hitch and the aluminum.

[@sdr22630]

Thanks Matt. I can never remember how to set these things up. This video helps. 👍