Falcon Winch Assist Generations:
A Complete Comparison Table
Learn the difference between our Winch Assist Systems so you can make informed decisions that suit your operation's needs.
Not all Falcon Winch Assists are built the same.
That’s a good thing. As forestry challenges have evolved, so too has our technology. This side-by-side comparison breaks down the key features available across Generation One to Generation Four Falcon Winch Assists, so you can see exactly how each machine stacks up.Whether you're operating an early model or considering an upgrade, this chart helps clarify what's included, what can be upgraded, and what future-ready features your machine is already compatible with.
Falcon Winch Assist Generations

Falcon Winch Assist Generation One

Falcon Winch Assist Generation Two

Falcon Winch Assist Generation Three

Falcon Winch Assist Generation Four
Features & Real-world Benefits
Each feature listed below isn’t just a spec—it’s a solution. From improved safety and ease of use to reduced downtime and increased productivity, these features deliver measurable benefits in the field. Whether you're running steep terrain or upgrading your fleet, understanding these capabilities helps you get the most from your Falcon Winch Assist.
Rope Tension Monitoring
Measures rope tension in real time to help operators maintain safe and consistent line pressure.
Suitable for Tracked Machines
Designed to be compatible with tracked harvesters or felling machines, offering large line tension support
Updatable Falcon Software
Allows software updates to be installed for improved performance, features, and long-term support.
Portable Winch Controller Compatible
Enables wireless remote control of winch functions for more flexible and efficient operation.
WiFi Repeater Compatible
Extends wireless communication range between the winch and felling machine, especially in challenging terrain.
Suitable for Wheeled Machines
Designed to be compatible with wheeled harvesters or felling machines, offering faster line speeds.
Lagged Drums
Steel drums with a lagging surface that improves rope fleeting and longevity.
Tension Linearization
Dynamic drum speed that factors in the amount of rope you have on the drum to ensure the same consistent drum speeds and tension are provided.
Second Generation Bucket Sheave
Stronger and more durable sheave design with better rope handling and longer rope life.
Handrails
Factory-installed safety rails to support easier and safer machine access.
Bucket Sheave Camera
Offers a downward view of the bucket and rope line to assist with safer, more accurate felling and less line shifts.
Floating Sheave
Allows greater rope movement and alignment flexibility, reducing wear on rope and sheave components.
Added Value
Represents the overall level of built-in features and compatibility that contribute to long-term operational efficiency and upgrade potential.
Years of Manufacturing
Indicates the original build year of the machine, which helps determine its generation, included features, and upgrade compatibility.
Falcon Winch Assist Generational Comparison
See how each generation stacks up across key features and performance capabilities.
This table highlights what's included from factory, what's upgrade-compatible, and where the biggest gains in efficiency, safety, and operational value can be found between Gen 1 and Gen 4.
This table highlights what's included from factory, what's upgrade-compatible, and where the biggest gains in efficiency, safety, and operational value can be found between Gen 1 and Gen 4.
Falcon Winch Assist Comparison
Winch Assist Generation One
Winch Assist Generation Two
Winch Assist Generation Three
Winch Assist Generation Four
Rope Tension Monitoring
Monitors and records rope tension weights for future analysis




Suitable for Tracked Machines
Designed to be compatible with tracked harvesters or felling machines.




Updateable Falcon Software


Safety updates only


Latest version installed.
Portable Winch Controller Compatible
Find out more about the Falcon Portable Winch Controller benefits on the product page




Wifi Repeater Compatible
Allows for a Wifi repeater to be added for a strong connection through trees, banks and indirect line of sight environements

Requires full radio system update

Requires full radio system update

Requires radio system update

Radio system is compatible
Suitable for Wheeled Machines
Designed to be compatible with wheeled machines due to increase of line speed.



Consult your nearest dealer for more information

Included in factory build
Lagged Drums
Steel drums with a lagging surface that improves rope fleeting and extends rope life during winching operations.




Tension Linearization
Maintains consistent tension across all cable lengths through dynamic adjustment when factoring in different radius' of the drum




Second Generation Bucket Sheave
Allows for wider angles, stronger design, and removable with two pins.



Consult your nearest dealer for more information.

Handrails
Handrails included

Requires aftermarket upgrade

Requires aftermarket upgrade

Requires aftermarket upgrade

Specified as optional extra
Bucket Sheave Camera
A camera facing towards the Falcon Winch Assist Bucket allowing remote visibility on the rope and sheave angle.

Requires aftermarket upgrade

Requires aftermarket upgrade

Requires aftermarket upgrade

Included
Floating Sheave
Floating sheave factory optional extra

Requires aftermarket upgrade

Requires aftermarket upgrade

Requires aftermarket upgrade

Included
Added Value
Indicative Value Over Previous Version
$
Baseline price
$$
Total added value from Generation One is $10K-$30K
$$$
Total added value from Generation One is $30K-$50K
$$$$
Total added value from Generation One is $50K-$100K
Year of manufacture
Estimated range of production
2013 - 2017
2017 - 2018
2018 - 2022
2022 - Present
Find a distributor
You can find our range of forestry equipment from selected suppliers in New Zealand, Canada, the United States and Chile.