A modern winch is a mechanical device used for lifting, moving and pulling elements. Due to the mechanics and physics of a winch, they can lift extremely heavy objects. The largest and most powerful winches with strong traction cables are capable of moving items weighing hundreds of thousands of pounds. Depending on the type of activity for which the winch will be used, the force and type of winch to be purchased will be determined.
From saving lives to ATV enthusiasts
Winches can be used to save lives by lifting concrete and metal beams from a destroyed building after a disaster. They are also implemented to bring vehicles to safety during a flood, earthquake, or other accident situation. On the other hand, many off-road enthusiasts never leave home without their winch systems. Winches are used to get a partner out of a tight spot, move a large rock or tree out of the way, and pull your own vehicle up and over steep and dangerous terrain.
There are several winch techniques that can be used. They include multiple lines and pulley systems to increase pulling power while reducing workload. When implemented correctly with the proper safety measures, a winch is an extremely necessary and useful tool.
Winch Important Factors
ALWAYS wear heavy duty gloves. Warn Industries, the “King of the Winch”, has a great selection of winch accessory kits that include heavy duty gloves, along with other necessary winch accessories. Gloves are extremely crucial for protecting your hands from barbed wire or heavy line cuts. These kits also include all the needs for a winch system. More importantly, it is imperative to have A STRONG anchor point and a winch system that is not compromised.
There are a variety of accessories that not only increase the power of your winch, but also add versatility.
- FOR snatch block increases pulling power, while allowing a change in pulling direction.
- When placing or returning the winch line before or after use, hook strap it is highly recommended. This helps maintain a proper grip on the hook, rather than using your hands. Therefore, avoid unwanted pinching and pinching of hands and fingers.
- FOR Trailer coupling Attaches to your vehicle to provide a strong attachment point for any line, chain, or other hooks.
- If you want to connect two additional lines or cables, a clevis or D-shackle can be incorporated for a strong connection point.
- If you are off-road and need to drive your vehicle up a steep incline through a strong tree, then tree trunk protector it is highly recommended. Not only does it protect the tree, it allows additional attachment points for the operator.
- To keep any kinetic energy at bay, cast a heavy blanket above the tow line. This will absorb any excess energy in the event the line breaks, thus lessening the chance of injury.
Along with the winch technical equipment, it is crucial to have several tools available, including a small toolbox and / or shovel (for any excavation that helps to free a stuck vehicle or object).
Using a winch
Proper use of a winch requires EXTREME care and attention to detail, otherwise you could damage your vehicle or worse, someone could end up injured. The most important thing is to make sure that the vehicle’s towing mechanism is correctly mounted and know the weight limits! NEVER exceed the rating of your given winch and line!
- To get started, be sure to wear sturdy gloves on both hands.
- Disengage the gear / clutch.
- Pull the loose winch rope (preferably through a hook strap) and attach it to the object that you will use as a recovery / pull point (if you are using an object, such as a tree trunk, to pull power, make sure you have properly attached a trunk protector and a line through a shackle in D).
- During the connection process, check that the line / cable is kept taut to avoid any abnormal twisting. After connection, it is imperative to inspect the line, reel, and connection points for broken areas or abnormalities.
- If you have a remote control, now is the ONLY time to attach it to the winch system. Now, you can turn the gear back on.
- After connecting the remote control, engage the winch to slowly pull the line until no slack left.
- After the winch line is taut, place a heavy object, be it a weighted blanket or something else, to help absorb any energy if the line breaks.
- Begin the winching process slowly and carefully, making sure everyone is out of the lifting area.
ALWAYS use proper safety precautions and measures
It may seem like a simple process, but it requires a lot of experience, care, and the proper safety measures to properly employ a tow line and winch. Remember the The more line you have to use, the less pulling power the winch will exert.
It’s crucial not to overload the line, or else you could end up with a broken cable, leaving you in an even worse position.