3
WINCH OPERATION WARNINGS
Read the following carefully before attempting to operate your winch and keep the
instructions for future reference.
• The uneven spooling of rope, while pulling a load, is not a problem, unless there is a rope pile up on
one section of the drum which can damage the winch. If this happens reverse the winch to relieve the
load and move your anchor point further to the centre of the vehicle. After the job is done you can
unspool and rewind for a neat lay of the rope.
• Store the remote control switch inside your vehicle where it will not become damaged, inspect it
before you plug it in.
• When ready to begin spooling in, plug in remote control switch with clutch disengaged, do not
engage clutch with motor running.
• Never connect the hook back to the rope. This causes rope damage.
Always use a sling of suitable strength.
• Observe your winch while winching, if possible while standing at a safe distance. Stop the winching
process every metre or so to assure the rope is not pulling up in one corner. Jamming the rope can
break your winch.
• Do not attach tow hooks to winch mounting apparatus. They must be attached to vehicle frame.
• The use of a snatch block will aid recovery operations by providing a doubling of the winch capacity
and a halving of the winching speed, and the means to maintain a direct line pull to the centre of the
fairlead. When using a double line pull loading during stationary winching, the winch hook should be
attached to the chassis of the vehicle. It is recommended to use a snatch block double line pull when
loads exceed 70% of the winch rating.
• Ensure rated bow shackles are used in conjunction with an approved tree trunk protector to
provide a safe anchor point.
• When extending winch rope, ensure that at least 8 wraps of rope remain on drum at all times. Failure
to do this could result in the rope parting from the drum under load. Serious personal injury or
property damage may result.
• Since the greatest pulling power is achieved on the innermost layer of your winch, it is desirable to
pull off as much line as you can for heavy pulls (you must leave at least 8 wraps minimum on the
drum). If this is not practical use a snatch block and double line arrangement.
• Draping a heavy blanket or similar object over the extended winch rope is recommended as it helps
dampen any back lash should a failure occur.
• Neat, tight spooling avoids rope binding, which is caused when a load is applied and the rope is
pinched between the others. If this happens, alternatively power the winch in and out. Do not attempt
to work a bound rope under load, free by hand when unloaded.
• Apply blocks to wheels when vehicles are on an incline.
