4
WINCH OPERATION WARNINGS (cont.)
Battery:
• Be sure that the battery is in good condition. Avoid contact with battery acid or other contaminants.
• Always wear eye protection when working around a battery.
• Have the engine running when using the winch, to avoid flattening the battery. Use a minimum
650CCA battery.
Winch Rope:
• Be sure that the rope is in good condition and is attached properly. Check rope for wear or damage
after each use. If worn or damaged it must be replaced.
• Do not use the winch if rope is frayed or damaged.
• The life of the rope is directly related to the use and care it receives. It must be wound on to the
drum under a load at approx. (150kg) or the outer wraps will draw into the inner wraps and severely
damage the rope during winching. The first winch use should be a familiarization run while in a
relaxed, non-recovery situation. Spool out the rope until 8 wraps left on the drum, then rewind the
rope on to the drum under a load of (150kg) or more. This will slightly tension and stretch the new
rope and create a tight rope wrap around the drum. Failure to do so may result in rope damage and
reduced rope life.
• When the rope is replaced, be sure to apply Loctite, or an equal compound, to the rope clamp thread.
Tighten the clamp screw properly but do not over tighten. The Loctite will help prevent loosening of
the screw in arduous conditions.
• Inspect the rope after each use. If the rope becomes worn or damaged it must be replaced.
Loctite 7471 Primer and 222 Thread locker are recommended.
• DO NOT attempt to exceed the pulling limits of this winch.
• DO NOT drive your vehicle to assist the winch in any way. Vehicle movement in combination with
winch operation may overload the rope, the winch itself or cause damaging shock loads.
• Shock loads when winching are dangerous! A shock load occurs when an increased force is suddenly
applied to the rope. A vehicle rolling back on a slack rope may induce a damaging shock load.
• The winches shown in this manual are solely for vehicle and boat mounted,
non-industrial applications.
• Do not use winch in hoisting or lifting applications.
• Do not use the winch to lift, support or otherwise transport people.
