Haul up weight a short distance (5)
I believe the answer is:
winch
'haul up' is the definition.
'weight a short distance' is the wordplay.
'weight' becomes 'w'.
'a short distance' becomes 'inch' (I have seen 'Short distance' mean 'inch' so perhaps 'distance' could also mean 'inch'; 'short' suggests a short form).
'w'+'inch'='WINCH'
(Other definitions for winch that I've seen before include "Crank" , "Winding device" , "Hauling/lifting device" , "Hoist" , "Pull up" .)