Portable Winch Co. announces production launch of the APW6000 battery-powered capstan winch

The APW6000 was designed for professionals who regularly face situations where traditional equipment cannot reach. 

Portable Winch Co., the global leader in portable capstan winches, announced today that production of its new APW6000 battery-powered capstan winch began earlier this May 2026, with commercial availability expected as of June 2026.

First unveiled at Equip Expo 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky, the APW6000 represents a new generation of portable pulling tools developed in collaboration with STIHL. Integrating the STIHL AP Battery System — which will be compatible with the upcoming STIHL AllPro batteries the winch combines professional-grade battery technology with PortableWinch Co.’s two decades of expertise in capstan winch design.

“This project brought together two complementary strengths,” said Pierre Roy, founder and president of Portable Winch Co. “STIHL’s world-class battery technology and our deep knowledge of portable winching. Together, we’ve created something truly unique.”

Professional pulling power — anywhere

The APW6000 was designed for professionals who regularly face situations where traditional equipment cannot reach. Arborists, forestry crews, contractors and landowners often need controlled pulling power in tight urban spaces, steep terrain or remote areas where trucks and machinery cannot operate.

Lightweight, quiet and emission-free, the battery-powered winch allows operators to work safely and efficiently while reducing physical strain and eliminating the maintenance associated with gas engines.

Delivering up to 3,300 pounds of pulling force while weighing approximately 29 pounds, the APW6000 provides professional-grade performance in a compact format. Its capstan design allows operators to pull unlimited rope lengths, making it particularly suited for forestry work, tree care operations and other demanding applications where distance and terrain are unpredictable.

Powered by a 36-volt brushless motor equivalent to approximately 4 horsepower, the winch reaches pulling speeds of up to 53 feet per minute, while instant torque ensures smooth and controlled operation from the moment the rope is tensioned.

Additional features include a pull-activated throttle for precise control, an integrated progress capture system that prevents load rollback and an aluminum MaxGrip™ drum designed to maintain optimal rope grip while extending rope life.

A collaboration built on innovation

The APW6000 is the result of a close collaboration between Portable Winch Co.’s engineering team in Sherbrooke, Canada, and STIHL’s development group in Germany.

The collaboration was initiated as part of STIHL’s “Powered by STIHL” program — an initiative designed to open the brand’s professional-grade battery technology to select external manufacturers. The goal is to foster cooperation with industry leaders who share STIHL’s commitment to performance, safety and innovation.

By combining STIHL’s expertise in battery systems with Portable Winch Co.’s established capstan winch design, the two companies created a machine designed to expand what professionals can expect from battery-powered pulling equipment.

Strong reception at industry events

Since its first public unveiling at Equip Expo 2025, the APW6000 has generated significant interest among professionals and outdoor enthusiasts. Portable Winch Co. has since presented the winch at several major events across North America, including the Great American Outdoor Show and the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, where attendees had the opportunity to see the machine up close and speak with the team behind its development.

The response from visitors, dealers and industry professionals has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the winch’s compact size, quiet operation and impressive pulling power.

“These events give us the chance to speak directly with the people who would use the machine,” said Mr. Roy. “So far, their enthusiasm confirms that there is strong demand for a portable, battery-powered pulling solution with this level of performance.”

Field-tested by professional arborists

To showcase the winch in real working conditions, Portable Winch Co. recently filmed a new promotional video in the field with professional arborists who regularly use battery-powered Portable Winch equipment in their daily work.

During the shoot, the operators quickly noticed the winch’s precise control, ease of operation and low noise level. What impressed them most, however, was its pulling power.

In one sequence, the crew decided to test the winch on a massive log measuring more than 30 feet long and approximately 28 inches in diameter, lying in heavy, wet snow. Rather than cutting the log into sections like they would have normally done, the arborists attempted a single-line pull.

The APW6000 dragged the entire log without block and tackle — a moment that drew immediate reactions from the professionals on site.

The field session became the centerpiece of the company’s new promotional video, narrated by Eric Worden, the voice behind most STIHL USA’s commercials.

Availability

Production of the APW6000 has started and distribution through Portable Winch distributors and dealers is expected to begin in June 2026, for availability to consumers in July.

The suggested retail price in the United States will be USD $1,995 for the bare tool.

Professionals interested in learning more about the APW6000 or viewing the field demonstration video can visit www.portablewinch.com.

About Portable Winch Co.

Founded in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada in 2003, Portable Winch Co. is recognized globally as a leader in innovative portable winching solutions. Its products are based on the capstan principle, using a rotating drum that allows operators to pull unlimited lengths of rope with consistent force — a design that makes the winches versatile, powerful and safe, which are used by arborists, utility professionals, forestry workers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in over forty countries.

With tens of thousands of units produced and sold worldwide, the company continues to expand its range through innovation and reliability, always guided by the needs of its users — from individual landowners to industrial crews.