12
13
Your winch incorporates an automatic load holding brake.
After winching in a load, this mechanism holds the load,
up to the rated capacity of the winch. While powering out
the load, the winch controls the rate of speed by applying
the brake in proportion to the amount of the load in the
winch cable. This results in heavier loads powering-out
more slowly than lighter loads.
Similar to the friction-type brakes in your automobile
which can generate heat if used for a long period of time,
the winch brake can generate heat if used to power-out a
load for a long period of time.
Brake Operation
To ensure optimimum winch performance, always
limit powering-out a load to 2 minutes and allow the
brake to cool for 15 minutes before continuing
to winch.
Under normal use, the brake mechanism should not
require any adjustment. Should the brake fail to hold a
load or maintain a constant rate of speed during power-
out operation, the brake spring may be worn and
require replacement.
Freespool Operation
1. Lift and rotate the clutch lever to the “Disengaged”
position as shown in
Figure 12
. If there is a load on the
wire rope, the clutch lever may not turn easily. DO NOT
FORCE THE CLUTCH LEVER. Release tension on the
wire rope by jogging out some of the wire rope, then
try releasing the clutch.
2. Pull out the wire rope and secure to anchor or load.
3. Check that there are at least five (5) wraps of wire rope
left on the drum.
4. Re-engage the drum by lift and rotating the clutch
lever to the “Engaged” position, apply power to engage
clutch
(see
Figure 12).
FIGURE 12
ENGAGE
DISENGAGE
!
!
CAUTION
Lever must be in the engaged position and locked
before winching.
1. KEEP A TIGHTLY WOUND WIRE ROPE DRUM.
Keep the wire rope tightly and evenly wound on the drum all the time. Do
not allow the wire rope to become loosely wound. A loosely wound drum allows a wire rope under load to work its way
down into the layers of wire rope on the drum. When this happens, the wire rope may become wedged within the body
of the windings damaging the wire rope. A good practice is to rewind the wire rope under tension after each use. Apply
tension using hand saver strap
(FIGURE 3)
and ALWAYS wear safety glasses and leather gloves.
2. DO NOT ALLOW WINCH MOTOR TO OVERHEAT.
Keep the duration of pulls as short as possible. If the motor becomes
uncomfortably hot by touching, stop winching and allow the motor to cool down.
KEEP THE VEHICLE ENGINE RUNNING TO RECHARGE THE BATTERY
during the cooling break.
3. USE A PULLEY BLOCK FOR HEAVY LOADS.
To maximize Winch and wire rope life, use a pulley block (not included)
to double line heavier loads.
(See FIGURE 3)
(See part number
KWA14550
)
For maximum performance use pulley
block is load is greater than 75% of the rated capacity of the winch. For the KW7.5RM use a pully block once you
exceed 5,600 lbs. Always use a pulley block (part number
KWA14550)
that is rated twice the capacity of the winch.
CAUTION
If the winch motor stalls, do not continue to apply power.
4.
The pull required to start a load moving is often much greater than the pull required to keep it moving.
AVOID FREQUENT STOPS AND STARTS DURING THE PULL.
5. PREVENT KINKS IN WIRE ROPE BEFORE THEY OCCUR (FIGURE 13).
a.
This is the start of a kink. Wire rope should be straightened.
b.
Wire rope was pulled and loop has tightened into a kink. Wire rope is
now permanently damaged and
MUST
be replaced.
c.
Result of kinking is that each strand pulls a different amount causing
strands under greatest tension to break and reduce load capacity of
wire rope. The wire rope
MUST
be replaced. Use only genuine
Keeper Winch replacement part number
KWA14613 72’ X 5/16”
!
!
WARNING
!
!
FIGURE 14
Winch Drum
Before each use, check mounting bolts for tightness, inspect cable for damage. Inspect remote control assembly for any
damage. Periodically use a clean, dry towel to remove dirt and debris from winch housing.
Lubrication:
The gear box is permanently lubricated. Do not attempt to disassemble the gear box. This will void
your warranty.
Maintenance & Repair
Never Substitute a heavier or lighter wire rope. Never use
rope made of any other materials other than wire.
Use only recommended Keeper replacement wire rope,
72’ x 5/16”
KWA14613
.
Attach wire rope to the drum using screw provided
(
FIGURE 14
).
!
!
WARNING
Extending the Life of Your Winch
Replacing The Wire Rope
FIGURE 13
