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Which Winch Is For Me?
The following information is given to help you purchase the correct
winch for your application.
You need to ask the following questions before making a decision -
What voltage do I require?
What weight am I pulling?
What vehicle is the winch being fitted to?
What length of pull is required?
How often will the winch be used?
Is there a gradient (eg ramps etc)?
If you are purchasing a winch for vehicle recovery, plant hire, transportation
of loads we recommend you look at winches with capacities of 8,000lbs
pull upwards. Likewise if you recover animal carcasses we would recommend
a similar capacity winch.
For 4x4 vehicles a mid-range winch will suit, i.e. 8,000lbs to 12,000lbs
depending on the vehicle you are mounting a winch to.
For the leisure industry (boats, smaller caravans, low trailers etc)
utility winches would be the most suitable i.e. 2,000lbs to 8,000lbs.
Remember that all winches are rated on the first layer of rope on
the drum, therefore giving maximum load. When the drum is full of
rope the winch has a reduced pulling capacity usually by around 20%
per layer.
When purchasing a winch it is always worth considering buying in addition
good quality essential recovery gear such as a snatch block. Snatch
blocks allow you to use the winch on a double line, therefore, doubling
the winch pulling capacity. It is worth nothing that when winches
are used double line, the speed of the winch is nearly halved. We
also have a range of winching accessories available.
Note - Winches are NOT designed for lifting or moving people.
Vehicle recovery is part of driving off road. Preparing for the inevitable
before setting off will guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience
for you and your passengers. To ensure you are well prepared, make
sure you have Britpart recovery gear. Our accessories - from straps
and rope to shackles and jacks are manufactured to the highest standards,
making them ideal for recreational and commercial use, enabling you
to maximise your winch use and 'Get to where you want to go!'
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Winching Safety
> Wear Gloves
When handling or rewinding the wire rope, always use hand protection
to eliminate the possibility of cuts caused by burrs and slivers from
broken strands.
> Secure Vehicle
Be sure to secure vehicle in position before using the winch and after
moving an item with the winch secure the item. Do not reply on the
winch to hold it for an extended period as the winch does not have
a locking mechanism. Apply blocks (such as a wheel choke) to vehicle
when parked on an incline.
> Drum Rope
Do not apply load to winch when the wire rope is fully extended. Always
make sure that there are at least 5 complete turns of rope left on
the drum before starting to winch. Take care to ensure the wire rope
is re-spooled correctly.
> Keep Hands & Fingers Clear Of Wire Rope & Hook When Operating
Winch
Never put your finger through the hook when reeling in the last few
feet. If your finger gets trapped in the hook or rope you could loose
it. Never guide the wire rope under tension onto the drum with your
hand. Always keep hands and body away from the fairlead (cable intake
slot) when operating the winch.
> Never Hook The Wire Rope Back Onto Itself
Hooking the rope back onto itself creates an unacceptable strain,
breaking individual strands, which in turn weakens the entire wire
rope.
> Keep Pulling Durations As Short As Possible
The winch is designed for intermittent use and cannot be used in constant
duty applications. Do not pull for more than one minute at or near
the rated load. If the motor becomes too hot to touch, stop and let
it cool off for a few minutes. If the motor stalls then cut off the
power immediately.
> Do Not Overload
Always use the winch at its rated capacity for your safety and better
performance of the winch. Do not use inappropriate attachments in
an attempt to exceed its rated capacity.
> Avoid Continuous Pulls From Extreme Angles
This will cause the rope to pile up at one end of the drum. When feasible,
get the rope as straight as possible to the direction of the object.
> Never Operate The Winch Without The Rope Fairlead Fitted
Operator injury or winch damage can result if a fairlead is not installed.
> Stay Alert
Watch what you are doing at all times. Use your common sense. Do not
use this winch when you are tired, stressed or when under the influence
of drugs, alcohol or medication.
> Disconnect Switch
Unplug the switch when not in use.
> Stay Alert
When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other
parts will void the warranty.
> Never Move The Vehicle With Wire Rope Extended
Do not move the vehicle with the wire rope extended and attached to
the load to pull it as the wire rope could snap.
> Check Winch Is Secure
Be certain that winch is properly bolted to a structure or vehicle
that can hold the winch load.
> Use The Right Couplings
Always use the proper couplings when connecting the winch cable to
the load.
> Use Horizontally
Never lift items vertically as the winch was designed for horizontal
use only. Never lift people or hoist loads over people.
> Inappropriate Attachments
Do not use any inappropriate attachments to extend the length of the
winch cable.
> Moving A Boat Onto A Trailer
When loading a boat into a trailer without reel or side hull rollers,
make sure the trailer is submerged in the water when the boat is loaded
by the winch. Attempting to drag the boat onto the trailer while on
land can cause winch failure and possible injury.
> ...And Finally
The warnings, cautions and instructions in this manual cannot cover
all the possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must
be understood, by the operator, that common sense and cautions are
factors that cannot be built into this product but must be exercised
by the operator.
When operating any winch, safety precautions should always be followed
to reduce the risk of personal injury and damage to the winch.
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