We have a few 350# winch up feeders at the ranch. Currently they have manual hand cranks on them. I want to switch two of them out with electric winches. My dad has a bad shoulder and is getting older. I don't feel comfortable having him fill up these feeders alone. I know some people put cheap winches on them and replace as needed. What kind of winch should I get? Also should I go to a double pulley system with twice as much wire rope?

I've replaced to of mine with this: Dutton-Lainson Winches - DL11011 Worm Gear - 1,500 lb. I feel much safer with the worm gear, plus you can use your cordless drill with a 5/8" socket to let it up and down.

Do you use a double pulley system? I know each time you double the line over a sheave it doubles the pulling power

I haven't on the last two, but it would definitely help.

I like that...a cordless drill