Many 4WD vehicle owners who do extensive off-road driving equip their vehicles with a winch. It's a useful tool in a world of rough roads and no towing services!

A winch can get your vehicle up or down a steep grade, pull obstacles, such as rocks or fallen logs, off the trail, or pull other vehicles.

Two types of winches are available: Electric and Power Take-Off (PTO). the first step in safe winching is getting to know your winch. Start by reading the manufacturer's operating manual, then familiarize yourself with basic winch operating techniques at or near your home, or off-road in the company of 4WD owners experienced in winch operations.

It's important to realize that although a winch is a very useful tool, it can also be a deadly tool! Follow your manufacturer's instructions CAREFULLY when installing ar using your winch, and follow these safety rules:

• NEVER touch the winch wire or rigging when they are under tension.
• Plug in your remote control lead ONLY when actually operating your winch.
• Unless a driver is absolutely necessary to steer a vehicle being pulled, do not move people with your winch.
• Make sure everyone stands clear of the winch, wire rope, and load during winching. The backlash of a snapped winch line can injure or kill. Raise your hood and place a jacket or blanket midway on the winch line to snub a backlash in case of a line break.
• Take time to ensure your anchor is secure!
• ALWAYS use a choker; NEVER wrap the winch wire and hook it back to itself
• Do not winch with less than five (5) wraps of rope cable around your winch drum. The rope could break loose from the drum under a heavy load.
• NEVER exceed your winch's rated capacity. Do knot keep power applied with the motor stalled. The motor will burn out.
• ALWAYS wear heavy leather goves when handling wire winch rope. Do not slide winch line through your hands. Walk the line hand-over hand.
• Unspool as much wire as possible during winching to minimize wire rope damage from pressure on the spooled rope. This can be done by using a snatch block to provide a double line, or picking an anchor near the end of your line length. the greatest pulling power is avaialbe at the first layer of your winch drum.
• while drawing in the winch cable, do not allow it to accumulate on one end of the drum. Serious damage to the cable and the winch can result.
• Always inspect the rope wire for broken or crushed strands, and rewind carefully after each winch use.
• Keeping even, neat cable wraps will prolong the life of your winch cable.
• Inspect your winch before each use. If the winch has a brake, check and adjust it as necessary. Follow the winch manufacturer's specifications regarding periodic maintenance and oil changes. If your winch is not sealed, drain and replace oil if it has been underwater.
• A winch is a tool, not a toy. Use it safely and only when necessary.

PLAN YOUR PULL!
It's important to know proper rigging and how to utilize a snatch block to increase leverage or change the direction of a pull. selection (or construction) of a solid anchor (dead man) is critical. substantial trees or large, secure rocks make excellent anchors. When tying to a tree, use a wide nylon strap or protect the bark from your choke chain with a floor mat, blanket, or other insulating material.

While winches with cable guides can pull from several diretions, angle pulls should only be used to straighten up loads. A long, heavy angle pull might damage your vehicle; it's better to do the job with several separate straight pulls.

RIGGING SYSTEMS:
1. Conventional Rigging


2. Snatch block method: increases leverage 2:1


3. Snatch block with spreader bar: bar redudes stress
on vehicle components


4. Safe angle pull; employs a snatch block attached to the choker to change the direction of the pulling force.


5. Rear-restraining rigging. For use when wheel blocks are not enough to hold vehicle and best anchorage is to rear. Be sure the restraining cable is anchored low so it does not come into contact with the under side of your vehicle.


CHOKERS
Your choker should be as long as possible. Chokers can be chains, cables, or nylon straps. However, chains can break from suddenly applied shock and nylon straps will stretch before force is transmitted.

ANCHORING
When no natural anchors are available, there are alternatives. Remember, always use common sense - "man-made" anchors may not be as strong as natural anchors. An anchor that comes loose while under tension can become a deadly projectile.

A. Danforth-type boat anchor. A 20-pound boat anchor is a handy accessory you can bury in sand, mud, or dirt.


B. Stakes. Sharpened steel stakes or axles are good anchors in soil. Drive in at an angle opposite the direction of your pull, and link 3 or 4 stakes together.


C. Spare tire anchor. Your buried spare wheel and lug wrench makes a good anchor in sandy soil.


D. Log deadman. Works on same principal as buried tire.


<< BACK   NEXT >>